The first weekend of spring is bursting with vibrant color, diverse flavors and fun. Make your plans with What’s Good®. See what’s in bloom and find garden inspiration at the Spring Garden Festival at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Set your course for the Gator Fly-In and Armed Forces Appreciation Day at University Air Center featuring aircraft on display, helicopter and airplane rides, live music and more.
Learn about Florida’s most valuable resource with the new “Water Shapes Florida” at the Florida Museum. Get swept away with a timeless tale of romance as Dance Alive National Ballet presents Giselle. The opening weekend of Ordinary Days at Gainesville Community Playhouse explores the profound impact of everyday encounters.
Stamp your culinary passport at the Taste the World International Food Festival. Plus enjoy vibrant cultural displays and flavorful dishes at India Fest.
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.
See Vibrant Blooms and Find Garden Inspiration at the Annual Spring Garden Festival
Saturday, March 23 – Sunday, March 24, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
Browse plants for sale, garden tools, furniture and outdoor décor from over 100 vendors. Get tips from plant experts and environmental organizations. Enjoy food vendors and an area for children’s activities. Sunday features live music from the festival stage.
Explore the collections at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens including the largest public display of bamboo, blooms in the bulb garden and the largest herb garden in the southeast. Plan your visit at kanapaha.org.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
See Military and Historic Aircraft Up Close and Book a “Swamp Tour” Ride at Gator Fly-In and Armed Forces Appreciation Day
Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | University Air Center
4701 NE 40th Terr., Gainesville, FL 32609
Enjoy a display of military and civilian aircraft, car displays from Porche Club, kids activities, live music and food trucks. This year’s event is dedicated to Commander Lt. Col. Richard “Spad” McSpadden and features a “Flown West” ceremony with a squadron of T34 Mentor, T6 Texan and Socata TB-30 Epsilon aircraft. Admission is free.
For an additional fee, book a flight with the Commemorative Air Force and take flight in a T-34B Mentor, Fairchild PT-19A or P51-D Mustang. “Swamp Tours” fly over Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in a Cessna 172 or Robinson R-44 helicopter.
Note the location of this event is at University Air Center, located north of Gainesville Regional Airport.
Explore Florida’s Most Valuable Resource at the Opening Reception for the “Water Shapes Florida” Exhibit at the Florida Museum
Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
The opening of the new permanent exhibit Water Shapes Florida features live entertainment, water workshops and food trucks. Glide over Florida Springs with the glass-bottom-boat theater experience. Stroll through an iconic cave environment, updated with new stories, lights and audio. Plan your visit at FloridaMuseum.ufl.edu. Admission is free.
Photo courtesy Florida Museum/Kristen Grace
Dance Alive National Ballet Presents “Giselle,” a Timeless Tale About the Redemptive Power of Love
Saturday, March 23, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Giselle is a story of a beautiful young peasant girl who falls in love with a nobleman disguised as a commoner. The tale takes dramatic twists and turns as secrets are revealed. Saturday performances feature Philadelphia Ballet’s Principal Dancer Oksana Maslova with Dance Alive National Ballet’s Principal Dancer Gabriel Lopes at 7:30 p.m., and Dance Alive National Ballet Principals Carla Amancio with Roberto Vega at the 2 p.m. show.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Experience the Beauty of Simplicity at the Opening Weekend of the Musical Ordinary Days
Friday, March 22 – Sunday, April 14 | Gainesville Community Playhouse
4039 NW 16th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605
This intimate and introspective musical follows the stories of Deb, Warren and Jason and Claire. Through a series of chance encounters and unexpected connections, their individual stories begin to intersect, revealing the profound impact that everyday encounters can have on our lives.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Stamp Your Culinary Passport at Taste the World International Food Festival
Saturday, March 23, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Enjoy diverse dishes prepared by over 20 home chefs. Each dish celebrates the chef’s heritage and culinary traditions. Tickets include a passport to guide you through global flavors.
The Annual Mid-Century Modern Home Tour Highlights Gainesville Modern Weekend 2024
Thursday, March 21 – Saturday, March 23 | Gainesville Garden Club
1350 NW 75th St., Gainesville, FL 32605
The Mid-Century Modern Home Tour showcases homes designed from 1945 to 1975 throughout Gainesville. With 6 homes plus a bonus stop on the tour, you will see Mid-Century Modern homes designed by Architects Harry Merritt, OrJan Wetterqvist, Dan Branch, Dave Henderson and others. Stops include vintage cars, a commemorative poster by Alfred Phillips, food trucks and a Gainesville Modern Swag shop. Maps and brochures will be available at each location. Learn more about the home tour and associated events at GainesvilleModern.org.
