Plan your weekend and dance to the beat of What’s Good. Celebrate Brazilian culture with music, food, dance and art at Heartwood Soundstage for BrazilFest 2023. On Friday, go UpStage at the Phillips Center for an up close and intimate International Guitar Night performance or get down to the blues with two time Grammy Award winner Bobby Rush and special guest Jontavious Willis, Saturday at the UF Phillips Center.
Step back in time at the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire to cheer on jousting knights, browse the artisan marketplace and enjoy live entertainment across multiple stages. Star Center Theatre presents the opening weekend of King Liz, a captivating play where a sports agent at the top of her game fights to keep the crown.
Read on for more of What’s Good!
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Your partners at Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Be Informed.
The below information was accurate at the time of publishing. Please contact organizers directly to double-check details.
Experience Brazilian Music and Culture at Brazil Fest 2023
Saturday, January 21, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The 3rd annual Gainesville Brazilfest features the Brazilian Maestro Hugo Sambone, multi-instrumentalist Chocolate Costa, joining the Maca Reggae Samba family showcasing the popular music of Brazil. Special guests include Pamelli Marafom, Rafael Abdala, Welson Tremura and others.
Get Swept Away by the Romance of Music as the Gainesville Orchestra Presents Ravel: Daphnis and Chloe
Friday, January 20 | Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606
Dive into Ravel’s lush romantic suite full of passion, beauty, pirates, gods and love, then revel in Gainesville Orchestra principal trombonist Jemmie Robertson’s dulcet tones in a special concerto along with Virgil Thomson’s delicious Americana-themed Cello Concerto played by principal cellist Lyle Lamboley.
Step Back in Time to a Magical Medieval Village at the 36th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire
Saturday, January 21 – Sunday, January 22, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
9409 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608
Dress in costume and chomp into a giant turkey leg as the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire returns with a showcase of artisans, performers and jousting knights. Enjoy nine stages of entertainment including falconry, jugglers, knife throwing, dancers and more. Learn more and get tickets at online.
Go UpStage at the Phillips Center with Guitar Greats from Around the World at International Guitar Night
Friday, January 20, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
The intercontinental super-group of four acoustic guitarists returns for its 23rd year. Guitar greats Stephanie Jones (Australia), Olli Soikkeli (Finland), Jocelyn Gould (Canada) and Jesús Guerrero (Spain) take the stage displaying their individual diverse styles and then perform together, mesmerizing with an evening of grandeur.
Relish Soaring Guitars and Vocals with the 12-Piece Roots Music Sensation Tedeschi Trucks Band
Sunday, January 22, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Tedeschi Trucks Band launches into 2023 with a nationwide tour after supporting their epic project I Am The Moon featuring 24 songs split across 4 albums and 4 films in 2022. The 12-piece ensemble are a winner of the Blue Music Award and Grammy Award for best blues album.
See a Sports Agent at the Top of Her Game Fight to Keep the Crown at the Opening Weekend of King Liz
Friday, January 20 – Sunday, January 22 | Star Center Theatre
11 NW 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
Liz Rico is a powerful sports agent who represents NBA superstars, having fought her way to the top of a male-dominated profession with her skill for cutthroat negotiations. Given the chance to sign Freddie Luna, a once-in-a-generation high school talent, Liz sees an opportunity to take her career to the next level, and she finally meets her match. When accusations start swirling around the young phenom, Liz must attempt to rebound Freddie’s career or protect her own crown.
Get Down with a Blues Experience from Bobby Rush and Jontavious Willis
Saturday, January 21, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Famer and 2-time Grammy Award winner Bobby Rush is hailed as one of the blues’ best storytellers. Mentored by Keb’ Mo and Taj Mahal, Jontavious Willis is a rising blues multi-instrumentalist with 2 albums and a Grammy nomination under his belt.
Hear 61 Bells Ring Out with Music Inspired by Poetry from Edgar Allan Poe
Sunday, January 22, 1:55 p.m. | UF Century Tower
375 Newell Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
2 poems by Edgar Allan Poe, Annabel Lee and The Bells, provide inspiration for music performed at Century Tower. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Century Tower is a 157-foot carillon tower in the center of the University of Florida campus featuring 61 bells. The Tower was built in 1953 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the university and was dedicated to UF students killed in World Wars I and II. For an optimal listening experience, find a location at least 100 feet from the tower.
