Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

Visit Gainesville, Alachua County Official account for What's Good® in Gainesville and Alachua County. Follow us on Instagram and X !

🎤 Dolly Parton. Tim Curry. One microphone.Honor the Great Ones Karaoke brings a night of big songs, bold personalities a...
08/28/2026

🎤 Dolly Parton. Tim Curry. One microphone.

Honor the Great Ones Karaoke brings a night of big songs, bold personalities and plenty of chances to grab the mic at Heartwood Soundstage.

Sing your favorite Dolly tune, channel a little Tim Curry or simply grab a chair and cheer on the brave souls taking the stage. Karaoke runs from 7–9 p.m., with the Heartwood bar opening at 6 p.m. and drink specials available throughout the evening.

🎶 Honor the Great Ones Karaoke
📍 Heartwood Soundstage | 619 S. Main St., Gainesville
📅 Friday, August 28
🕖 7–9 p.m. | Bar opens at 6 p.m.
🎟️ Free | All ages | Chairs provided

Make a night of it on South Main Street with dinner, drinks and a little karaoke.

Find more live music and events at VisitGainesville.com.

08/27/2026

Art, comedy and theater set the tone for this week’s What’s Good®, with new exhibitions and live performances highlighting the area’s creative community. On Friday, Artwalk Gainesville invites an evening stroll through studios and cultural spaces at galleries from downtown to The Oaks Mall.

At The Wooly, former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Chris Kattan brings nationally touring stand-up and familiar characters to Gainesville. The opening weekend of “Come From Away” at Star Center Theatre rounds out the week with a moving musical about compassion, resilience and unexpected connections during a moment of crisis.

Read on for more of What’s Good®. Your partners at Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

Photo credit to one of our very own, Jessica Hurov!
This shot captures an alligator emerging from beneath one of the walkways along La Chua Trail in Gainesville, Florida, and was featured in our World Photography Day social media post celebrating favorite moments captured around Gainesville and Alachua County.

08/23/2026

There’s still time to catch the second day of Fl Legends Card Show at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center.

Collectors, your next great find could be waiting on the next table. Come see what turns up!

Shop sports cards, Pokémon, TCG and collectibles from more than 200 dealers and vendors until 4 p.m. General admission is a $5 donation, with concessions available on site.

Gator fans can also purchase special fan experiences with Heisman Trophy winners Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel and Tim Tebow, with proceeds supporting Isaiah 117 House and its work providing a safe, comforting environment for children awaiting foster care placement.

FL Legends Card Show
📍 Alachua County Sports and Events Center
4870 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
📅 Sunday, August, 23, 2026
⏰ 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
🎟️ $5 admission donation

🏆 200+ dealers
🐊 Gator Greats signing autographs
🃏 Sports cards, Pokémon & TCG
🔥 Tons of collectibles
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fun for the entire family



For more event information visit: https://fllegends.com/

08/20/2026

This week’s What’s Good® has a knack for making the familiar feel new. Totally Rad Vintage Fest turns the Stephen C. O'Connell Center into a time warp, with vintage fashion, a free-play arcade and throwbacks spanning the ’80s through Y2K.

At the Alachua County Sports and Events Center, the inaugural Florida Legends Card Show brings hundreds of vendors together, with a free Trade Night on Saturday evening. Then, at Bo Diddley Plaza, Brazil Fest fills downtown Gainesville with live music, samba dancing, food and art.

Read on for more of What’s Good®. Your partners at Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

Photo credit to one of our very own, Jeremy Lee! 📸
This shot captures the boardwalk along La Chua Trail in Gainesville, Florida, and was featured as part of our World Photography Day social media post celebrating favorite moments captured around Gainesville and Alachua County.

08/19/2026

📸 Straight from the camera roll!
In celebration of World Photography Day, the Visit Gainesville team is sharing a few favorite snapshots captured while out and about in Gainesville and Alachua County.

