Across Gainesville and Alachua County, music, markets and a little bit of stage magic set the pace for a weekend of What’s Good®. |
Live performances lead the way, from the Hippodrome Theatre’s summer musical, "Million Dollar Quartet," bringing the sounds of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis back to life, to the Levitt AMP Alachua free live music series featuring Cover's Revenge. |
A sci-fi celebration adds cosplay and fan culture to the mix. And, plant sales and pop-up markets showcase fresh finds and local goods. |
Read on for more of What’s Good®.
Your partners at
Visit Gainesville, Alachua County |
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From Folk to Classic Rock Featuring The Grand Finale, May 1-2 Friday, May 1, 7:00 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601 Experience The Grand Finale at Heartwood Soundstage with two days of live music and community connection, May 1-2. Enjoy an opening set followed by a featured performance from folk by Wil Maring and Americana by Robert Bowlin. Saturday continues with multiple bands and a reunion-style gathering celebrating Gainesville’s music scene. Free admission is available for Saturday performances. The Grand Finale at Heartwood Soundstage offers a blend of live music and nostalgic celebration.
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“Million Dollar Quartet” at the Hippodrome Theatre, May 1 – May 24 Friday, May 1, 7:00 p.m. | Hippodrome Theatre
25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601 Grab your partners in fun and make time for one of Gainesville’s summer traditions, the “Million Dollar Quartet” at the Hippodrome Theatre. The “Million Dollar Quartet” brings the legendary recording session of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis to life, with live performances of rock and roll favorites that will have you dancing in your seat and singing along from the first note to the final encore. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
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May 4th Sci-Fi Festival, May 2-3 Saturday, May 2, 10:00 a.m. | Santa Fe College Blount Hall
530 W University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601 Feel the vibe at the May 4th Sci-Fi Festival, a free sci-fi and pop culture festival in Gainesville. Enjoy a two-day celebration featuring cosplay, vendors, live music, fan films, games, and interactive experiences for fans, families, artists, and makers across the community.
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Levitt AMP Alachua Music Series: Irish Roots, Punk Spirit, Live in Alachua Friday, May 1, 6:00 p.m. | Skinner Park
15100 NW 142 Terrace, Alachua, FL 32615 Listen and enjoy Free Live Music by Levitt AMP in Alachua with Clover’s Revenge at Skinner Park. Explore live performances, local vendors, and a lively outdoor setting in downtown Alachua. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
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Free Fridays Concert Series mamish and Ricky Kendall Friday, May 1, 7:00 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
111 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601 Experience Free Fridays Concert Series in Gainesville with live performances by mamish and Ricky Kendall at Bo Diddley Plaza. Free Fridays Concert Series brings local and regional musicians to downtown Gainesville for a free outdoor concert from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
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Alachua County Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale Saturday, May 2, 9:00 a.m. | Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
23100 W Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL 32669 Shop the Alachua County Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale in Newberry and explore more than 6,000 Florida-friendly plants, including natives, edibles, herbs, citrus, and trees. Receive guidance from Master Gardener Volunteers and enjoy a family-friendly day of gardening, learning, and community with free admission and on-site parking.
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Spring May Market at The AUK Market Sunday, May 3, 12:00 p.m. | The AUK Market
2031 NW 6th St., Gainesville, FL 32609 Don’t miss the Spring May Market and discover a curated collection of local makers, artists, and specialty vendors offering unique goods and gifts. This seasonal gathering features fresh artwork, handcrafted items, and a variety of sweet and savory treats, along with coffee and refreshing drinks. Visitors can enjoy interactive experiences, including chair massages, while browsing a thoughtfully curated marketplace. Designed as a family-friendly and dog-friendly outing, this event offers a relaxed way to support small businesses and explore Gainesville’s creative community just ahead of summer.
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High Springs Brewing Company – Hot Rodding For Heroes Car Show Saturday, May 2, 10:00 a.m. | High Springs Brewing Company
18562 NW 237th St., High Springs, FL 32643 Join the Marine Corps League for the Semi-Annual Hot Rodding for Heroes Car Show. Enjoy a car show open to all cars and motorcycles. Admission for spectators is free. Car and motorcycle registration is $25 (cash or check). Sign-up begins at 10 a.m. Swing by and check out some sweet rides, enjoy some great brews and amazing food while supporting a great cause.
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U-Picks and Farmers Markets |
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Zookeeper Day
July 18, 2026
Santa Fe College Zoo |
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Thank you for your continued partnership! |
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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. |
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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. |
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The County publishes this information about events, venues and activities in Alachua County, Florida based upon what is provided for the benefit of the general public. Reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the information is accurate. The County is not responsible for errors or omissions in the information provided. For complete details, contact the host directly. As a convenience to you, the County may link to websites operated by other entities and if visited, you do so at your own risk and you may be subject those site’s terms, polices, and age restrictions. The information is not advice or an endorsement by the County of the views or products of the host or other entities, and should not be treated as such. The County does 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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