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).
Tap Your Boots to Country Music and Southern Rock with Cliff Dorsey and Jamie Davis at the Legacy Park Concert Series
Saturday, May 1, 5 p.m. | Legacy Park Amphitheatre
15400 Peggy Rd., Alachua, FL 32615
The free Legacy Park Concert Series features two bands performing on stage from the Legacy Park Amphitheatre. Spread out and set up a chair or blanket and relax at the outdoor concert featuring food trucks and vendors.
Enjoy a Day of Family-Friendly Fun at Newberry’s “Spring Fling” Festival
Saturday, May 1, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Downtown Newberry
Seaboard Dr., Newberry, FL 32669
Newberry Main Street hosts an outdoor day of food, music and craft vendors. Browse quilted hot pads from Tina’s Fiber Creations, scented candles from Daily Burn Candle Studio, custom jewelry from Gator Jewelry Girl and more. Make the most of your visit to the charming city of Newberry and browse local shops.
Meet Rescued Farm Animals at Peacefield’s Vegan Farm Tour
Sunday, May 2, 5 p.m. | Peacefield Farm Sanctuary
2220 SW 146th St., Newberry, FL 32669
Join Peacefiled Farm for an interactive and education tour that includes sharing belly rubs, brushing and treats with your new found furry farm friends. Meet the animals at Peacefield here, or see who’s making an appearance on one of the live camera feeds.
Featured in VegNews magazine as “The Most Vegan-Friendly City You Never Heard Of” Gainesville, Alachua County features mouthwatering delectable options when it comes to vegan and vegetarian dining.
There are many local restaurants that offer vegan options on their menu. And even more that offer vegetarian dishes.
Click here for our list of vegan-friendly restaurants, farmer’s markets, and farm animal sanctuaries. Also, you can sort through the delicious dining page on the Visit Gainesville, Alachua County website. If we missed any of your favorites, be sure to let us know!
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.
Challenge Your Skills on a Cycling Tour of Cross Creek at the Florida Gravelville Adventure Series
Saturday, May 1, 8 a.m. | Cross Creek
14917 SE 189th Pl., Hawthorne, FL 32640
Florida Gravel Biking presents a 53-mile or 26-mile tour through scenic roads around Cross Creek. The route features a variety of riding surfaces. Registration is required. This is a self-supported ride.
Experience Diverse Wetlands During Nature Week at Little Orange Creek
Saturday, May 1 – Friday, May 7 | Little Orange Creek Nature Park
24115 SR 20, Hawthorne, FL 32640
Enjoy Little Orange Creek Nature Park & Preserve with your family and friends from May 1-7 during Nature Week at Little Orange Creek. Join Alachua Conservation Trust for socially-distanced outdoor activities including hiking, a scavenger hunt, picnicking, photo stations, wildlife observation & a nature photography contest. Hosted by Alachua Conservation Trust, Friends of Little Orange Creek, the Alachua County Library District – Hawthorne Branch, and the City of Hawthorne.
Listen to Incendiary Southern Rock with The Steel Woods
Saturday, May 1, 8 p.m. | Knockin’ Boots Saloon
201 W University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
With down-home and relatable song-writing and piercing guitar solos, The Steel Woods sets country music and southern rock on fire. The Steel Woods are on a nation-wide tour supporting their highly anticipated new release All Of Your Stones.
Rock Into the Night with Whiskey Jones at The Square in Tioga Town Center
Friday, April 30, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Tioga Town Center
13085 SW 1st Ln., Newberry, FL 32669
Head to the Tioga Town Center Amphitheatre and enjoy a free outdoor concert. Whiskey Jones is led by JC Moretta on guitar and vocals, Danny “Gray Playa” Bowers on rhythm guitar and vocals, Charlie “Chachi” Delatorre with vocals, Chris “Brisket” Coleman on bass and Wesley Emmanuel on drums. Enjoy food and drinks from Tioga Town Center restaurants.
See Wildlife and Go Birding on a Ranger-Led Tour at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Saturday, May 1, 8:30 a.m. | Sweetwater Wetlands Park
325 SE Williston Rd., Gainesville, FL 32641
Pre-register for the tour to see birds, alligators and more wildlife on the trails at Sweetwater Wetlands Park. The ranger-led tour includes a half-mile walk and last about an hour. Brig water, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.