MOD Talks Lecture Series at Gainesville Garden Club
Thursday, March 21, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
“The Magic Garden” Drinks and Dwellings VIP Cocktail Party at Gainesville Garden Club
Friday, March 22, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Mid-Century Modern Home Tour
Saturday, March 23, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Enjoy Vibrant Cultural Displays and Savor Flavorful Menus at India Fest
Saturday, March 23 | Legacy Park Multipurpose Center
15400 Peggy Rd., Alachua, FL 32615
Celebrate traditions of India with a colorful array of fashion, jewelry, music, dance and fun kids activities. Browse traditional clothing including colorful sarees, lehengas and men’s kurtas. Culinary offerings include onion pakora, butter chicken, kachori, pani puri and more. Admission is free.
Browse Woven Baskets, Ceramics and More Art from Around the World at Earth Bound Folk Art and Fine Crafts Pop-Up
Saturday, March 23, 11a.m. – 5 p.m. | Artisans Guild Gallery
224 NW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Join Laurie Wilkins and Earth Bound for a collection of folk art and fine crafts from around the world including baskets, textiles, ceramics and other fairly-traded gifts. Learn the stories of how these unique cultural artifacts were acquired.
Dress in Costume as Whatever You Believe in at Saxsquatch’s Big Foot Rave
Friday, March 22, 7:30 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Dance the night away with Saxsquatch and DJs EM and Knob Ross. Remixes of pop hits and original tracks blend with house, trance and bass beats, overlaid with smooth sounds of the saxophone from Saxsquatch, the saxy beast.
Rock Out with a Punk Lineup at the Live and Local Concert Series
Friday, March 22, 7 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
The Live and Local Concert Series features homegrown musical talent live on the outdoor stage at Bo Diddley Plaza in downtown Gainesville. Friday’s concert features and indie-punk showcase with Boat Stuff, Earworms and Mike and the Nerve. Admission is free.
Kick-Off the Weekend with Country and Rock with Jamie Davis at Playlist at the Pointe
Friday, March 22, 7 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Spread a blanket or pull up a chair and enjoy live music as the sun sets. Jamie Davis presents guitar-driven country, blues and rock and roll. Grab food, drinks and sweet treats at nearby restaurants.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Kids Art Fest Pop-Up with Live Chalk Murals at The AUK Market
Saturday, March 23, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
13th Annual Jewish Film Festival at the Hippodrome Cinema and Oak Hammock
Now through Wednesday, March 27
View a lineup of films presented by UF Bud Shorstein Center for Jewish Studies. Stories range from historic documentaries to a romantic comedy. Screenings take place at Hippodrome Cinema and Oak Hammock.
The Pliant Girls at UF Black Box Theatre (McGuire Pavilion)
Thursday, March 21 – Friday, March 29
On This Island Jr The Musical at Star Center Theatre
Friday, March 22, 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Eclipse: The story of our Nearest Neighbor in Space at Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
Saturday, March 23, 7 p.m.
Events & Festivals
Goats in Gatorland Gig and Rut Fest at Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Saturday, March 23 – Sunday, March 24
Creative Conversations with UF Center for Arts, Migration and Entrepreneurship and Adia Whitaker from Àṣẹ Dance Collective (Brooklyn, NY) at Eastside Recreation Center
Thursday, March 21, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Community Curated Topics at Barcamp 2024 at Santa Fe College Blount Hall
Saturday, March 23, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Forged Feather Blacksmithing Workthop at [Fe]ver Metal Art Center
Saturday, March 23, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sunday at the Station with Pop-Up Grill, Local Vendors, All-Vinyl DJ at South Main Station
Sunday, March 24, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Alice in Wonderland-Themed Fun at the Easter Extravaganza at Butler Town Center
Sunday, March 24, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Egg Hunt and BMX Race at High Springs BMX
Sunday, March 24, 2:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
“Silent Spring Revolution” Book Discussion with Douglas Brinkley at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Wednesday, March 27, 6 p.m.
Music & Performance
Americana with Dim Lights at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, March 21, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at One Love Café
Friday, March 22, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
When Gospel Meets Jazz – Reunited! at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
Friday, March 22, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Folk with Apis and Jordan Burchel at The Bull
Friday, March 22, 7 p.m.
