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Culture and creativity take center stage across Alachua County this week with What’s Good®.
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Step into the BIG: Culture & Arts Festival, where downtown venues and outdoor stages host nationally touring artists and Florida talent with a lineup that moves from hip-hop to experimental sounds and late-night sets across the city. "Art Springs to Life" at the Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival and poetry joins the lineup as the 4th Annual BARD & Broadside Festival celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary through verse.
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At Poe Springs Park, the 3rd annual Santa Fe Springs Celebration takes place bringing a day of community gathering along the Santa Fe River. Newberry Main Street Spring Festival fills downtown streets with music, vendors and family-friendly fun. For wildlife lovers, the Spring Safari Open House at Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation offers an up-close look at rescued animals in an engaging outdoor setting.
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Be sure to scroll down for ticket giveaway details to the Carson Springs Wildlife Spring Safari and the GCM Spring Food Festival.
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Read on for all the can’t-miss events in
What’s Good®.
Your partners at
Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
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Santa Fe Springs Celebration Festival Saturday, April 11, 11:00 a.m. | Poe Springs Park
28800 NW 182nd Ave., High Springs, FL 32643 Explore Santa Fe Springs Celebration with a full day of music, nature and family-friendly activities. Start with a morning yoga session, then enjoy educational experiences, guided hikes and interactive exhibits focused on Florida’s springs. Discover art vendors, food trucks and activities for all ages including a scavenger hunt. Live music includes rock with The Tom Smith Band, indie Høly River and Americana Harber Wynn. Santa Fe Springs Celebration brings community together in a scenic outdoor setting. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
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Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival, April 11-12 Saturday, April 11, 10:00 a.m. | Santa Fe College
3000 NW 83rd St, Gainesville, FL 32606 Explore the Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival in Gainesville and experience a weekend celebrating visual and performing arts. The Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival features juried artists, student performers, live music and dance, food trucks, and family art activities. The event runs April 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Santa Fe College Northwest Campus. This festival features train rides to the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo which is offering free admission throughout the festival weekend. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
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Big: Culture & Arts Festival, April 10-12 Friday, April 10, 6:00 p.m. | How Bazar
60 SW 2nd St., Gainesville, FL 32601 Big: Culture & Arts Festival returns to downtown Gainesville, presented by Dion Dia and How Bazar. With eight stages across three outdoor spaces and five iconic venues, the weekend brings together nationally touring artists like Earl Sweatshirt, The Alchemist, Zack Fox, Navy Blue and MAVI alongside a strong lineup of Florida-based musicians and collectives. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
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Spring Safari Open House, a Gainesville Wildlife Experience Saturday, April 11, 10:00 a.m. | Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
8528 E CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609 Explore Spring Safari Open House Gainesville with a self-guided wildlife experience. Enjoy big cat feeding demonstrations, meet animal keepers and interact with select animals throughout the park. Food trucks and seasonal activities enhance the visit for families and animal enthusiasts. Tickets should be booked in advance and serve as entry confirmation. Wear comfortable shoes, bring strollers for young children, and follow safety guidelines near enclosures. Spring Safari Open House Gainesville offers a hands-on way to connect with wildlife in a safe, engaging outdoor setting. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
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🎟️ TICKET GIVEAWAY ALERT:
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As a sponsor of Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation’s Spring Safari Open House, Visit Gainesville, Alachua County has a limited number of complimentary tickets available for the What’s Good® community on a first-come basis (limit two per person). Pick up tickets at the Visit Gainesville, Alachua County office, 33 N. Main Street, Gainesville, FL on Friday, April 10 starting at 9 a.m., while supplies last.
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Staff can confirm if tickets are still available via telephone or email, however please note that tickets cannot be reserved or held. Once tickets are claimed, no additional inventory will be available. Thank you for understanding and for planning accordingly.
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Bard & Broadside Poetry Festival Gainesville Thursday, April 9, 6:00 p.m. | Multiple Locations
Located in Gainesville, Alachua County, FL Experience Bard & Broadside Poetry Festival Gainesville throughout April with readings, workshops and live performances across multiple venues. This monthlong celebration highlights poetry, creative writing and community storytelling in recognition of National Poetry Month. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
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North Central Florida Poetry Festival |
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Museum Nights: Community Open Mic:
April 9, 6 p.m.
UF Harn Museum of Art Auditorium
3259 Hull Road, Gainesville.
WORD SLAY Youth Poetry & Monologue Competition:
April 11, 1 p.m.
Alachua County Library District Headquarters
401 E. University Ave., Gainesville
Poetry Reading: Aliesa Zoecklein (WAG):
April 12, 2:30 p.m.
Millhopper Branch Library
3145 NW 43rd St., Gainesville
National Poetry Month Proclamation,
April 14, 11:30 a.m.
Alachua County Board of County Commissioners
12 SE First St., Gainesville
Free Fridays Concert: Poetry & Music:
April 17, 7 p.m.
Bo Diddley Plaza
111 E. University Ave., Gainesville
Swamp-Berry Jam Poetry Slam:
April 18, 6 p.m.
Vecinos
208 W. University Ave., Gainesville
We Hold These Truths: Community Panel Discussion:
April 19, 5 p.m.
The Lynx Books
601 S. Main St., Gainesville
We the Poets: Poetry Reading:
April 22, 6 p.m.
The Lynx Books
601 S. Main St., Gainesville
Poetry at the Planetarium: Astronomical Words:
April 25, 11 a.m.
Kika Silva Pla Planetarium at Santa Fe College
3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville
Sidney Wade: Poetry & Creative Writing Workshop:
April 26, 1 p.m.