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Events & Festivals
Writing a Florida Novel with Author Rebecca Johnston at Matheson History Museum
Saturday, January 21, 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Florida Color Horse Club Orange Blossom Horse Show at the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Saturday, January 21 – Sunday, January 22
Music & Performance
Americana with Wild Shiners at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, January 19, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Australian Guitarist Tommy Emmanuel with Special Guest Gareth Pearson at Heartwood Soundstage
Thursday, January 19, 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Reggae Rock with Fayuca and Jakob Nowell at High Dive
Thursday, January 19, 7 p.m.
Jazz with the Oak Trio at 4th Ave Food Park
Friday, January 20, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Classic Rock with Enlightened Rogues at One Love Café
Friday, January 20, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Gainesville Flute Ensemble at St. Patricks Church
Friday, January 20, 6:40 p.m.
Indie Music Showcase at Destination Okeechobee at Vivid Music Hall
Friday, January 20, 7 p.m.
Classic Rock and Blues with Moondog at Crafty Bastards
Friday, January 20, 7 p.m.
Indie Rock with Truth Value at How Bazar
Friday, January 20, 7 p.m.
Hard Rock with The Holy Ghost Tabernacle Choir at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, January 20, 8 p.m.
The Savants of Soul at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, January 20, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Southern Rock with Branford Hwy at Mother’s Pub North
Friday, January 20, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Pop Punk Emo Night at High Dive
Friday, January 20, 9 p.m.
Guitarist Richy Stano at 4th Ave Food Park
Saturday, January 21, 11 a.m. 3 p.m.
Rock with Whiskey Jones at The Great Outdoors
Saturday, January 21, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with Swing Theory at One Love Café
Saturday, January 21, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tribute to Nirvana with Nirvanna at High Dive
Saturday, January 21, 8 p.m.
Beatles Music from The Shoddy Beatles at The Wooly
Saturday, January 21, 8:30 p.m.
Bedlam In The Belfry Goth Dance Party at The Backyard at Boca Fiesta & Palomino
Saturday, January 21, 10 p.m.
Easy Listening and World Music with Gosia and Ali at One Love Café
Sunday, January 22, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Oldtime, Bluegrass, and Folk Jam at Civic Media Center
Sunday, January 22, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
High-Energy Jazz Fusion with Moon Hooch at Heartwood Soundstage
Sunday, January 22, 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
The Joe Breidenstine Jazz Band at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, January 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz Wednesdays with The Oak Trio at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Wednesday, January 25, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Hats are in! Earn the Latest Premium Reward by Visiting Local Breweries with the Free Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail Digital Pass
Alachua County is home to seven distinct breweries featuring friendly gathering spaces with live music and events, Best Florida Beer Professional Championship award-winning brews, plus delish menus and food trucks.
Sign up for our easy and fun digital pass and unlock rewards by checking into craft breweries throughout Gainesville and Alachua County. Earn “Billy the Bison and the Brew Birds” branded merch when you sign up and visit your first brewery. Earn more rewards by checking in and building your points, then stop by the Visit Gainesville, Alachua County office or Daft Cow Brewing Company to redeem.
Cheers to you and to Sippin’ All Seven!
Grooves at the Grove with DJ Agpa at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Thursday, January 19, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with Nick DeCarlis Trio at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, January 20, 6:30 p.m.
Jazz Bandits at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, January 20, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie Folk with The Blue Eyed Bettys at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, January 20, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Country with Houston Keen at Big Top Brewing Company
Friday, January 20, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Bellydance Class at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, January 21, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Adopt-athon PAWTY at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Saturday, January 21, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
Grove Street Farmers Market with Live Music
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Archer Farmers Market at Archer Historical Society Railroad Museum
Tuesdays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
GNV Holiday Market at South Main Station featuring Live Music
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
High Springs Farmers Market
Fridays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Alachua County Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Newberry Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Haile Village Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Waldo Farmers Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bites and Brunch
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, January 19, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Bar
Thursday, January 19, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
(sold out) Wine Tasting and Chef Dinner at The Fat Tuscan
Friday, January 20, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off at Micanopy Ballpark
Saturday, January 21, 12 p.m.
Spice It Up Vegan Cooking Class at Peacefield
Saturday, January 21, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Bougie Brunch at The Swamp Restaurant
Sunday, January 22, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sparkling Wine Tasting Class at Camellia Rose Inn
Sunday, January 22, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Grand Opening: Rock N Roll Sushi at Butler North
Monday, January 23, 11 a.m.
