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).
Journey on an Orchestral ADVENTURE at a Socially Distanced “Secrets of the Universe” Concert from the Gainesville Orchestra
Friday, October 9, 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
A new musical adventure kicks off an exciting season from The Gainesville Orchestra. Performances include Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon composer Tan Dun’s “Secrets of Wind and Bird Songs” for cell phones and orchestra, and Franz Liszt’s passionate tome poem ‘Les Preludes.’ Audience capacity is limited to 400 seats with groups separated by empty seats. Masks are required to attend. Learn more about reopening protocols at UF Performing Arts here.
Swing Into the Gainesville Circus Center Open House and See Majestic Aerial Dance Performances
Sunday, October 11, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Gainesville Circus Center
1925 NW 2nd St. Suite B, Gainesville, FL 32609
Drop in and explore the new 6000 sq. ft. performance and teaching space for Gainesville Circus Center. Learn about classes and get an up-close to aerial equipment on display include swinging trapeze, lyra rings and flowing silks. Special guest Madame Flambeau’s Flea Circus and aerial dance performances by students & staff of Gainesville Circus Center welcome visitors to the new space. Enjoy live music throughout the day from Dustin Cottrell. The open house is family-friendly free event.
Gainesville’s Premiere Circus Center performs and teaches aerial acrobatics, flying trapeze, equestrian vaulting, juggling and more.
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.
Farewell Stress…Hello Relaxation. Enjoy $2.00 Off Any Signature Cocktail with Food Purchase at AC Hotel Gainesville Downtown
151 NW 14th St., Gainesville, FL 32603
Retreat from the mundane and reward your senses with a visit to the AC Lounge located inside the AC Hotel by Marriott. The modern, stylish, AC Lounge features award winning bartenders, handcrafted cocktails and delectable bites.
Stop by the AC Lounge to enjoy the best-ever Signature GinTonic (pictured left) made with Hendrick’s Gin, fresh cucumber, aromatic star anise, and a lemon twist, topped off with a splash of Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic to bring all the flavors together with a bright, effervescent finish.
Close out the day and welcome the night during AC’s daily ritual and complimentary tasting featuring the signature Swamp Fog Cocktail (pictured above). The ceremonious affair begins at 5:30 p.m. daily, don’t miss it!
To receive $2 off your next cocktail with food purchase at the AC Hotel’s Lounge mention “Visit Gainesville.” Parking validated at front desk for AC Lounge guests. Valid through 12/31/20.
Find Festive Family-Friendly Fun This Weekend and Celebrate the Fall Season
Hollow Oaks Corn Maze features family-friendly fun all weekend including a corn maze, hayride, photo opportunities and a Children’s Area with pumpkin bowling and more.
Find a corn maze, hayrides, a bounce house at the Peanut Patch and Corn Maze on Friday and Saturday.
Newberry’s Cornfield Maze delivers laughs during the day and scares at night with a corn maze, haunted house, hayrides and a kids play area.
The annual Fall Festival at Roger’s Farm opens Saturday with train rides, corn maze, pumpkin patch, a corn cannon and more.
Relax Into the Weekend with Jazz Rhythms from Olympian-Turned-Musician Marty Liquori at Jazz on the Green
Saturday, October 10, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Noel Leroux wrote for Gainesville Downtown, “There was a time when the world knew Marty Liquori for his legs and feet, which for a memorable decade in the 1960s and ’70s zipped him around tracks faster than just about any other human.
Today, however, Liquori is better known for his hands and fingers, which hold and strum a jazz guitar as well as anyone in North Central Florida.”
This Saturday, grab your partners in fun, spread a blanket under the setting sun, and catch live music on the outdoor stage with the nationally recognized, gypsy-jazz guitar stylings of Marty Liquori.
Hunt for Unique, One-of-a-Kind Treasures at the Two-Day Outdoor and Indoor Pop-Up Market
Saturday, October 10, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday, October 11, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | The Historic Seagle Building
408 W University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Find a variety of vendors, food and live music outside and visit The How Bazar vintage boutique inside. The outdoor market features a selection from vintage and estate jewelry, film cameras, exotic indoor plants, handmade jewelry and fashion accessories, tarot card readings and more. Inside, The How Bazar showcases vintage fabrics remodeled and redesigned by local tailors and artists to create one of a kind pieces. This two-day market is free and open to the public.
