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 the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 18
Events at Cleather Hathcock, Sr. Community Center in Alachua and at Citizen’s Field in Gainesville celebrate the life’s work of the Civil Rights leader. Join a day of embracing diversity with presentations, performances and guest speakers.
National Holiday Events at Citizen’s Field in Gainesville
Monday, January 18, 12 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Alachua
Monday, January 18, 11 a.m.
Meet the Dancers of Dance Alive National Ballet
Thursday, January 14 | Collective & Co. at San Felasco Tech City
1300 Tech City Circle, Suite 200, Alachua, FL 32615
Enjoy a dance performance and meet the dancers in a unique setting provided by Collective & Co. Refreshments provided by Mi Apa Latin Cafe. Seating is limited. Masks are required.
Dance Along with Beatles Music from The Impostors
Saturday, January 16, 7 p.m – 9 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The Imposters are one of Gainesville’s most popular local groups known for impeccable Beatles covers. Featuring Don David, Mike Bouleware, Michael Derry, Ron Thomas, and Brad Bangstad. Playing call outs and deep cuts from the Beatles and your favorite bands from the 60s and 70s. Admission is pay what you can.
See High-Flying and High-Scoring Gators Compete as Gators Gymnastics Returns to Exactech Arena vs. Georgia
Friday, January 15, 6:45 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O’Connell Center
250 Gale Lemerand Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
The gymnastics team won their season opener at Auburn with the highest ever score of 197.50. They look to continue their success at its next meet vs. the Georgia Bulldogs.
Discount Accommodations for Medical Related Stays in Gainesville & Alachua County
Getting healthcare at an out of town facility often requires overnight stays for patients and families in area hotels. As the home of Florida’s No. 1 rated hospital, UF Health Shands, and North Florida Regional Medical Center continuously ranking in the top 100 of U.S. hospitals, and Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the largest and fastest-growing veterans hospitals in the nation, local hotels offer discounts for healthcare stays. We compiled a list of hotels that offer discount accommodations for patients and their families receiving medical treatment.
The lodging properties listed have taken the Visit Gainesville, Alachua County Safe Stay Pledge. They agree to make sure guest safety is of utmost importance so you can enjoy your stay while knowing your room meets the highest standards for cleanliness. Click here to learn more about the Safe Stay Pledge.
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.
Enjoy Unique Finds with an Outdoor Shopping Experience at the Florida Vintage Market
Sunday, January 17 | Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
1001 NW 4th St., Gainesville, Florida 32601
Find vintage garments, handmade goods, art, food, music and more. This family-friendly outdoor pop-up market is free and open to the public. Vendors include Modern Logic, Every Day in Retrograde, Trading Retro, Ebunny Creations Ritual Tree Soy Candles, BBQ from Big Lee’s Barbeque and more.
Shop for One-of-a-Kind Treasures at the Two-Day Pop-Up Bazar A La Carte
Saturday, January 16, 3 p.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday, January 17, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | The Historic Seagle Building
408 W University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Find a variety of vendors, food and live music outside and visit The How Bazar vintage boutique inside. The outdoor market features a selection from vintage and estate jewelry, film cameras, exotic indoor plants, handmade jewelry and fashion accessories, tarot card readings and more. Inside, The How Bazar showcases vintage fabrics remodeled and redesigned by local tailors and artists to create one of a kind pieces.
Add a Bag of Books to Your Shopping List at the “BOB” Sale from Friends of the Library
Now through Wednesday, February 10 | Friends of the Library
Order an assortment of used books online, then pickup at Friends of the Library on Saturdays starting January 23. Books are collected and assembled based on a category you select including cooking, hardback, romance, paperback fiction, science fiction, young adult, children, and mystery. Enjoy your bag of books down the street at Depot Park or find a nook at Downtown Wine & Cheese.
Watch Fast Cars and Motorcycles Hit the Drag Strip at the 2021 Summit Series
Saturday, January 16 | Gainesville Raceway
11211 N County Rd. 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
The Summit Series returns for 2021 at Gainesville Raceway featuring 6 classes: Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman, Super Pro Bike, Pro Bike and Jr. Dragsters. Kids under 12 are free with adult admission.
Naaa-maaa-ste! Unwind and Find Your Happy Place with Craft Beer and Yoga with Little Goats
Saturday, January 16, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | High Springs Brewing Company
18562 NW 237th St., High Springs, FL 32643
Join Downward Goat as outrageously cute baby goats add to the flow at High Springs Brewing Company. Enjoy an extra fun yoga session as little goats join in to provide some laughs.