Sports
RADD Track and Field Invitational at the Alachua County Sports and Event Center
Thursday, January 19 – Friday, January 20
RADD Track and Field Sunshine Showcase at the Alachua County Sports and Event Center
Saturday, January 21 – Sunday, January 22
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, January 20, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Drag Slick and Drag Radial Test and Tune at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, January 21, 8 a.m.
Make your Gators sports stay a Slam Dunk with Hotel ELEO. Book a stay in January and February and get $30 to spend at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant. Book online at HotelELEO.com or call 352-565-3536 and be sure to use booking code WIN.
View the Florida Gators schedule for upcoming matchups of basketball, baseball, golf, gymnastics, softball, swimming + diving and tennis.
Photo by Maven Photo + Film
Gators Swimming and Diving Invitational at the O’Connell Center
Friday, January 20, 11 a.m., Saturday, January 21, 12 p.m.
Gators Women’s Basketball vs. Vanderbilt at Exactech Arena
Sunday, January 22, 2 p.m.
Gators Men’s Basketball vs. South Carolina at Exactech Arena
Wednesday, January 25, 7 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Thursday, January 19, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, January 24, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Advanced registration required
Learn About Tree Planting and Care with the Alachua County Aboriculture Program on Florida Arbor Day at Jonesville Park
Friday, January 20, 1 p.m.
Free Timed 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, January 14, 7:30 a.m.
Longleaf Pine Planting Volunteer Event at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Saturday, January 21, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Rim Ramble Ranger-Led Adventure at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Saturday, January 14, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Citizen Science Sundays for Kids: Invasives Among Us! at Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center
Sunday, January 22, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, January 25, 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
River & Springs
Florida Arbor Day Planting Volunteer Event with Springs Artist Margaret Tolbert at Santa Fe Springs Preserve
Friday, January 20, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Paddle 8 Springs in 8 Miles or Slowly Float Down the Santa Fe River at Poe Springs Park with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures
Friday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Float or Splash Into Freshwater Springs
North Florida is home to the largest collection of first-magnitude springs in the United States.
Museums & Galleries
Art After Dark with Americana Music from The Front Porch Backsteppers at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, January 19, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Docent-Led Weekend Tours at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, January 21, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Tot Trot: Animals at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Tuesday, January 24, 9 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Photography and Illustrations at the Adventures in Old Florida Exhibit Reception at Good News Arts
Now through January 21
Open Wednesdays – Saturdays, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Now on View at the Harn Museum of Art, AWE-some: time :: materiality :: meaning
Museum Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
AWE-some celebrates new photographs recently bought for, or donated to, the Harn’s permanent collection. Its theme: recognition of several brilliant, dedicated photographers, their time, their actual prints (not on a screen) and why they made them.
Annual Faculty Exhibit Opening at Santa Fe College Gallery
Open daily 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
View Memories of Legendary Bands at a Legendary Music Venue at the Matheson History Museum’s Newest Exhibit “Return to Forever: Gainesville’s Great Southern Music Hall”
Museum Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
The Matheson History Museum looks back at the state-of-the-art concert venue in Gainesville between 1974 and 1978. The Great Southern Music Hall hosted performers including Jimmy Buffett, Ray Charles, Muddy Waters, Bob Seger and Steve Martin to name a few. The exhibit features a collection of live performance photos from the house photographer John Moran, Bo Diddley’s signature square guitar and other artifacts. Admission is free.
Into the Woods and Out of the Woods Exhibits at The Historic Thomas Center
Gallery Hours: Monday, Thurday and Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Discover a Unique African American Culture at Gullah Geechee – African Connections and Cultural Traditions in America at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
Open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Explore the Cosmos at the Cade Museum’s Exhibit: Voyages – A Trip Through Space and Time
Museum Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This featured exhibit is part of the museum-wide theme “Wandering the Milky Way – A Tour of the Solar System.” Discover how spacecraft from the 1970s still teach us about the galaxy and learn how scientists are designing a mission that spans generations.
Save The Date
Flatwoods Fire & Nature Festival, January 28
The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity Opening Weekend, January 27
BBQ and Bacon Fest, January 28-29
Opening Day of Spiders Alive!at the Florida Museum of Natural History, January 28
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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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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