Browse Curated House Plants and Become a New “Plant Parent” at the Plant Pop-Up Sale
Saturday, October 10, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. | The AUK Market
2031 NW 6th St., Gainesville, FL 32609
PlantStay provides a selection of beautiful and forgiving houseplants in addition to in-person instruction and printed care guides. The outdoor pop-up plant market takes place in the courtyard next to Curia on the Drag.
Plan a Halloween Trip to the French Quarter as Dracula Swoops Down on the Stage in High Springs
Now through Sunday, October 25 | High Springs Playhouse 23416 W U.S. Hwy 27, High Springs, FL 32643
Bram Stoker’s classic thriller is set in the French Quarter of New Orleans at the beginning of the jazz age. Into this Creole and Cajun culture in the courtyard behind Dr. Seward’s home, Dracula begins attacking his victims. Clark has mixed in voodoo rituals, drumming, Spring Carnivale strangers in masks, even comic characters such as Aunt Quincy who likes to drink as much as she likes to eat chocolates. Tickets must be purchased prior to arrival.
Jazz Up Your Week with Saxophone Melodies from Carlos Vizoso
Monday, October 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
4860 Celebration Pointe Ave. #30, Gainesville, FL 32608
Carlos Vizoso is part of the University of Florida Jazz Band. On Monday he performs on saxophone. Each week, 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.
Live Streaming From New York, It’s the Hippodrome! See the Explosive, Funny, and Moving new One-Woman Play Proof of Love
Friday, October 9 – Thursday, October 15 | Online Event with the Hippodrome Theatre
The first Hippodrome production to be performed outside of Gainesville, Proof of Love will be performed and filmed from New York City. Directed by New York native and Hippodrome Company Member, Ryan George.
Joy Jacobs performs the role of Constance, delivering a stirring monologue that touches on fundamental issues of race, class, love, and fidelity. Constance thought she had a happy life and a loving husband. Suddenly, a tragic accident splinters her upper-class black family—and forces Constance to face uncomfortable truths about her marriage and herself.
Tune-In to Museum Nights and Look Back at 30 Years with the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, October 8, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Online Event with the Harn Museum of Art
This Month’s Museum Nights live streaming presentation is part of a number of activities, both in person and online, planned at the Harn Museum of Art in celebration of its 30th anniversary. See photos and read memories from museum guests throughout the years. Visitors to the Harn’s YouTube channel hear directly from internationally known artist Radcliffe Bailey in conversation with Dr. Porchia Moore, Department Head and Assistant Professor of Museum Studies at the University of Florida in the School of Art + Art History. Bailey discusses his artistic process and specifically the artwork “Returnal” which is a part of the Harn’s collection. Harn curators discuss the collections they work with in the galleries and reveal interesting facts about specific works of art.
Learn more about the Harn’s 30th anniversary and fall exhibition schedule here.
Plan your visit and preview exhibitions at harn.ufl.edu
Feel that Indie-Folk Live Streaming to Your Ears with Songs from the Heart Featuring Maggie Clifford and Faith & Majesty
Friday, October 9, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Online Event with Heartwood Soundstage
Songs from the Heart is a live-streaming series brought to you by Heartwood Soundstage. Maggie Clifford is a singer songwriter performing in Gainesville. Faith & Majesty is an indie-folk duo sharing a passion of writing songs.
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.
Elevate Your Dining Experience with World Music from Gosia & Ali
Wednesday, October 14, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
4860 Celebration Pointe Ave. #30, Gainesville, FL 32608
The Keys Grill and Piano Bar proudly presents Gosia and Ali for your dinning entertainment each Wednesday. Musicians Gosia and Ali Che’Ree weave their international musical backgrounds into a diverse sound featuring the flute and guitar. Their musical catalog includes rock and folk hits, jazz, Latin and world music. Enjoy delicious food and refreshing cocktails while enjoying the musical style of Gainesville’s favorite duo.
Discover the Latest Birding News from Local Experts on a Live “Bird Cast” from the Alachua Audubon Society
Thursday, October 8, 6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Online Event with Alachua Audubon Society
Before adding bird-watching to your next adventure, take a little time to open your world to the species in our area. Migrating Bank Swallows and Semipalmated Sandpipers have already been spotted. Photo by Andy Reago and Chrissy McClarren.
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.
Groove Along with Guitar Wiz John Parkerurban at Gainesville LIVE!
Friday, October 9, 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.
