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).
Trick or Treat 2020. Keep it Safe, Fun and FaBOOlous!
This Halloween weekend, the What’s Good guide has got you covered with the most up-to-date and complete directory of events and fun for the entire family. Whether you prefer to celebrate with pumpkin carving and hay rides, trick-or-treating and costume parades, live music and dance performances, a haunted ghost tour, or all of the above, there are over 30 ways for you to celebrate Halloween with lots of treats in store for a fantastic weekend!
View the complete guide to Alachua County’s Halloween events here.
Watch Gators Football Play in Throwback Uniforms as they Host Missouri for Homecoming
Saturday, October 31, 7:30 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium157 Gale Lemerand Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
The Gators host Missouri in the Swamp for the fifth time since the home-and-home SEC East series began with the Tigers in 2012. Retro uniforms feature blue jerseys, white pants, black shoes and blue helmets with the classic “F” for this year’s Homecoming game.
Gator fans planning to attend Florida’s matchup against Missouri should be aware of this year’s safety rules established in accordance with campus guidelines. Florida’s full game day information can be found here.
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Photo courtesy of the Best Western Gateway Grand and taken before the pandemic safety measures.
Why Run Back Home When You Can Stay and Play
With an extra daylight savings hour to travel, a UF Gators home game, more than 30 local Halloween events, a blue moon and great weather expected, it’s a great weekend to stay and play in Alachua County. Grab a juicy steak at Shula’s Steak House at the UF Hilton and Conference Center, or grouper bites, Bahia tacos and the game on flat screen TVs at the Best Western Gateway Grand’s Gators Den. Meet up for socially distanced specialty cocktails in the ample outdoor dining area at Hotel ELEO’s Covey Kitchen + Cocktails. Explore the downtown scene with a stay at the Hampton Inn and Suites, Sweetwater Branch Inn or the Magnolia Plantation Bed and Breakfast, or discover off-the-beaten path options like The Great Outdoors Restaurant in High Springs.
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.
Cheer on the Florida Gators at GAMEDAY at the Pointe
Saturday, October 31, 4:30 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
The Florida Gators host the Missouri Tigers. Watch the game on the fifteen foot BIG screen in the Promenade and enjoy gameday food and drink specials from Celebration Pointe restaurants and shopping discounts from retailers. Host your own game day experience and reserve a private 10×10 tent complete with tables, chairs with catering from a Celebration Pointe restaurant. Live music from TJ Brown kicks things off at 4:30 p.m. All CDC guidelines are being observed and enforced.
Get Carried Away by Dynamic Dancing and Electrifying Music at Dance Alive National Ballet’s Ballet & Beyond
Saturday, October 31, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
The dazzling classical ballet Don Quixote bumps up against a contemporary social issue, ‘Oceana’ with music by Stella Sung. Guest dancer/choreographer Oksana Maslova completes the varied program. Audience capacity is limited to 395 seats. Masks are required. View the reopening protocols for UF Performing Arts here.
Limited rehearsal engagements are also available. See the open studio rehearsal Thursday, October 29, 12 p.m. with a limited audience of 20. Click here for tickets. On Friday, October 30, 7 p.m., see the stage rehearsal at UF Phillips Center. Click here to reserve your seat.
Go on a Halloween Drive-Thru Safari and Get Candy with Exotic Animals
Saturday, October 31, 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
8528 E County Rd. 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Hop in your ride and travel down an “unbeaten path,” when you cruise a drive-through wildlife safari. Meet Henry, the oldest Indian Rhino in captivity, and his more than 100 exotic friends on 275 acres of lush Florida woods and farm land. Candy stations throughout the tour provide treats for kids.
Hunt for Ghosts on a Two-Day Investigation in Historic Micanopy
Friday, October 30 – Saturday, October 31 | Herlong Mansion Bed & Breakfast
402 NE Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy, FL 32667
American Ghost Adventures hosts a fun weekend of paranormal investigation. Friday night includes a room parade in the Herlong Mansion to meet fellow investigators before embarking on an investigation nearby. Saturday includes a costume social and a four-hour Halloween investigation.
The Herlong Mansion Bed and Breakfast was built circa 1845 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Special events like weddings and corporate events are elevated by the backdrop of striking architecture and lush gardens.
Share a Holiday Evening of Mayhem during a Streaming Stage Reading of Those Two Are Definitely Getting Murdered by Kaitlyn McClincy
Friday, October 30, 7 p.m. | Online Event with the Hippodrome Theatre
Ruby and Tess are best friends who have a passion for pop culture, ghouls and the paranormal. On their way to a campy hub for a fantastic evening, their aspirations are dashed in stereotypical fashion, and they are forced to spend the night elsewhere. They are having the best time. Oh yeah, and Santa Claus is trying to murder them tonight. Those two are definitely getting murdered.Stick around after the reading for a talkback with playwright. Reserve your spot here.
Shop for Fine Art and Meet the Artists at Artisans’ Guild Art Market
Saturday, October 31, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Artisans’ Guild Gallery224 NW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
The porch and ground of the Artisans’ Guild Gallery hosts an outdoor art market. Browse exquisite artwork from local artists and meet them in person. The Artisans’ Guild formed in 1970 to provide opportunities to local artists. Today the gallery features over fifty artists.
