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The below information was accurate at the time of publishing. Please contact organizers directly to double-check details.
Cheer on Gators Football at the Orange & Blue Game
Thursday, April 13, 7:30 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
157 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville, FL 32611
The Orange and Blue game is the annual spring competition for the Florida Gators. The football players split into two teams, the orange team and the blue team, for an exciting gameday experience, complete with referees, the UF marching band and a stadium full of fans.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. but get there early for gameday fun. The pregame Fan Fest starts on the North Lawn at 4:30 p.m. Cheer on the team as they arrive at the stadium for Gator Walk at 5 p.m. Learn more at FloridaGators.com
Explore the Poetry and the Spoken Word with Workshops, Events, Guest Speakers, Youth Activities and More at the Bard and BroadsidePoetry Festival
Thursday, April 13 – Sunday, April 16 | Multiple Venues
Inspiration and motivation is just around the corner with the Bard and Broadside Poetry Festival. The schedule of events includes open mics, poetry workshops, Shakespeare in the Park and features John Murillo, author of the poetry collections, Up Jump the Boogie and Kontemporary Amerikan Poetry.
Watch an interview with E. Stanley Richardson and learn more about the festival here. View the complete schedule of events at ArtSpeaksGNV.com. Admission is free.
Bard and Broadside is organized by ARTSPEAKSgnv Inc., a literary organization founded by Alachua County Poet Laureate E. Stanly Richardson bringing “Poetry and People Together.” Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Stamp Your Museum Nights Passport on a Super-Sized Block pARTy
Thursday, April 13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | UF Cultural Plaza
3259 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Take part in art-making and educational activities at the Harn Museum of Art, Florida Museum of Natural History and UF Phillips Center. Pick up your event passport at the Information Tent, take free swag and participate in pop-up activities happening inside and outside of each venue.
The Harn features current exhibits, presentations from the Bard and Broadside Poetry Festival, traditional and modern dance and more. Discover “Spider Stories,” create art and take part in a spider dance-off at the Florida Museum of Natural History and stop by the UF Phillips Center to learn about upcoming performances.
Go Upstage at the Phillips Center with Love Canon for Reimagined Pop Hits
Friday, April 14, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
UpStage at the Phillips Center transforms the main stage into an intimate cabaret-style setting with tables, chairs and a cash bar. 7 p.m. seatings include heavy hors d’oeuvres and 9 p.m. seatings include desserts.
Love Canon takes you back in time to the 1980’s and 1990’s with their acoustic-roots takes on electro pop classics from Peter Gabriel, Billy Joel, Depeche Mode and more.
Find Your Way Through a Thrilling and Dramatic Storm with William Shakespeare’s The Tempest
Friday, April 14 – Saturday, April 15, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | The Historic Thomas Center
302 NE 6th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Acrosstown Repertory Theatre presents The Tempest inside The Historic Thomas Center as part of the Bard and Broadside Poetry Festival. See the story of Prospero, the betrayed Duke of Milan, and his quest for revenge. Using magic, Prospero shipwrecks the King of Naples and produces a self-aware play-within-a-play on a deserted island. Admission is free.
Discover the Power of Poetry at The Poetics of Resistance in Gainesville and the States
Friday, April 14, 7 p.m. | Matheson History Museum
513 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
As part of the Bard and Broadside Poetry Festival, join Alejandro Aguirre for a workshop exploring the place of poetry in response to a history of segregation. Following a discussion of examples from Natasha Trethewey, Rowan Ricardo Phillips, and Jericho Brown, visitors will compose a collaborative poem via “exquisite corpse,” a technique invented by the surrealists. Guests will leave the workshop with a new poem of resistance to recite and share. Admission is free with registration.
The Gainesville Orchestra Presents Meredith Willson’s The Music Man
Friday, April 14 – Saturday, April 15, 7:30 p.m. | Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
3000 NW 83rd St E-127, Gainesville, FL 32606
Winners of 5 Tony Awards, Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man enjoys a 60-year legacy of drawing crowds in a musical celebration of community. The Gainesville Orchestra welcomes guest Broadway artists collaborating with local actors to recreate the River City, Iowa setting and classic songs including “76 Trombones,” “Till there was You” and “Goodnight My Someone.” Friday night’s performance is sold out. Find tickets for Saturday online.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Hipp Hipp Hooray! Join the Hippodrome Theatre for its 50th Birthday
Saturday, April 15, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Hippodrome Theatre
25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601
It’s a birthday celebration and you’re invited! Walk through the doors at “The Hipp” and celebrate the past, present and future. Since its inception in 1973, the Hippodrome Theatre – one of Alachua County’s central cultural institutions – has pushed storytelling boundaries with productions like Equus, The Elephant Man, Amadeus, The Royal and The Mountaintop. Fast forward to 2023 and the Hippodrome produces a year-round schedule of educational programs, art house films, gallery exhibitions, special events in addition to its mainstage performances.
