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).
Celebrate Black History Month
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. World-renowned classical musicians Longineu Parsons and Joanna Sobkowska perform as Duo Paloma on February 12, 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.
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.
Laugh Out Loud at the Opening Weekend of Neil Simon’s Romantic Comedy Barefoot in the Park
Friday, February 5 – Sunday, February 28 | High Springs Playhouse
23416 W U.S. Hwy. 27, High Springs, FL 32643
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. Planning ahead for Valentine’s Day? Combine the play with chocolates, wine and a night cap at High Springs Brewing Company.
Ride Thrilling Attractions and Taste Your Favorite Fair Treats at the Oaks Mall Carnival
Thursday, February 4 – 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 kiddie rides to exhilarating thrill rides, entertaining carnival games and favorite fair food. Parking and admission are free.
Baby It’s Cold Outside. Cozy Up in the Heart of North Central Florida and Surprise Someone Special with a Short Getaway.
Find Romance Packages, Just in Time for Valentine’s Day.
Create a special weekend getaway with delectable dining, gorgeous accommodations and with opportunities to explore together in Gainesville and Alachua County.
Tap into the romance of the south at a charming bed and breakfast, surround yourself with luxury at an ultra-modern hotel or find your own “inland island” away from it all at a short-term term rental like the gorgeous lakefront estate right off of Lake Santa Fe or your own private country cottage in historic High Springs. Make your way to local restaurants ready to delight you with imported delicacies paired with local goodness or with traditional faire delivered with impeccable service. Read on to learn about local romance packages offered by area hotels and lodging facilities and for tips on how to create your own romantic getaway.
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.
Jam All Weekend Long at Willy Town Music and Arts Festival
Thursday, February 4 – Saturday, February 6 | Little Orange Creek Nature Park
24115 SE Hawthorne Rd., Hawthorne, FL 32640
Willy Town is hosted by the hippy metal band Glostik Willy. Since 2015, the festival has grown in the Midwest to three days of art and music. This weekend, Willy Town makes its way to Florida. Tickets, camping details and safety protocols are available online here.
Bring the Kids for a Valentine’s Movie Matinee of Gnomeo & Juliet
Sunday, February 7 at 2:00 PM | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Celebration Pointe and ProBeatz Entertainment present an outdoor movie experience. A star-studded cast voices a family-friendly animated adaptation of the Shakespeare classic Romeo and Juliet. Arrive early to secure socially distanced seating on the promenade green. Find tickets and event details here.
Go Birding and See Wildlife on a Ranger-Led Tour at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Saturday, February 6, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Sweetwater Wetlands Park
325 SE Williston Rd., Gainesville, FL 32641
Over 175 species of birds have been spotted in Alachua County already in 2021. Pre-register for this tour to see birds and more wildlife at Sweetwater Wetlands Park. Explore on your own, or register for the ½ mile walk ranger-led tour at Sweetwaterwetlands.org. Masks are required throughout the tour. The ranger led tour includes about a 1/2 mile walk and will last about 1 hour. Bring water, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park is a man-made wetland habitat of more than 125 acres. Shaped like the head of an alligator, the park has several miles of trails and is teeming with plants and animals. It was designed to improve water quality returning to the Floridan aquifer by filtering out pollution and nutrients.
See What’s in Bloom on a Guided Walk through Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Saturday, February 6, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
Stroll through and see all the winter blooms, the state’s largest display of bamboo and the largest herb garden in the Southeast. The 68 acres of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens are open Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Sunday. See photos of the collections, check out a map of the gardens and learn more at Kanapaha.org.
Find Your Jam at High Dive and the Florida Vintage Market
Saturday, February 6, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | High Dive
210 SW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
High Dive hosts over 24 vendors for an outdoor community pop-up market. Browse from Vintage Living, Trading Retro, Loot Hub, Whole Heart Goods, Garage Shirts and more. Add to your shopping experience with food and an outdoor bar.
Teach Old Dogs New Tricks at Puppies of Penzance Dog Training Adventure
Saturday, February 6, 2 p.m. | Gainesville Circus Center
1925 NW 2nd St., Gainesville, FL 32609
Carolyn Rice, successful animal trainer and performer, offers an educational performance where she demonstrates how to teach simple tricks to any dog. Learn to connect and communicate with your dog at home through clear and attainable methods. Kids 12 and under are free. Please do not bring your dog. Masks and reservations are required.
