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).
See What’s New at the Ribbon Cutting of the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Saturday, March 6, 5:45 p.m. | Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
23100 W Newberry Rd., Newberry 32669
Alachua County and the City of Newberry host a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating renovations of the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center. The existing arena is a 150’ x 250’ open-air facility with seating for 2000+. In addition to accommodating the Youth Fair and equestrian events, the arena can host consumer/trade shows, rodeos, festivals, banquets, agricultural events, barrel racing, roping, livestock auctions, pet shows, tractor pulls, and concerts.
Speakers at the event include Alachua County Commission Chair Ken Cornell, City of Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe, Congresswoman Kat Cammack, Poet Laureate E. Stanley Richardson, Guy Hale Youth Fair Representative, Assistant County Manager – Chief of Staff Gina Peebles, and UF/IFAS Alachua County Extension Director Dr. Cynthia B. Sanders.
Open to the public. Masks are required when social distancing is not possible.
The 2021 Alachua County Youth Fair and Livestock Show takes place Friday, March 5, through Tuesday, March 9. Featuring livestock shows and judging, the annual Youth Fair and Livestock Show serves as an educational platform for youth in Alachua County who are interested in agriculture. Find a complete schedule of events here [pdf].
Cruise on Over for Thrilling Performances Set to Ragtime Tunes at Dusty’s Drive-In Circus
Friday, March 5, 7 p.m., Saturday, March 6, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. | Gainesville Circus Center
1925 NW 2nd St., Gainesville, FL, 32609
Professor Dusty Bottoms and his band The Novelties deliver your favorite pop tunes set to the magic of ragtime while acrobats, dancers and clowns perform daring feats of acrobatic artistry. The family-friendly show thrills and delights audiences of all ages. Learn more about classes and offerings at Gainesville Circus Center and get tickets for one of the performances online.
Watch Drivers Race Down the Quarter Mile at the NHRA “Baby Gators”
Thursday, March 4 – Sunday, March 7 | Gainesville Raceway
11211 N County Rd. 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
The “Baby Gators” is the annual drag racing event leading up to the 52nd Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals next week. Drivers compete across multiple categories including top alcohol dragster, top alcohol funny car, super stock, super street and more. Qualifying races take place Thursday and Friday with eliminations Saturday and Sunday. Kids 12 and under are free with adult admission.
Go Birding on a Ranger-Led Tour at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Saturday, March 6, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Sweetwater Wetlands Park
325 SW Williston Rd., Gainesville, FL 32641
Red-winged Blackbirds, Bald Eagles, Blue-winged Teals and Palm Warblers are being spotted out on the trails. Look for these birds and more wildlife on a ranger-led tour. The tour includes a half-mile mile walk and will last about 1 hour. Bring water, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. Masks are required.
Book the Cinema at the Hipp and Create Your Own Private Movie Night or Viewing Party
The Hippodrome Theatre is now renting their cinema for private viewings. Make it a movie for one or a party for up to 25 people. There is no better way to socially distant and enjoy the big screen for a kid’s birthday party, with a group of friends, or a special date night.
Bring the DVD movie of your choice, pack some snacks and drinks, and head to downtown Gainesville for a memorable outing at The Hipp. To book a private viewing party ($150 an hour), contact Gabby at gabby@thehipp.org.
After the movie, make plans to explore more of what downtown Gainesville has to offer by staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Gainesville, only one block from The Hipp. The Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Gainesville provides premier lodging, updated stylish decor, amenity-filled guest rooms with refrigerator and microwave, outdoor pool, great views, and guest service that is unsurpassed. And is surrounded by excellent restaurants such as Mark’s Prime Steakhouse, Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company, The Leaning Pig and more. Or, tap into the romance of the south at a charming bed and breakfast in the Gainesville Bed & Breakfast District, only a half-mile from downtown Gainesville and The Hippodrome.
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.
Witness Shocking Stunts and Extreme Performances at the Hellzapoppin
Sunday, March 7, 6 p.m. | Knockin’ Boots Saloon
201 W University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Hellzapoppin is a world-renowned theatrical circus thrill-show where stunts are performed to loud crowd-pleasing musical tracks. The “Face Your Fears Tour” features a world where the strange, the odd, the bizarre, the macabre and the most unusual people entertain. VIP tickets are sold out. General admission available online.
Take a Guided Walk at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and See What’s in Bloom
Saturday, March 6, 10 a.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608
Explore late-winter garden highlights on a guided walk through the 68-acre facility featuring the largest public display of bamboo in Florida and the largest herb garden in the Southeast. Masks are required.