Cruise Into Motorcycle Fun with the Halloween Edition of Gainesville Bike Night
Friday, October 30, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Gainesville Harley Davidson
4125 NW 97th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606
The last Friday night of every month is Gainesville Bike Night. October’s edition features a costume contest with a winning a prize pack valued at $300. FTG Boutique Food Truck serves up their mouthwatering menu and Cliff Dorsey performs live music. Motorcycles equipped with side luggage compartments get a chance to enter the drawing for “Bagger of the Night.”
Elevate Your Plant Hanging Skills at the Macrame / Plant Maker Class
Friday, October 30, 6 p.m. | The AUK Market2031 NW 6th St., Gainesville, FL 32609
Learn to create your very own plant hanger at the open-air macramé workshop. Mary of Clove & Cotton shows you the ropes to showcase your potted plants.
See a Collection of Import Cars, Bikes and Trucks Compete at Import Face Off
Sunday, November 1, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Gainesville Raceway
11211 N CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
The national car show and drag racing series makes its way to Gainesville. Car competitions include drag racing, burnout contest, low car limbo and engine revving 2-step. Kids 10 and under get in free.
Cut a Rug at Day of the Dead Dance Showcase
Sunday, November 1, 2:30 p.m. | Rena’s Ballroom
720 NW 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
Join a day of dancing at the 4th Annual Showcase as a performer or guest. Enjoy an afternoon of performances as well as dancing for everyone. Awards for top dancers in addition to drawings for prizes. Music provided by DJ Josh Angel. RSVPs are required, limited seating is available.
Get Up Close to Classic Cars at the High Springs Rotary Car Show
Saturday, October 31, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Downtown High Springs
NE Railroad Ave., High Springs, FL 32643
The 28th Annual High Springs Rotary Club Car Show features a lineup of vintage, classic and sport vehicles. Join fellow car lovers for a fun-filled day in Historic Downtown High Springs with food, music, door prizes and fun activities for all ages. Awards for car entries announced at 2 p.m.
Slide Like a Slip-note Right into the Week with the Piano Stylings of Ethan Nguyen at Jazz Night
Monday, November 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
4860 Celebration Pointe Ave. #30, Gainesville, FL 32608
Ethan Nguyen is a pianist featured in the University of Florida Jazz Band. 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.
Party All Day with an Epic Lineup of Bands at The Fest That Never Was
Saturday, October 31, 1 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. | Online Event with The Fest
This special streaming music event brings together fans of The Fest to hang out and have some fun. Find the livestream on Facebook and on Twitch with Social Distance Party.
Stream a Blues Concert Featuring The Shakedown, Root Redemption and Billy “Sweet William” Ennis
Sunday, November 1, 6 p.m. | Online Event with North Central Florida Blues Society
North Central Florida Blues Society presents a streaming blues concert to benefit High Dive. The Shakedown, featuring Michelle Banfield, is a contemporary Blues – soul – rock ‘n roll band. Root Redemption is a roots-based Blues band that plays Delta and Chicago Blues along with original material that stands easily alongside the standards. Sweet William: “Sweet William” Ennis is a singer/songwriter who plays original songs written over the span of fifty years. Proceeds support High Dive, named one of the “100 Greatest American Music Venues” by Consequence of Sound.
Hear Songwriters Rachel Grubb and Elaine Mahon Perform Songs From The Heart
Friday, October 30, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Online Event with Heartwood Soundstage
Elaine Mahon is a contemporary folk singer-songwriter with jazz and pop influences. Rachel Grubb is an edgy and honest singer-songwriter based in North Central Florida.
“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.
Face Issues of Modern Society in America with the Streaming Play Sweat
Friday, October 30 – Sunday, November 1 | Online Event with UF College of the Arts
Sweat darts between 2000 and 2008 as it tells the story of a group of friends that work together at a steel mill in Reading, Pennsylvania. When the plant threatens to cut wages and lay off workers, the friends turn against each other as they struggle to stay afloat in the age of the de-industrial revolution. This poignant play boldly confronts issues of race, immigration, globalization and the ever-slipping grip on middle-class life from the politically charged opening scene to its electrifying conclusion. This production contains adult language that may not be suitable for children.
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.
Tune-In to Last Gainesville LIVE! of the Season with John Parkerurban
Friday, October 30, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Online Event with Free Fridays Concert Series
John Parkerurban presents a fusion of jazz, folk, soul and blues with original music and covers from Ben Harper, Jerry Garcia Lionel Richie and more.
Gainesville LIVE! is brought to you by the City of Gainesville as a temporary way to share with the public the joy of the Free Fridays Concert Series. The series typically takes place from May to October when hundreds of visitors and locals head to the Bo Diddley Plaza in downtown Gainesville to listen and dance to a superb assembly of bands and talented musicians. It is the region’s longest running free outdoor live music series.
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.
