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).
Get an Up Close View of More Than 30 Rare and Endangered Species at Carson Springs WildLife Sanctuary’s Labor Day Weekend Drive-Through Safari
Saturday, September 5, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Sunday, September 6 – Monday, September 7, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
8528 E CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Add a fun-filled, family-friendly adventure to your Labor Day weekend. Hop in your car to see new animals and enclosures on display in a natural setting. Tours are offered all weekend Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Learn more about Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation here.
Cruise the Area’s Craft Beer Crawl and Sample Award-Winning Local Breweries
Add a local brewery stop to your itinerary in Gainesville and Alachua County. Find inspired brews flowing from the minds of beer makers at 6 distinct breweries in and around Gainesville. From an old-world microbrewery to a production brewery you can literally drive through, click through our list of craft breweries you can’t miss.
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.
Travelers stay at the Hampton Inn, Gainesville for itsworld-renowned hospitality, and the Clean and Fresh Hampton Bed guarantee. This property is conveniently located just off I-75, minutes from area attractions such as Kanapaha Botanical Garden, Celebration Pointe, University of Florida, and hundreds of eateries and retail shops.
Plan ahead and get ready to enjoy a laid back, effortless stay at the Hampton Inn, Gainesville. Get 20% off your stay when you book by September 16. To redeem this offer, please call (352) 371-4171, select option 2 then mention code “Visit.”
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The Hampton Inn, 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 the safety measures being taken at hotels and inns, click here.
Rock Out with Mike Johnson and Brad Burns, Live from the Outdoor Stage
Sunday, September 6, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | One Love Café
4989 NW 40th Pl., Gainesville, FL 32606
Longtime musicians Mike and Brad deliver their guitar-driven bookend to your weekend. Spread out in the kid-friendly and dog-friendly park setting. Enjoy food and drinks from One Love Café, known for their fresh local menu with daily specials.
Make New Friends! Barnyard Pals Await Friendly Visitors at the Peacefield Farm Sanctuary Tour
Monday September 7, 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. | Peacefield Farm Sanctuary
2220 SW 146th St., Newberry, FL 32669
Peacefield is a 30-acre farm sanctuary in Newberry with a simple mission: to save the world. Farm animals are rescued and rehabilitated. Peacefield exists to rescue and rehabilitate farm animals and to be a resource to the community through 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. Funds raised will support Leilani Farm Sanctuary of Maui, Hawaii.
Go Mountain Biking Through Gainesville’s Trails with Goodbike
Thursday, September 3, 7 p.m., Monday, September 7, 7 p.m. | Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
1001 NW 4th St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Meet riders from Goodbike at Cypress & Grove Brewing Company and bring your mountain bike and riding skills. Thursday’s ride is a medium pace for intermediate and advanced riders with stops along the way to regroup. Monday’s ride is a brisk pace for advanced riders. Be prepared with water, helmet, bright lights and tools to change a flat. Routes can change week to week and cover 14-20 miles.
Reel in a Plant-Based Catch of the Day at the Vegan Seafood Pop-Up
Sunday, September 6, 3 p.m.– 7 p.m. | Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
1001 NW 4th St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The outdoor C&G Meadow is the perfect place for a plant-based seafood feast. Florida’s first vegan seafood vendor, Oh My Cod, rolls into town to share their menu featuring Crabby Cakes, Fish & Chips, Lobsta Mac and more. View the menu or pre-order online at OhMyCodVegan.com.
Ease into the Week with Live Music and Great Food at Jazzy Mondays
Monday, September 7, 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.
Go Birding Virtually and Tune Into a Live “Bird Cast”
Thursday, September 3, 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 is already off a start, find out about the latest developments and tune in on Facebook.
Find information about the top birding sites in Alachua County.
Friday and Chill with Dance Favorites and Easy Listening Tunes from Gosia and Ali on Gainesville LIVE!
Friday, September 4, 8 pm. – 10 p.m. | Online Event with Free Fridays Concert Series
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.
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.
Enjoy a Night of Wine Sipping and Sign Making
Friday, September 4, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Island Grove Wine Company Tasting House
21848 S Co 325 Hwy., Hawthorne, FL 32640
Say hello to fall or fast-forward into the winter holidays with a custom door hanger design from DIY Wood Signs and More. Choose from a rustic autumn design or make a pumpkin / snowman creation. Register online here.
Fill Your Picnic Basket with Farm-Fresh Produce and Local Delicacies
Saturday, September 5, 8:30 a.m – 12 p.m. | Alachua County Farmer’s Market
5920 NW 13th St., Gainesville, FL 32653
Produce, plants, flowers, eggs, honey and more are sold directly from local growers. Find what’s in season and even a recipe or two on the market’s Facebook page. Bring your shopping bags, grocery list and keep in mind some vendors only accept cash.
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 3, 5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Samm Wehman Art Exhibit at Satchel’s Pizza
Tuesday, September 8 – October 3
Private Performances of The Stronger at Black C Art Gallery
Wednesday, September 9 – Wednesday, September 30
Music & Performance
Live Comedy from the Outdoor Patio at Flaco’s Comedy Night
Thursday, September 3, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Party in Your Living Room with Bands from Wiretap Records at Fest at Home
Thursday, September 3, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Gainesville Hip Hop Night with Marley The Messenger & Dorion James Live Stream with High Dive
Friday, September 4, 8 p.m.
Sounds Unlimited with Lupe and Cindy at Woodyard Grill
Saturday, September 5, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Jazz, Pop, Brazilian Spirit and Folk Influences with Giselle Felice & Erik Abernathy presented by MusicGNV
Monday, September 7, 7 p.m.
Keg of Laughs Comedy Hour at World of Beer
Wednesday, September 9, 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Order Craft Beer To Go
Big Top First Friday Fun Run at Big Top Brewing Company
Friday, September 4, 6 p.m. – 8: 30 p.m.
Rock Band The Remnants at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, September 4, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Live Music with JD Cooke at High Springs Brewing Company
Saturday, September 5, 7 p.m.
Virtual Brainaholics Trivia by First Magnitude Brewing Company
Tuesday, September 8, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Beer Bingo Tuesday at Big Top Brewing Company
Tuesday, September 8, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
$6 Burger Wednesday at Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, September 9, 12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Trivia Night at Blackadder Brewing Company Gainesville
Wednesday, September 9, 7 p.m. – 9 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.
Haile Farmer’s Market at Haile Village Center
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Waldo Farmer’s Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bites & Brunch
Eat Drink and Be Merry at Joel’s Coffeehouse with 29:11 Barbecue
Friday, September 4 – Saturday, September 5, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Date Night Cooking Class at the Fat Tuscan (sold out)
Friday, September 4, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Pre-Order Fresh Flavors with Café Baskets from The Fat Tuscan
Order Friday for Wednesday Pickup
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, August 28, 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 neaby Tioga Town Center.
Friday Night Lights at Newberry RC Park
Friday, September 4, 7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Monthly RC Drag Race at Toys and More
Saturday, September 5, 6 p.m.
Off Road RC Racing at Toys and More
Sunday, September 6, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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 fresh water 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.
Save The Date
Gainesville Latino Virtual Film Festival, September 10-29
Megalodon Exhibit Opening at Florida Museum, September 19
Drive-Thru Oktoberfest at Swamp Head Brewery, September 25
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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