Gain Global Perspectives at the Virtual Museum Nights with the Harn Museum
Thursday, January 14, 7 p.m. | Online Event with the Harn Museum of Art
Join the Harn for conversations focusing on the exhibition Global Perspectives: Highlights from the Contemporary Collection. This live event will take place on the Harn’s YouTube Channel. Pictured above: Global Culture Photography Contest; Diana Diaz Venturo, “Batu Caves (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)”
Learn About Local History with Tours of the Historic Haile Homestead
Saturday, January 16, 10 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. | Historic Haile Homestead
8500 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608
In the 1850s, Thomas Evans and Serena Chesnut Haile moved their family from South Carolina to Alachua County. The restored plantation house features the famous “Talking Walls” including over 12,500 words written by family and friends. Stories of the family, enslaved laborers and freedmen are intertwined into tours. Masks are required. Tours are limited to no more than 10 people.
Add Bamboo to Your Landscape at the Annual Bamboo Sale
Now through February 8 | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
Every winter, Kanapaha holds an Annual Winter Bamboo Sale. A descriptive sales/availability listing of bamboos that are being offered during January and February on a dug-to-order basis can be viewed online at kanapaha.org
In January, orders for bamboo may be phoned in to 352-372-4981. Buyers will be advised of the date orders will be ready for pickup and payment will be needed when orders are placed.
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Arts & Theatre
Corks and Colors Painting Class at Joel’s Coffeehouse
Monday, January 18
Music & Performance
Rock and Blues with Little Mike and The Tornadoes at One Love Café
Thursday, January 14, 6 p.m.
Blues with Terraplane Live on the Patio at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, January 15, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Favorite Alternative Rock Songs The Remedy at One Love Café
Friday, January 15, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Alternative Rock with The Driptones, Causa, Neverless at High Dive
Friday, January 15, 9 p.m.
Singer, Songwriter George Gomez at One Love Café
Saturday, January 16, 12 p.m.
Jazz and Swing Favorites with Swing Theory at One Love Cafe
Saturday, January 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Toby Keith Tribute at Knockin’ Boots Saloon
Saturday, January 16, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Country and Southern Rock with Treble Hook on the Patio at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, January 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Soulful Rock and Blues with Cassie Evans at Lightnin Salvage
Saturday, January 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Metal and a Psychedelic Rock with Purely Red, Shadow The Earth, Pupal at High Dive
Saturday, January 16, 9 p.m.
Jazz and Blues with Middleground at One Love Cafe
Sunday, January 17, 11 a.m.
Country Music with Chris McNeil on the Patio at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Sunday, January 17, 4 p.m.
Classic Rock with Moondog at One Love Cafe
Sunday, January 17, 5 p.m.
Keg of Laughs Stand Up Comedy Hour at World of Beer
Tuesday, January 19, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Country Music with Cliff Dorsey on the Patio at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Wednesday, January 20, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country Music with Jamie Davis at Woodyard Grill
Wednesday, January 20, 6 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Ben from Babyl Live at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Friday, January 15 and Saturday, January 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Live Music with Miguel Mirada at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, January 15, 7 p.m.
Big Al and Don Perform Live at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, January 16, 7 p.m.
Drag Brunch at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Sunday, January 17, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Beer Bingo Tuesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Tuesday, January 19, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Brainaholics Trivia at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, January 19, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmer’s Markets
Cypress & Grove Farmer’s Market
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Union Street Farmer’s Market at Celebration Pointe
Wednesdays, 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, January 14
Learn New Culinary Skills with a Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Thursday, February 14: Pastries, Cream Puffs and Eclairs (sold out)
Friday, January 15: Healthy Cooking with Fresh Herbs
Sunday, January 17: Preserving Citrus
Dine at Local Restaurants and Enjoy New Outside Seating Options
Some restaurants are welcoming diners back into their dining rooms. You may also notice additional outdoor seating expanded onto sidewalks, into parking lots or into the street.
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
Friday Night Lights at Newberry RC Track
Friday, January 15, 7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Men’s Gators Basketball vs. Tennessee
Tuesday, January 19, 7 p.m.
Spider Cup Series at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Saturday, January 16, 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Mountain Bike Rides with Goodbike
Tuesday, January 19, 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
Solo Exhibition by Ashley Ortiz-Diaz “Anyway, I love you and I wish you weren’t dead” at Good News Arts
Open Wednesdays-Saturdays, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Explore Florida’s History and Walk With Flying Butterflies at the Florida Museum
Open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
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
The Gainesville Orchestra Presents Romance, January 22
“Survival of the Slowest”Exhibit Opens at the Florida Museum of Natural History, January 23
Hoggetowne at Home, a Virtual Medieval Experience, January 30-31 and February 6-7
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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