See What’s Blooming on a Guided Tour at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Saturday, May 1, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
Stroll through the collections including the state’s largest display of bamboo and the largest herb garden in the southeast. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens spans 68-acres and features a paved walking trail.
Celebrate Famed Jazz Musician Duke Ellington’s Birthday with a Sacred Music Benefit Concert by 1000 Voices
Saturday, May 1, 4 p.m. | The Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention
811 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The uplifting sounds of 1000 Voices of North Central Florida entertain visitors at Depot Park on the lawn outside the Cade Museum with songs from Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts. Visit the Cade Museum for some science fun, and then hang out for a free concert on the museum’s lawn. Bring your own chairs or a blanket, grab some takeout from a local restaurant, and enjoy an afternoon of Jazz. Admission is free.
Between 1965 and 1973, Ellington wrote three massive works that combined elements of jazz, classical music, choral music, spirituals, gospel, blues and dance. He called them his “sacred concerts,” and they were performed in churches and cathedrals around the world. Duke Ellington called his Sacred Concert “the most important thing I have ever done.”
View Classic Cars at Downtown Car Show and Block Party
Saturday, May 1, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.| Swamp City Gallery Lounge
716 N Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Get up close to dozens of vintage cars on display, with live music, food trucks and more. It’s a block party with cars on display along NW 1st St., behind Swamp City Gallery. Keep cool with a frozen treat from Charlie’s Snow Shack.
Groove Into the Weekend with Gruv Therapy at Music Under the Starts
Saturday, May 1, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Gruv Therapy delivers a special blend of jazz, R&B and instrumental funk. Spread a blanket under the setting sun or pull up a chair and enjoy live music on the promenade. Food, drinks and sweet treats from nearby restaurants at Celebration Pointe.
Make a Splash at Kulaqua River Ranch Water Park Community Day
Sunday, May 2, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Kulaqua River Ranch
23400 NW 212th Ave., High Springs, FL 32643
On community days, the Kulaqua River Ranch Water Park is open to the public for a day of fun. Cruise down the lazy river, descend the huge water slide and float in the 15,000 square-foot wave pool.
Meet WWE Superstar Jeff Hardy
Sunday, May 2, 5 p.m. | High Dive
210 SW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Jeff Hardy has held 29 championships during his high-flying professional wresting career. Tickets include a meet & greet with the WWE Superstar. Jeff Hardy will be available for selfies and autographs.
Go Birding at the Brewery with Birds and Brews Socially Distanced Guided Bird Walk
Sunday, May 2, 6:15 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Meet at First Magnitude Brewing Company and walk over to Depot Park with volunteers from the Alachua Audubon Society. After an hour-long guided tour along the nature trail at Depot Park, return to the brewery for a refreshing craft beer.
Use the Force at Swamp Head Brewery and Pick Up Star Wars Themed Beers at May the Fourth Beer With You
Tuesday, May 4, 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Swamp Head Brewery
3650 SW 42nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
For one day only, The Wetlands become the Swamps of Degobah with exclusive beers available from the Swamp Head drive thru. Online sales begin at 12 p.m. and can be picked up anytime between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
For more of the timely entertainment information you love, follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily updates and re-shares of your inspiring photos. Tag us at #whatsgoodalachuacounty.
Arts & Theatre
Paint Your Pet with Spark Art at Mai Kai Kava
Thursday, April 29, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Celebrate the Rich Cultural History of the Fifth Avenue and Seminary Lane Neighborhood at the Virtual 5th Avenue Arts Festival
Now through May 3 | Online Event with Cultural Arts Coalition
The annual 5th Avenue Arts Festival celebrates the historic neighborhood with performances and visual arts. This year the festival features an online format with virtual booths and entertainment online. Visit the virtual festival here.
