Wear your mask and stay at safe physical distances while you enjoy the most of each day. Please adhere to public safety guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Be safe and be well,
– Your partners at Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
The below information was accurate at the time of publishing. Due to the current fluctuating environment, please contact organizers directly to double-check details.
Safety First. Be Informed About COVID19
In Alachua County, masks or face coverings are required when social distancing is not possible. For additional Coronavirus (COVID-19) information, visit the Alachua County COVID19 Community Resource Portal, the Alachua County Facebook page, call the Coronavirus Information Line at 866-779-6121, visit the Florida Department of Health website, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Enjoy the Open Air and that Indie Vibe with Fan Favorites, Flipturn, Live at Heartwood
Friday, April 16 – Saturday, April 17 (sold out), Sunday, April 18, 4 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Featured in BMI’s Spring Indie Spotlight, Flipturn returns to Gainesville for three consecutive days of shows before touring the Southeast. Admission for Friday and Saturday is sold out. Get tickets for Sunday’s live outdoor performance. Heartwood Soundstage is a state-of-the-art recording studio, video production facility, intimate performance venue with an outdoor music stage – built by musicians for music lovers and music makers. Photo by Fabian Fernandez.
Get Inspired by an Evening of Powerful Music on Stage at Blues in the Night
Friday, April 16 – Sunday, April 25 | Star Center Theatre
11 NE 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
The Star Center Theatre hosts 26 songs that tell the experiences three women have with a lying, cheating snake of a man. With little spoken text, the interweaving stories are defined through glorious songs from Bessie Smith to Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen, Alberta Hunter and more. Music featured in Blues in the Night tells the pain and misery of life and love — and also of the dogged determination to get through it all — that is the essence of the blues. Find tickets online.
🚨🚨🚨Ticket Giveaway Alert: Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation hosts a Spring Safari Open House on April 24. Don’t miss your chance for FREE TICKETS to Meet 100 Rare Animals.
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation is located on 275 acres of lush Florida woods and farmland. It’s home to approximately 30 rare and endangered species and over 100 animals. The personality-filled residents have made Carson Springs top-ranked on Trip Advisor and a 2020 Traveler’s Choice. Learn more at CarsonSpringsWildlife.org.
Enter to win free admission for two to the Saturday, April 24 Open House by emailing info@visitgainesville.com with the subject line “Carson Springs” and the animal you are most excited to see. Entries accepted through 9 a.m. on Monday, April 19. Multiple will be randomly selected and notified by email on Tuesday, April 20.
Start Sipping! Tap into the Gainesville and Alachua County Craft Beer Scene
As Florida weather heats up, Gainesville and Alachua County’s award-winning craft breweries offer the perfect oasis to cool off with ice-cold craft beer, live entertainment and a taste of local culture.
Find the county’s most comprehensive and searchable list of area hotels and restaurants at visitgainesville.com
Learn about our lodging partner’s commitment to a safe stay for all who visit, work and live in Alachua County at Safe Stay Pledge.
Quench Your Thirst for Conservation – Pick Up Local Craft Beer and Help Plant Trees at Tree Fest 2021 Drive-Thru
Sunday, April 18, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Swamp Head Brewery
3650 SW 42nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Each year, to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day, Swamp Head Brewery host Tree Fest to plant trees. For every can sold, Swamp Head Brewery, Solar Impact and Alachua Conservation Trust will plant a tree. Two trees will be planted for sales of Tree Fest Kolsch. Online sales begin here on Sunday, April 18 at 10 a.m., including single can sales.
For a Uniquely Gainesville Experience, Stop by the Historic UF Century Tower for the 61-Bell Carillon Studio Recital
Friday, April 16, 6 p.m. | Century Tower
375 Newell Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Century Tower is a 157-foot carillon tower in the center of the University of Florida campus featuring 61 bells. The Tower was built in 1953 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the university and was dedicated to UF students killed in World Wars I and II. For an optimal listening experience of the Ring Out Recital, find a location at least 100 feet from the tower. See safety guidelines for visitors of the University of Florida here.
