The first weekend in November is full of game day fun, nature tours, outdoor shopping and more – make your plans with What’s Good. Join the official block party of the Florida Gators at Chomp the Block on Friday and cheer on the orange and blue in The Swamp on Saturday.
Get outside and browse vintage furniture and décor at the 2-day Sycamore Lane Fall Market. Spot wildlife on an early morning Sunrise Walk at Sweetwater Wetlands Park and see what’s in bloom on a guided walk at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.
Read on for more of What’s Good.
Be safe and be well,
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.
Cheer on the Orange and Blue as Gators Football Takes on Arkansas
Saturday, November 4, 12 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
157 Gale Lemerand Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
For the first time ever, the Florida Gators wear special black uniforms during this year’s “Saluting Those Who Serve” game. Arrive early for pre-game festivities including Gators Fan Fest and Gator Walk. Find game day details including parking, mobile ticketing and more at FloridaGators.com.
Photo by Matt Stamey
Before the Big Game, Join the Official Block Party of the Florida Gators at Chomp The Block
Friday, November 3, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Celebration Pointe hosts the orange and blue party with food, drinks and live music. Kids can enjoy activities in the entertainment zone with bounce houses, balloon animals, face painting and more. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Sip and Shop While Browsing More than 40 Vendors at the Sycamore Lane Fall Market
Friday, November 3, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday, November 4, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
3824 SW 170th St., Archer, FL 32618
Make a trip to the seasonal outdoor market. Shop over 40 vendors offering vintage goods, arts and clothing. Sip and shop with beer, wine and ciders. Friday night, enjoy live music with Faster Than Flash starting at 5 p.m.
Meet Farmers and Home-Grown Food Producers at the Food and Agriculture Festival
Saturday, November 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
821 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Stroll around the Cade Museum and discover food grown in the State of Florida. Learn from food producers and enjoy food trucks, games, vendors and live music. Admission is free.
Raise a Glass to Butterfly Conservation at the Beer Launch of Night Life Black IPA
Friday, November 3, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The Florida Museum and First Magnitude Brewing Co. invite you to a fun event in support of butterfly conservation in Florida. Hop lovers will get to embrace the “darkness” with the release of “Night Life Black IPA,” highlighting nocturnal insects like Io and luna moths. The first 100 customers to purchase a Night Life Black IPA will receive a Hammock Snakeroot or Manyflower Beardtongue plant with their purchase. 10% of each can sold will directly support imperiled butterfly recovery efforts in Florida.
Bare Witness to an Unfolding Mystery with the Final Weekend of the Musical Thriller – Sweeny Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Now through Sunday, November 5 | Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
3501 SW 2nd Ave. STE O, Gainesville, FL 32607
Sit on the edge of your seat for a suspenseful tale of crime and revenge. Barber Sweeney Todd returns to London to uncover the past, along the way meeting pie shop owner Mrs. Nellie Lovett, and begins a life of crime. Content contains adult themes.
The Hits Keep Coming as 8-Track Sounds of the ‘70s Weaves the Catchy Tunes of a One-of-a-Kind Decade with the Narrative of a Transformative Period in American History
Thursday, November 3 – Sunday, November 5 | Star Center Theatre
11 NE 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
With its propulsive rhythms and dazzling harmonies, “8-Track” is a fast-paced musical romp through one of the most impassioned decades of the 20th century. This Baby Boomers’ dream come true features the music of The Emotions, The Carpenters, Labelle, Barry Manilow, Marvin Gaye, The Doobie Brothers, The Bee Gees, Helen Reddy, KC and the Sunshine Band and more.
Greet the Day on a Ranger-Led Sunrise Walk at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Saturday, November 4, 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. | Sweetwater Wetlands Park
325 SW Williston Rd., Gainesville, FL 32641
Spot wildlife with park rangers on a morning walk. Learn about the park’s history and its inhabitants. Sunrise walks begin at the boardwalk pavilion and last 30-45 minutes. Register for the tour online.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park is one of 14 new sites just added to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Stay tuned for more information regarding a celebration event to mark the occasion.
See What’s in Bloom on a Guided Tour at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Saturday, November 4, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608
See colorful displays across 24 major collections including the largest herb garden in the Southeast, the largest public display of bamboo in Florida, Children’s Garden and more. Plan your visit online.
Start Your Week on the Right Note with the Grammy Award-Winning Steep Canyon Rangers
Monday, November 6, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Steep Canyon Rangers built a loyal following with their modern interpretations of old time and bluegrass music in addition to collaborations with comedian, actor and musician Steve Martin. The band recently set off on a nation-wide tour in support of their new album Morning Shift.
Be Captivated with a Stripped Back Evening of Blues with Liam St. John
Tuesday, November 7, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Liam St. John made an impact on NBC’s The Voice in 2020 and his debut album “Stripped Back” reached #1 in Top Blues Albums on Apple Music in 2022. His powerhouse voice and kinetic stage presence deliver a fresh take on blues soulful lyrics.