Browse Over 40 Vendors and Find a One-of-a-Kind Treasure at Sycamore Lane Vintage Market
Friday, March 5 – Saturday, March 6, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Sycamore Lane Market
3824 SW 170th St., Archer, FL 32618
The seasonal outdoor vintage flea market features vendors offering unique, affordable vintage goods from furniture, home décor, tools and machinery, arts and crafts and more. Halo Potato Donuts will be onsite both days, with additional breakfast and lunch options available. Enjoy live music Friday night with Jethro Decimus and The Stolen Pages.
Hunt for Unique Gifts and Vintage Clothing at the Two-Day Bazar A La Carte Market
Saturday, March 6, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. – Sunday, March 7, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Historic Seagle Bldg.
408 W University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
The two-day market features vendors, food and live music outside, and the vintage boutique, The How Bazar inside. A variety of vendors on both days feature apparel, candles, jewelry, original art and much more. On Saturday, find Caribbean fusion food by Chef JJ Creations with drinks from Swamp Treatz. On Sunday, grab a bite from Vegan Gator Food Truck.
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
Area Teens Share the Art of Poetry and the Spoken Word at ARTSPEAKS Courageous Young Voices
Sunday, March 7, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. | The Historic Thomas Center
Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, Live Streaming from The Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
Saturday, March 6, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Deadbeat Daddy Stage Performance at Alachua Women’s Club
Friday, March 5 – Saturday, March 6, 3 p.m. – 6 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
Live Music with Soul and Caribbean from Jethro Decimus and Acoustic Folk from The Stolen Pages at Sycamore Lane Vintage Market
Friday, March 5, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Country Music with Chris McNeil at Pink Flamingo Diner
Friday, March 5, 6 p.m.
60s, 70s, 90s music, R&B, Country Alternative with Couch Messiahs at One Love Cafe
Friday, March 5, 6 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crosswinds Band at The Great Outdoors
Friday, March 5, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Skateboarding, Plus live Folk and Irish Music and Vendors at Samurai Skateshop
Friday, March 5, 7 p.m.
R&B, Funk, Soul, Hip-Hop with Chillula at Mother’s Pub & Grill North Gainesville
Friday, March 5, 9 p.m.
House Music with Space Jam with Tamayo, Dionysus, Us at Signal
Friday, March 5, 9 p.m.
House Beats with Pupal and Oakflesh at SwampCity Gallery Lounge
Saturday, March 6, 6 p.m.
Classic Covers to Sing Along with Thomas Anthony at Pink Flamingo Diner
Sunday, March 7, 5 p.m.
Country Music with Cliff Dorsey at Woodyard Grill
Wednesday, March 10, 6 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Electronic Hip-hop, Experimental Sounds with Tristan Harvey at Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
Friday, March 5, 7 p.m.
Open Mic Night at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Friday, March 5, 6 p.m.
Trivia Night at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, March 6, 7 p.m.
Acoustic Bluesy Rock with Comin’ Home to Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Saturday, March 6, 6 p.m.
Beer Bingo Tuesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Tuesday, March 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Brainaholics Trivia at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, March 9, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Team Trivia at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, March 10, 6 p.m.
U-Picks & Farmer’s Markets
Farm-Fresh Veggies at the Family Garden Organic Farm Stand
Saturday, March 6, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
U-Pick Strawberries at Roger’s Farm
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
Pizza and Lambrusco Night with Blue Highway Pizza at Superette Wine + Provisions
Saturday, March 6, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Brunch and Crepes Cooking Class at the Fat Tuscan
Sunday, March 7, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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
(sold out) Gators Softball vs. FSU
Friday, March 5, 3:30 p.m.
(sold out) Gators Baseball vs. Florida A&M
Friday, March 5 – Sunday, March 7
North Florida Cornhole Tournament at Celebration Pointe
Thursday, March 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Mountain Bike Rides with Goodbike
Tuesday, March 9, 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.
Walk Into the Past at the 1800s Living History Farm open at Morningside Nature Center
Open Daily, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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
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.
Javier Castro: Coliseum at University Galleries
Now through Friday, March 12, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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
NHRA Amalie Oil Gatornationals, March 11-14
March, April and May Outdoor Concert Series at Legacy Park Amphitheater, March 19-21
Top Golf Live at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, April 22-25
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.
Click Here To Check Out Our Member Properties & Plan Your Next Florida Vacation Today
