We are proud to live in this mindful, resourceful and resilient community, and to share with you all that we have to offer. Read on for more of What’s Good.
Wear your mask and stay at safe physical distances while you enjoy the most of each day. Please adhere to public safety guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Wishing you the happiest of holidays,
– Your partners at Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
The below information was accurate at the time of publishing. Due to the current fluctuating environment, please contact organizers directly to double-check details.
Safety First. Be Informed About COVID19
In Alachua County, masks or face coverings are required when social distancing is not possible. For additional Coronavirus (COVID-19) information, visit the Alachua County COVID19 Community Resource Portal, the Alachua County Facebook page, call the Coronavirus Information Line at 866-779-6121, visit the Florida Department of Health website, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Make History at the 52nd Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals – Feel the Roar of 10,000 Horsepower
Thursday, March 11 – Sunday, March 14 | Gainesville Raceway
11211 N CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
For the first time in 70 years, the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season opener launches off the line from Gainesville. The Gatornationals, one of the sport’s most prestigious events, has seen history made with the first Top Fuel 300 mph pass and first Pro Stock Motorcycle 200 mph pass from the historic Gainesville Raceway. Masks are required. Get tickets and see spectator guidelines at NHRA.com.
Kick Back with Fresh Air and Fresh Sounds at Indie Live Outdoors with Saint Simon and Take Lead
Saturday, March 13, 9:30 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Heartwood Soundstage and Swamp Records present an evening of indie rock and pop from the outdoor stage. Indie Live, the new socially distant outdoor concert series, features plenty of outdoor space to set up a chair or lay down a blanket. Gainesville indie-rock band Saint Simon are joined by Take Lead with riff-driven indie pop from Orlando. Tickets available online or at the door.
Danscompany Dazzles Audiences of All Ages with Cinderella at the Phillips Center
Friday, March 12, 7 p.m., Saturday, March 13, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Danscompany, the resident company of Cameron’s Dance Center presents the magical fairytale of Cinderella, her stepsisters and a little glass slipper in three acts. See the fairy godmother transform Cinderella attend the Ball and dance with the Prince before the clock strikes midnight. See a preview of the performance online.
Have a Blast at Jazz on the Green with the Joe Breidenstine Quartet
Saturday, March 13, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Trumpeter Joe Breidenstine has performed around the world. Some of his most memorable performances have been with Lou Rawls, Tito Puente, Jon Faddis, George Benson, David “fathead” Newman and many others. Grab food and drinks from nearby restaurants, spread a blanket under the setting sun and catch live music on the outdoor stage.
Plan to stay and explore the beautiful sites and attractions of Gainesville, Alachua County. Stay two-nights at Hotel Indigo through March 31, 2021 and earn 2,000 IHG Rewards Club Bonus Points.
Hotel Indigo Gainesville is located in Celebration Pointe, Gainesville’s newest dining, shopping, and entertainment complex, conveniently located off I-75 close to museums, shops and an abundance of outdoor activities. Walk to the shops and restaurants at Celebration Pointe, play the newest games at Dave & Busters, visit the Harn Museum of Art, Florida Museum of Natural History and Butterfly Rainforest, check out the alligators at the La Chua Trail, and try to spot the bison at Paynes Prairie State Preserve. The pet-friendly Hotel Indigo features boutique-style guestrooms with spa-like bathrooms, a 24-hour fitness center and an outdoor pool and patio that will leave you refreshed and invigorated for all your Gainesville adventures.
Click here to book by March 31 to earn 2X Bonus Points.
Find the county’s most comprehensive and searchable list of area hotels and restaurants at visitgainesville.com
Learn about our lodging partner’s commitment to a safe stay for all who visit, work and live in Alachua County at Safe Stay Pledge.
Listen to Gritty Texas Blues Rock Tunes Paired with Tasty Guitar Solos Courtesy of the Ally Venable Band
Sunday, March 14, 8 p.m. | High Dive
210 SW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
A powerhouse from the Lone Star State, the Ally Venable Band has ignited excitement in the modern blues scene. Don’t miss this up-and-coming band on their Gainesville stop, as they rock Florida stages this spring. The 2018 release Puppet Show debuted at #7 on the Billboard Blues Charts. Ally Venable is joined by Bobby Wallace on bass, Elijah Owings on drums and Fernando De Los Santos on keys. In-person and live streaming tickets available online.
Watch a Parade, Meet Local Artists and Enjoy Family Friendly Fun at Art at Archer Depot
Saturday, March 13, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Archer Historical Society
16994 SW 134th Ave., Archer, FL 32618
The Archer Historical Society hosts the 5th annual day of family fun and festivities in Archer. The historic City of Archer comes alive with a grand parade, family friendly activities, arts, crafts, food vendors and live entertainment throughout the day. Step back in history and explore the Depot Museum and try your luck with a raffle. Parade starts at 10 a.m.