Bedlam in the Belfry Goth Night at The Atlantic
Friday, March 22, 10 p.m.
Pop Punk and Emo Night of Gainesville at Vivid Music Hall
Friday, March 22, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Soul and Funk with The Savants at Baby J’s Bar
Friday, March 22, 9 p.m.
UF School of Music Pipe Organ Demonstration at University Auditorium
Saturday, March 23, 1:55 p.m. – 2:45
The R&B Happy Hour at Capone’s Nightclub
Saturday, March 23, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Beatles Hits and Classic Rock with The Impostors at One Love Café
Saturday, March 23, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie Night Live with Madwoman, Rohna, Quail Hollow and Half Gone at High Dive
Saturday, March 23, 8 p.m.
UF Carillon Studio Recital at Century Tower
Sunday, March 24, 1:55 p.m.
Hip-Hop with Afroman at High Dive
Sunday, March 24, 6 p.m.
Jazz with The Oak Trio at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Sunday, March 24, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wednesday, March 27, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Classical Guitarist at Pierre Bensusan at Heartwood Soundstage
Sunday, March 24, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Pre-War Blues with John Ford at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, March 26, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Comedy with Brent Pella (Wild N Out) at High Dive
Tuesday, March 26, 8 p.m.
Jazz Night with Dave and the Hiptones at One Love Café
Wednesday, March 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock and Hip-Hop with Juice at Heartwood Soundstage
Wednesday, March 27, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Found Footage Festival with Joe Pickett (The Onion) and Nick Prueher (Late Show) at High Dive
Wednesday, March 27, 8 p.m.
Craft Breweries
With a lineup of award-winning craft beer makers, The Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail breweries are the ultimate hangout spots to sip, socialize, and maybe even spark a little friendly rivalry. So, after a day of gallivanting around, why not kick back like a local with a taste of the AC brew scene.
The Princess Bride with UF Center for European Studies at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Saturday, March 23, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
U-Picks and Farmers Markets
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
Hot and Cold Hoagies, Wraps, Antipasti Salads and More at the Grand Opening of PrimoHoagies
Thursday, March 21, 10 a.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette
Thursday, March 21, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, March 21, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, March 21, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
(sold out) Wine Pairing Chef Dinner with a Gourmet Vegetarian Menu at The Fat Tuscan
Friday, March 22, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
(sold out) Farm Dinner Experience with Chef Phil Bailey-Anderson at Swallowtail Farm
Saturday, March 23, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Wings, Gator Tail, Burgers, Ribs and More at the Grand Opening of Gator’s Dockside Jonesville
Monday, March 25, 11 a.m.
Photo by Gator’s Dockside
Sports & Fans
NCAA WBIT Opening Round Gators Women’s Basketball vs. St. John’s at Exactech Arena
Thursday, March 21, 7 p.m.
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, March 22, 5:30 p.m.
Scorpion Racing E.T. Bracket Series Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, March 23 – Sunday, March 24, 8 a.m.
On the Radar Hoops Basketball Tournament at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Saturday, March 23 – Sunday, March 24
Parks & Trails
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park
Saturday, March 23, 7:30 a.m.
Ranger-Led Rim Ramble Hike at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park La Chua Trail
Saturday, March 23, 9:45 a.m.
Guided Tour of Dudley Farm Historic State Park
Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m.
Ranger-Led Tour at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks with Alachua Audubon Society at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, March 27, 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
Two-Day Symposium “Surrealism, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” at Harn Museum of Art
Friday, March 22, 3 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Sense of Dwelling: Master of Fine Arts Candidates Exhibition I at Gary R. Libby University Gallery
Friday, March 22 – Friday, April 5
Science Surprises: Splash into Science at Florida Museum of Natural History
Sunday, March 24, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday with the Manatee Storytime for Ages 4-8 at Florida Museum of Natural History
Monday, March 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Now Open: Muses A Solo Exhibit by Jorge Ibanez at Hippodrome Gallery
Now through April 22
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.
Save The Date
Newberry Spring Festival, April 6
Party for the Planet at Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, April 6
Grassroots Motorsports $2000 Challenge, April 6-7
Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival, April 13-14
Hogtown Craft Beer Festival, April 13
Gators Football Orange and Blue Game, April 13
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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