Add magic and merriment to your weekend with What’s Good. Depot Park transforms into a festive medieval village as Hoggetowne Goes Downtown with live entertainment across six stages, artisan vendors and food selections fit for a king.
Theatre stages light up with the opening weekends of the groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning musical Next to Normal at the Hippodrome Theatre and the wild, fast-paced comedy Kong’s Night Out at Gainesville Community Playhouse.
Celebrate Florida’s literary legacy and meet dozens of authors at the Sunshine State Book Festival. Tour the local art scene with 16 stops on the self-guided Artwalk Gainesville.
Read on for more of What’s Good,
Your partners at Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Be Informed: The below information was accurate at the time of publishing.
Please contact organizers directly to double-check details.
Depot Park Transforms with Magic and Merriment as Hoggetowne Goes Downtown
Saturday, January 27 – Sunday, January 28, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Depot Park
874 SE 4th St., Gainesville, FL 32601
For one magical weekend, the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire turns Depot Park into a festive village. Be delighted with live entertainment across 6 stages. Browse artisan wares at the medieval marketplace. Savor an array of delicious food fit for a king. View the parking map, entertainment schedule and plan your visit at www.hoggetownemedfaire.com. Admission is free.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Experience Soaring Rock Music and Unforgettable Characters with the Opening Weekend of the Tony Award-winning Musical Next to Normal
Friday, January 26 – Sunday, February 25 | Hippodrome Theatre
25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601
The groundbreaking musical explores a modern-day family struggling with mental illness. The electrifying rock soundtrack combines with heart-wrenching lyrics for a gripping emotional and unforgettable journey that keeps you at the edge of your seat.
Photo by Michael A. Eaddy
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Expect Kong-sized Hilarity at the Opening Weekend of the Kong’s Night Out
January 26 – February 11 | Gainesville Community Playhouse
4039 NW 16th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605
When word gets out of a new mystery show opening across the street of a new play, rival producers battle it out in a crazy, fast paced comedy set in 1933 New York City. Events unfold parallel to the movie King Kong, in the hotel room adjacent to where actress Ann Farrow was whisked away by the king of the apes before wreaking havoc across Manhattan.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Meet Dozens of Authors and Your Next Favorite Read at the 5th Annual Sunshine State Book Festival
Friday, January 26, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday, January 27, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Hilton UF Conference Center
1714 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL 32607
Friday night features an author’s reception; meet authors and fellow enthusiasts. Saturday’s schedule includes a student essay contest, panel discussion, storytelling by children’s book authors and keynote speaker Jack E. Davis, author of Pulitzer Prize-winning The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea, a live performance of “A Conversation with Frederick Douglass and Captain John Brown,” and more. Authors will be available for book purchases and signings.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Tour the Local Art Scene on a Self-Guided Tour at Artwalk Gainesville
Friday, January 26, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Multiple Locations
The first Artwalk of 2024 features 16 tour stops with the work from over 30 artists. Visit the moonlight market at Artisans Guild Gallery. Browse a curated art show and local maker’s market with silent disco at Flow Space. Sweetwater Print Cooperative hosts a remembrance exhibition with prints by Sue Jester. Enjoy a medieval-themed show with castle illustrations from Ellie Nemmers at Limelight.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
View Collaborations from Student Artists and Their Mentors at the GFAA Gallery Reception
Friday, January 26, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Gainesville Fine Arts Association
1314 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The Friends of Elementary Arts Student Show features student artists paired with fine artist mentors for the creation of new works. Meet the artists and enjoy live music, snacks and refreshments. Admission is free.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Learn About Adapting Historical Work for Young Readers as Award-winning Historian Dr. Ibram X Kendi Presents Barracoon
Friday, January 26, 7 p.m. | Lincoln Middle School
1001 SE 12th St., Gainesville, FL 32641
In 1927, legendary author and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston interviewed Cudjo Lewis, believed to be the last survivor of the Middle Passage. Her manuscript remained unpublished until 2018. Join Dr. Ibram X Kendi for a discussion of his adaptation for young readers and her enduring legacy. Get tickets online.
Book cover illustration by Jazzmen Lee-Johnson
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Tempt Your Tastebuds with Diverse Menus at the Original Gainesville Food Truck Rally
Saturday, January 27, 5 p.m. | High Dive
210 SW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
This popular rally features gourmet food at great prices and free live music. Vendors include Curbside Cuisine, Mexi Cocina, Monsta Lobsta, Wing King and more. There will be vegan options as well. Music startsat 4:30 p.m. with Sigs Inside, Monk-E and Stick Around. Admission is free.