Find Inspired Jewelry, Crafts and More by Quality Local Artisans the Auk Market Spring Pop-Up Series
Saturday, March 13, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | The AUK Market
2031 NW 6th St., Gainesville, FL 32609
The AUK Market hosts monthly outdoor pop-up markets with a curated collection of makers and vendors. This weekend features original art, crafts, plants and vintage goods from Homecoming Spirit, Nature of Fire, Hamiltonesque and more. Enjoy live music, tarot card readings and food from Mexi Cocina Mobile Kitchen. Next door, grab coffee and gluten free muffin, brownie or scone at Curia on the Drag.
Watch a St. Patty’s Movie Matinee with an Outdoor Screening of “Song of the Sea” at Celebration Pointe
Sunday, March 14, 3 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Song of the Sea is an animated story following Ben, a ten-year-old boy, and his sister on a wild adventure. Tickets include a gift bag with snacks, St. Patrick’s Day craft, coloring page and use of an audio headset.
Tempt Your Tastebuds with Tasty Bites at the Spring Food Truck Rally
Sunday, March 14, 4 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | One Love Cafe
4989 NW 40th Pl., Gainesville, FL 32606
With plenty of outdoor space to relax and dine, One Love Cafe presents an evening of live music and food trucks including Cilantro Tacos, Taste Food Truck, Monsta Lobsta, Kona Ice just to name a few. Food options range from tacos, BBQ, lobster rolls, desserts and more with drinks available from One Love Cafe.
Browse and Brew … Find Vintage Vendors with Florida Vintage Market at the C&G Brewing Co.
Sunday, March 14 | Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
1001 NW 4th St., Gainesville, FL 32601
A variety of vendors feature vintage garments, handmade goods and original art. Select from Always True Co., Dripped Out Vintage, Loot Hub, Willow Gardens and more. Add to your shopping experience with food from Big Lee’s Barbeque and a beverage from Cypress & Grove Brewing Company.
Stamp Your Passport to Europe at Museum Nights on Youtube
Thursday, March 11, 7 p.m. | Online Event with the Harn Museum of Art
Join student art historians, performers and word lovers to enjoy art perspectives with a European twist. UF Art History students share European works of art from the Harn Museum vaults. Traditional Greek and Irish dance from the UF Greek American Student Association and Ailigéadar UF Irish Dance Company. The art of poetry is presented in Hungarian, Polish and Turkish with English translations. View Museum Nights on Youtube.
Listen to an Audio Performance of John Proctor is the Villain Presented by UF Theatre and Dance
Friday, March 12 – Sunday, March 14 | Online Event with UF Theater and Dance
John Proctor is the Villain is an audio play directed by Susan Schuld. In present day Appalachian Georgia, a high school class explores the quintessential American classic, The Crucible. As scandals brew in their community and old heroes are unmasked, the English assignment starts to hit too close to home for the students. The audio drama does not include a visual component.
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Arts & Theatre
High Springs Playreaders at Good News Arts
Thursday, March 11, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sunshine State Book Festival Online with Keynote Speakers Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal, Coauthors of the NAACP Image Award Nominated I’m Not Dying with You Tonight
Now through June 30
Music & Performance
Rock and Blues with Little Mike & The Tornadoes at One Love Cafe
Thursday, March 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
County and Rock with Rusty Wilmot at Mother’s Pub & Grill North Gainesville
Thursday, March 11, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Comedy Show and Open Mic at Flaco’s
Thursday, March 11, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Country Music with Clay Brooker at Pink Flamingo Diner, High Springs
Friday, March 12, 6 p.m.
Rock and Pop with Faster than Flash on The Patio at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, March 12, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Folky Bluegrass with Local Voices at The Bull
Friday, March 12, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Island Night with DJ Franco at SwampCity Gallery Lounge
Friday, March 12, 7 p.m.
80’s Rock with HeadrusH at Mother’s Pub & Grill North Gainesville
Friday, March 12, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
St Patrick’s Celebration at Mother’s Pub & Grill North Gainesville
Saturday, March 13, 11 a.m.
Country Rock with Clay Brooker at Crafty Bastards Restaurant & Pub
Saturday, March 13, 7 p.m.
Country with Trey Lewis and Ryan Nelson at Knockin’ Boots Saloon Gainesville
Saturday, March 13, 7 p.m.
Rock Music with Whiskey Jones on The Patio at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, March 13, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Pop Punk and Emo Night at High Dive
Saturday, March 13, 9 p.m.
Deep House Music with Nora En Pure at Simons
Saturday, March 13, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Bass Music with Mikrodot + Chief Kaya at SwampCity Gallery Lounge
Saturday, March 13, 9 p.m.
Country and Rock Favorites with Chuck Partin on the Patio at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Sunday, March 14, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Motown, Classic Rock and Blues Tunes with Raftus Brown and the Melrose Horns at One Love Cafe
Sunday, March 14, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Country Music with Jamie Davis at Woodyard Grill
Wednesday, March 17, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country Music with Cliff Dorsey on The Patio at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Wednesday, March 17, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Open Mic Night at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Friday, March 12, 6 p.m.