Explore each area of the theatre showcasing history, current programming and get a glimpse behind the inner workings of the Hippodrome. Join artists and community partners outside for a street celebration.
Explore the Zoo and Celebrate Earth Day at Party for the Planet: Spring into Action
Saturday, April 15 – Sunday, April 16, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
3000 NW 83 St. Building Z, Gainesville, FL 32606
Find fun activities throughout the zoo including games, crafts, keeper talks, training demonstrations, animal encounters and more. Enjoy music by Elio Piedra and delicious food from Mayflower Food Truck on both days. Learn more and view the daily schedule online.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Experience a Crossover of Hip Hop, Street Culture and Circus Performers at The Big Sho’
Saturday, April 15, 3 p.m. – 2 a.m. | Celebrations Warehouse
317 NE 35 Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
Explore the festival grounds for live music stages, circus stages, eclectic DJ sets, game booths, food vendors, fashion show, art installations and more. Parking around the event venue is limited and The Big Sho’ recommends rideshare services or the Big Blue Bus providing trips from How Bazar in downtown Gainesville to the venue.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Expand Your Awareness of Florida’s Most Important Natural Resource at The Water State Festival
Saturday, April 15, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Depot Park
874 SE 4th St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The water-themed festival features mermaids, arts and crafts vendors, outdoor experiences and equipment on display from adventure outfitters and live entertainment. During the festival, step inside the Cade Museum with free admission for The State of Water Juried Art Exhibition.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Stroll Through the High Springs Artwalk and Discover Art, Artists and Makers Throughout the Charming Downtown
Saturday, April 15, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Downtown High Springs
Historic downtown High Springs hosts over 15 artists and makers. See art demonstrations, browse eclectic shops and dine at local cafes and restaurants. View new mural installations from the recent Walldogs Dive Into High Springs Festival. After Artwalk, head to Lanza Gallery for the Santa Fe Springs Plein Air Paintout reception.
Meet Artists and View Artwork Inspired by the Springs at the Santa Fe Springs Plein Air Paintout
Saturday, April 15, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Lanza Gallery and Art Supplies
23645 W US Hwy. 27, High Springs, FL 32643
19 artists visit local waterways and create paintings based on what they see. View the finished works exhibit reception on Saturday night or visit the artists in action during select public observation days. Artists visit Gilchrist Blue Springs on Thursday and O’Leno State Park on Friday. Maps and paintout information is available to pick up at Lanza Gallery and Art Supplies in High Springs.
Be Uplifted with World Music from Five-Time Grammy Award-Winner Angélique Kidjo
Tuesday, April 18, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME Magazine, Angélique Kidjo is a creative force with 16 albums to her name. Singing in multiple languages, her music crosses international borders with the common theme of unity. Angélique Kidjo was recognized as laureate of the prestigious 2023 Polar Music Prize and is scheduled to receive the award in front of the Swedish Royal Family on May 23.
Don’t Miss the Rise of “The Dreams” at the Final Weekend of the Tony Award-Winning Musical Dreamgirls
Now through Sunday, April 16 | Gainesville Community Playhouse
A young female singing trio from Chicago get their big break at an amateur competition and attempt to make it in the entertainment business. Gospel, R&B, pop and disco provide a backdrop for the tumultuous rise to fame with themes of ambition, hope and betrayal.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
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Pop-Up Markets
Handmade and Vintage Vendors at the Pop-Up Evening Market at The AUK Market
Friday, April 14, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Camellias, Azaleas, Heirloom Vegetables and More at the Spring Plant Sale at Wilmot Botanical Gardens
Friday, April 14, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, April 15, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Food, Drinks, Raffles and More at Roots Plant Studio’s 2nd Birthday
Sunday, April 16, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
See a Murder Mystery Unfold at the Stage Production of Death By Chocolate at High Springs Playhouse
Now through Sunday, April 30
Members of the newly renovated Meadowbrook Health Resort are dropping like flies, including famed chef Edith Chiles. It’s up to John Stone, the manager, to find the cause and the murderer. Delightfully sarcastic and cynical, Stone finds himself teaming up with mystery writer and amateur sleuth Ed Parlor in a wacky race against time. The clues point to a sinister box of chocolates, and the suspects include all the outlandish characters working for the resort.
