We are proud to live in this mindful, resourceful and resilient community, and to share with you all that we have to offer – 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.
Be safe and be well,– 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).
Veterans Day is November 11
Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11. The holiday honors and celebrates all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Veterans Day Weekend Celebration with Live Music, Food and Raffles Benefitting 10 Can, Inc. at Gainesville Harley Davidson
Saturday, November 7, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, November 8, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Veterans receive free admission to the Butterfly Rainforest and Megalodon exhibits at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Wednesday, November 11, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Veterans Day Yoga at Deep Spring Farm
Wednesday, November 11, 9 a.m.
Kick Off the Holiday Season with Decorative Lights at Depot Park
Now Through December 31, 6 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. | Depot Park
200 SE Depot Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
The magic of the holidays radiates from Depot Park as 200,000 lights create a festive glow at “Light up ‘D Holidays.” Depot Park is a hub for the community with plenty of room to spread out, playground for the kids, waterside walking paths and connections to several biking trails. Enjoy food and drinks from Parkside Convenience and Boxcar Wine and Beer Garden.
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.
Going to a coffee shop these days has become about so much more than the coffee. The decor, seating, and vibe all play a part in the coffee shop experience. Gainesville, Alachua County has no shortage of coffee shops that check the box for all this criteria – and they ALL have excellent coffee!
From comfortable outdoor seating, to modern and trendy, this list of coffee shops has something for everyone, including mouthwatering treats and fresh baked pastries!
Try them all and tell us which one is your favorite. #whyiloveGNV
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.
Add Some Twinkle to the Holiday Season at Celebration Pointe’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, November 6, 6:30 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Festivities start at 6:30 p.m. with the tree lighting and a dance performance by Danscompany of Gainesville. At 7 p.m. enjoy live music under the stars from Showtime. Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops returns Saturday, November 7.
Ride Thrilling Attractions and Delight in the Aroma and Taste of Your Favorite Fair Treats at the Oaks Mall Carnival
Thursday, November 5 – Sunday, November 15, Evening Hours Vary | Oaks Mall
6419 W Newberry Rd., Gainesville, FL 32605
Experience the sights, sounds and aromas of the electrifying midway with rides for all ages from whimsical kiddie rides to exhilarating thrill rides, entertaining carnival games and favorite fair food. Parking and admission are free. Pre-sale discounts on rides are available online here until November 5 at 5 p.m.
See Elite Archers Hit the Bullseye at Gator Cup 2020
Friday, November 6 – Sunday, November 8, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Easton Newberry Archery Center
24880 NW 16 Ave., Newberry, FL 32669
This national USA Archery qualifying event welcomes hundreds of competitors to Easton Newberry Archery Center. Gator Cup 2020 is free for spectators, so bring a chair and watch the arrows fly.
Cheer on Gators Football as They Take on Georgia at Game Day at the Pointe
Saturday, November 7, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Watch the game on the 15 foot BIG screen on the promenade. Enjoy live music and food and drinks from nearby restaurants. All CDC guidelines are being observed and enforced.
Enjoy Your Favorite Craft Beers and Hunt for Unique Finds at the Pop-Up Florida Vintage Market
Sunday, November 9, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
1001 NW 4th St., Gainesville, FL 32601
This unique outdoor shopping experience features vintage garments, jewelry, handmade goods and art from vendors including Gazzelli Sport Vintage, Always True, Coast to Coast Vintage and more.
Tour the Farm Sanctuary and View a Movie Screening of The Game Changers at Peacefield
Friday, November 6, 6 p.m. | Peacefield
2220 SW 146th St., Newberry, FL 32669
The Game Changers, produced by James Cameron, explores improving health and athletic performance with a plant-based lifestyle. Arrive early for a mini farm tour and BBQ with plant-based products from Beyond Meat.
Experience North Florida’s Art Scene at the Downtown Festival and Art Show Virtual Celebration
Saturday, November 7 – Sunday, November 8, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Online Event with City of Gainesville
Explore a celebration of art and creativity complete with live music and performing arts. Engage in this unique format with your favorite artists from the live event. Support independent local and national artists by purchasing one-of-a-kind artworks, like original oils and acrylics, vibrant watercolors, unique sculptures, dazzling jewelry, decorative ceramics and vivid photography. Enrich your child’s creativity with our online Imagination Station with scheduled hands-on art activities including drawing and painting, mask design, puppet creation, clay sculpting and more. Enjoy continuous live entertainment by local bands, solo musicians, and dance companies throughout the festival weekend.
Add Lively Latin Rhythms and Award-Winning Musicianship to Your Week from Jose Valentino at Jazz Night
Monday, November 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
4860 Celebration Pointe Ave. #30, Gainesville, FL 32608
Dr. José Valentino Ruiz holds the distinction of being an EMMY® Award Winning television music producer and composer, and a multi-Latin GRAMMY® Award Nominated artist-producer-mastering engineer. For nearly two decades, José Valentino has enjoyed an exhilarating performance itinerary delivering high-energy performances around the world in the styles of jazz, Latin jazz, funk/fusion, pop, R&B, world music, and singer-songwriter.
On Mondays, The Keys Grill and Piano Bar sets the stage for an ensemble of Gainesville’s best talent and a fresh play list to start your week off right with an evening of jazzy grooves, delicious bites, and tasty cocktails, with half price wine and Florida craft draughts for $4.
Hear Songs From The Heart from Lis Williamson and Bob McPeek
Friday, November 6, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Online Event with Heartwood Soundstage
Lis Williamson is an accomplished musician on guitar and banjo. Bob McPeek is a pillar of local music in Gainesville and co-founder of Heartwood Soundstage.