The Medicine Show at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, March 13, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Movie Night: The Commitments at Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
Saturday, March 13, 7 p.m.
Salsero Saturdays at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Saturday, March 13, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Beer Bingo Tuesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Tuesday, March 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Brainaholics Trivia at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, March 16, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Team Trivia at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, March 17, 6 p.m.
Erin Go Bragh at Blackadder Brewing Company
Wednesday, March 17, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Day Music & Irish Dancing at Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
Wednesday, March 17, 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmer’s Markets
Frog Song Organics Tea Tasting and U-Pick Strawberries
Sunday, March 14, 12 p.m.
Strawberry U-Pick and Organic Farm Stand at The Family Garen
Saturday, March 6, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
U-Pick Strawberries at Roger’s Farm (check Facebook for latest updates)
Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cypress & Grove Farmer’s Market
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
GNV Market at Heartwood Soundstage
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
High Springs Farmer’s Market
Fridays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Newberry Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Alachua County Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Haile Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Waldo Farmer’s Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bites & Brunch
Pizza Night from Scratch Cooking Class at the Fat Tuscan
Thursday, March 11, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Scones, Biscuits and Shortbread Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Saturday, March 13, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Pi(e) Day at Uppercrust
Sunday, March 14, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Pies and tarts available in-store or preorder online here.
Photo by BitePlateProductions
Dine at Local Restaurants, Enjoy Outdoor Seating or Grab a Meal To-Go
Dine-in or take advantage of additional outdoor seating expanded onto sidewalks like “Streetery GNV” in downtown Gainesville.
Did you know that our dining scene regularly makes national headlines? Find out why We Chomp with the best of them!
Find a searchable list of Alachua County restaurants here.
Sports
USGA Mens Gymnastics Florida State Championships at Legacy Park
Friday, March 12 – Sunday, March 14
Mountain Bike Rides with Goodbike
Tuesday, March 16, 7 p.m.
Brisk Pace for the Advanced Rider
Parks & Trails
Trek Through Trails: Top 5 Family-Friendly and Dog-Friendly Hikes
Spending time in nature has been proven to benefit the mind, body and spirit, so round up the kids, find the dog, or go solo and reacquaint yourself with the outdoors on Alachua County’s nature trails.
Walk Into the Past at the 1800s Living History Farm open at Morningside Nature Center
Open Daily, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
River & Springs
Swim Into the Freshwater Springs and Experience Nature Near Gainesville
The springs are a perfect way to get outside and explore the untouched natural side of Florida. Did you know North Florida is home to over 1,000 freshwater springs? The water flows crystal clear at 72 degrees all year round so make a splash on your Gainesville and Alachua County itinerary.
Museums & Galleries
Museum in the Parks: Birds at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Monday, March 15, 9:30 a.m – 11 a.m.
Diaristic Explorations at Good News Arts
Open Wednesday – Saturday, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. or by appointment
Florida Landmarks and Scenic Coastlines are Depicted Across Nearly 170 Paintings, Watercolors and Drawings at “A Florida Legacy: Gift of Samuel H. and Roberta T. Vickers” at the Harn Museum of Art
Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m – 5 p.m.
Works Created During the Pandemic at Art in Isolation at GFAA Gallery
Open Tuesday – Friday 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Spring Showcase at Firehouse Gallery
Open Thursday – Friday, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Javier Castro: Coliseum at University Galleries
Friday, March 12, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
See Live Animals in the Survival of the Slowest Exhibit at the Florida Museum
Open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Winter Show at Mott-May Gallery
Now through March 28
Spark Wonder at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Open Friday-Sunday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Save The Date
March, April and May Outdoor Concert Series at Legacy Park Amphitheater, March 19-21
High Springs Downtown Artwalk, March 20
Indie Live: Glass House Point and Laney Trip, March 27
44th Annual Pioneer Days Festival, April 24-25
Top Golf Live at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, April 22-25
40th Birthday Party for “Henry” the Indian Rhino at Carson Springs Wildlife, May 14
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
Thank you for your continued partnership! Please keep in communication with us by sharing your events, updates and news with our team by emailing info@visitgainesville.com.
Your participation, communication, and sharing of events and programs is a key way for us to market our community to visitors and to enhance the engagement of residents in all of the incredible programs you create.
Put simply, the more you share with us, the more we have to promote. Please read the attached PDF document for additional ways in which your organization can participate.
Visit Gainesville, Alachua County | (352) 374-5260 | 33 North Main Street, Gainesville 32601 Never miss an event: Follow Visit Gainesville, Alachua County on social media.
This publication contains information about events, venues and activities in Alachua County, Florida. Reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the information is accurate. We are not responsible for errors or omissions in the information provided. For complete details, contact the host directly. The information is not advice, and should not be treated as such. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing paragraph, we do not represent, warrant, undertake or guarantee that the information is correct, accurate, complete or non-misleading. We will not be liable to you in respect of any special, indirect or consequential loss or damage. If a section of this disclaimer is determined by any court or other competent authority to be unlawful and/or unenforceable, the other sections of this disclaimer continue in effect.
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