We are proud to live in this mindful, resourceful and resilient community, and to share with you all that we have to offer. Read on for more of What’s Good.
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, certain types of businesses require masks. Masks or face coverings are also required when social distancing is not possible. For additional details on the requirement as well as any exemption information please read the latest Alachua County Emergency Order.
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).
Date Night? Check! – Find a Sweet Deal in High Springs with Wine, Chocolate, Barefoot in the Park and a Chaser
Friday, February 12 – Saturday, February 13, 7:15 – 10 p.m. | High Springs Playhouse
23416 W U.S. Hwy. 27, High Springs, FL 32643
Arrive early for wine and chocolates, then enjoy the hilarious stage production featuring Paul and Corie Bratter, newlyweds in every sense of the word. After a six-day honeymoon, they get a surprise visit from Corie’s loopy mother and decide to play matchmaker with their neighbor Velasco during a dinner where everything that can go wrong does. After the play, head to High Springs Brewing Company for a selection of craft beers and hard seltzers.
Something for the Wild at Heart – Visit with Rare and Endangered Animals on Weekend Safari Tour
Saturday, February 13, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Sunday, February 14, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
8528 E County Rd. 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Walking and drive-thru tours are available Saturday, while Sunday tours are reserved for couples. Meet Henry, the oldest Indian Rhino in captivity, and his friends on 275 acres of lush Florida woods and farmland. All tours include big cat feeding demonstrations. Reservations are required, book online here.
Celebrate the Weekend with Live Jazz from the Ed Roth Trio at Jazz on the Green
Saturday, February 13, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Keyboard player Ed Roth has recorded and performed with artists ranging from Annie Lennox to Tom Morello and Coolio. Spread a blanket or snuggle up by the fire pits in the promenade, and catch some beautiful music. Food and drinks available from Celebration Pointe’s restaurants.
Make a Perfect Pairing with Craft Beer and Made From Scratch Cookies
Saturday, February 13, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Swamp Head Brewery
3650 SW 42nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Four delicious, brand new Swamp Head beers are paired with freshly baked goodies from Midnight Cookies. Online sales begin at 10 a.m. with drive-thru pick up available at the brewery from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Quantities are limited.
Share Your Fore-Ever Love at the Valentine’s Day Four-Person Golf Scramble
Saturday, February 13, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Turkey Creek Golf
11400 Turkey Creek Blvd., Alachua, FL 32615
Enjoy a fun day on the golf course featuring 18-holes, scenic greens and restaurant with full bar. Cash prizes awarded for the top four teams.
Turkey Creek Golf recently re-opened after being closed for 10 years. Thanks to a true labor of love by volunteers from the surrounding community, the course now welcomes golfers seven days a week. Find tee times online at GolfNow.
Love is in the Air as Bells Ring Out from Century Tower
Sunday, February 14, 5:30 p.m. | Century Tower
375 Newell Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
For optimal listening, attendees are encouraged to find a location 100 feet away. Century Tower is a 157-foot carillon tower with 61 bells in the center of the University of Florida and serves as a memorial for students and alumni perished in World War I and World War II. View safety guidelines for visitors on UF campus.
Meet Local Artists and Find a Special Gift for that Special Someone at Saturday’s Art Market
Saturday, February 13, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Artisans’ Guild Gallery
224 NW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Artists, makers and musicians welcome you to an outdoor shopping experience on the porch and on the grounds of the Artisans’ Guild Gallery. Enjoy food from Twisted Tikka food truck. Live music by Dave Hall, Eric Diamond and Joey’s Wings.
Celebrating 50 years, the Artisan’s Guild Gallery was established to create a network and market for local artists, It’s one of the oldest artist cooperatives in the country. The gallery features hundreds of quality, handcrafted works with local flavor.
(sold out) Join the Flow and Meet New Farm Friends at Valentine’s Yoga
Sunday, February 14, 10 a.m. | Peacefield
2220 SW 146th St., Newberry, FL 32669
Yoga instructor Kimmy leads a vinyasa flow class with the flock at Peacefield. The farm sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates farm animals and is on a mission to save the world. Events and classes at Peacefield offer a great opportunity to learn more about their operation and meet the friendly animals.
Cozy Up and Watch the Romantic Comedy Hitch for a Valentine’s Movie Night Out
Saturday, February 13, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Depot Park
874 SE 4 St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Each night in February, Depot Park illuminates with romantic lighting themes throughout the walking trails and along the water-front promenade. Saturday features the movie Hitch, starring Will Smith as a “date doctor,” shown on a big screen for a romantic movie night. Admission is free.