“Songs from the Heart” is dedicated to celebrating the songs and songwriters that connect every person to others. Beginning at 8 p.m. most Fridays, the artists will talk about the process of writing a great song, share an intimate experience and offer new tunes. Airing online at heartwoodsoundstage.com, the venue will pair two diverse songwriters as they tell the stories that inspired their music. Heartwood Soundstage is a state-of-the-art recording studio, video production facility, and intimate performance venue – built by musicians for music lovers and music makers.
Alachua County Had the Highest Count of Inland Bird Species During the 2018 North American Christmas Bird Count. Get Local Birding Tips from Experts on a Live “Bird Cast” from the Alachua Audubon Society
Thursday, October 29, 6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Online Event with Alachua Audubon Society
2020 promises to be an “invasion year” with many Northern species making their way South. Take a look at this Alachua Audubon Society preview of what you might see in Alachua County this winter.
The weekly broadcast from the Alachua Audubon Society highlights local news and notes, observations and occurrences from birding experts. Fall migration is already off to a start, find out about the latest developments and tune in on Facebook or Zoom.
Find out how to start birding here!
Find information about the top birding sites in Alachua County.
Rent a Canoe, Kayak or Paddleboard for an Adventure on the Santa Fe River. Cruise by Freshwater Springs, Wildlife and Natural Scenery.
Open Daily | Santa Fe Canoe Outpost
21410 NW US Hwy. 441, High Springs, FL 32643
Cruise down the Santa Fe River in your stress-free time capsule… err, we mean in your canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboard. All three are available for rent from the Santa Fe Canoe Outpost. Go up river for a leisurely ride back or explore several freshwater springs located downriver. Reservations are required. See trip times and safety measures here.
Explore Additional Parks and Trails Get Outside and Discover Gainesville and Alachua County’s Bountiful Outdoor Open Spaces with over one hundred miles of hiking and biking trails.
Find the park that suits you best! Most of the parks and trails in Alachua County have reopened including – Alachua County Parks, Playgrounds and Preserves, City of Gainesville Parks and Playgrounds, Alachua Conservation Trust preserves and all Florida State Parks.
Find the list of Alachua County Parks and Preserves here.
Find our What’s Good Now list of additional open spaces to explore here.
When enjoying the outdoors, please strictly adhere to public health safety guidelines, keep 6 feet away from others, avoid large groups of people and follow all State and local ordinances. Note that due to the changing environment and regulations, open hours are subject to change and some facilities may not be available.
Arts & Theatre
Private Performances of The Stronger at Black C Art Gallery
Now Through December 16
Watch the Halloween Staged Reading of “Those Two Are Definitely Getting Murdered” from the Hippodrome Theatre
Limited-time access, use password “Murder”
Music & Performance
Soul, Motown with The Browns at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, November 7, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Live Stand Up Comedy Night at Flaco’s
Thursday, November 5, 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Couch Messiahs perform Outdoors at One Love Cafe
Friday, November 6, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Matt & Rick (of Whale Feral), Matcha, Giselle Felice & Erik Abernathy In Person Show + Live Stream at High Dive
Friday, November 6, 9 p.m.
Purely Red, Red Hallway, Pupal In Person Show + Live Stream at High Dive
Saturday, November 7, 9 p.m.
Over Easy Creative presents Rohan Solo w/ SIDE TRAKD at Signal
Saturday, November 7, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Acoustic Singer Songwriter Cassie Evans at Creek’s 19th Restaurant
Sunday, November 8, 11 a.m.
Keg of Laughs Stand Up Comedy Hour at World of Beer
Tuesday, November 10, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Country Music Wednesdays at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Wednesday, November 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Hip Hop and Electronic Music from Independent Label Dion Dia presented by MusicGNV
Monday, November 9, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Drag Brunch at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Sunday, November 8, 12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Brainaholics Trivia at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, November 10, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Beer Bingo Tuesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Tuesday, November 10, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
$6 Burger Wednesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, November 11, 12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Trivia Night at Blackadder Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, November 11, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cornhole Tourney at High Springs Brewing Company
Wednesday, November 11, 6 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.
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
Sweet Breads and Brioche Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Sunday, November 8, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
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
Grip It. Rip It. Sip It. Have Fun Throwing Axes at The Hatchetbury
Booking Wednesday – Sunday
RC Drag Racing at Toys and More
Saturday, November 7, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Mountain Bike Rides with Goodbike
Thursday, November 5, 7 p.m., Medium Pace for the Intermediate/Advanced Rider
Tuesday, November 10, 7 p.m., Brisk Pace for the Advanced Rider
Parks & Trails
Trek Through Cool Trails: Top 5 Family-Friendly and Dog-Friendly Shaded 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
Spark Wonder at the Cade Museum and Discover Science of Music with the New Theme “Wires and Waves”
Fridays – Saturdays, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
In, Of, From: Experiments in Sound at University Gallery
Now Through Friday, December 4
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 at the Harn Museum of Art
Open Thursday- Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Spark Dialog with the “Lights of Conversation” Outdoor Illuminated Poetry Verse Exhibit at the Matheson History Museum
On Display Daily
Save The Date
Poems in the Key of MovementPresented by the Matheson History Museum, November 12
Gainesville OrchestraPresents “POWER”, November 20
14th AnnualNewberry Fall Festival, November 21
Thor Mino O’s atGatorback Cycle Park, November 22-28
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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