Grab Your Besties for the Hilarious Broadway Adaptation of Mean Girls
Wednesday, November 8, 8 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Follow the rollercoaster journey of Cady, the new high school student trying to join the social clique “The Plastics” led by “Queen Bee” Regina George. Mean Girls arrives from an all-star creative team including Tina Fey (30 Rock) composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde), and original director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon).
Chill with Cool Dinos at the New Interactive Exhibit “Antarctic Dinosaurs”
Now through April 21 | Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Step back in time and 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.Photo courtesy of Bria Woods for the Witte Museumthe spooky scavenger hunt.
Upcoming Florida Museum Events:
(sold out) Historic Bike Tour Through the University of Florida
Sunday, November 5, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tot Trot: Wind for Ages 2-5
Tuesday, November 7, 9 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Veterans Receive Free Admission to the Butterfly Rainforest and Antarctic Dinosaurs
Saturday, November 11, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Countdown to the 42nd Downtown Festival and Art Show
Saturday, November 18 – Sunday, November 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Downtown Gainesville
The brick streets of downtown Gainesville transform with more than 200 artists, entertainers and food vendors. Learn more, plan your visit and preview the artists online.
While planning for the festivals, view gallery exhibits and special events to explore the vibrant local art scene in Gainesville and Alachua County.
Art After Dark at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, November 2, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
“Sign Up Here,” An Imaginative Exhibition at the Historic Thomas Center
Now through Tuesday, November 14
“100 Years of Art” at GFAA Gallery
Now through Saturday, November 18
“Time Out of Joint” Solo Exhibition by Naheed Mojadidi at the Hippodrome Gallery
Now through Thursday, November 30
Intro to Linoleum Block Carving Art Class at Paradise Press and Print Studio
Saturday, November 4, 10 a.m.
November Art Market with Live Music and Stubbies Sausages at Artisans’ Guild Gallery
Sunday, November 12, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Downtown High Springs Artwalk
Saturday, November 11, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Santa Arrives on a Tracker Boat to Open Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Saturday, November 4, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Santa’s Wonderland is open through December 24
Pop-Up Sunday Series at the AUK Market
Sunday, November 5, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Florida Vintage Market at Midoint Park and Eatery
Sunday, November 5, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
Bored Teachers, We Can’t Make This Stuff Up! Comedy Tour
Thursday, November 2, 7:30 p.m.
Doxa Dance Company Presents Sleeping Beauty and the Saving Prince
Saturday, November 4, 6 p.m.
Migration in Film Series: Persepolis at GFAA
Tuesday, November 7, 6 p.m.
Events & Festivals
Family Movie Night: Encanto at Shoppes at Thornebrook First Fridays
Friday, November 3, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Gainesville Fear Garden Presents The Haunt Lab
Friday, November 3 – Sunday, November 5
Final Weekend at the Hollow Oaks Corn Maze
Friday, November 3, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday, November 4, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday, November 5, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Florida Springs Institute Movie Night: Gentle Giant the Mystery of the Gulf Sturgeon at the Florida Springs Welcome Center
Friday, November 3, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunflower Festival at The Bryer Patch
Saturday, November 4 – Sunday, November 5, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Victorian Croquet Match, Live Music and More at Theatre of Memory’s 1st Anniversary Open House
Sunday, November 5, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
LEGO Build It Day at The Repurpose Project
Wednesday, November 8, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Music & Performance
Loopy Cellist Cheyllo at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, November 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie Live Outdoor Concert Series Presents Oceanic, Pump Action and The Housing Crisis at Heartwood Soundstage
Thursday, November 2, 7 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Country with Trey Lewis at High Dive
Thursday, November 2, 8 p.m.
Soul with the Savants of Soul at Loosey’s Downtown
Thursday, November 2, 8 p.m.
Mowtown, Jazz and Soul with The Browns at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, November 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Soul with 24/7 Live at Groovin’ on the Green at Ironwood Golf Course
Friday, November 3, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
UF Wind Symphony Beyond the Mountains at University Auditorium
Friday, November 3, 7:20 p.m.
Shoddy Beatles at The Wooly
Friday, November 3, 8 p.m.
Jazz with the Dave Smith Trio at Baby J’s Bar
Friday, November 3, 8 p.m.
Pop Punk Emo Night with Guest Band Dancing With Ghosts at High Dive
Friday, November 3, 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with the Couch Messiahs at Sweetberries Eatery and Frozen Custard
Saturday, November 4, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Jazz with Cathy DeWitt and Larry Newcomb at Beaker & Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, November 4, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Folk Punk with Austin Lucas at Loosey’s Downtown
Saturday, November 4, 7 p.m.