Storytelling Meetup with Self Narrate at The Bull
Thursday, April 13, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Blood at the Root at UF Constans Theatre
Friday, April 14 – Sunday, April 23
Sun Country Dance Theatre’s 15th Anniversary Spring Youth Concert Featuring “Alice’s Adventures” at UF Phillips Center
Sunday, April 16, 2:30 p.m.
Events & Festivals
Citrus Cup Morgan Show at Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Friday, April 14 – Saturday, April 15
Adventure Knife Blacksmithing Workshop at [Fe]ver Metal Art Center
Saturday, April 15, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, April 16, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Tracing Your Ancestors Workshop at Kanapaha Church
Saturday, April 15, 1 p.m.
European Food, Music, Kids Activities and More at Viva Europe at Bo Diddley Plaza
April 15, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Poetic Kilns Festival Night at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
Saturday, April 15, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
(sold out) Hatchet Blacksmithing Workshop at Crooked Path Forge
Sunday, April 16
Figure Drawing in the Parks at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
Sunday, April 16, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cyanotype Photo Workshop with Cindy Steiler at The AUK Market
Sunday, April 16, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Music & Performance
Alt-County with Uncle Mosie at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, April 13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Occitan Language Vocals and Percussion with San Salvador UpStage at the UF Phillips Center
Thursday, April 13, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Jazz Night with The Oak Duo at 4th Ave Food Park
Friday, April 14, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
High Energy Bluegrass with Boilin’ Oil at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, April 14, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Award-Winning Guitarist Gareth Pearson with Special Guest Taylor Roberts at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, April 14, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Solo Artist and Frontwoman of Against Me! Laura Jane Grace at High Dive
Friday, April 14, 8 p.m.
Rock with Palomino Blond at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, April 14, 8 p.m.
UF Percussion Festival Closing Concert at University Auditorium
Saturday, April 15, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Folk with Tim Barry and Special Guests Rancho La Chua and Johnathan Coody at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, April 15, 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
(sold out) Country with Megan Moroney at High Dive
Saturday, April 15, 7 p.m.
UF Jazz Band Concert at University Auditorium
Saturday, April 15, 7:20 p.m. – 8:20 p.m.
Pop Punk and Emo Night at Vivid Music Hall
Saturday, April 15, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
(sold out) Violin with Risa Hokamura at Squitieri Studio Theatre
Sunday, April 16, 2 p.m.
Carillon Concert with Guest Artist Alex Johnson at Century Tower
Sunday, April 16, 1:55 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Pop Punk EP Release with Signs of Progress at Loosey’s Downtown
Sunday, April 16, 4 p.m.
Indie Pop with Hovvdy at High Dive
Sunday, April 16, 6 p.m.
Blues Legend Chris Cain with ShebaThe Mississippi Queen & The Bluesmen at Heartwood Soundstage
Sunday, April 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Harpist and Songwriter Timbre with Bohemian Sunshine at Heartwood Soundstage
Monday, April 17, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
UF Choir Concert at University Auditorium
Tuesday, April 18, 7:20 p.m. – 8:20 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Andrew Harvey at Lightnin’ Salvage
Wednesday, April 19, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Craft Breweries
DJ City Baby at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, April 14, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Delirium Black Belgian Ale Friday with Companion Pizza from Strega Nona’s Oven at Blackadder Brewing Company
Friday, April 14, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday Night Jam with Nick DeCarlis Trio at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, April 14, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Bat Appreciation Day with Lubee Bat Conservancy at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, April 15, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
U-Pick Sunflowers at The Bryer Patch
Friday, April 14 – Sunday, April 16, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
U-Pick Blueberries at Santa Fe Blueberries
Open Daily, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
U-Pick Blueberries at Aunt Zelma’s Blueberries
Friday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Grand Opening of U-Pick Blueberries at Straughn Farms in Archer
Saturday, April 15 – Sunday, April 16, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Live Music and Farm Tours at Frog Song Organics Spring Festival
Saturday, April 15, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Grove Street Farmers Market with Live Music
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Archer Farmers Market Spring Plant Sale at Archer Historical Society Railroad Museum
Tuesday, March 7, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
GNV Market at South Main Station Featuring Live Music
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
High Springs Farmers Market
Fridays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Alachua County Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Newberry Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Haile Village Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Waldo Farmers Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bites and Brunch
Now Open: Coffee and Homemade Baked Goods at Colsie Coffee in High Springs
(sold out) Making Ravioli Pasta Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Thursday, April 13, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, April 13, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask
Thursday, April 13, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Family Fun Day at Charlie’s Snow Shack
Saturday, April 15, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday Brunch with Eddy’s Patty at Bragging Rights
Sunday, April 16, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Intro to Wine Course at Beaker and Flask Wine Bar
Sunday, April 16, 5 p.m.
