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, 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).
Celebrate the Celestial Sounds of Gustav Holst’s The Planets and John Adam’s Harmonielehre with The Gainesville Orchestra
Friday, February 19, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
This is an orchestral performance not to be missed. Experience one of the most popular works in the symphonic repertoire, Gustav Holst’s “The Planets,” a powerful sonic exploration of the cosmos with 7 movements named after planets in the solar system. John Adam’s pulsating, electric “Harmonielehre” has been touted as a musical statement demonstrating the power on tonality. Masks are required.
Visit with Some of Nature’s Slowest Creatures and Learn About the Evolutionary Value of Deliberation at the Florida Museum’s Latest Exhibit “Survival of the Slowest”
Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Daily presentations feature a live sloth, hedgehog, iguana and more. Despite being very slow, meet animals that have survived for millions of years and learn about the puzzling sides of evolution and adaptation. Discover the difference between warm and cold-blooded. Discover why some animals need less food and see the unique ways they hide from predators. Preview the exhibit on Youtube.
Photo by Kristen Grace/Florida Museum.
View Inspiring Exhibitions Featuring “Perspectives of the American Midwest” by Acclaimed Chicago Photographer Terry Evans and “Braking the Frame” a Celebration of Works by Standout Women Artists
Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Harn Museum of Art
3259 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Be transported to different lands, with Stories of the American Prairies, a love letter to America’s Heartland that documents the ecological transformations of the Midwest from Texas to Canada.
Or find true inspiration with Breaking the Frame, an installation that celebrates the growth of the museum’s collection of work by important women artists. Plan your visit to the Harn.
Above, left: Kanapolis, Kansas, gravel pit
Above, right: Beauty Ngxongo, Lidded Basket
Illuminate Your Understanding of the “Age of Electricity” at the Cade
Friday – Sunday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
811 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Through May 2, the new theme Age of Electricity: Latimer, Edison, and Tesla, sheds light on the late 19th century inventions of the lightbulb, telephone, sound recording and wireless technology. In the exciting new theme, explore Latimer’s work drafting patents for the lightbulb and the telephone, Edison’s inventions of sound recording and the motion picture; and Tesla’s work on wireless technology. It was the start of the world as we know it today. Plan your visit here.
Enjoy 10% off and Delicious Special Treat When You Book a Relaxing Escape to the Laurel Oak Inn
Located in Historic Gainesville’s Downtown Bed and Breakfast district, The Laurel Oak Inn Bed and Breakfast is a beautifully restored 1885 Queen Anne Victoria filled with character and history. Each room is themed to tell a unique story and provide an intimate, quiet setting and private bathroom.
Start your day with delectable home cooked breakfast such as omelets or French toast. Spend your afternoon strolling through the lush gardens, or soaking up the sun on the porch relaxing to the sounds of streaming fountains and the soft songs of surrounding birds and nature. Then retreat back to your room and enjoy suds in your clawfoot tub, or stroll a half-mile to downtown Gainesville to enjoy locally-sourced, innovative, unique restaurants, coffees hops and cocktail bars.
Book your two-night stay by March 31, 2021 to save 10% and receive a complimentary charcuterie plate for two. Call (352) 373-4535 and ask for the “Visit Gainesville” promotion to redeem this offer. Offer not valid on special event weekends. Stay must be completed by August 31, 2021.
In addition to their guest rooms, Laurel Oak specializes in elopements, small wedding ceremonies and receptions.
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 19 at 8 p.m. – Black History Month Celebration Concert with Faith and Majesty on Facebook
Saturday, February 20 at 12 p.m. – Soil Collection Ceremony at Alachua County Administration Building
Saturday, February 20 at 4 p.m. – Politics, Politricks and Cultural Arts
Sunday, February 21 at 2 p.m. – The Flying Ace (1926) Film Screening with UF Smathers Libraries
Saturday, February 20 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Nigel Rudolph of Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) hosts a class on cemetery care and protection at the Pinesville Cemetery in Archer (Pinesville area). This class is open to the public and volunteers interested in working in a historic cemetery. This class is weather permitting. For more information, call (813) 728-3688. Learn more about FPAN here.
Wednesday, February 24 at 3 p.m. – Let’s Talk Books! Kids Celebrate Black History Month. The Alachua County Library District presents a live book talk from a selection of children’s books that celebrate Black History Month. Join the discussion on Zoom. This program is recommended for school-aged children.
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. February 26, join the library district for and Black Girl Magic Story Time.
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. New star Decyo McDuffie closes out the series, February 26. Tune in to the Friday night concerts here.
Alachua County’s Truth in Reconciliation project started in 2018 to recall the 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.