Gainesville Indie Night with Driveaway, Rohna, Twin Suns and Truth Value at High Dive
Saturday, November 4, 8 p.m.
Alt Rock with Sitting on Stacy at High Dive
Sunday, November 5, 8 p.m.
Rock with Lowly Worm at The Bull
Saturday, November 5, 9 p.m.
The Hogtown Rounders Writers Round at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, November 7, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Guest Artist Recital: Dr. Ilka Araújo, Piano at UF School of Music
Tuesday, November 7, 7:20 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazzology at The Bull
Tuesday, November 7, 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Pulp Presents: Marc Ribot at Heartwood Soundstage
Wednesday, November 8, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
DJ Dance Party Taylor Swift Night at High Dive
Wednesday, November 8, 8 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Add to the gameday weekend on the Sippin’ Seven Alachua Count Ale Trail. Check-in at local breweries and earn points with the free digital pass. Learn more and sign up online.
Learn more and sign up for free at VisitGainesville.com/sippinseven.
Click here and check out the most recent edition of the Sippin’ Seven On Tap newsletter featuring fun upcoming events at local breweries.
Football Fridays at Swamp Head Brewery
Friday, November 3, 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, November 3, 6 p.m. -9 p.m.
Midnight Blue Band at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, November 3, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
U-Picks & 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.
GNV Market at South Main Station
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Fall 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
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Waldo Farmers and Flea Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Union Street Farmers Market at Bo Diddley Plaza
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Bites and Brunch
NOW OPEN: Breakfast Tacos, Coffee, and More at Sublime Tacos
Register for NEW Fall Cooking Classes at The Fat Tuscan
The Boozy Cauldron Cocktail Experience at Plantation Hall
Friday, November 3 – Saturday, November 4, 6 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, November 2, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, November 2, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, November 2, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Twisted Tea Pop-Up at Total Wine
Friday, November 3, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Cocktails, Wine, Food and Music at Dorn’s Liquors
Friday, November 3, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Brasserie Brunch at the Traveler Wine Bar
Saturday, November 4 – Sunday, November 5, 12 p.m.
Edible Mushroom Growing Class at Grow Hub
Sunday, November 5, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Sports
Gators Men’s Basketball Orange and Blue Scrimmage
Thursday, November 2, 7 p.m.
Gator Talk Live Broadcast with Gators Football Head Coach Billy Napier and Quarterback Graham Mertz at the Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Thursday, November 2, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday Street Legal Madness Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Friday, November 3, 6 p.m.
Gators Volleyball vs. Tennessee at Exactech Arena
Friday, November 3, 7 p.m.
Fall Bracket Bash Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, November 4, 8 a.m.
Gators Baseball Doubleheader Scrimmage vs. Stetson at Condron Family Ballpark
Sunday, November 5, 2 p.m.
Gators Volleyball vs. Kentucky at Exactech Arena
Sunday, November 5, 3 p.m.
Gators Women’s Basketball vs. University of North Florida at Exactech Arena
Monday, November 6, 5:30 p.m.
Gators Men’s Basketball vs. Loyola Maryland at Exactech Arena
Monday, November 6, 8 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Thursday, November 2, 3 p.m.Monday, November 6, 10 a.m.
Free Timed 5K Costume Party at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, November 4, 7:30 a.m.
Living History Saturday at Morningside Nature Center
Saturday, November 4, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Ranger-Led Tour at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, November 4, 10 a.m.
Yoga at Devils Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, November 4, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Writers’ Talk with John Hemingway at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
Saturday, November 4, 1:30 p.m.
Sunrise Hike on La Chua Trail at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Sunday, November 5, 7 p.m. – 8 p.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
Los Carpinteros and the Meaning of Beauty at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, November 2, 6 p.m.
Tot Time: Museum Moves at the Harn Museum of Art
Friday, November 3, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Florida’s Heritage Gardening (Sweetwater Symposium Series) at the Matheson History Museum
Saturday, November 4, 4 p.m.
Go Behind-the-Scenes with a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer at the new Exhibit “Tom Petty: Among the Wildflowers”
Open Now through December 31, Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
811 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Tom Petty: Among the Wildflowers explores the joys, pains, and creative awakenings that Gainesville native Tom Petty experienced while pouring his soul into his magnum opus, Wildflowers, released in November 1994. The exhibit includes artifacts previously on display at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Explore three unique aspects of the Wildflowers creative process: songwriting, recording, and reception and delivery. The exhibit runs through December 31.
Save The Date
Tu Fiesta RadioFestival 2023, November 11
Swallowtail Farm Dinner Experience with Chef Phil-Bailey Anderson, November 11
42nd Annual Downtown Festival and Art Show in Downtown Gainesville, November 18-19
A Very GNV Holiday Parade, Dance Party and Holiday Light Celebration, December 2
O’Connell Center Craft Show, December 2-3
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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