Sports
Gators Track and Field Tom Jones Memorial
Friday, April 14 – Saturday, April 15
Gators Men’s Tennis vs. Kentucky at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Friday, April 14, 5 p.m.
Gators Softball vs. Georgia at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
Friday, April 14, 6 p.m.Saturday, April 15, 2 p.m.Sunday, April 16, 12 p.m.
Gators Baseball vs. Georgia at Condron Family Ballpark
Friday, April 14, 7 p.m.Saturday, April 15, 7 p.m.Sunday, April 16, 1 p.m.
Gators Lacrosse vs. East Carolina at Donald R. Dizney Stadium
Saturday, April 15, 12 p.m.
Gators Softball vs. USF at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
Wednesday, April 19, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Premier Girls Fastpitch Gatorball Softball Tournament at Champions Park
Saturday, April 15 – Sunday, April 16
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, April 14, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Spring Box/No Box Bracket Bash Drag Racing at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, April 15, 8 a.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Ongoing, Check for Availability
Thursday, April 13, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, April 18, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Sunrise Ranger Hike at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Friday, April 14, 7:20 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Free Timed 5K at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, April 1, 7:30 a.m.
Birding Field Trip with Alachua Audubon Society at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Bolen Bluff Trail
Saturday, April 15, 8 a.m.
Nature Day Festival at Little Orange Creek Nature Park
Saturday, April 15, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Rim Ramble Ranger-Led Adventure at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Firefly Encounter at O’Leno State Park
Saturday, April 15, 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
5th Annual Pup Ruck 5K at Jonesville Park
Sunday, April 16, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, April 19, 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
River & Springs
Paddle 8 Springs in 8 Miles or Slowly Float Down the Santa Fe River at Poe Springs Park with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures
Friday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Float or Splash Into Freshwater Springs
North Florida is home to the largest collection of first-magnitude springs in the United States.
Museums & Galleries
The State of Water Juried Art Exhibition at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Thursday, April 13 – Sunday, April 30
Free admission during The State of Water Festival, Saturday, April 15
Weekend Tours at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, April 15, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
UF BFA Graduate Exhibitions at GFAA
Now through Saturday, April 22
Now on View at the Harn Museum of Art: Posing Beauty in African American Culture at the Harn Museum of Art
Tuesdays – Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Fridays – Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Posing Beauty in African American Culture explores the ways in which African and African American beauty has been represented in historical and contemporary contexts through a diverse range of media including photography, video, fashion and advertising.
Get Up Close and Explore the World of Arachnids at Spiders Alive! at the Florida Museum of Natural History
With more than a dozen live species from around the world, the new exhibit dives into the world of spiders, scorpions and their relatives. Featured animals on display include the Asian Forest Scorpion, Brazilian Red and White Tarantula, Southern Black Widow, Wolf Spider and more. Go hands-on with large touchable models revealing a closer look at spider anatomy. Plan your visit online.
Photo courtesy Florida Museum / Jeff Gage
Discover a Unique African American Culture at Gullah Geechee – African Connections and Cultural Traditions in America at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
Open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Save The Date
British MG GOF (Gathering of the Faithful) Car Show, April 22
Earth Day at Cuscowilla, April 22
Going Broque Baroque Music Extravaganza, April 22
Think Global, Eat Local International Festival, April 22
GLAM Craft Show, April 23
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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