And trust us, you'll want to make it all the way to the last photo. 👀📸

No stock photos. No professional photo shoot. Just favorite moments spotted along the way and a camera nearby at the right time. 🌿

From colorful sunsets and local landmarks to wildlife, downtown scenes and those unexpected moments that make you stop and grab your phone, these photos offer a peek at Gainesville and Alachua County through the eyes of the tourism team.
Now it's your turn! 📱
Share a favorite photo taken around Gainesville and Alachua County in the comments. Bonus points for the hidden gems and unexpected shots that deserve a little more attention.
Happy World Photography Day! 📸

Photo Credit: Jessica Hurov, Stephen Rodriguez, Elizabeth Reyes and Jeremy Lee

🌿 Slow down and celebrate National Relaxation Day in Gainesville and Alachua County.Whether relaxation means floating do...
08/15/2026

🌿 Slow down and celebrate National Relaxation Day in Gainesville and Alachua County.

Whether relaxation means floating down a spring-fed river, wandering peaceful boardwalks, or sipping coffee with friends, there's no shortage of ways to recharge and reconnect with nature.

📍 Find your perfect place to unwind:

💦 Public Pools – Take a refreshing swim at H. Spurgeon Cherry Westside Pool, Dwight H. Hunter Northeast Pool or Andrew R. Mickle Sr. Pool. Pick a spot, cool off and spend part of the day relaxing poolside.

🚲 Depot Park – Walk or bike around the pond, relax in the park, or enjoy lunch, ice cream, craft beer, or wine just steps away.

☕ South Main Station – Sip coffee, browse for new titles at the Lynx, enjoy craft beverages, or catch live music at Heartwood Soundstage. (something like that)...

🦬 Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park – Take in sweeping prairie views while watching for wild bison, horses, and abundant wildlife.

🌿 Sweetwater Wetlands Park – Stroll scenic boardwalks through one of Gainesville's premier wildlife viewing destinations.

🌅 Lake Alice – End the day with a peaceful sunset and, if you're lucky, watch the famous UF bats take flight at dusk.

However you choose to unwind, Gainesville and Alachua County offer the perfect place to relax, recharge, and enjoy the moment.

Plan your next escape at VisitGainesville.com.

Consider this your sign to plan a fall field day.It’s National Honey Bee Day, so we’re taking a little inspiration from ...
08/15/2026

Consider this your sign to plan a fall field day.

It’s National Honey Bee Day, so we’re taking a little inspiration from the bees and looking ahead to the flowers.

Summer might be winding down, but there’s plenty to look forward to this fall. Across Gainesville and Alachua County, local farms and gardens will be welcoming visitors for flower picking, festivals, and a closer look at the pollinators that keep the fields buzzing.

Start planning your fall flower days:

Flatwood Flowers
Occasional U-pick flower days throughout the year. Follow along on Instagram for upcoming dates.

Pollinator Party at Gainesville Garden Club
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Learn about local pollinators and participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census.

Crossroads Farm & Apiary Fall Festival
October 3–November 1, 2026 (Saturdays & Sundays)
Weekend fall festivals with U-pick flowers and opportunities to learn more about beekeeping.

Fall Horticultural Expo (https://www.facebook.com/share/1HjRJRX2o5/)
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Learn about local insects, birds, and native plants, then browse the fall plant market and garden vendors.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Fall Plant Sale
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Explore the gardens and shop from a variety of plant vendors.

The Bryer Patch Sunflower Festival
Saturday, November 7, 2026
A fall day at the farm centered around sunflowers and seasonal blooms.

The coming months are a good time to get outside and see what's blooming!

🐊 Welcome to Gainesville and Alachua County!Move-in season is here, and students from the University of Florida, Santa F...
08/14/2026

🐊 Welcome to Gainesville and Alachua County!

Move-in season is here, and students from the University of Florida, Santa Fe College and schools throughout the area are getting ready to call Gainesville home for another semester.

Between unpacking boxes and getting organized, take some time to discover the community beyond campus.

🛍️ Finish the move-in list
Forgot something? Find school supplies, groceries, dorm essentials, Gator gear and more at Plaza, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall, Tioga Town Center, downtown Gainesville and locally owned shops throughout the area. Explore even more options with the Visit Gainesville shopping guide.

