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.
Wishing you the happiest of holidays,
– 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).
Groove into the Weekend with Gruv Therapy at Jazz on the Green
Saturday, April 10, 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.
Discover the Upper Santa Fe River and See Wildlife on a Guided Paddle Tour with Alachua Conservation Trust
Saturday, April 10, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Bible Camp Road Boat Ramp
2023 SE Bible Camp St., High Springs, 32643
Join local guide and master naturalist Lars Andersen for a guided paddle on the upper Santa Fe River to ACT’s newest conservation purchase, Santa Fe Springs Preserve. Paddle up the Santa Fe River towards Olustee Creek and visit the second-magnitude spring, Santa Fe Spring, before returning to the launch location. The scenery on the river is spectacular all year and we should see some wildlife.
Photo by Kim Davidson
Enjoy a Night of Live Music at Indie Live with Corey Kilgannon and Three Star Revival
Saturday, April 10, 9:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Corey Kilgannon, indie-folk artist and Florida native, shares the evening with Three Star Revival, an Americana rock band from Tennessee. Indie Live is an outdoor, socially distanced concert series presented by Heartwood Soundstage and Swamp Records. Masks are required.
Heartwood Soundstage is a state-of-the-art recording studio, video production facility, and intimate performance venue – built by musicians for music lovers and music makers. Swamp Records is a label run by students bridging the gap between the University of Florida and the local music scene.
Sip Craft Beer and Meet Birds of Prey at the 7th Annual Pints and Predators
Saturday, April 10, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Hosted by Wild Birds Unlimited and First Magnitude Brewing Company, Pints and Predators is an education festival and fundraiser for local wildlife rehabilitators. This year’s event is ticketed with staggered entry times. Tickets available online here.
Photo by Florida Park Service
Birds, Burgers and Brews Package at Hotel ELEO Celebrates Gainesville Great Outdoors
Hotel ELEO at the University of Florida celebrates Gainesville’s great outdoors with the Birds, Burgers + Brews package. The two-night package includes a $50 dining credit at Covey Kitchen + Cocktails and a map with top birding spots near the hotel (use booking code BIRDS).
Florida is part of the “Atlantic Flyway,” a migratory flight path that covers more than 3,000 miles from the Arctic to the Caribbean and South America, and, of course, runs right through Florida. Thanks to Gainesville’s diverse ecosystems, including wetlands hammocks, grasslands, and forests, birds – and, naturally, birders – birders too flock to the area.
Gainesville and Alachua County are a gateway location on The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, a self-guided network of 510 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. The printed map provided by the hotel shares some of the area’s birding spots to the hotel. The map on the blog includes favorite birding spots suggested by birders and the local Audubon group.
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.
Experience 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.
Learn African Dances and Drum Beats at the Gainesville Don-Ba Festival
Saturday, April 10 – Sunday, April 11 | Gainesville Circus Center
1925 NW 2nd St., Gainesville, Florida, FL 32609
The Gainesville Don-Ba Festival was created by Barakissa Coulibaly, Master African dancer, and choreographer from Ivory Coast. Don-Ba means “grand celebration” in the African language of Dioula, and this festival embodies the essence of unity and heritage. Saturday’s events include dance and drum workshops for children and adults with options on Zoom. Sunday features discussions around cultural diversity and spirituality in Africa.
See Classic and Exotic Cars at the 4th Annual Great Gainesville Car Show Benefiting Noah’s Endeavor
Saturday, April 10, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
The Great Gainesville Car Show features a dazzling display of all makes models and years of cars, trucks and motorcycles. Live music by Whiskey Jones. Spectator admission is free.
Browse Local Artists at the Grand Opening and Art Market at Lotus & Buddha
Sunday, April 11, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Lotus & Buddha Art Collective and Coffee House
118 NE Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy, FL 32667
Celebrate the grand opening of Lotus & Buddha in Micanopy and visit 25 local artists with unique wares for purchase. Enjoy food by Vegan Gator Food Truck and live music. Lotus & Buddha features a collection of herbs, oils, crystals, plants and more.
