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, masks or face coverings are required when social distancing is not possible. 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).
Plan a 3-Day Weekend with Jazz Music and Family Friendly Fun at MAM Concert Series
Friday, March 19 – Sunday, March 21 | Legacy Park Amphitheatre
15400 Peggy Rd., Alachua, FL 32615
The MAM Concert Series delivers three-day music festivals in March, April and May. Jazz music takes the stage this month in addition to fun festival activities. Browse vendors in the daily MAMville Market. Friday night is movie night with The Lion King starting at 7 p.m. and Sunday features Women Empowerment Day 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Featured acts include LaLucha, Neptunes Child, Monk In Brazil, Tamayo and more. Find more details and full schedule on Facebook.
Live Demonstrations and Art Brighten the Charming Downtown at the High Springs Art Walk
Saturday, March 20, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Downtown High Springs
Visit local artists and makers outdoors as you explore the charming town of High Springs. Learn about the creative process with live painting and art demonstrations.
Make a day of it by visiting a restaurant along the way. Grab lunch favorites with a twist on Hungarian street food at Spins: Sweet and Savory, select plant-based options at Bambi’s Café, grab a sweet treat at Florida Creamery and Talented Cookie, find burgers, steaks and creative entrees for lunch and dinner at The Great Outdoors Restaurant or enjoy a refreshing craft beer from High Springs Brewing Company.
Weave Together Sounds of Jazz, Folk and R&B with the Smooth Vocals from the Shana Tucker Quartet
Thursday, March 18, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
The main stage at the Phillips Center transforms into an intimate jazz club setting for two performances featuring Shana Tucker’s cello and “ChamberSoul” style of originals and unique reinterpretations of songs you know by heart. In-person and live-streaming tickets are available online. Photo by Michael McCullough
Savor a Variety of Flavors at the Original Gainesville Food Truck Rally
Saturday, March 20, 5 p.m. | High Dive
210 SW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Food trucks from across the area and beyond serve up unique, gourmet style fare at this one-of-a-kind local event. Vegetarian and Vegan options available. Featured trucks include Charlie’s Snow Shack, Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ, Dank Cakes, Monsta Lobsta and more. Inside High Dive, live music starts at 6:30 p.m. with The Medicine Show, Jacob Weldon, Danny Attack and Bruce Watts.
Explore Alachua and High Springs and Make the Most of Your 3-day M.A.M. Music Festival Experience at Legacy Park
If you are headed to Alachua for the MAM Concert Series, March 19-21, you are in for a great time! Enjoy the outdoor movie, delicious bites from the food trucks, and dancing under the sun and moon to live Latin, jazz and acoustic music acts and much more. Plus satisfy your sense of wander and wonder exploring the charming surrounding towns for a fully epic adventure in the heart of North Central Florida – Alachua County.
Between festival activities, make time to sample delicious local cuisine at Conestogas Restaurant and Tony and Al’s Restaurant & Bar in downtown Alachua, or find specialty craft cocktails and an extensive menu that includes vegan and vegetarian options at the Pink Flamingo Diner. Make your own after party at The Great Outdoors Restaurant or the High Springs Brewing Company. Start your festival day refreshed with a quick splash at nearby Poe Springs Park, view early rising furry friends in their natural habitat with a hike along the river at O’Leno State Park, or paddle down the Santa Fe River with a kayak rental from the Santa Fe Canoe Outpost. If shopping is more your style, discover unique treasures in downtown Alachua at The Cardinal’s Nest gift shop or Colleen’s Kloset Re-sale Boutique, or in downtown High Springs at The Bird Nest Vintage Market, and Estate Solutions, or make sure to spend some time at Celebration Pointe and Butler Town Center just 20 minutes south on I-75, exit 384.
Find nearby lodging at:
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alachua (host hotel)Best Western Gateway Grand HotelBaymont Inn & Suites GainesvilleLa Quinta by Wyndham GainesvilleTownePlace Suites by MarriottDays Inn by Wyndham
All Lodging Options:
Click here for the hotels, inns, bed and breakfast and camping options that Alachua County has to offer.
Dining Options:
Click here for Alachua County dining options.
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.
Wander through the Magical Forest of A Midsummer Night’s Dream Presented by Dance Alive National Ballet
Saturday, March 20, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
On a dreamy midsummer night’s eve, the world of fairies, humans, dukes and donkeys all collide under the magic spell of cupid’s arrow. A bright and beautiful ballet in the classic style set to Shakespeare’s immortal ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ proves that falling in love is the ultimate gift. This is a charming ballet crafted by Choreographer/Director Kim Tuttle. Since 1986 Kim Tuttle has created over 150 ballets and has led Dance Alive National Ballet as a highly recognized professional touring company.