Hit the Water and Make Your Own Outdoor Adventure with Freshwater Springs and Wildlife
Open Daily | Santa Fe Canoe Outpost21410 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 Bike, Hike or Just Change Your View – Explore Gainesville and Alachua County’s Bountiful Outdoor Open Spaces
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 parks, 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
Writing for Sketch Comedy Virtual Class with the Hippodrome Theatre
Thursday, October 8, 5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Private Performance of The Stronger at Black C Art Gallery
Now Through October 30
Music & Performance
Rock and Blues with Little Mike and The Tornadoes at One Love Café
Thursday, October 8, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Open Mic Night at Loosey’s
Thursday, October 8, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Reggae with The Easy Crew at SwampCity Gallery Lounge
Thursday, October 8, 4:20 p.m. – 7:10 p.m.
Party in Your Living Room with Red Scare Industries with Sam Russo, Guerilla Poubelle and Teenage Bottlerocket at Fest at Home
Thursday, October 8, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Live Stand Up Comedy Night at Flaco’s
Thursday, October 8, 7:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Stand-Up Comedy Live Stream + Beer Garden at High Dive
Friday, October 9, 8 p.m.
Drum and Bass with Frolik at SwampCity Gallery Lounge
Friday, October 9, 7 p.m.
House Music with Loqieee, Jack Ten, Evan Cavallini at Signal
Friday, October 9, 9 p.m.
Funk, Blues, Soul, Jazz, Rock with The Funky Miracle, Melting Pot Funk Live Stream + Beer Garden at High Dive
Saturday, October 10, 8 p.m.
Funk and Bass with Side Trakd at Signal
Saturday, October 10, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Indie Pop Rock with The Forum with Virtual Concert Series Presented by MusicGNV
Monday, October 12, 7 p.m.
Country Music Wednesdays at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Wednesday, October 14, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rocky Horror Picture Show, Live on Stage at High Dive
Wednesday, October 14, 8:30 p.m.
Keg of Laughs Comedy Hour at World of Beer
Wednesday, October 14, 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Bigtoberfest at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Saturday, October 10, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.Raise your glass and celebrate Oktoberfest under the Big Top. The brewery releases their traditional marzen ‘Bigtoberfest’ in cans and on draft. Grab a Big Top Stein for and enjoy discounted Bigtoberfest refills. Pair your beer with traditional German food.
The Wetlands is Now Open at Swamp Head Brewery
Seating at Swamp Head Brewery returns with a socially distanced outdoor experience. Friendly dogs are welcome but must be leashed. To-go cans and online ordering are available here.
Cliff Dorsey’s Hurricane Blues Album Release at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, October 10, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Brainaholics Trivia at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, October 13, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Beer Bingo Tuesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Tuesday, October 13, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
$6 Burger Wednesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, October 14, 12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Trivia Night at Blackadder Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, October 14, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cornhole Tourney at High Springs Brewing Company
Wednesday, October 14, 6 p.m.
Wine Pops, Sangria and More at Island Grove Wine Company Tasting House
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
Winter Soups Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Thursday, October 8, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday Brunch at the Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Sunday, October 11, 10 a.m. – 3 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
Aim for the Bullseye at Funtastic Fridays
Friday, October 9, 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.
USSSA Baseball at Champions Park
Saturday, October 10
Motocross and Supercross at the 38th Annual Florida Gold Cup at Gatorback Cycle Park
Saturday, October 10 – Sunday, October 11
Mountain Bike Rides with Goodbike
Thursday, October 8, 7 p.m., Medium Pace for the Intermediate/Advanced Rider
Monday, October 12, 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
Science Off Tap: CSI Wildlife with Florida Museum of Natural History
Thursday, October 8
Pollinator Palooza Online Plant Sale with Florida Museum of Natural History
Saturday, October 10 – Thursday, October 15
In, Of, From: Experiments in Sound at University Gallery
Now Through Friday, December 4
Matheson Museum Online Exhibit: Trailblazers 150 Years of Women in Alachua County
“A Sense of Place” Online Exhibit with Gainesville Fine Arts Association
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
Blocktoberfest at Blackadder Brewing Company, October 16
Archer Vintage Market, October 17
Tom Petty Birthday Bash (Virtual), October 20
Sister Hazel Drive-In Concert at Post Farm in Newberry, October 23
Adult Trick or Treating at Swamp Head Brewery, October 23
Table for Two Beer Dinner with First Magnitude Brewing Company, October 30
Dance Alive National Ballet Presents Ballet and Beyond, October 31
Sangria 5K with Island Grove Wine Company, November 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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