In addition to the recital, add to your campus visit by touring other university highlights. The UF Cultural Plaza features exhibits at the Harn Museum of Art and Florida Museum of Natural History. See where the Gators play at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. At sunset, witness the emergence of thousands of bats at the UF Bat Houses.
Make Discoveries of Florida’s Ancient Past, Visit with Some of Nature’s Slowest Creatures and Walk through a Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Located in UF’s Cultural Plaza, the museum’s latest exhibit “Survival of the Slowest” showcases survival adaptations from nature’s slowest, smallest and weakest creatures. The Butterfly Rainforest houses hundreds of butterflies in a tropical rainforest setting with daily butterfly releases. Permanent exhibits include Florida’s Fossil Hall. Admission is free. See safety guidelines and plan your visit here.
Let the Melodies and Maladies Move You at the Critically Acclaimed Tony Award-Winning Broadway Musical Fun Home
Friday, April 9 – Sunday, April 25 | Gainesville Community Playhouse
4039 NW 16th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605
When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Fun Home is a refreshingly honest musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. The original Broadway production won five Tony Awards including Best New Musical. Note this show is rated PG-13. Buy tickets at www.gcplayhouse.org.
Laugh Out Loud at Hallelujah Girls
Now through Sunday, April 25 | High Springs Playhouse
23416 W Hwy 27, High Springs, FL 32643
Hilarity abounds when five southern belles decide to turn an abandoned church into a day spa. A sixth Belle wants it for her own private museum. The laughs are non-stop as the women compete, and then the secret in the church basement just adds to the hilarity. This show contains adult-oriented themes and dialogue that may be inappropriate for young viewers.
Live Music Returns to Loosey’s with Matt Woods
Friday, April 16, 7 p.m. | Loosey’s Downtown Gainesville
120 SW 1st Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Loosey’s welcomes back live music with a free performance on the patio with country music and Americana from Matt Woods, Marshal Patrick, Quincy Allen Flint and Kyle Keller.
Chase Clues around Gainesville at the GNV Scavenger Hunt Saturday, April 17, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention
811 S Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601
The scavenger hunt celebrates the Senior Class of 2021 and is open to everyone. Check-in starts at the Cade Museum and includes great stops along the way around Gainesville. Prizes for 1st-3rd place and best dressed.
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Earth Day
Passport to the Preserves
Saturday, April 10 – Monday, May 3
In celebration of Earth Day, visit the new Turkey Creek Preserve, Barr Hammock Preserve or one or several Alachua County Nature Preserves between April 10 – May 1. Fill out this web form for an entry to win an Earth Day celebration prize. Stay tuned to the Alachua County Facebook Page for a Passport to the Preserves post and submit your favorite nature preserve photo in the comments section for another opportunity to win. To participate and learn more, visit Alachua County Environmental Protection website, or contact Hollie Greer at 352-264-6827.
Arts & Theatre
Marian: The True Story of Robin Hood by the Buchholz Players Streaming Online
Thursday, April 15 – Saturday, April 17
Forge Your Own BBQ Set on Saturday or Snake Bracelet on Sunday at a Blacksmithing Workshop at [Fe]ver Metal Art Center
Saturday, April 17, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, April 18, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Register for location
Paint a Mug Workshop at the AUK Market
Sunday, April 18, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sunshine State Book Festival Online with Keynote Speakers Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal, Coauthors of the NAACP Image Award Nominated I’m Not Dying with You Tonight
Now through June 30
Pop-Up Markets
Pop-Up on the Porch at Artisans’ Guild Gallery
Sunday, April 18, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Florida Vintage Market at Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
Sunday, April 18, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Music & Performance
Soft Rock Duo Richy and Chelsea at One Love Cafe
Thursday, April 15, 6 p.m.
Comedy Show and Open Mic at Flaco’s
Thursday, April 15, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Alternative Rock with The Remedy at One Love Cafe
Friday, April 16, 6 p.m.
