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).
Dance Into the Night with Latin Beats from Elio Piedra at Jazz on the Green
Saturday, September 12, 7 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
Elio Piedra brings the fiesta to you with a high-energy performance with Latin percussion and live instruments. Spread a blanket under the setting sun and catch live music on the outdoor stage.
View Rare Artist Books at “To read that which has never been written,” Books from the Marjorie S. Coffey Artists’ Book Collection
Thursday, September 10, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Grinter Gallery
1523 Union Rd., Gainesville, FL, 32601
This exhibition focuses on twenty-two artists’ books that deal with the relationship between image and text, featuring works by artists such as Ronald King, Amelia R. Bird, Damara Kaminecki, Romano Hänni, Jaime Shafer, Sarah Bryant, Barbara Tetenbaum, Julie Chen, Elizabeth Pendergrass & John Hastings, Jessica White, Joanna Ruocco, Philip Zimmermann, Stephanie Wolff, Radha Pandey, Ellen Knudson and Emily Martin, among others.
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Count on the reliable quality and extra amenities of the Comfort Suites all-suite hotel, conveniently located minutes away from restaurants, parks, museums, the University of Florida and UF Health. On-site amenities include complimentary breakfast, a wellness center outfitted with Peloton bikes, a heated saltwater pool, and entertainment areas such as a grilling and fire pit patio and a private reception room (available for rent). Perfect for visiting guests or a staycation treat!
Comfort Suites Gainesville is a Safe Stay Property, making sure guest safety is of utmost importance so you can enjoy your stay while knowing your room meets the highest standards for cleanliness. For the list of all the Alachua County places to stay, including information about area hotel and inn safety measures, click here.
Soak in the Blues with Dinner and a Sunset from Little Mike & The Tornadoes
Thursday, September 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | One Love Café
4989 NW 40th Pl., Gainesville, FL 32606
Little Mike and the Tornadoes are an American blues and rock and roll band from New York City with a high-energy sound, modeled after the Chicago bands in the 1950s. Spread out in the kid-friendly and dog-friendly park setting. Enjoy food and drinks from One Love Café, known for its fresh local menu with daily specials.
Join an Evening of Songwriting at Songs From the Heart with Kim Lecouteur and Grant Peeples
Friday, September 11, 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. Each episode focuses on two artists and the craft of songwriting. This week’s episode features Kim Lecouteur and Grant Peeples. Grant Peeples is a singer-songwriter with a sharp wit, known for his socio-political tunes and heart-gigging ballads. Kim Lecouteur blends a variety of styles and influences to create her own signature indie-folk sound. Her voice carries with it a warm and unforgettable tone, which makes her stand out in today’s music landscape. Together they bring you songs from the heart.
Watch Grant Peeples from the Heartwood Stage for a sneak peek of this great singer-songwriter
Hear Sugar Cane by Kim Lecouteur.
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. Known for hosting superb musical performances from the nation’s indie scene, Heartwood returns to live performances with its first physically-distanced outdoor stage show, The Curry’s, Sunday, September 27. Click for tickets and more information.
Ease into the Week with Live Music and Great Food at Jazzy Mondays
Monday, September 14, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
4860 Celebration Pointe Ave. #30, Gainesville, FL 32608
The Keys pairs delicious bites and cocktails with jazzy grooves. Every Monday, Bill Fote and friends host Jazz at The Keys, a night of eclectic grooves, delicious food, and refreshing cocktails. Located in west Gainesville, the restaurant supports the local music and the great jazz scene previously cultivated by iconic downtown restaurants such as Emiliano’s Cafe and Leonardo’s 706, as well as Francescca’s Tratattoria.
Indulge with Plant-Based Soul Food at Vegan Brews and BBQ
Saturday, September 12, 1 p.m. | Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
1001 NW 4th St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Southern Fried Vegan returns to Gainesville to share their vegan takes on southern staples. Menu highlights include Fried Chickun, BBQ. Mac N Cheeze, Jambalaya, Cajun Corn, Beer-Cheeze Battered Beyond Burgers and Totchos. Dank Cakes will be on hand for dessert. Cypress & Grove Brewing Company is a 15 barrel microbrewery, producing beer in the old Gainesville Ice Factory using artesian water from their own well.