Alachua County Library District Headquarters
401 E. University Ave., Gainesville
Sidney Wade: Poetry Reading & Book Signing:
April 26, 3 p.m.
Alachua County Library District Headquarters
401 E. University Ave., Gainesville
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Newberry Main Street Spring Festival Saturday, April 11, 10:00 a.m. | Downtown Newberry
25370 W Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL 32669 Spend the day in historic downtown Newberry exploring local vendors, live music, and family entertainment. Watch free animal shows, delight the kids with balloons and bounce houses, and browse crafts and unique finds. Savor delicious bites from food trucks and favorite eateries while soaking in the charm of this lively spring celebration. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
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Florida Bluegrass, The Flattlanders – The Levitt Amp Alachua Concert Series Friday, April 10, 6:00 p.m. | Skinner Park
15100 NW 142 Terrace, Alachua, FL 32615 Experience the Levitt Amp Alachua concert series with The Flattlanders at Skinner Park. Enjoy an evening of live music, food vendors and a relaxed outdoor setting in historic downtown Alachua. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
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“Sylvia” a Witty Stage Comedy, April 10-26 Friday, April 10, 8:00 p.m. | Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
3501 SW 2nd Ave., Ste. O, Gainesville, FL 32607 Experience “Sylvia” at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre in Gainesville, a witty stage comedy about marriage, loyalty and an unexpected canine companion. Sylvia, a clever street-smart dog, follows Greg and Kate and disrupts their routine, creating heartfelt moments and comedic tension throughout the play. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
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Disney’s Descendants: The Musical at Star Center Theatre Friday, April 10, 8:00 p.m. | Star Center Theatre
11 NE 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
Join the children of famous Disney villains as they leave the Isle of the Lost for Auradon Prep, where heroes and villains meet in a kingdom of opportunity. Follow Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos as they face choices about identity, friendship, and forgiveness. Packed with catchy songs, lively dance, and a heartfelt story, this musical celebrates finding your own path and second chances. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
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UF Opera Theatre: “The Pirates of Penzance” Friday, April 10, 7:30 p.m. | Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611 Set sail with the UF Opera Theatre and UF Symphony Orchestra for a night of laughter, romance, and rollicking pirates! Follow Frederic as he wrestles with a truly ridiculous twist of fate: a leap-year birthday that keeps him tied to a band of soft-hearted pirates far longer than he ever imagined. Along the way, you’ll meet a blundering Modern Major-General, his chorus of daughters, and a cast brimming with mischievous creativity. The wit and spirit of Gilbert & Sullivan’s beloved masterpiece shine in this delightful performance.
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Gainesville Big Band “Jazz 101: The Music of Tony Bennett” Sunday, April 12, 2:00 p.m. | Meizon Church
3411 NW 83 St, Gainesville, FL 32606 Experience timeless music performed live, capturing the style and sophistication of a legendary era with the Gainesville Big Band. This concert also features the Williston High School Jazz Ensemble, adding a dynamic element to the performance. Settle in for an engaging program that blends education and entertainment through live jazz. Gainesville Big Band Jazz 101 offers a rich musical experience for audiences of all ages. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
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GAZE Gainesville Arts and Zine Expo Saturday, April 11, 11:00 a.m. | Sequential Artists Workshop
1314 S Main St #2, Gainesville, 32601 Attend GAZE Gainesville Arts and Zine Expo, a free comics and zine festival April 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Explore workshops, panels and creative sessions for all ages, including literary comics with Lauren Halderman, button-making with Frankie D, and a comics workshop with Eric Wolfgang. Hear from Barbara Brandon-Croft, the first Black woman cartoonist in mainstream U.S. newspapers. Support local artists at vendor tables and engage in interactive activities throughout the day. GAZE Gainesville Arts and Zine Expo celebrates creativity, community and the art of storytelling in a welcoming environment. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
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Gators Football Orange and Blue Game Saturday, April 11, 12:00 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
157 Gale Lemerand Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611 Experience a game day atmosphere in The Swamp at the annual Gators Football Orange and Blue Game. Arrive early for pre-game festivities including Gators Fan Fest, live music, giveaways and more. During halftime, join the National Championship celebration with the Florida Gators Men’s Basketball team. Admission is free. During Orange and Blue Weekend, additional Florida Gators athletic events feature baseball, softball, volleyball and tennis.
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U-Picks and Farmers Markets |
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GCM Spring Food Fest Thursday, April 16, 5:30 p.m. | Celebration Pointe
3528 SW 45th St., Gainesville, FL 32607
Taste GCM Spring Food Fest with more than 40 restaurants serving a variety of local and regional favorites. Enjoy a lively atmosphere with live music, a DJ stage and a beer and wine garden for guests 21 and older. Families can explore the Kids Zone featuring bounce houses and activities throughout the evening. GCM Spring Food Fest offers an all-in-one culinary experience with food, entertainment and community connection in a vibrant outdoor setting. Admission is free, with food and drink tickets available for purchase. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
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🎟️ TICKET GIVEAWAY ALERT:
As a sponsor of the GCM Spring Food Festival, Visit Gainesville, Alachua County has a limited number of complimentary tickets available for the What’s Good® community on a first-come basis (limit four per family). Tickets must be claimed in person by providing your information at the Visit Gainesville, Alachua County office, 33 N. Main Street, Gainesville, FL. Information will be shared with the event organizer, and recipients will receive instructions to download a free app to access their tickets. Availability is limited and offered while supplies last.
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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 images and materials appearing on this site may be protected or copyrighted works, and thus subject to legal protections. Display by the County of such on this site does not authorize you to copy, reproduce, distribute, publish, display, modify, or in any way exploit any such works.
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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