Glimpse a Moment in Time with Six Triple Eight, a Poignant Play Portraying the First All-Black Female Military Battalion During WWII
Friday, March 12 – Sunday, March 14 | Star Center Theatre
11 NE 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
Celebrate women’s history month with an award-winning play written by Mary McCallum. Six Triple Eight captures the worlds of six women who collide as they serve in the first all-Black female Military Battalion during WWII. This piece of historical fiction follows members of the 6888 Central Postal Battalion, charged with the task of delivering millions of pieces of undelivered mail to soldiers on the front line.
Challenge Your Cycling Limits at the 200 km Brevet Series
Saturday, March 20 | Start/Finish: Boxcar Wine & Beer Garden
201 SE Depot Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Gainesville Cycling Club hosts a long-range ride starting at Depot Park and winding north through High Springs and south toward Ocala’s horse country for a round trip of 125 miles. Randonneurs USA membership is required before the ride. Find more details including Ride With GPS maps online.
Make New Furry Friends at the March Farmer’s “Moo-ket”
Sunday, March 21, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary
12626 NW CR 231, Gainesville, FL 32609
Meet the rescued animals at Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary and enjoy plan-based food with 100% vegan goods sold from a selection of vendors. Critter Creek’s mission is to promote compassion for farm animals through rescue and education.
Bask in Sonic Soundscapes with a Night of Indie Music Featuring The Driptones, Shane Malone and Trev Griffin
Friday, March 19, 9 p.m. | High Dive
210 SW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
High Dive hosts an evening of local bands. Beer garden opens at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. In-person tickets available online or at the door. Live stream tickets Live Stream available on a “pay what you want” scale at Veeps.com.
Hear the Unique Sound of a 61-Bell Carillon Studio Recital Ringing Out from UF’s Century Tower
Friday, March 19, 6 p.m. | Century Tower
375 Newell Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
Century Tower is a 157-foot carillon tower in the center of the University of Florida campus featuring 61 bells. For an optimal listening experience, find a location at least 100 feet from the tower. See safety guidelines for visitors of the University of Florida here.
Get Behind the Wheel and Feel the Thrill of the “Quarter-Mile” at Pure Speed Drag Racing Experience
Sunday, March 21 | Gainesville Raceway 11211 N CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
A variety of racing options put you on the track to experience the speed of drag racing first hand. Choose from tandem ride-alongs, side by side racing or reach extreme speeds up to 150 mph. Learn more and browse racing packages online.
Chime In and Laugh Out Loud at Stream of Consciousness: Live Improv
Saturday, March 20, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Online Event with Hippodrome Theatre
Improv legends and “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” veterans Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood unleash a wild, comedic ride with Stream of Consciousness, an all-new live improv show via Zoom, where you are in the driver’s seat. This interactive experience is fueled by audience suggestions, leaving Colin and Brad to rely only on their wits and intuition. Hilarious and bubbling with irreverent humor, the duo captivates with their whip smart senses and off-the-cuff comedic brilliance for a unique one-of-a-kind experience.
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Arts & Theatre
Glacial Waste: Socially Distanced and Socially Responsible Exhibit at Black C Art Gallery
Now through April 17, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
NEA Big Read Keynote: Robin Wall Kimmerer
Thursday, March 18, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sunshine State Book Festival Online with Keynote Speakers Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal, Coauthors of the NAACP Image Award Nominated I’m Not Dying with You Tonight
Now through June 30
Music & Performance
Soft Rock Duo Richy & Chelsea at One Love Cafe
Thursday, March 18, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Folk and Punk Music with Danny Attack and 430 Steps at Fest at Home Livestreaming on Facebook
Thursday, March 18, 7 p.m.
Comedy Show and Open Mic At Flaco’s
Thursday, March 18, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
A Night with Babyl in The Backyard at Boca Fiesta & Palomino
Thursday, March 18, 8 p.m.
Comedy Night at Heartwood Soundstage
Thursday, March 18, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
House and Techo with Nic Fanciulli at The Loft
Thursday, March 18, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Comedy Happy Hour at Curia on The Drag
Friday, March 19, 5:30 p.m.
Favorite Alternative Rock Songs with The Remedy at One Love Cafe
Friday, March 19, 6 p.m.
Classic Rock with Doc Adams at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, March 19, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Country Music with Dylan Scott At Knockin’ Boots Saloon Gainesville
Friday, March 19, 7 p.m.