Learn to Dance the Romantic Bachata in the Streets of Gainesville with Bachata Boulevard, Presented by Salsa in the Streets
Thursday, February 4, 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.
Until You Can Feast and Celebrate with the Crowds Inside the Castle Walls of the Hoggetowne, Get Your Annual Dose of Medieval Magic with Hoggetowne at Home
Saturday, February 6 – Sunday, February 7, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Online Event with Hoggetowne Medieval Faire
One of Gainesville’s signature annual events, the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire returns virtually. Shop the medieval marketplace, watch demonstrations and performances and engage with a wonderful cast of characters during live shows. Admission is free. Get a preview of artisans and performances on Facebook.
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
Sunshine State Book Festival Online
Now through June 30
Portraits Studio Series at Pofahl Studios
Friday, February 5 – Saturday, February 6
Actors’ Warehouse Presents The Blue Period of Milton van der Spuy, Available Online
Now through February 7
Music & Performance
County and Rock with Scotty Lee Williams at Mother’s Pub & Grill North
Thursday, February 4, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Alternative Rock with Parrotfish from Nashville, Kevin Masaro at High Dive
Thursday, February 4, 9 p.m.
Rock, Americana, Blues and R&B Couch Messiahs at One Love Cafe
Friday, February 5, 6 p.m.
Bob Marley’s Birthday Party with Jah Culture from NYC at SwampCity Gallery Lounge
Friday, February 5, 7 p.m.
Variety of Acoustic Favorites with Shawn Manley at Crafty Bastards Restaurant & Pub
Friday, February 5, 7 p.m.
Indie Rock with Neptunes Child, XYZ, Luke Sechrest at High Dive
Friday, February 5, 9 p.m.
Soothing Pop with Sara Donnachie at Munecas Downtown Taco Garden
Saturday, February 6, 2 p.m.
Miami-based Indie Rock with Jupiter Troupe, Dionysus, Solar Reef at High Dive
Saturday, February 6, 8:30 p.m.
Acoustic Funk and Rock with Shiloh at One Love Cafe
Sunday, February 7, 11 a.m.
Country with Singer-Songwriter Cliff Dorsey at Woodyard Grill
Wednesday, February 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Open Mic Night at Big Top Brewing Company
Friday, February 5, 6 p.m.
Salsero Saturdays at Big Top Brewing Company
Saturday, February 6, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
The Big Game(s) on Two Big Screens at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Sunday, February 7, 2 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Superbowl 2021 at Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
Sunday, February 7, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Monday Movie Night Under the Stars at High Springs Brewing Company
Monday, February 8, 7 p.m.
Kenny Garcia and Friends: A Live Stand-Up Comedy Event at Blackadder Brewing Company
Monday, February 8, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Valentine’s Trivia Night at Big Top Brewing Company
Monday, February 8, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Beer Bingo Tuesdays at Big Top Brewing Company
Tuesday, February 10, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Brainaholics Trivia at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, February 10, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Team Trivia at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, February 10, 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
Drag Brunch at Curia on the Drag
Saturday, February 6, 10:30 a.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
North Florida Cornhole Bags Tournament
Thursday, February 4
Motocross Racing at Winter AM at Gatorback Cycle Park
Saturday, February 6 – Sunday, February 7
Obstacle Course Run at OCR Overload at Waldo Motorsports
Saturday, February 6
Mountain Bike Rides with Goodbike
Tuesday, February 9, 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
GFAA Through the Lens
Now through Sunday, February 20
Explore Florida’s History, Walk with Flying Butterflies, and 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
GFAA presents Blue in Conjunction with Actors’ Warehouse Performance of The Blue Period of Milton van der Spuy
Online Gallery with GFAA
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.
Spark Dialog with the “Lights of Conversation” Outdoor Illuminated Poetry Verse Exhibit at the Matheson History Museum
On display daily
Save The Date
Cinema Verde Virtual Environmental Film Festival, February 12-15
Black History Month Streaming Concert Series, February 12, 19 and 26
Valentine’s Day Beer and Cookie Pairing at Swamp Head Brewery, February 13
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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