Fly to the Brewery and Learn About Misunderstood Mammals with Lubbee Bat Conservancy at Bats and Brews
Saturday, January 27, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Swamp Head Brewery
3650 SW 42nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Join experts from Lubee and learn how beneficial bats are to the ecosystem. Cans of Sky Puppies NEIPA are on sale with proceeds benefitting Lubbee’s conservation efforts. Hang around and you may see bats emerge from Swamp Head’s bat house around sunset. Admission is free.
Get Swept Away with the Moving Americana sounds of Texas-born Singer Songwriter Tanner Usrey
Sunday, January 28, 7 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Inspired by George Strait, Tom Petty, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rolling Stones and his favorite band Whiskey Myers, Tanner Usrey is a singer, songwriter and guitarist with country grit and rock ‘n’ roll energy. His music totaled tens of millions of Spotify streams and is featured on the season 4 finale of Yellowstone.
Experience a Unique Chamber Music Ensemble with YCA on Tour
Tuesday, January 30, 7:30 p.m. | Squitieri Studio Theatre
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Young Concert Artists on Tour is new program bringing together a unique chamber ensemble of the most extraordinary young artists to cities in North America. This dynamic performance features rarely heard instrumentation that combines voice with violin, cello, and piano.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Makers, Tarot, Apparel, Prints and More at The Wooly Mammoth Market
Sunday, January 28, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts and Theatre
Follow the Heartwarming Story of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy at Little Women at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
Now through Sunday, February 4
The stage adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, Little Women features actors using items found in their attic to recreate scenes of love, loss and the glowing warmth of the March family hearth.
Crowns A Musical Play at Star Center Theatre
Now through Sunday, January 28
Events & Festivals
Skateboard Painting Workshop at Coterie Market
Friday, January 26, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Collage, Curation and Conversation at Spatially Fed at the AUK Market
Friday, January 26, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Ink and Drink: Risograph Printing at Paradise Press and Print Studio
Friday, January 26, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The Houseplant Renaissance Workshop at UF/IFAS Extension
Tuesday, January 30, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Music & Performance
Classic Rock with Chasing Rabbits at One Love Café
Thursday, January 25, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Hip Hop with Mickey Avalon at High Dive
Thursday, January 25, 8 p.m.
Soul and Rock with Marc Broussard’s Carencro 20th Anniversary Tour with Seth Walker at Heartwood Soundstage
Thursday, January 25, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Electronic Music with Slander at Vivid Music Hall
Thursday, January 25, 8:30 p.m.
Americana with the Front Porch Backsteppers at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, January 26, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at One Love Café
Friday, January 26, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Bennie and the Band at Playlist at the Pointe
Friday, January 26, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock with Drivin N Cryin at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, January 26, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Indie Pop with Hotel Fiction at High Dive
Friday, January 26, 9 p.m.
Pop Punk and Emo Night of Gainesville at Vivid Music Hall
Friday, January 26, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Florida Federation of Music Clubs’ Collegiate Vocal Competition Winners Recital at the Historic Thomas Center
Saturday, January 27, 1:30 p.m.
Beatles Music and Classic Rock with The Impostors at One Love Café
Saturday, January 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Allman Brothers Music with Steeln’ Peaches at Heartwood Soundstage
Saturday, January 27, 7 p.m.
ABBA, Bee Gees and More Hits from the ‘70s at Gimme Gimme Disco at High Dive
Saturday, January 27, 9 p.m.
Oldtime Bluegrass Jam at Civic Media Center
Sunday, January 28, 2 p.m.
Reggae with Artikal Sound System at High Dive
Sunday, January 28, 7 p.m.
Open Mic with Kyle Keller at The Bull
Monday, January 29, 8 p.m.
The Joe Breidenstine Jazz Duo at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, January 30, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie Rock with Sour, The Alleged Band, The Steel Crows and Monarch at High Dive
Wednesday, January 31, 7 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Make a resolution to visit every brewery on the Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail in 2024.
Here Ye, Here Ye, First Magnitude Brewing Company Goes Medieval:
The New Minstrel Revue
Friday, January 26, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sahnobar Caravan and Fire Show
Saturday, January 27, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Reptile Day at Dry Wrought Cider
Saturday, January 27, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Gainesville Record Fair at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Sunday, January 28, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Pair O Docs at Blackadder Brewing Company
Sunday, January 28, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
U-Picks and Farmers Markets
U-Pick Strawberries at The Bryer Patch
Saturdays and Sundays through April
Please be aware strawberry picking is weather dependent; please stay up to date with The Bryer Patch on Instagram and Facebook.