Celebrate with Elegant Style at Hotel ELEO
Surprise someone special with a gift that says “I love you,” a short getaway to your room or suite. When you book the EAT.DRINK.LOVE package enjoy this new beautiful boutique hotel and get a $50 dinner credit and a champagne toast for two at Covey Kitchen + Cocktails. Valid for stays through February 28, 2021, click here to book now. Enjoy a special dinner with that special someone at Covey Kitchen + Cocktails February 12-14. Chef Charlie Keller has come up with a mouth-watering Valentine’s Weekend Menu, offering specials such as fresh cold-water sea scallops and Belgian chocolate mousse dessert. Click here to view Covey Kitchen + Cocktails Valentine’s Day Weekend Menu.
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.
Celebrate Black History Month
Friday, February 12 at 8 p.m. – Black History Month Celebration Concert on Facebook with Duo Paloma
Saturday, February 13 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Nigel Rudolph of Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) hosts a class at the Pinesville Cemetery in Archer (Pinesville area). This class is open to the public and volunteers interested in working in a historic cemetery. Learn more about FPAN here.
Throughout February – The Honoring our Legends tour at Evergreen and Pine Grove Cemeteries feature markers highlighting prominent Black figures in their final resting places.
Throughout the month, the University of Florida highlights the Black experience at UF through events, campus initiatives and inspiring stories sharing the extraordinary voices that have vibrantly contributed to the institution’s excellence. Visit this page for updates.
The City of Gainesville launches a new online concert series on Facebook. Indie folk favorites Faith and Majesty perform February 19 and new star Decyo McDuffie closes out the series, February 26. Tune in to the Friday night concerts here.
Alachua County Library District recognizes and honors the outstanding contributions that Black Americans have made to American history and culture by promoting Black stories in their collection. Visit aclib.us to learn more. In February, join the library district on Zoom for Let’s Talk Books! Kids Celebrate Black History Month, February 24 and Black Girl Magic Story Time, Febuary 26.
Alachua County’s Truth in Reconciliation project started in 2018 to recall local history of racial injustice, and repair what is possible. Events in February include Zoom book discussions of Emancipation Betrayed, soil collection ceremonies in remembrance of victims of lynchings. Learn more at truth.alachuacounty.us.
Support Local Makers and Find the Perfect Gift at the Spring Pop-Up Series
Saturday, February 13, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | The AUK Market
2031 NW 6th St., Gainesville, FL 32609
The AUK Market hosts monthly outdoor pop-up markets with a curated collection of makers and vendors. This weekend, love is in the air with valentine sweet treats, delicious desserts and mimosas by Curia on the Drag located next door.
Ride Thrilling Attractions and Taste Your Favorite Fair Treats at the Oaks Mall Carnival
Now through Monday, February 15, hours vary | Oaks Mall
6419 Newberry Rd., Gainesville, FL 32605
Experience the sights, sounds and aromas of the electrifying midway with rides for all ages from whimsical flying elephants to the exhilarating new Bertazzon Himalaya , entertaining carnival games and favorite fair food. Parking and admission are free. View COVID-19 safety protocols here [pdf].
Browse Unique Gifts and Vintage at the Two-Day Indoor and Outdoor Bazar A La Carte
Saturday, February 13, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday, February 14, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | The Historic Seagle Building408 W University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601 Shop for unique handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, hand-pressed flowers, neon paintings and more. On Saturday, enjoy Caribbean fusion food from Chef JJ Creations and on Sunday grab a wood-fired pizza from The Federal.
Learn to Dance the Romantic Bachata in the Streets of Gainesville with Bachata Boulevard, Presented by Salsa in the Streets
Thursday, February 11, 8:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. | The Bull
18 SW 1st Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Dance to Latin music with bachata, salsa and kizomba. If you don’t know how to dance or want to brush up on your steps, get there early for free dance classes from Gator Salsa Club at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Dancing is free, with drinks available from The Bull. Masks are required.
Enjoy Dance, Storytelling and Art from Africa at the Harn Museum’sMuseum Nights on Youtube
Thursday, February 11, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Online Event with the Harn Museum of Art
In partnership with the UF Center for African Studies, experience art from throughout Africa and the African diaspora, as the Harn takes inspiration from Sankofa to bring together art-past and art-present in conversation and performance. This live event will take place on the Harn’s YouTube Channel.
The Harn Museum of Art is also currently open to the public and rotates exhibitions to feature its over 10,000 works of art. The Harn’s collection galleries focus on African, Asian, modern and contemporary art, and photography. The museum, located in the UF Cultural Plaza, is open Tuesday – Sunday. Plan your visit here.
Be Inspired. Explore Climate Change, Ecotourism, Social Rebirth and More at the 12th Annual Cinema Verde Environmental Film Festival
February 12-15 | Online Event with Cinema Verde
The 12th annual Cinema Verde Film Festival presents films that inspire and captivate audiences. Exploring topics such as climate change, ecotourism, pollution, social rebirth, and animal extinction will allow spectators to experience first hand the importance of environmental sustainability. The virtual festival takes place over four days. Attendees gain access to view a total of 27 films from 9 different countries. In addition to film presentations, Cinema Verde will also include interviews with selected directors and filmmakers. View film trailers and get tickets online.
