Fill your Halloween weekend with plenty of treats with What’s Good. Florida’s oldest inland town hosts nearly 200 artists, crafters and food vendors at the 48th Micanopy Fall Festival on Saturday and Sunday. Downtown Gainesville transforms with thousands of music fans for FEST 21.
Discover the many uses of “Florida Cranberry” at the Frog Song Organics Roselle Festival.
Dance Alive National Ballet presents one of the most famous ballet love stories with Swan Lake. Go trick or treating on Main Street Alachua and scare up a good time at Scarecrow Road in Newberry.
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.
Stroll Under the Live Oaks and Find Family-Friendly Fun at the 48th Micanopy Fall Festival
Saturday, October 28, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, October 29, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cholokka Boulevard in Micanopy
Florida’s oldest inland town hosts nearly 200 regional artists, crafters and food vendors. The main stage by the gazebo hosts a variety of good time music throughout the festival. Saturday afternoon, participate in an auction of items donated by participating vendors. Grab a bite at a food vendor or at a Micanopy café or restaurant.
Get Ready to Rock with Music Fans from Around the World at FEST 21
Friday, October 27 – Sunday, October 29 | Multiple Venues
Downtown Gainesville transforms for 3 days as 350 independent bands and thousands of fans fill multiple indoor and outdoor venues for one of the most beloved DIY music festivals in all of Florida. Headliners include Thursday, Descendents and Less Than Jake. A special ceremony presents lead singer of Against Me, punk rock music and LGBTQ+ Icon Laura Jane Grace,with the Key to Gainesville. 3-day weekend passes are sold out. See the full band lineup and find limited single venue tickets online.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Discover the Many Uses of “Florida Cranberry” at the Frog Song Organics Farm Roselle Festival
Saturday, October 28 | Frog Song Organics
4317 NE US 301, Hawthorne, FL 32640
Roselle plants are native to West Africa and grown around the world. The calyx from the flower is edible and used to make teas, jams and sauces. Learn about the seasonal harvest and uses for the plant. Enjoy live music, farm tours, cooking demos, u-pick and more at Frog Song Organics Farm.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Find Artistic Treats on the Self-Guided Tour of the Local Art Scene at Artwalk Gainesville
Friday, October 27, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Multiple Locations
Start your tour at Gainesville Fine Arts Association for the centennial exhibition: 100 Years of Art and join Sequential Artists Workshop for art making. Enjoy live music and a costume contest with Halloween-themed creations at Artisans’ Guild Gallery. View Ashley Taraban’s new series of oil paintings “Resplendent Waters” with musical performances from the Gainesville Gong Chamber. Preview art venues and download a map online.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Experience Musical and Artistic Landscapes Take Shape as the Gainesville Orchestra Presents “Carnival of the Animals”
Friday, October 27, 7 p.m. | The Gainesville Women’s Club
2809 W University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32607
Join the fun in an animal costume as the Gainesville Orchestra and Gainesville Fine Arts Association present a whimsical evening of orchestral music and live painting with artists from the Gainesville Fine Arts Association. French composer Camille Saint-Saëns forbid the public performance of the humorous and fantastical “Carnival of the Animals” during his lifetime as it could damage his reputation as a serious composer. Now it’s one of his most famous arrangements.
Go on a Hair-Raising Sonic Journey with the Annual UF Carillon and Organ Halloween Performance
Friday, October 27, 7:20 p.m. | University Auditorium and Century Tower
375 Newell Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
The University of Florida Carillon Studio musicians present a special Halloween themed performance. Begin inside the “Haunted Auditorium” with the eerie sounds of the organ pipes. Then venture outside for the chilling aura of the carillon bells. No trick, this is sure to be a treat for the whole family.
UF’s carillon is one of 4 in Florida and consists of 61 bells, housed in Century Tower, a landmark structure completed in 1956 as a memorial for students and alumni who died in World Wars. The pipe organ located in the University Auditorium was a musical landmark in its day, unveiled in 1925 with 61 ranks and 4,101 pipes.
Take Notes at the Fun and Interactive Seminar that Goes Beyond Mere Survival Tactics at How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse
Friday, October 27 – Sunday, October 29 | Hippodrome Theatre
25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601
Do you have what it takes to outwit the undead? Join medical and survival instructors at the latest class from the School of Survival. Learn the fundamentals and find out if you can pass the ultimate test or become zombie food. Content is recommended for mature audiences.
Unwind with Acoustic Hits from Thomas Anthony at Playlist at the Pointe
Friday, October 27, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave, Gainesville, FL 32608
Pull up a chair or throw down a blanket and enjoy the music after as the sun sets. Grab food, drinks and sweet treats from nearby Celebration Pointe restaurants.