Laugh Out Loud at Hallelujah Girls
Now through Sunday, April 25 | High Springs Playhouse23416 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.
Get Uplifted by Music of Peace with theYuval Ron Ensemble at UpStage at the Phillips Center
Wednesday, April 14, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
The Yuval Ron Ensemble unites through music. With soulful reinterpretations of songs performed in Arabic and Hebrew, the group aims to inspire listeners to imagine a vision of peace on Earth. Led by award-winning Israeli composer, producer, and peace activist, Yuval Ron, this ensemble melds the music and philosophies of Jewish, Islamic, and Christian traditions for an evening of deep meaning.
Race at Your Own Pace at the 2021 Swamp Otter Solo and Virtual 5K
Friday, April 9 – Friday, April 30 | Little Orange Creek Preserve
24115 SE Hawthorne Road, Hawthorne, FL 32640
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 run or walk on a pre-marked course at the scenic Little Orange Creek Preserve or complete a 3.14-mile course at a location of your choosing. Proceeds benefit future conservation, public recreation, and environmental education. Register before Monday, April 19 to guarantee your t-shirt.
Celebrate and Create Printmaking with the Harn Museum of Art at Museum Nights: Print Palooza on Youtube
Thursday, April 8, 7 p.m. | Online Event with Harn Museum of Art
Learn about prints in the Harn collection and visit printmaker studios before creating your own relief print. You’ll find materials at home or from a free kit you can pick up at the museum.
Join Discussions of Research, Collaboration and Innovation at TEDxUF 2021: Synergy
Friday April 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday, April 10, 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sunday, April 11, 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Online Event with TEDxUF
TEDxUF’s 2021 Annual Conference highlights the power of partnership and collaboration. As a hub for research and innovation, the University of Florida is regarded as a Top 6 public research university. At TEDxUF 2021, delve deep into the minds behind entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and creativity in the Gainesville and UF community. Meet vendors and community partners in-person on Friday. Conference sessions are streamed exclusively online Saturday and Sunday.
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Arts & Theatre
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.
Party for the Planet and See Wildlife on Ranger-Led Tours of Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Saturday, April 10, 8:30 a.m., Sunday, April 11, 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Party for the Planet, the month-long celebration of Earth Day hosted by the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, provides weekly themed events. This week, Sweetwater Wetlands Park hosts educational tours through the wetlands and birding hotspot.
Arts & Theatre
High Springs Playreaders with Y-Not Theatre at Good News Arts
Thursday, April 8, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
UF School of Theatre + Dance presents Anton Chekov’s Three Sisters Streaming Online
Friday, April 9 – Sunday, April 11
Outdoor Sculpture Show with Moisturizer Gallery at Samurai Skateshop
Friday, April 9, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Splendor 2021: Roaring Twenties Virtual Fundraiser for UF School of Music
Saturday, April 10, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Poetry Month Guest Speaker Lola Haskins with Writers Alliance of Gainesville
Sunday, April 11, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sun Country Dance Theatre 13th Annual Spring Youth Concert at UF Phillips Center
Sunday, April 11, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Outdoor Painting Party at Peacefield
Sunday, April 11, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., pre-registration required
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
Spring Mini Market Series at The AUK Market
Saturday, April 10, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Art Demos, Live Music and Plein Air Painters at the Spring Art Market at Artisans’ Guild
Saturday, April 10, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Plant Sale Pop-Up Market at Grow Hub
Saturday, April 10, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Music & Performance
Blues and Rock with Little Mike and the Tornadoes at One Love Cafe
Thursday, April 8, 6 p.m.
Fest at Home with Comedian and Actor Chris Gethard and Solo Artist Mikey Erg
Thursday, April 8, 7 p.m.
Country and Rock with Rusty Wilmot at Mother’s Pub & Grill North
Thursday, April 8, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country Music with Justin Lee Partin, JB Crockett, Chris McNeil at Knockin’ Boots Saloon
Thursday, April 8, 7 p.m.
Comedy Show and Open Mic at Flaco’s
Thursday, April 8, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Faster Than Flash at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, April 9, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
(sold out) Country Music with Thomas Wesley Pentz/Diplo at Vivid Sky Warehouse
Friday, April 9, 7 p.m.