We will be adding new Black History Month events throughout February. Please share your area event with us at info@visitgainesville.com.
Celebrate the Grand Opening of a New Eclectic Diner with Good Food and Mini Golf at the Pink Flamingo
Saturday, February 20, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Pink Flamingo Diner
19726 US-441, High Springs, FL 32643
Get ready for a taste of something new in High Springs – the recently opened, fun and vibrant Pink Flamingo diner. The Pink Flamingo features classic diner fare, a vegan menu, organic farm to table items, a family mini golf course, signature craft beers from Swamp Head Brewery and First Magnitude Brewing Company and drive-through coffee and espresso drinks.
Keep an eye out for colorful murals inside and outside of the diner. View the installation of one of the murals from Visionary FAM on YouTube.
Experience a Gripping Play of Survival and Transformation at a Benefit Performance of Eclipsed
Saturday, February 20, Sunday, February 21, 8 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. | Star Centre Theatre
11 NE 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
Their lives set on a terrifying detour by civil war, the captive wives of a Liberian rebel officer form a hardscrabble sisterhood. With wit, compassion, and defiance, Eclipsed unearths the wreckage of war and celebrates the women who navigate and survive the most hostile of circumstances. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Created Gainesville, an organization committed to reaching and restoring lives impacted by trafficking and exploitation.
(sold out) Cheer on #1 Gators Gymnastics vs Kentucky
Friday, February 19, 6:45 p.m. | Exactech Arena at Stephen C O’Connell Center
250 Gale Lemerand Dr., Gainesville 32611
After a nail-biting victory over LSU, the Gators aim for perfection vs. Kentucky. The annual “Link to Pink” gymnastics meet raises awareness for breast cancer.
Delight in a Funny Vintage Production of Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park – an Ode to First Marriages and First Apartments
Now through Sunday, February 28 | High Springs Playhouse
23416 W U.S. Hwy. 27, High Springs, FL 32643
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.
Stop at the Farm Stand and Fill Up with U-Pick Strawberries
Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Roger’s Farm
3831 NW 156th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
It’s berry season at Roger’s Farm. Walk through the strawberry fields and fill up a bucket of the sweet berries to use in your favorite recipes or enjoy just as they are. Check the Facebook page or call for the latest updates.
(sold out) See the Brand New Florida Ballpark as #1 Gators Baseball hosts #21 Miami
Friday, February 19 – Sunday, February 21 | Florida Ballpark
Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608
The newly completed baseball stadium features 360-degree open concourse & seating, shade structures for fans, high-definition video and sound and more. The Miami series is sold out, catch the action live on SEC Network.
Dance and Sing Along to a Country Music Tribute Concert with Hits from Top Country Artist and Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan
Saturday, February 20, 10 p.m. – 12 a.m. | Knockin’ Boots Saloon201 W University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Enjoy a live band playing your favorite Luke Bryan hits at the Legends of Country Series. Masks are required for entry.
Rev Your Engines at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School
Monday, February 21 – Tuesday, February 22, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Gainesville Raceway
11211 N County Rd. 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Earn your competition license, improve your skills, check one off your bucket list or upgrade your current license. Learn so much more than how to drag race. No experience necessary. Pre-registration required, call (866) 480-7223 to book or for more information.
Browse Unique Gifts and Vintage at the Two-Day Indoor and Outdoor Bazar A La Carte
Saturday, February 20, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday, February 21, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | The Historic Seagle Building
408 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.
• Outdoors you’ll find vendors, food, and live music performances.
• Indoors you’ll find the vintage boutique, The How Bazar.
Browse Antiques and Collectables at the Newberry Cornfield Maze Vintage Market
Friday, February 19 – Saturday, February 20, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Newberry Cornfield Maze
20015 W Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL 32669
At this spacious venue, find quality antiques and collectibles from outstanding vendors for sale.
Celebrate Love, Happiness and Hope with the Hipp’s Musical – A Show Must Go On: A Cabaret
Now through February 28 | Online Event with Hippodrome Theatre
The Hippodrome proudly presents a Cabaret-style performance featuring multi-talented actor, director and 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.
Follow the Power of Curiosity with Science Communicator Emily Graslie at the NEA Big Read Keynote
Friday, February 19, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Online Event with Florida Museum of Natural History and Alachua County Library District
Join Youtube star of The BrainScoop, Emily Graslie for a discussion titled “The Power of Curiosity,” followed by a Q&A. Learn about her journey as a science communicator on YouTube, and how that experience led her to becoming a trailblazer for PBS on Prehistoric Road Trip.
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
Dance Alive National Ballet Portraits Studio Series: Dancer’s Choice
February 19, 12 p.m., February 20, 5 p.m.