Book a Bat Tour and Learn All About the Often Misunderstood Flying Creatures
Tours Scheduled Daily | Lubee Bat Conservancy
1309 NW 192nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
Lubee Bat Conservancy is dedicated to saving bats and their habitats through research, conservation and education, with a focus on children and community engagement. Private tours can be scheduled throughout the week in advance. Walk-up tours are not available. Tours typically start at 1 p.m. and last about 1 to 1.5 hours. For school field trips please contact directly for special times and pricing. View the tour calendar and available dates here.
Lubee is the global leader in fruit bat care, husbandry, and medical management. Located in Gainesville, Florida, over 200 bats are housed on the property, spending their days playing, socializing, and interacting with their roost mates. As a USDA registered and AZA certified related zoological institution, Lubee ensures that the animals and facilities are maintained to the highest ethical standards.
Learn to Prepare a Plant-Based Meal at Vegan Breakfast for Dinner Cooking Class
Sunday, September 13, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Peacefield Farm Sanctuary
2220 SW 146th St., Newberry, FL 32669
Peacefield is a 30-acre farm animal sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates farm animals and functions as a community resource education, farm tours, plant-based cooking classes, kids programs, a community garden, fitness classes, health coaching and more. Meet the animals, view live farm cams and learn more about Peacefield here.
Chomp Into National Library Card Sign-Up Month
Monday – Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Alachua County Library Branch Locations
While you’re exploring Alachua County this month, stop in at any public library branch to sign up for a new library card, and take home a special custom illustrated Read poster, featuring one of the areas’ most prolific natural residents the alligator. Whether you’re antiquing in Micanopy or dining in High Springs, it’s easy to sign up at any of the Alachua County Library District’s 12 branches during National Library Card Sign-Up Month.
Access the library’s digital collection with 86,000+ books and audiobooks from anywhere in the country and use it to plan your next adventure! Visit Gainesville, Alachua County recommends Paynes Prairie: A History of the Great Savannah by Lars Andersen. Learn more at www.aclib.us/signup.
Celebrate Latin Culture Through Film with the Gainesville Latino Film Festival
September 10-29 | Online Event with Latina Women’s League
This year’s virtual film festival features a lineup of films and special events taking place online. See upcoming events and film screenings on Facebook.View the 2020 film lineup here.
Celebrate Art and Culture from Across Latin America at Museum Nights: Noche de Museo
Thursday, September 10, 6 p.m. | Online Event with the Harn Museum of Art
The Harn Museum will be joined by friends from the Gainesville Latino Film Festival and UF faculty Derek Berdette (a specialist in Latin American Art History) and Efraín Barradas (an expert in Caribbean literature, Latino Studies, Mexican culture, history of art and ideas in Latin America). Join Museum Nights on the Harn’s YouTube channel.
Listen to an Evening Full of Blues with Dr. Jules & the JuJu Man, Delta Dutchmen, Paco Livestreaming from High Dive
Saturday, September 12, 7 p.m. | Online Event with North Central Florida Blues Society
Dr. Jules Gliesche has been on a crusade to preserve the blues and spread the sound, often with skeptical and humorous lyrics. For over 25 years, brothers Alan and Bryan Yeatter have been performing blues, rockabilly, country and Americana. Paco plays with guitar chops that you don’t hear from anybody else and his vocals have an ease and sincerity which makes him relatable to practically every audience.
Go Birding Virtually and Tune Into a Live “Bird Cast”
Thursday, September 10, 6:30 p.m. | Online Event with Alachua Audubon Society
Did you know that Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a Gateway to The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail?
The weekly Alachua Audubon Society broadcast highlights local news and notes, observations and occurrences from birding experts. Fall migration begins soon. Find out about the latest developments and tune in on Facebook.
Find information about the top birding sites in Alachua County.
Witness Finger-Style Guitar Mastery from Sam Pacetti on Gainesville LIVE!
Friday, September 11, 8 pm. – 10 p.m. | Online Event with Free Fridays Concert Series
Sam Pacetti is a mesmerizing live performer. His mastery of classical and fingerstyle guitar, flamenco, and jazz makes one wonder how such sound can be accomplished on a single guitar.
