Book a weekend of fun with What’s Good. Celebrate Florida’s literary legacy at the Sunshine State Book Festival. The festival features 150 authors along with book signings, activities and presentations. Throw wide the gates of your imagination with the final weekend of the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire or find out if bacon really does go with everything with two days of food and fun at the BBQ and Bacon Fest, held at the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center in Newberry.
Enjoy refreshments, live music and inspiring works of art with the Gainesville Fine Arts Association 100th Year Anniversary Kick-Off celebration and art walk reception, then set out on a self-guided tour of the local art scene with this month’s Artwalk Gainesville line up. Theatre stages light up with opening weekend performances of The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity at the Hippodrome Theatre and William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet at Gainesville Community Playhouse.
Read on for more of What’s Good!
Be safe and be well,
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.
Throw Wide the Gates of Your Imagination with the Final Weekend of the 36th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire
Friday, January 27, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, January 28 – Sunday, January 29, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
9409 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608
Step back in time and enter the castle gates of the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire. Browse a showcase of artisans, performers and jousting knights. Enjoy nine stages of entertainment including falconry, jugglers, knife throwing, dancers and more. Friday is family day with discounted admission. Learn more and get tickets at online.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Celebrate Florida’s Literary Culture at the Sunshine State Book Festival
Friday, January 27, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Trinity United Methodist Church
4000 NW 53rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32653
The 2023 Sunshine State Book Festival brings together readers and writers with 150 authors from 15 genres. Join Friday’s reception to meet and mingle with authors. Saturday features select readings and a keynote address from Janis Owens. Children’s book authors present storytelling sessions with free activities for the kids. Learn more and view the schedule at www.sunshinestatebookfestival.com.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Find Out if Everything is Better with Bacon at the BBQ and Bacon Fest
Saturday, January 28 – Sunday, January 29 | Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
23100 W Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL 32669
Enjoy family-friendly fun including Enjoy family-friendly fun including bounce houses, pony rides, sack races, train rides and more. Rock with classic hits from Centerlane. Activities include axe-throwing, fisherman’s casting and bacon relay. Dogs are welcome.
Savor food offerings all weekend from 5 Piggies BBQ, BBQ Hawgs and Dogs, Voodoo Shrimp Shack, Greek Corner and more.
Learn more and get a coupon for admission at www.NewberryFest.com
Go UpStage at the Phillips Center with the Soulful Isaiah Sharkey
Saturday, January 28, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Isaiah Sharkey and his band fuse their background in rock, gospel, jazz, R&B, blues, and funk to create an original sound with an unmistakable dose of soul.
UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. 7 p.m. seatings include heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; 9 p.m. seatings include desserts and cash bar.
Politics, Courage and Comedy Hit the Mat at the Opening Weekend of The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity
Friday, January 27 – Sunday, January 29 | Hippodrome Theatre
25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601
A wrestling ring replaces the Hippodrome’s mainstage as the dramatic comedy explores geopolitics through professional wrestling. Thrilling action and incredible characters raise pertinent questions about racial identity and pop culture in society. Learn more and get tickets at thehipp.org
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Allow Yourself to be Spellbound by the Timeless Story of Star-Crossed Lovers at the Opening Weekend of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
Friday, January 27 – Sunday, January 29 | Gainesville Community Playhouse
4039 NW 16th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605
Amidst an age-old vendetta of the rival Motague and Capulet families, a young lovesick Romeo Montague falls instantly in love with Juliet Capulet. The romantic tragedy unfolds as Juliet takes drastic measures to avoid an arranged marriage.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Get Up Close and Explore the World of Arachnids at the Opening Day of Spiders Alive!
Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
With more than a dozen live species from around the world, the new exhibit dives into the world of spiders, scorpions and their relatives. Featured animals on display include the Asian Forest Scorpion, Brazilian Red and White Tarantula, Southern Black Widow, Wolf Spider and more. Go hands-on with large touchable models revealing a closer look at spider anatomy. Plan your visit at online.