View Presentations from Florida Authors and Guest Speakers at the Sunshine State Book Festival Online
Now through June 30
Crayola Calligraphy Workshop
Saturday, February 20
Music & Performance
County and Rock with Scotty Lee Williams at Mother’s Pub & Grill North
Thursday, February 18, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Acoustic Soft Rock Duo Richy & Chelsea at One Love Cafe
Thursday, February 18, 6 p.m.
Rock, Metal with Helivs and Purely Red at Swamp City Gallery Lounge
Thursday, February 18, 7 p.m.
Learn to Dance the Romantic Bachata with Bachata Boulevard at The Bull
Thursday, February 18, 8:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Favorite Alternative Rock Songs with The Remedy at One Love Cafe
Friday, February 19, 6 p.m.
Classic Rock, Americana, Country with Aunt Jackie at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, February 19, 6 p.m. 9:30 p.m.
Groove and Funk Chillula at Mother’s Pub & Grill North
Friday, February 19, 9 p.m.
Pop Punk & Emo Night in the Beer Garden at High Dive
Friday, February 19, 9 p.m.
Singer, Songwriter George Gomez at One Love Cafe
Saturday, February 20, 12 p.m.
Jazz and Swing Favorites with Swing Theory at One Love Cafe
Saturday, February 20, 6 p.m.
Raunchy Rock with Matty B and the Dirty Ds + pose norma at Flaco’s
Saturday, February 20, 7 p.m.
Local Hip Hop Showcase with DJ Mellow Blendz at High Dive
Saturday, February 20, 8 p.m.
Follow The Smoke Vol 4 at Swamp City Gallery Lounge
Saturday, February 20, 8 p.m.
Jazz and Blues with Middleground at One Love Cafe
Sunday, February 21, 11 a.m.
Country, Pop, and Classic Hits with Montine Humphries at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Sunday, February 21, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Classic Rock with Moondog at One Love Cafe
Sunday, February 21, 5 p.m.
Country Music with Clay Brooker at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Wednesday, February 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country Music with Cliff Dorsey at Woodyard Grill
Wednesday, February 24, 6 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Open Mic Night at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Friday, February 19, 6 p.m.
Salsero Saturdays at Big Top Brewing Company
Saturday, February 20, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Drag Brunch at Big Top Brewing Company
Sunday, February 21, 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Beer Bingo Tuesday at Big Top Brewing Company
Tuesday, February 23, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Brainaholics Trivia at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, February 23, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Team Trivia at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, February 24, 6 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmer’s Markets
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: New dining options range from steak to French pastries.
Stone House Neighborhood Grill features a diverse, affordable and laid back dining experience in Newberry. The menu includes steaks, ribs, brisket, soups, salads, a kids menu and more.
Le Macaron located in Celebration Pointe, offers a wide range of macarons with French pastries.
Superette Wine + Provisions is a sommelier staffed wine shop located in Gainesville with curated culinary and home goods and an expansive wine garden.
Pizza in the Neighborhood recently reopened its doors in Alachua for indoor dining and takeout with a menu of NY style pizzas, calzones, wings, burgers and more.
Cheesecake Making Cooking Class at the Fat Tuscan
Thursday, February 18, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Farmer’s Moo Market at Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary
Sunday, February 21, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Grand Opening: Sensei Asian Bistro at Celebration Pointe
Monday, February 22
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
North Florida Cornhole Tournament at Celebration Pointe
Thursday, February 18, 6 p.m.
USAA Indoor, JOAD National and FAA State Championship Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Saturday, February 20 – Sunday, February 21, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
East Coast Battle in the Swamp Competitive Cheerleading at Legacy Park
Saturday, February 20
PGF Florida Classic Softball Tournament at Champions Park
Saturday, February 20 – Sunday, February 21
Gators Women’s Golf Invitational Presented by Vystar at Mark Bostick Golf Course
Sunday, February 21 – Tuesday, February 23
Vintage Motorcross Racing at MX des States at Waldo Motorsports
Sunday, February 21
Mountain Bike Rides with Goodbike
Tuesday, February 23, 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.
Walk Into the Past at the 1800s Living History Farm open at Morningside Nature Center
Open Daily, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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
Fun-filled Playgroup at Cade Museum
Friday, February 19, 11 a.m.
Spring Showcase at Firehouse Gallery
Open Thursday – Friday, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Javier Castro: Coliseum at University Galleries
Now through 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
A Florida Legacy at Harn Museum of Art, February 26
UpStage at the Phillips Center: Nella, February 26
Heartwood Soundstage Music Festival V, February 27
CluedUpp Gainesville Detective Day, 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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