Enjoy Songs from Ed Sheeran to Old Dominion with Thomas Anthony at the Pink Flamingo Diner
Friday, April 9, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Hard Rock with Torn at Mother’s Pub & Grill North Gainesville
Friday, April 9, 9 p.m.
GNV Punk Pop-Punk & Emo Night at High Dive
Friday, April 9, 9 p.m.
Country Music with Jody Lee Hager at Mother’s Pub & Grill North
Saturday, April 10, 9 p.m.
Dance House Beats with Carnage, Presenting Gordo at Knockin’ Boots Saloon
Friday, April 9, 10 p.m.
Pop and Rock Covers with The Barstool Prophets at One Love Cafe
Saturday, April 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock Music with Whiskey Jones at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, April 10, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Country Music with the Sondra Hunt Band at the Pink Flamingo Diner
Saturday, April 10, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Alt-Indie Rock with Causa, Jen in the Right Light, The States, Ashton Chase at High Dive
Saturday, April 10, 8 p.m.
Motown, Classic Rock, Blues, Jazz and Swing with Raftus Brown and the Melrose Horns at One Love Cafe
Sunday, April 11, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Rock and Blues by Chuck Martin & Co at Chiappini’s
Sunday, April 11, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Country Music with Chuck Partin at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Sunday, April 11, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Country Music with Justin Lee Partin at the Pink Flamingo Diner
Sunday, April 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country Music with Justin Lee Partin at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Wednesday, April 14, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Now Open: The Wetlands Taproom at Swamp Head Brewery
Enjoy more draft options inside “The Wetlands.” Limited indoor seating is available with spacious outdoor options. Online ordering and drive-thru pickup are still available.
Open Mic Night at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Thursday, April 8, 6 p.m.
Salsero Saturdays at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Saturday, April 10, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Beer Yoga with Kori Brooks at High Springs Brewing Company
Monday, April 12, 6 p.m.
Beer Bingo Tuesdays at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Tuesday, April 13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Brainaholics Trivia at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, April 13, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
High-Energy Folk Music with Good Morning Bedlam at Blackadder Brewing Company
Tuesday, April 13, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cornhole Tourney at High Springs Brewing Company
Wednesday, April 14, 6:30 p.m.
Team Trivia at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, April 14, 6 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmer’s Markets
U-Pick Blueberries at Aunt Zelma’s Blueberries (Check Facebook for Updates)
Saturday, April 10
Organic Strawberry and Food Market at Frog Song Organics
Sunday, April 11, 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: Crispy Baguette
Located across from the University of Florida, Crispy Baguette serves fresh Bahn Mi sandwiches, rice and noodle bowls, vegetarian options, smoothies, Thai Iced Tea and more.
Wine Tasting at Downtown Wine and Cheese
Thursday, April 8, 6:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Oysters and Bubbles Pop-Up with Oystercatcher Shellfish at Superette Wine + Provisions
Saturday, April 10, 5 p.m. – 9 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
10th Annual Strada Bellamy Sportif 217 km Cycling Tour
Saturday, April 10, 6 a.m.
Gators Softball vs. Team Canada
Saturday, April 10, 1:30 p.m.
Greater Florida Baseball at Champions Park
Saturday, April 10 – Sunday, April 11
Slicks and Radials Test and Tune at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, April 10, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
RC Super Cup Racing at Newberry RC Park
Saturday, April 10, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Gainesville Cars & Coffee Monthly Meet at Butler Town Center
Sunday, April 11, 9 a.m.
Gators Baseball vs. FSU
Tuesday, April 13, 7 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.
Barnyard Buddies at Morningside Nature Center
Wednesday, April 14, 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
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
Now through Sunday, April 10, Gazes Connected: Conversations through Painting by Rowan Eriksson Tuesday, April 13 – Saturday, April 17, The Silence Helps the Flowers Grow by Hannah Banciella
Master of Fine Arts Candidates Exhibition II
Friday, April 9 – 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
Tree Fest 2021 at Swamp Head BreweryApril 18
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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