Watch Drama and Grace at One of the Most Popular Ballets of All Time as Dance Alive National Ballet Presents Swan Lake
Friday, October 27, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Swan Lake is one of ballet’s most famous love stories. Follow the story of a prince’s fiancée who is transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer. Gorgeous choreography is paired with the timeless Tchaikovsky score.Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Swing Along to the Rhythm and Melody of Big Band Jazz in the Garden with the United States Navy Band
Friday, October 27, 6:30 p.m. | The Historic Thomas Center
302 NE 6th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
The Thomas Center Jazz in the Garden series features the 18-member US Navy Band Commodores performing music of jazz legends and original compositions. For over 50 years, the US Navy Band has toured the nation performing in public concerts and national ceremonies. Reserve your free ticket online.
Scare Up a Good Time at Newberry Main Street’s 2nd Annual Scarecrow Road
Saturday, October 28, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Newberry Historic District
Visit scarecrows lining the road, go trick or treating, enter the costume contest and carve pumpkins in historic downtown Newberry.Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Go Trick or Treating and Meet Animals at Boo at the Zoo!
Tuesday, October 31, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606
The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo transforms for the 27th Annual Boo at the Zoo. Trick or treat at candy stations, enjoy live entertainment, crafts and activities. Explore themes of Mario Kart, Pixie Hollow, 100 Acre Woods, A Bug’s Life, Medieval Kingdom, Jurassic Park, Pirate Treasure Hunt, and Hercules! Admission is 1 canned good. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Dog Costume Contest and Halloween Photos at Lebowski’s Pup Pub
Friday, October 27, 5 p.m.
Pop-Up Costume Sale at the Hippodrome Theatre
Saturday, October 28, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
Limón Dance Company at Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
Thursday, October 26, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Thriller with Danscompany of Gainesville at Celebration Pointe
Saturday, October 28, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Dracula Live Radio Play with UF Driveway Theatre Project at 4th Ave Food Park
Sunday, October 29, 4 p.m.
See a Tale of Revenge Unfold on Stage at Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, A Musical Thriller
New Shows Added, 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 Prom at UF Constans Theatre
Now through Sunday, October 29
Events & Festivals
4-H Open Horse Show at Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Saturday, October 28, 9 a.m.
Movie Night: Ghostbusters at Tioga Town Center
Friday, October 27, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Trunk or Treat at North Central Florida YMCA
Friday, October 27, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Pumpkins Family Stay N’ Clay Hour at Studio TM Ceramics
Saturday, October 28, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Large Garden Trellis Welding Workshop at [Fe]ver Metal Art Center
Saturday, October 28 – Sunday, October 29, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Happy Haunting at 108 Vine
Saturday, October 28, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Family-Friendly Trick or Treating at Celebration Pointe
Saturday, October 28, 6 p.m.
Trick or Treat on Main Street Alachua
Saturday, October 28, 6 p.m.
Bike and Car Show at High Springs Lions Club
Saturday, October 28, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
UF Chemistry Molecular Mania at The Oaks Mall
Saturday, October 28, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Trick or Treat at Tioga Town Center
Tuesday, October 31, 8 p.m.
Newberry Cornfield Maze and Haunted House
Now through Saturday, October 28
Kids Costume Day and All You Can Carry Pumpkin Sale at The Bryer Patch
Saturday, October 28 – Sunday, October 29, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Crossroads Farm & Apiary Fall Festival
Now through – October 31
Peanut Patch and Corn Maze
Now through – Saturday, October 28
Hollow Oaks Corn Maze
Now through – Sunday, November 5
The Gainesville Fear Garden Presents The Haunt Lab
Now through Friday, November 3
Music & Performance
Unofficial Pre-Fest with The Slow Death, Teen Agers, Protagonist, Danny Attack and More at High Dive
Thursday, October 26, 5 p.m.
Alt Americana with Uncle Mosie at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, October 26, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Pre-Fest with The Eradicator, Shehehe and Se Vende at The Backyard at Boca Fiesta and Palomino
Thursday, October 26, 9 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Houston Keen at Pink Flamingo Diner
Friday, October 27, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Dueling Pianos with Robert Meadows and Leon Novembre at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Friday, October 27 – Saturday, October 28, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Rock with Whiskey Jones at One Love Café
Saturday, October 28, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
US Navy Band Commodores at First Baptist Church
Saturday, October 28, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
D.R. Band and Soul Fire at Clarence R. Kelly Community Center
Saturday, October 28, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Jazz with Edward White and Rafael Abdalla at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Saturday, October 28, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at the Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, October 28, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Comedian Joe Torry at the 5-Star Comedy and Jazz Event Center
Saturday, October 28, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Rock and Roll All Vinyl with DJ Halal at Baby J’s Bar
Saturday, October 28, 9 p.m.