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.
Load Up on Local Veggies and Artisan Foods at Haile Farmer’s Market
Saturday, September 12, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Haile Village Center
5213 SW 91 Terr., Gainesville, FL 32608
Stroll through the shaded Haile Village Center for a pet-friendly market. Local vendors showcase farm-fresh veggies and locally prepared foods.
Relax on the Water with a Paddle Trip on the Santa Fe River and Discover Springs, Scenery, and Wildlife
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 Fee 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 including Poe Springs Friday-Sunday, 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, September 10, 5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Private Performances of The Stronger at Black C Art Gallery
Through Wednesday, September 30
Music & Performance
Campfire Americana with Kyle Keller at Lightnin’ Salvage
Saturday, September 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Acoustic Hits with Jon Catino Live at Crafty Bastards Restaurant & Pub
Thursday, September 10, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Party at Home with Bands from Red Scare Records at Fest at Home
Thursday, September 10, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Live Stand Up Comedy Night from Flaco’s Outdoor Patio
Thursday, September 10, 7:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Classic Rock with The Medicine Show, Heavy Pedal, Captain and the Beard Live Stream with High Dive
Friday, September 11, 8 p.m.
Classic Rock and Originals with Wild Blue Yonder at One Love Cafe
Friday, September 11, 6 p.m.
Alternative Rock with Subliminal Peppers at One Love Cafe
Saturday, September 12, 6 p.m.
The Greatest Concert Tribute to Elvis Starring Barry Porter at Woodyard Grill
Saturday, September 12, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
All the Hits with Duo Bill & Miguel at One Love Cafe
Sunday, September 13, 5 p.m.
Indie Rock with Flipturn presented by MusicGNV
Monday, September 14, 7 p.m.
Acoustic Country Music with Jamie Davis at Woodyard Grill
Wednesday, September 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Keg of Laughs Comedy Hour at World of Beer
Wednesday, September 16, 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Order Craft Beer To Go
Virtual Brainaholics Trivia by First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, September 15, 6:30 p.m. – 7: 30 p.m.
Beer Bingo Tuesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Tuesday, September 15, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
$6 Burger Wednesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, September 16, 12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Trivia Night at Blackadder Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, September 16, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cornhole at High Springs Brewing Company
Wednesday, September 16, 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.
Alachua County 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
Soups and Wine Cooking Class at The Fat Tuscan
Thursday, September 10, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Pre-Order Fresh Flavors with Café Baskets from The Fat Tuscan
Order Friday for Wednesday Pickup
Pictured above, a special Wild Caught Chargrilled Mahi and Shrimp served on the patio at The Great Outdoors Restaurant.
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, September 11, 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, battleship, 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.
Parks & Trails
Don’t Miss Record-Breaking Giant Waterlilies at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Open Fridays – Wednesdays
Giant Victoria Water Lilies grow over 6 feet in diameter and are only a summer phenomenon at the gardens. Plan your visit at Kanapaha.org.
River & Springs
Splash Into the Springs Near Gainesville
North Florida is home to over 1,000 freshwater springs and the largest collection of First Magnitude freshwater springs in the United States. The springs are a perfect way to get outside and explore the natural side of the state. Did you know the crystal clear water flows from underground at a refreshing 72 degrees Fahrenheit, or 22 degrees Celsius, all year round? Make sure to add a visit to the springs to your Gainesville and Alachua County itinerary.
Museums & Galleries
Science Off Tap with Florida Museum of Natural History: Urban Streams
Thursday, September 10, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Opening Exhibit On View: Curatorial Studies, Adrian Piper Dance Lessons at Gary R. Libby Gallery
Thursday, September 10, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Virtual Viva Museum! Cafecito Científico with Florida Museum of Natural History
Saturday, September 12, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Matheson Museum Online Exhibit: Trailblazers 150 Years of Women in Alachua County
“The Human Race” 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
Megalodon Exhibit Opening at Florida Museum, September 19
Drive-Thru Oktoberfest at Swamp Head Brewery, September 25
The Currys Live Outdoors at Heartwood Soundstage, September 27
The Gainesville Orchestra Presents ADVENTURE! October 9
Max Major Remote Control with Hippodrome Theatre, October 1-11
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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