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).
Live Music Returns for the New Year with an Outdoor Concert with The Shambles
Saturday, January 9, 7 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The Shambles are a hard hitting 8-piece rock band that plays deep cuts from Steely Dan and the Grateful Dead. The lawn at Heartwood Soundstage recording studio sets the stage for a socially distanced outdoor music experience. Masks are required.
The Greg Snider Group Delivers Music Into the Night at Jazz on the Green
Saturday, January 9, 7 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
5001 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Spread a blanket after the sun sets and catch some beautiful music while the kids play games on the lawn. Food and drinks are available from nearby Celebration Pointe restaurants.
Browse Fine Art at the Artisans’ Guild New Year Celebration Art Market Sale
Saturday, January 9, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Artisans’ Guild Gallery
224 NW 2 Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Shop safely and celebrate the New Year with a front porch sale at Artisans’ Guild Gallery. Guest artists and makers featured in the backyard, enjoy live music, food and a free plant and seed exchange.
It’s a Perfect Time to Camp, Glamp and RV in Alachua County
This past year has changed the way many people travel, with outdoor related options significantly rising in popularity. The great outdoors offer an easy escape from everyday life, true relaxation, and proven health benefits. The area in and around Gainesville, Alachua County is perfect for staying in and exploring nature and this time of year provides perfect temperatures for hiking, biking or canoeing during the day and sitting around the campfire enjoying s’mores in the evening.
Whether you have never camped or are an experienced camper, Alachua County has numerous options. Rent a cabin on the river in O’Leno State Park and or on the prairie at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, book an RV site with a heated pool, or set up camp where you can also rent a boat at Kate’s Fish Camp or Twin Lakes Fish Camp.
Explore the links below to find the camping experience that suits you best!
Rent a cabin: Lochloosa Harbor RV Park, O’Leno State Park, The Yearling Cabins on Cross Creek, Twin Lakes Fish Camp
Pitch a tent: High Springs Campground, O’Leno State Park, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Travelers Campground
Book an RV site: High Springs Campground, Kate’s Fish Camp, Lochloosa Harbor RV Park, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Travelers Campground, Twin Lakes Fish Camp
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.
Journey to a New Land with the Staged Musical of Songs for a New World
Friday, January 8 – Sunday, January 10 | Star Center Theatre
11 NE 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
With a rousing score that blends elements of pop, gospel and jazz, featuring tight harmonies and darling vocals, Songs for a New World transports the audience from the deck of a Spanish sailing ship bound for a new land, to the ledge of a New York penthouse. According to composer Jason Robert Brown, “about one moment. It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back.”
Let Moon Light the Way and Take a Guided Paddle Tour on the Santa Fe River
Saturday, January 9, 7:15 p.m. | Santa Fe Canoe Outpost
21410 NW US Hwy. 441, High Springs, FL 32643
January’s tour includes a two-person canoe or double kayak, safety equipment and transportation. Reservations are required.
Hammer Out Unique Keepsakes at a Blacksmithing Workshop
Friday, January 8 – Sunday, January 10 | [Fe]ver Metal Art Center
Location Provided Upon Registration
Create wearable art with a snake bracelet on Friday, or make your own survival knife and sheath during a two-day class Saturday and Sunday. All safety gear provided and no experience is necessary.
Go Birding and See Wildlife on a Ranger-Led Tour at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Sunday, January 10, 2:30 p.m. | Sweetwater Wetlands Park
325 SE Williston Rd., Gainesville, FL 32641
Wood Ducks, Soras, Northern Harrier Sided, Lesser Scaup, American Coots, oh my. Pre-register for this tour to see these 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.
Add Bamboo to Your Landscape at the Annual Bamboo Sale
Now through January 18 | 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.
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
“In Search of…” Dance Performance at Black C Art Gallery
Thursday, January 7 – Friday, January 8
A short movement investigation by Ani Collier and Tzveta Kassabova, presented for an audience of four. Tzveta Kassabova, named one of ’25 to watch’ by Dance Magazine, explores live performance possibilities with fellow dancer/choreographer Ani Collier with an observance of public health safety protocols. Masks are required and distanced seating is provided.
Music & Performance
County and Rock with Scotty Lee Williams at Mother’s Pub & Grill North
Thursday, January 7, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Americana with Mr. Aullie at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, January 8, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock and Originals with Wild Blue Yonder at One Love Café
Friday, January 8, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock, Pop, Classic Rock with Faster than Flash on the Patio at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, January 8, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
House Music with Les Voss, Billy Wyatt, Jeremy Reynolds at Signal
Friday, January 8, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Campfire Americana with Kyle Keller at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, January 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Southern Rock with Treble Hook on the Patio at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, January 9, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Electronica with Psylo, Deja Dream, DJ Hilt, Headnod at Signal
Saturday, January 9, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Rock with Chuck Partin on the Patio at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Sunday, January 10, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Rock and Blues with Cassie Evans at One Love Cafe
Sunday, January 10, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Keg of Laughs Stand Up Comedy Hour at World of Beer
Tuesday, January 12, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Country Music with Jamie Davis on the Patio at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Wednesday, January 13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country Music at Woodyard Grill
Wednesday, January 13, 6 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Live Music with Miguel Mirada at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, January 8, 7 p.m.
Big Al and Don Perform Live at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, January 9, 7 p.m.
Beer Bingo Tuesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Tuesday, January 12, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Brainaholics Trivia at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, January 12, 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
Learn New Skills and Techniques to Cook and Entertain at a Cooking Class from The Fat Tuscan
Thursday: Making Ravioli Pasta
Friday: Winter Soups
Saturday: Wine Pairing and Chef Dinner
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
Men’s Gators Basketball vs. Kentucky
Saturday, January 9, 5 p.m.
NFAA Indoor National Championship at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Saturday, January 9, 12 p.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday, January 10, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Drag Racing Test and Tune at Gainesville Raceway
Saturday, January 9, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mountain Bike Rides with Goodbike
Tuesday, January 12, 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
NEA Big Read Series: Lab Girl on Zoom with Florida Museum of Natural History
Tuesday, January 12, 7 p.m. – 8 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
“Dreaming Alice” Closes January 3Open Thursday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Friday, January 1
Prose and Shop the Winter Showcase Exhibit (online) at the Gainesville Fine Art Association
Now through January 2
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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