Celebrate Love, Happiness and Hope with the Hipp’s Musical – A Show Must Go On: A Cabaret
Friday, February 12 – 28 | Online Event with Hippodrome Theatre
The Hippodrome proudly presents a Cabaret-style performance featuring Pianist Bryan Mercer (Lone Star Spirits, Elephant Man) and Laura Hodos (a multi-award-winning singer, actor, improv artist, and cabarista).
The Hippodrome is the region’s only professional theatre with mainstage productions, art house films, gallery exhibits special events throughout the year. Learn more at thehipp.org.
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Arts & Theatre
Sunshine State Book Festival Online
Now through June 30
Sunset Date Night at Corks & Colors Studio
Saturday, February 13, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Music & Performance
County and Rock with Scotty Lee Williams at Mother’s Pub & Grill North
Thursday, February 11, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Country Music with Chris McNeil at Crafty Bastards Restaurant & Pub
Thursday, February 11, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Live Piano Bar Entertainment with John, Todd, and Jackie at University Club
Friday, February 12, 7 p.m.- 10 p.m.
Classic Rock and Originals with Wild Blue Yonder at One Love Cafe
Friday, February 12, 6 p.m.
Faster than Flash at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, February 12, 6 p.m.
Jazz Under The Stars at Tioga Town Center
Friday, February 12, 7 p.m.- 10 p.m.
The History of Rock & Roll with DJ Hilt at SwampCity Gallery Lounge
Friday, February 12, 8 p.m.
Classic Rock with 4Play at Mother’s Pub & Grill North
Friday, February 12, 9 p.m.- 12 a.m.
Classic Rock, Blues, Reggae, Country with Stava Mala at One Love Cafe
Saturday, February 13, 12 p.m.
Southern Rock and Country Hits with Treble Hook at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, February 13, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Rock and Blues with Little Mike & The Tornadoes at one Love Café
Saturday, February 13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock and Pop Cover with The Real Deelz at One Love Cafe
Saturday, February 13, 6 p.m.
Cover Songs from the 60’s to 90’s with PreExisting Conditions at Crafty Bastards Restaurant & Pub
Saturday, February 13, 7 p.m.
Jazz and Funk Music with Fawg Faux, Matt & Rick (of Whale Feral) at High Dive
Saturday, February 13, 9 p.m.
Variety of Acoustic Favorites with Shawn Manley at One Love Cafe
Sunday, February 14, 11 a.m.
Rock Music with Chuck Partin at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Sunday, February 14, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Rock and Blues with Cap Smith and The Hogtown Slayers at One Love Cafe
Sunday, February 14, 5 p.m.
Country Music with Cliff Dorsey at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Wednesday, February 17, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country Music with Jamie Davis at Woodyard Grill
Wednesday, February 17, 6 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Open Mic Night at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Friday, February 12, 6 p.m.
Morse & Hedges on Patio at Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
Friday, February 12, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Outdoor Yoga for All at Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
Saturday, February 13, 12 p.m.
Ben from Babyl Live at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Saturday, February 13, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Outdoor Screening of Casablanca at Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
Saturday, February 13, 6:30 p.m.
Vegan Seafood Popup at Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
Sunday, February 14, 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Date Night at Blackadder Brewing Company
Sunday, February 14, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Ben from Babyl Live at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Sunday, February 14, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Mardi Gras Bingo at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Tuesday, February 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Brainaholics Trivia at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, February 16, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Team Trivia at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, February 17, 6 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmer’s Markets
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: Dave & Busters
Gainesville welcomes the newest venue for fun, located at Celebration Pointe. Dave & Buster’s features state of the art games, mouth-watering food and an innovative drink menu with a fully stocked bar. Watch live sports on the huge screens with epic stadium sound.
Celebrate Romance with a Valentine’s Prix Fixe Dinner at Embers Wood
February 13, Sunday, February 14, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Jane Austen Tea at Haile Village Bistro
Saturday, February 13, 3 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 “Streetery GNV” 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
PGF Florida Fastpitch Classic Softball Tournament at Champions Park
Saturday, February 13 – Sunday, February 14
Mountain Bike Rides with Goodbike
Tuesday, February 16, 7 p.m., Brisk Pace for the Advanced Rider
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.
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
Opening of Spring Showcase at Firehouse Gallery
Friday, February 12, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Javier Castro: Coliseum at University Galleries
Friday, February 12 – Friday, March 12, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
GFAA Through the Lens
Now through Sunday, February 20, Tuesday-Friday 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Saturday: 11a.m. – 4 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.
Winter Show at Mott-May Gallery
Now through March 28
Browse Galleries Featuring Over 600 Works Virtually at the Harn Museum of Art
Open Thursday – 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.
Save The Date
Heartwood Soundstage Music Festival V, February 27
NHRA Amalie Oil Gatornationals, March 11-14
March, April and May Outdoor Concert Series at Legacy Park Amphitheater, March 19-21
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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