Create Dialogue Fearlessly with Writers Alliance
Sunday, May 2, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Celebrate the Rich Cultural History of the Fifth Avenue and Seminary Lane Neighborhood at the Virtual 5th Avenue Arts Festival
Now through May 3
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
Award Winning Artists Matasick and James at the Artisans’ Guild Gallery Porch Pop-Up
Saturday, May 1, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Live Music, Food Trucks and Vendors at the Two-Day Outdoor Market Bazar A La Carte with The How Bazar
Saturday, May 1, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday, May 2, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Spring Market at Sandy’s Savvy Chic Resale Boutique
Saturday, May 1, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Grand Opening and Art Market at Lotus & Buddha
Sunday, May 2, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Music & Performance
Blues and Classic Rock with Mike Johnson at One Love Cafe
Thursday, April 29, 6 p.m.
Rock with Rusty Wilmot at Mother’s Pub & Grill North
Thursday, April 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Comedy Show and Open Mic at Flaco’s
Thursday, April 29, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Classic Rock and Funk with Fast Lane at One Love Cafe
Friday, April 30, 6 p.m.
Country Music with Clay Brooker at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, April 30, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Indie Ambient Pop with Madwoman, Estro, pose norma at High Dive
Friday, April 30, 8 p.m.
Acoustic Show with NO MORE at Flaco’s
Saturday, May 1, 8 p.m.
Rap and Hip Hop with WARAQ, Leathal, Genocide Geno, Tre LB at High Dive
Saturday, May 1, 8 p.m.
Caribbean, Rock and Jazz with In the Moment at the Pink Flamingo Diner
Sunday, May 2, 6 p.m. – p.m.
Craft Breweries
Steve Mala at High Springs Brewing Company
Thursday, April 29, 7 p.m.
Southern Rock with Branford Hwy at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, April 30, 7 p.m.
Singer-Songwriters Local Voices at Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
Friday, April 30, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Remnants at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, May 1, 7 p.m.
Beer Yoga with Kori Brooks at High Springs Brewing Company
Monday, May 3, 6 p.m.
Beer Bingo Tuesdays at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Tuesday, May 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cornhole Tourney at High Springs Brewing Company
Wednesday, May 5, 6:30 p.m.
Team Trivia at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, May 5, 6 p.m.
Save the Date: May 10-16 is American Craft Beer Week
U-Picks & Farmer’s Markets
Final Weekend: U-Pick Strawberries at Roger’s Farm
Now through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
U-Pick Blueberries at Aunt Zelma’s Blueberries (Check Facebook for Updates)
Open Daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
U-Pick Blueberries at Wacahoota Farms
Thursday, April 29 – Sunday, May 2, 9 a.m. – 6 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
Wine Tasting at Downtown Wine and Cheese
Thursday, April 29, 6:15 p.m.
(sold out) Date Night Cooking Class at the Fat Tuscan
Friday, April 30
May Food Truck Rally at Magnolia Parke
Sunday, May 2, 4 p.m. – 8:30 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
Gators Baseball vs Vanderbilt at Florida Ballpark
Friday, April 30, 7 p.m., Saturday, May 1, 6:30 p.m., Sunday, May 2, 3 p.m.
USSSA North Florida Spring Classic Baseball Tournament
Saturday, May 1 – Sunday, May 2
Test and Tune at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, May 1, 4 p.m.
Gators Baseball vs Stetson at Florida Ballpark
Tuesday, May 4, 6 p.m.
Parks & Trails
City Nature Challenge 2021: Alachua County
Friday, April 30 – Monday, May 3
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.
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
Let’s Eat! Community Cookbooks of the Matheson History Museum on Zoom
Thursday, April 29, 7 p.m.
The Great Migration Photography Exhibition at 4Most Gallery
Friday, April 30 – Friday, May 14, 6 p.m.
“Desire” Exhibition at GFAA Gallery
Now through Saturday, May 22Open Tuesday – Friday, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 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.
Spring Showcase at Firehouse Gallery
Open Thursday – Friday, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Save The Date
Mother’s Day Sunflower U-Pick at Roger’s Farm, May 8
40th Birthday Party for “Henry” the Indian Rhino at Carson Springs Wildlife, May 15
Newberry Watermelon Festival, May 15
2021 Master Gardener Plant Sale, May 15
Cool Cars Under the Starsat Waldo City Square, May 22
Legacy Park Concert Series, June 5
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.
Click Here To Check Out Our Member Properties & Plan Your Next Florida Vacation Today