Photo courtesy Peeling Productions
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Explore the Local Art Scene on the First Self-Guided Artwalk Gainesville of 2023
Friday, January 27, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Multiple Locations and Galleries
Browse a showcase of 50 artists with the How Bazar at First Magnitude Brewing Company, Ukranian culture with Lulu at Bingo Deli and Pub, Bulgarian painter Liliana Dvorianova at Black C Art, Charlotte Newman’s interactive “Speak to Me” installation at Sweetwater Print Co-op, oil and acrylic landscapes with Peter Senesac at the Artisans Guild Gallery and more. Preview the venues and download a map online.
Image: painting by Peter Senesac
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Happy 100th GFAA! Join the Artist Reception of the Latest Exhibition Featuring Board Members Past & Present
Friday, January 27, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | GFAA Gallery
1314 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Enjoy refreshments, live music and inspiring works of art with the Gainesville Fine Arts Association’s Artwalk reception and 100th Year Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration, featuring works from past and present board members. View additional art on display from Alachua County Elementary schools in the Friends of Elementary Arts Student Exhibition.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Learn How Fire Contributes to Healthy Forests at the Flatwoods Fire and Nature Festival
Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | UF/IFAS Austin Cary Forest
10625 NE Waldo Rd., Gainesville, FL 32609
Fire plays a key role in maintaining Florida’s forests by enhancing their beauty, diversity, and habitat value. Get a first-hand view of prescribed fire and equipment demonstrations. Enjoy food trucks and live music. Visit educational exhibits and see live animals. Admission is free.
Flap Your Wings and Fly on Over to Swamp Head Brewery for Bats and Brews with the Lubee Bat Conservancy
Saturday, January 28, 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Swamp Head Brewery
3650 SW 42nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Visit Lubee’s educational animals and learn about bats and their fascinating animal friends. Swamp Head releases Sky Puppies NEIPA with a portion of each sale donated to Lubee’s conservation efforts. At sunset you may also witness bats emerge from the bat house. Admission is free.
Kick Off the Weekend with Country Music from Jamey Michael King at Playlist at the Pointe
Friday, January 27, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Jamey Michael King is a touring country artist. This performance features a full band and special guest Ryan Fulford. Pull up a chair or throw down a blanket and enjoy the music after as the sun sets. Grab food, drinks and sweet treats from nearby Celebration Pointe restaurants. Admission is free.
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Pop-Up Markets
Swap Meet Saturday at Gainesville Harley-Davidson
Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
See a Sports Agent at the Top of Her Game Fight to Keep the Crown with King Liz at Star Center Theatre
Friday, January 27 – Sunday, January 29
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.
Short Comedic Plays at The 10 Minute Zone at the Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
Friday, January 27, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Events & Festivals
Virtual Reality Game Mixer at Infinity VR Games
Friday, January 27, 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
La Selva Art Studios Celebrates One Year Art Show at 4th Ave Food Park
Saturday, January 28, 5 p.m.
Music & Performance
Rafael Abdalla Samba Jazz Group at Baby J’s
Thursday, January 26, 8 p.m.
Country Songs with Paisley Fields, Wiley Gaby, Cooper and Danny Hughes at Loosey’s Downtown
Thursday, January 26, 7 p.m.
Americana with The Front Porch Backsteppers at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, January 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at One Love Café
Friday, January 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Go Upstage at the Phillips Center for Americana with Buffalo Rose
Friday, January 27, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Blues with Mr. Sipp and Ramblin’ Mutts at Heartwood Soundstage
Friday, January 27, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Punk Rock with Supertwin at Loosey’s Downtown
Friday, January 27, 8 p.m.
Natalie Bella Jazz Ensemble at Baby J’s
Friday, January 27, 8 p.m.
2023 Florida Federation of Music Clubs Collegiate Vocal Competition at the Historic Thomas Center
Saturday, January 28, 1:30 p.m.
Classic Covers with Cassie and Chris at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, January 28, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock with Whiskey Jones at One Love Café
Saturday, January 28, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Indie-Pop with MADWOMAN presents: Galactic Garden an “Inside my Head” Release Party at Heartwood Soundstage
Saturday, January 28, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Pop Punk & Emo Night at The Wooly
Saturday, January 28, 10 p.m. – 11:50 p.m.