Singer, Songwriter George Gomez at One Love Cafe
Saturday, March 20, 12 p.m.
Jazz and Swing Favorites with Swing Theory at One Love Cafe
Saturday, March 20, 6 p.m.
Country Rap with Kendall Tucker, Brandon Bing and Noah Hunton at Bricks
Saturday, March 20, 7 p.m.
Classic Covers to Sing Along with Thomas Anthony at Pink Flamingo Diner
Saturday, March 20, 7 p.m.
Blues and Rhythm with Terraplane at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, March 20, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
House Music with Bonnie X Clyde At Simons
Saturday, March 20, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Jazz and Blues with Middleground at One Love Cafe
Sunday, March 21, 11 a.m.
Country Favorites with Sounds Unlimited at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Sunday, March 21, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Classic Rock with Moondog at One Love Cafe
Sunday, March 21, 5 p.m.
High Intensity Blues Guitar with Eric Gales and Special Guest Root Redemption at High Dive
Sunday, March 21, 5:30 p.m.
Country Music with Chris McNeil at Pink Flamingo Diner
Sunday, March 21, 6 p.m.
Country Music with Cliff Dorsey at Woodyard Grill
Wednesday, March 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Open Mic Night at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Friday, March 19, 6 p.m.
Jazz Bandits at Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
Friday, March 19, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Live Music with Ben at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Friday, March 19, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Beer Pong Tournament at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Sunday, March 21, 4 p.m.
Salsero Saturdays at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Saturday, March 20, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Beer Bingo Tuesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Tuesday, March 23, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Brainaholics Trivia at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.– 8:30 p.m.
Team Trivia at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, March 24, 6 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmer’s Markets
Organic Strawberry and Food Market at Frog Song Organics
Sunday, March 21, 2 p.m.
U-Pick Strawberries at Roger’s Farm (check their Facebook for latest updates)
Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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
(Sold Out) Tour of Europe Wine Dinner at Embers Wood Grill
Thursday, March 18, 6:30 p.m.
Motorworks Brewing Beer Tasting at CB Bottle Shop
Thursday, March 18, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Opening Friday: Nopal by Cintrón
Friday, March 19, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
“Nacho average mexican” serving burritos, salads, fajitas and more with creek-side dining on the patio.
Spring Mixology Class at Haile Plantation Golf and Country Club
Tuesday, March 23, 5:30 p.m.
Tiramisu Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Wednesday, March 24, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Now Open: Vecinos in Downtown Gainesville
Restaurant and bar with live entertainment and two outdoor patios.
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
USABMX Florida State Championship Series at High Springs BMX
Friday, March 19 – Sunday, March 21
North Florida Cornhole Tournament at Celebration Pointe
Thursday, March 18, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Lasertag 6v6 Tournament in the 17-Acre Pine Forest at M2 Battlesports
Friday, March 19, 8 p.m.
Swings for Stokes Charity Golf Tournament at Ironwood Golf Course
Saturday, March 20, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tuesday Night Golf Scramble at Turkey Creek Golf
Tuesday, March 23, 5:30 p.m.
Mountain Bike Rides with Goodbike
Tuesday, March 23, 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
Nomadic Art Market at 4Most Gallery
Friday, March 19, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, March 20 – Sunday, March 21, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Master of Fine Arts Candidates Exhibition I at University Galleries
Friday, March 19 – Friday, April 2, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
(sold out) Survival of the Slowest Virtual 5K with Florida Museum of Natural History
Saturday, March 20, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Florida Landmarks and Scenic Coastlines are Depicted Across Nearly 170 Paintings, Watercolors and Drawings at “A Florida Legacy: Gift of Samuel H. and Roberta T. Vickers” at the Harn Museum of Art
Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m – 5 p.m.
Works Created During the Pandemic at Art in Isolation at GFAA Gallery
Open Tuesday – Friday 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Spring Showcase at Firehouse Gallery
Open Thursday – Friday, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Diaristic Explorations at Good News Arts
Open Wednesday – Saturday, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. or by appointment
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
Spark Wonder at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Open Friday-Sunday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Save The Date
13 Years of Beers at Swamp Head Brewery, March 27
Indie Live: Glass House Point and Laney Trip, March 27
Reopening of Matheson History Museum, April 2
Hallelujah Girls at High Springs Playhouse, April 2-25
Fun Home at Gainesville Community Playhouse, April 8-25
44th Annual Pioneer Days Festival, April 24-25
Top Golf Live at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, April 22-25
40th Birthday Party for “Henry” the Indian Rhino at Carson Springs Wildlife, May 14
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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