Grove Street Farmers Market with Live Music
Mondays, 4 p.m. –7 p.m.
Archer Farmers Market at Archer Historical Society Railroad Museum
Tuesdays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Union Street Farmers Market at Bo Diddley Plaza
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
GNV Market at South Main Station
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Farmers Market at Celebration Pointe
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
High Springs Farmers Market
Fridays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Haile Village Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Alachua County Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Waldo Farmers and Flea Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bites and Brunch
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, January 25, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, January 25, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, January 25, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting Class: Around the World at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, January 25, 4:30 p.m.
Wine Tasting Class: A Taste of the Canaries at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, January 27, 4:30 p.m.
Wine Tasting: Imported Wines Class at The Fat Tuscan
Wednesday, January 31, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Sports & Fans
Gator Talk Live Broadcast with Gators Men’s Basketball Head Coach Todd Golden at The Key’s Grill and Piano Bar
Thursday, January 25, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Florida Collegiate Invitational Indoor Track and Field at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Friday, January 26 – Saturday, January 27
Legends of Alachua County Indoor Track and Field Invitational at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Saturday, January 27 – Sunday, January 28
Summit Racing Bracket Series at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, January 27 – Sunday, January 28, 8 a.m.
(sold out) Top 10 Gymnastics Matchup Between the Florida Gators and Alabama at Exactech Arena
Friday, January 26, 6:45 p.m.
Gators Women’s Tennis ITA Kick-Off Weekend vs. FIU at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Saturday, January 27 – Sunday, January 28
Gators Men’s Basketball vs. Georgia at Exactech Arena
Saturday, January 27, 12 p.m.
Gators Women’s Basketball vs. Texas A&M at Exactech Arena
Sunday, January 28, 1 p.m.
Extreme Drive-and-Drag Racers at Sick Week 2024 Day 3 at Gainesville Raceway
Wednesday, January 31, 9 a.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Friday, January 26, 9 a.m.
Monday, January 29, 2 p.m.
Wednesday, January 31, 11 a.m.
Free Timed 5K with the Hoggetowne Goes Downtown King and Queen at “Ye Olde Parkrunne” at Depot Park
Saturday, January 27, 7:30 a.m.
Ranger-Led Rim Ramble Hike at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park La Chua Trail
Saturday, January 27, 9:45 a.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks with Alachua Audubon Society at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, January 31, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
River & Springs
Enjoy Cooler Weather and Explore the Outdoors and with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures and Visit 8 Springs in 8 Miles
Friday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fed by the underground Floridan Aquifer, North Florida has one of the highest concentrations of springs in the world. Anderson’s Outdoor Adventure offers an easy way to experience 8 springs in 8 miles. Paddle along the Santa Fe River in a canoe or kayak and experience crystal clear water, see native wildlife and relax in a tranquil nature setting.
Float or Splash Into Freshwater Springs
North Florida is home to the largest collection of first-magnitude springs in the United States. The springs make a perfect destination for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and relaxing in nature. If you’re looking for outdoor fun, we’ve got you covered with our list of nearby springs, great places to stay and fun things to do.
Museums & Galleries
Celebrate Afrofuturism Week with sound artist Quincy Osborne, a futurist fashion show and surrealism exhibit at After Dark at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, January 25, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
TreeTender2 Premiere at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Thursday, January 25, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Poster Signings with 2024 Art Fair on the Green Artist Alfred Phillips at Lanza Gallery
Saturday, January 27, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
City of Hope: Resurrection City and The 1968 Poor People’s Campaign at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
Now through April 26
Empowering Communities Through Art at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
Saturday, January 27, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Chill with Cool Dinos at the Interactive Exhibit “Antarctic Dinosaurs”
Now through April 21 | Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Discover life beneath the ice in Antarctic Dinosaurs. Uncover the history of the world’s southernmost continent and the unique species that have called it home in this interactive, family-friendly experience. Antarctic Dinosaurs is on display through April 21.
Explore additional exhibits at the Florida Museum including the Butterfly Rainforest featuring hundreds of flying butterflies, South Florida People and Environments, Florida Fossils and the kid-friendly Discovery Zone. Plan your visit online.
Save The Date
The Gainesville Orchestra Presents American Pie, February 2
Newberry BBQ and Blues Festival, February 3
Dance Alive National Ballet Presents Love in the Swamp, February 10
Heartwood Music Fest, February 23-24
NMRA Spring Break Shootout, February 22-25
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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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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