Dr. Sinn’s Freak Island Musical Sideshow at High Dive
Sunday, January 29, 6 p.m.
UF School of Music Faculty Chamber Music Series Presents Rachmaninoff at UF School of Music
Tuesday, January 31, 7:20 p.m. – 8:20 p.m.
Jazz Wednesdays with The Oak Trio at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Wednesday, February 1, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Pianist Mitch McKay at the Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
Wednesday, February 1, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Seven more reasons to love Gainesville and Alachua County – The Sippin’ Seven! Big Top Brewing Company, Blackadder Brewing Company, Cypress & Grove Brewing Company, Daft Cow Brewery, First Magnitude Brewing Company, High Springs Brewing Company and Swamp Head Brewery.
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!
Southern Rock with Southern Burn at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, January 27, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday Night Jam with Cliff Dorsey at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, January 27, 6:30 p.m.
How Bazar Artwalk Showcase with 50 Artists at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Friday, January 27, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
4most Gallery Exhibition with 11 Artists at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Friday, January 27, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Alt-Folk with Uncle Mosie and the Tom Smith Band at Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
Saturday, January 28, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Acoustic Covers with PairODocs at Blackadder Brewing Company
Sunday, January 29, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
U-Pick Strawberries at Crossroads Farm and Apiary
Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, January 29, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Check for updates
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 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
Savor BBQ and family-friendly fun at the two-day BBQ and Bacon Fest at the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Saturday, January 28 – Sunday, January 29
Now Open: Rock N Roll Sushi at Butler North
Monday, January 23, 11 a.m.
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, January 26, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Bar
Thursday, January 26, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Vegan Bakery Pop-Up and Cold Brew Happy Hour at 108 Vine
Saturday, January 28, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
(sold out) The Art of Italian Cooking Master Class at The Fat Tuscan
Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sports
Alachua County Collegiate Invitational at the Alachua County Sports and Event Center
Thursday, January 26 – Friday, January 27
The Legends of Alachua County at the Alachua County Sports and Event Center
Saturday, January 28 – Sunday, January 29
Gators Men’s Tennis ITA Kick-Off Weekend at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Friday, January 27 – Saturday, January 28
(sold out) Gators Gymnastics vs. Georgia at Exactech Arena
Friday, January 27, 5:45 p.m.
Funtastic Fridays Archery at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Friday, January 27, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Open Archery Tag at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Saturday, January 28, 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Frosty Friday Disc Golf with Latitude 64 at Jonesville Disc Golf Course
Friday, January 27, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Summitt Racing Series at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, January 28 – Sunday, January 29, 8 a.m.
Parks & Trails
Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Thursday, January 26, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, January 31, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Advanced registration required
Weekly Walk and Talk with Alachua Conservation Trust at Tuscawilla Preserve
Friday, January 27, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Free Timed 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, January 28, 7:30 a.m.
Birding Field Trip with Alachua Audubon Society at Hickory Ranch Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Saturday, January 28, 8 a.m.
Rim Ramble Ranger-Led Adventure at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, February 1, 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
River & Springs
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
Opening Soon at the Harn Museum of Art: Posing Beauty in African American Culture
Tuesday, January 31, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
image (detail): Ken Ramsay, “Susan Taylor, as Model,”
Art and Mindfulness: A Fresh Look, Seeing with Our Wisdom Eye at the Harn Museum of Art
Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Saturday Workshop: Basic Quilting with Familiar Craft Goods at Good News Arts
Saturday, January 28, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
“I’m Coming Home” Featuring the works of Visual Artist Kenneth Keith with Jazz by Lanard Perry at A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center
Saturday, January 28, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Tot Trot: Animals for ages 2-5 at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Tuesday, January 31, 9 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
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.
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
STOMP at UF Phillips Center, February 3
FHSAA Competitive Cheerleading State Championships, February 3-4
Black History Month Celebration, February 4
Family Day at the Dairy Farm, February 11
Farm Dining Experience at Swallowtail Farm, February 11
Dance Alive National Ballet Presents Horse of a Different Color, February 18
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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