Classic Rock with Doc Adams at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, April 16, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Smooth Country Rock with TJ Brown at the Pink Flamingo Diner
Friday, April 16, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
80’s Rock with Headrush at Mother’s Pub & Grill North Gainesville
Friday, April 16, 8 p.m. – 11:45 p.m.
Pop Hits with Dylan Schehr at 4th Avenue Food Park
Friday, April 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country Music with Austin Hunter and Jared Cook at High Dive
Friday, April 16, 8 p.m.
Dunce Party at 4th Avenue Food Park
Saturday, April 17, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Singer Songwriter George Gomez at One Love Cafe
Saturday, April 17, 12 p.m.
Motown, Classic Rock and Swing with Swing Theory at One Love Cafe
Saturday, April 17, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock and Blues with Terraplane at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, April 17, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Acoustic Songs with Miguel Miranda at the Pink Flamingo Diner
Saturday, April 17, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Rock, Ska and Punk with Neverless, Red Letter Day, Thomas Allain and the Late Night at High Dive
Saturday, April 17, 8 p.m.
Rock Music with Southern Burn at Mother’s Pub & Grill North
Saturday, April 17, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Jazz and Blues with Middleground at One Love Cafe
Sunday, April 18, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Country Rock with Scotty Lee Williams at Mother’s Pub & Grill North
Sunday, April 18, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Classic Rock with Moondog at One Love Cafe
Sunday, April 18, 5 p.m.
Country Favorites with Sounds Unlimited at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Sunday, April 18, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Southern Rock with Houston Keen at the Pink Flamingo Diner
Sunday, April 18, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country Music with Adam Calhoun Live at Knockin’ Boots Saloon
Sunday, April 18, 7 p.m.
Live Jams with Nico and Rafhu at 4th Avenue Food Park
Tuesday, April 20, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Bottomless Mimosas Brunch at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m.
Yoga with Little Goats at High Springs Brewery
Saturday, April 17, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Bat Appreciation Day at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, April 17, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Beer Yoga with Kori Brooks at High Springs Brewing Company
Monday, April 19, 6 p.m.
A Live Stand-Up Comedy Event at Blackadder Brewing Company
Monday, April 19, 7 p.m.
Tension Tamer Tuesday at Blackadder Brewing Company
Tuesday, April 20, 4:20 p.m.
Beer Bingo Tuesdays at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Tuesday, April 20, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Brainaholics Trivia at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, April 20, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Cornhole Tourney at High Springs Brewing Company
Wednesday, April 21, 6:30 p.m.
Team Trivia at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, April 21, 6 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmer’s Markets
U-Pick Blueberries at Aunt Zelma’s Blueberries (Check Facebook for Updates)
Saturday, April 17
U-Pick Blueberries at Wacahoota Farms
Saturday, April 17
Organic Strawberry and Food Market at Frog Song Organics
Sunday, April 18, 2 p.m.
U-Pick Strawberries at Roger’s Farm
Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cypress & Grove Farmer’s Market
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
GNV Market at Heartwood Soundstage
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
High Springs Farmer’s Market
Fridays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Newberry Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Alachua County Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Haile Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Waldo Farmer’s Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bites & Brunch
Now Open: Prime & Pearl
Enjoy perfect pairings with 45-day dry-aged steaks, fresh oysters on the half shell, flavor-cloud-infused cocktails and more. View the menu and make reservations at PrimeandPearl.com
Biscotti Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Wednesday, April 21, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Dine at Local Restaurants, Enjoy Outdoor Seating or Grab a Meal To-Go
Dine-in or take advantage of additional outdoor seating expanded onto sidewalks like “GNV Commons” in downtown Gainesville.
Did you know that our dining scene regularly makes national headlines? Find out why We Chomp with the best of them!
Find a searchable list of Alachua County restaurants here.
Sports
Funtastic Fridays at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, April 16
Drag Racing at 352 Shootout at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m.