Music & Performance
Radioactive Circus 7 Halloween Festival at Heartwood Soundstage
Saturday, October 31, 6 p.m. – November 1, 6 a.m.
Rocky Horror Picture Show Live on Stage at High Dive
Thursday, October 29, 8:30 p.m., Saturday, October 31, 9:30 p.m.
Reggae, Folk, Punk with Adamsite at SwampCity Gallery Lounge
Thursday, October 29, 6 p.m.
Live Stand Up Comedy Night at Flaco’s
Thursday, October 29, 7:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Rocky Horror Picture Show Live on Stage at High Dive
Thursday, October 29, 8:30 p.m., Saturday, October 31, 9:30 p.m.
Dance Music with John Summit’s Hallo-Week at Simons Night Club
Thursday, October 29, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Rock Covers with Crosswinds on the Patio at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, October 30, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock with Whiskey Jones Rocks One Love Café
Friday, October 30, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Hallows Eve Music bash with C&G Tap Takeover at Muñecas Downtown Taco Garden
Friday, October 30, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
House, Trap with LZRKMMNDR, Reasons For Living, Kari Lail Bubnow, Herb Adkit at SwampCity Gallery Lounge
Friday, October 30, 7 p.m.
Tom Hall’s Memorial Gospel Sing at Dixieland RV
Friday, October 30, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Comedy Night Friday at High Dive
Friday, October 30, 7:30 p.m.
Pop and Rock Covers Barstool Prophets on the Patio at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, October 31, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock and Blues with Midnight Blue Band at Chiappini’s in Melrose
Saturday, October 31, 7 p.m.
Piss Test, Funeral Clown, Bath on the Patio for Halloween at Hardback Cafe
Saturday, October 31, 8 p.m.
Southern Rock with Houston Keen at Creek’s 19th Bar & Grill
Sunday, November 1, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Indie Rock with Sara Donnachie and IL GATO during the Virtual Concert Series Presented by MusicGNV
Monday, November 2, 7 p.m.
Country Music Wednesdays at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Wednesday, November 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country Rock with Cliff Dorsey at Woodyard Grill
Wednesday, November 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Keg of Laughs Comedy Hour at World of Beer
Wednesday, November 4, 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Halloween Party at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Friday, October 30, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Pumpkin Carving and Halloween Movie Night at High Springs Brewing Company
Thursday, October 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Watch Gators Football on Two Big Screens at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Saturday, October 31, 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Franks & Steins at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, October 31, 5 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Brainaholics Trivia at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, November 3, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Beer Bingo Tuesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Tuesday, November 3, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
$6 Burger Wednesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, November 4, 12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Trivia Night at Blackadder Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, November 4, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cornhole Tourney at High Springs Brewing Company
Wednesday, November 4, 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
Pie Baking Workshop at Mosswood Farm Store
Sunday, November 1, 12 p.m.
Haunted House Tour at Downtown Wine and Cheese
Now through October 31, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Dolce Vita Bakery First Annual Spooktacular
Friday, October 30 – Saturday, October 31
(Sold Out) Table for Two Beer Dinner with First Magnitude Brewing Company and The Top Restaurant at The Wooly
Friday, October 30, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Halloween Party at Woodyard Grill
Saturday, October 31, 8 p.m.
Sweet Breads and Brioche Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Wednesday, November 4, 11 a.m. – 2 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
Gators Volleyball vs Alabama at Exactech Arena
Friday, October 30, 7 p.m.
North Florida Cornhole Bags Tournament at Celebration Pointe
Thursday, October 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Grass Volleyball Tournament at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Saturday, October 31 – Sunday, November 1, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
FAA State FITA Field Archery Round at Easton Newberry Archery Center
Saturday, October 31 – Sunday, November 1
PGF Softball Showcase at Champions Park
Saturday, October 31 – Sunday, November 1
Aim for the Bullseye at Funtastic Fridays
Friday, October 30, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Easton Newberry Archery Center
24880 NW 16 Ave., Newberry, FL 32669
Join the most fun you can have with a bow for open shooting and archery games including tic-tac-toe, battle ship, bowling with bows and more. A free orientation is required and is offered at 5 p.m.
If you worked up an appetite after all that fun, you may wish to visit nearby restaurants like Arepas Milko, Villaggio Pizzeria, Woodyard Grill or nearby Tioga Town Center.
Mountain Bike Rides with Goodbike
Thursday, October 29, 7 p.m., Medium Pace for the Intermediate/Advanced Rider
Tuesday, November 3, 7 p.m., Brisk Pace for the Advanced Rider
Parks & Trails
See Depot Park Lit Up and Celebrate “D” Holidays
Sunday, November 1, 6 p.m.
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 Dialog with the “Lights of Conversation” Outdoor Illuminated Poetry Verse Exhibit at the Matheson History Museum
On Display Daily
“Intangible” Abstract Art Exhibit Virtual Artwalk Reception with Gainesville Fine Arts Association
Friday, October 30, 7 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 Wonder at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Fridays – Saturdays, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Save The Date
Gator Cup at Easton Newberry Archery Center, November 6-8
39th Downtown Festival and Art Show Virtual Celebration, November 7-8
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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