Quasi-Fantasy: A Guest Artist Piano Recital with Dr. Yoon-Wha Roh at UF School of Music
Monday, October 30, 7:20 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Electronic Music with Zeds Dead at Vivid Warehouse Halloween Night
Tuesday, October 31, 6:30 p.m.
Jazzology at The Bull
Tuesday, October 31, 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Halloween Ritual Goth Dance Night at They Wooly
Tuesday, October 31, 10 p.m.
Blues with Albert Cummings at Heartwood Soundstage
Wednesday, November 1, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Surf Rock and Hardcore with Daikaiju and The Mermers at Loosey’s Downtown
Wednesday, November 1, 7 p.m.
Vintage Pop with Bombargo at High Dive
Wednesday, November 1, 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.
A Night(mare) with The Imbeciles at Blackadder Brewing Company
Thursday, October 26, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Costume Contests Supporting Florida State Park Rangers at the Halloween Ball at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Friday, October 27, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Halloween Party at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, October 27, 5 p.m.
Jazz with Nick Decarlis Trio at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, October 27, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter JT Collier at Swamp Head Brewery
Friday, October 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Southern Burn at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, October 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Haunted Hogtown Bike Ride with History Bike Gainesville at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Saturday, October 28, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Boos, Barks and Brews at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Sunday, October 29, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Boos and Brews! at Blackadder Brewing Company
Tuesday, October 31, 6 p.m. – 9 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
Paranormal Ghost Hunt and Delectable Treats at Teatime, Tranquility and Treasures
Friday, October 27, Sunday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 31
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, October 26, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, October 26, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Witching Hour Halloween Pop-Up Cocktail Bar at Traveler Wine Bar
Saturday, October 28, 7 p.m.
Something Wicked Halloween Event at Watershed Restaurant
Saturday, October 28, 7 p.m.
Día de los Muertos at Las Carretas Mexcian Restaurant
Saturday, October 28, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
The Vegan Link Pop-Up at HopTop Lounge
Sunday, October 29, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Sip and Savor: The Enchanting World of Vermouths, Aperitifs and Amaros at Laurel Oak Inn
Sunday, October 29, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sports
Gators Soccer Senior Night and Fall Festival vs. South Carolina at Donald R. Dizney Stadium
Thursday, October 26, 6 p.m.
Gator Talk Live Broadcast with Gators Football Coach Billy Napier at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Thursday, October 26, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gators Men’s Tennis Gator Fall Invite at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Friday, October 27 – Sunday, October 29
Gators Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving vs. Georgia at the O’Connell Center
Friday, October 27, 11 a.m.
Car Show, Halloween Fun and Drag Racing at 352 Shootout at Gainesville Raceway
Friday, October 27 – Saturday, October 28, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Halloween Archery Shoot and Costume Contest at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Saturday, October 28, 10 a.m.
Halloween No-Drop Ride on the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail with Trek Bicycles at Depot Park
Saturday, October 28, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Supernatural RC Racing at Newberry RC Park
Saturday, October 28, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Gators Volleyball vs. Arkansas at Exactech Arena
Sunday, October 29, 1 p.m.
Zero Zero Boo Halloween Pickleball Mixer at Alachua County Sports and Events Center
Sunday, October 29, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Gators Women’s Basketball Exhibition vs. Florida Southern College at Exactech Arena
Wednesday, November 1, 6 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Friday, October 27, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, October 29, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Monday, October 30, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Weekly Walk & Talk with Alachua Conservation Trust at Blues Creek Ravine Preserve
Friday, October 27, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Free Timed 5K Costume Party at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, October 28, 7:30 a.m.
Ranger-Led Tour at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, October 28, 10 a.m.
Twilight Walk to the Past at Dudley Farm Historic State Park
Saturday, October 28 – Sunday, October 29, 6:15 p.m.
River & Springs
Guided Paddle Tour of Cross Creek: The World of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings with Adventure Outpost
Tuesday, October 31, 9 a.m.
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
Wine Down with DJ Wax Atom at Art After Dark at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, October 26, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Opening Reception Vital and Veiled: Valerie Brathwaite and José Gabriel Fernández at UF Gary R. Libby University Gallery
Friday, October 27, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Kids in Costume Get in Free for a Scary Good Time at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Saturday, October 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Museum Days: Our Cuba at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, October 28, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Gem and Eye Designs Studio Grand Opening in Micanopy
Saturday, October 28 – Sunday, October 29, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Chill with Cool Dinos at the New Interactive Exhibit “Antarctic Dinosaurs” at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Now through April 21
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 Museum
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
Sycamore Lane Fall Vintage Market, November 3-4
Swallowtail Farm Dinner Experience with Chef Phil-Bailey Anderson, November 11
42nd Annual Downtown Festival and Art Show in Downtown Gainesville, November 18-19
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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