USSSA Baseball Tournament at Champions Park
Saturday, April 17 – Sunday, April 18
Spider Cup at Easton Newberry Archery Center
The Spider Cup Series was created to entice shooters to compete in the different disciplines of archery. There are six separate tournaments, held on a bimonthly basis, that will decide the overall champions for the year. The idea is to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere, while also giving archers a chance to feel the thrill of competition. Spectators welcome.
Sunday, April 17, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Trek Through Trails: Top 5 Family-Friendly and Dog-Friendly Hikes
Spending time in nature has been proven to benefit the mind, body and spirit, so round up the kids, find the dog, or go solo and reacquaint yourself with the outdoors on Alachua County’s nature trails.
Race at Your Own Pace at the 2021 Swamp Otter Solo and Virtual 5K at Little Orange Creek Preserve
Join Alachua Conservation Trust for the 2021 Swamp Otter Virtual 5K & Solo Run hosted by the City of Hawthorne and Friends of Little Orange Creek. Between April 9-30, 2021, participants can register and run or walk on a pre-marked course at the scenic Little Orange Creek Preserve.
Barnyard Buddies at Morningside Nature Center
Wednesday, April 21, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., registration required
River & Springs
Swim Into the Freshwater Springs and Experience Nature Near Gainesville
The springs are a perfect way to get outside and explore the untouched natural side of Florida. Did you know North Florida is home to over 1,000 freshwater springs? The water flows crystal clear at 72 degrees all year round so make a splash on your Gainesville and Alachua County itinerary.
Museums & Galleries
Family Day at Home with the Harn Museum of Art: Captivating Creatures
Saturday, April 17
Embark on an animal adventure and explore the fascinating and fierce creatures on display in Everyday to the Extraordinary: Highlights from the Korean Collection. Uncover these animals’ special powers and unique appearances then discover how you can create your own magnificent creatures using shapes and poetry. Download a free activity guide at the Harn at Home web area on this day or pick up a free Family Day art kit, while supplies last.
Museum in the Parks: Plants at San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park
Monday, April 19, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Gainesville Fine Arts Association Member Spotlights Exhibition at GFAA Gallery
Open Tuesday – Friday 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Student Exhibitions at GFAA Gallery
Tuesday, April 13 – Saturday, April 17, The Silence Helps the Flowers Grow by Hannah Banciella
Master of Fine Arts Candidates Exhibition II
Now through Friday, April 23, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Trailblazers: 150 Years of Alachua County Women at the Matheson History Museum
Open Fridays-Saturday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Florida Landmarks and Scenic Coastlines are Depicted Across Nearly 170 Paintings, Watercolors and Drawings at “A Florida Legacy: Gift of Samuel H. and Roberta T. Vickers” at the Harn Museum of Art
Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m – 5 p.m.
See Live Animals in the Survival of the Slowest Exhibit at the Florida Museum
Open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Spark Wonder at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Open Friday-Sunday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Glacial Waste: Socially Distanced and Socially Responsible Exhibit at Black C Art Gallery
Now through April 17, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Spring Showcase at Firehouse Gallery
Open Thursday – Friday, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Save The Date
Joseph Allen (America’s Got Talent), April 21
Top Golf Live at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, April 22-25
MAM Concert Series Southern Rock and Country, April 23-25
The Gainesville Orchestra Presents POPS, April 24
GLAM Craft Show, April 25
44th Annual Pioneer Days Festival, April 24-25
40th Birthday Party for “Henry” the Indian Rhino at Carson Springs Wildlife, May 14
Newberry Watermelon Festival, May 15
Cool Cars Under the Starsat Waldo City Square, May 22
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
Thank you for your continued partnership! Please keep in communication with us by sharing your events, updates and news with our team by emailing info@visitgainesville.com.
Your participation, communication, and sharing of events and programs is a key way for us to market our community to visitors and to enhance the engagement of residents in all of the incredible programs you create.
Put simply, the more you share with us, the more we have to promote. Please read the attached PDF document for additional ways in which your organization can participate.
Visit Gainesville, Alachua County | (352) 374-5260 | 33 North Main Street, Gainesville 32601 Never miss an event: Follow Visit Gainesville, Alachua County on social media.
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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