🍴 Refuel after move-in
Take a break from unpacking and grab a bite at a local favorite. Stop by Café Voltaire GNV for coffee and a bite to eat, head downtown to The Bull, explore the food and drink options at South Main Station, or discover more locally owned restaurants throughout Gainesville and Alachua County. There are plenty of places to recharge before tackling the next box.

🌳 Take a break from the boxes
Unwind at Depot Park, explore the Harn Museum of Art, visit the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo or SF Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, or catch a Gainesville tradition by watching the bats emerge near Lake Alice at dusk.

🚗 Explore beyond campus
Have a little extra time? Explore downtown High Springs and stop by Serendipity Soda & Sweets for ice cream and handmade treats. Stroll historic Main Street in Alachua and grab a scoop at The Ice Cream Vault. Head to Newberry for small-town charm and gelato at Lulu's Gelato, or slow things down in Micanopy with antique shops, local dining and a walk through one of Florida's oldest inland towns.

👋 Parents and families, make the most of the trip
Before heading home, grab a meal in downtown Gainesville, wander the Harn Museum of Art, explore hands-on exhibits at the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, or unwind with a walk and something sweet at Depot Park. Looking for some time outdoors? Head to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and explore trails like La Chua Trail, Bolen Bluff Trail or Wacahoota Trail, with opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife along the way.

Staying another night? Check the What's Good event calendar and turn move-in weekend into one more day together. https://www.visitgainesville.com/events/

Students, families and returning Gators, welcome! Move-in is only the beginning. There's an entire community waiting to be explored.

08/13/2026

A late summer road trip kicks off inside the Harn Museum of Art during this week’s What’s Good®, with Museum Nights taking inspiration from the Florida Highwaymen painters as part of the Art After Dark series. Follow the journey with a special tour, creative activities and more.

Downtown, the Free Fridays Concert Series brings The Impostors to Bo Diddley Plaza for a night of Beatles favorites, taking listeners back to the music of the beloved band. And at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, “13: The Musical” enters its closing weekend, following a teenager navigating the challenges of growing up, fitting in and finding his place.



Photo courtesy of Swallowtail Farm located in southeast Gainesville’s historic Rochelle area, Swallowtail Farm brings sustainable and regenerative agriculture to a landscape surrounded by live oaks, pasture, prairie and wetlands. The working farm is home to dairy cows, laying hens, heritage pigs and sheep, with a focus on thoughtful land stewardship and caring for the natural environment.

🎨 Before summer takes its final bow, make time for a little art, culture and creativity in Gainesville and Alachua Count...
08/13/2026

🎨 Before summer takes its final bow, make time for a little art, culture and creativity in Gainesville and Alachua County.

From museum galleries and local history to live theater, independent films and community art, there are plenty of ways to add a cultural stop to the final weeks of summer.

🖼️ Harn Museum of Art – Wander galleries filled with African, Asian, modern and contemporary art, photography and rotating exhibitions. Stay a little later on Thursdays during Art After Dark.

💡 Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention – Turn curiosity into an adventure with hands-on exhibits celebrating science, creativity and the ideas behind great inventions.

🎭 Hippodrome Theatre – Make it a night downtown with professional theater, independent films, gallery exhibitions and special programming inside one of Gainesville's historic landmarks.

🎨 GFAA – Discover work by local and regional artists through rotating exhibitions and community programming.

🚶 Artwalk Gainesville – Spend the last Friday of the month exploring galleries, studios, local businesses and creative spaces during this self-guided celebration of Gainesville's arts community.

📚 Matheson History Museum – Step into the stories that shaped Gainesville and Alachua County through local artifacts, exhibitions and historic collections.

🎶 Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, Inc. – Explore Gainesville's African American history and the legacy of a landmark that once welcomed legendary musicians and performers.

Summer may be winding down, but there's still plenty left to discover.

Find more arts, culture and upcoming events at VisitGainesville.com.

Address

33 N Main Street
Gainesville, FL
32601

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+18667785002

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