Hear Florida football corneberbacks coach Brandon Harris discuss his new role under Jon Sumrall
Brandon Harris has Florida in his blood as he went to Miami in the 2000s and is the brother of former Florida football QB Treon Harris. He was UCF’s defensive backs coach in 2025.
THIS WEEK
Artwalk
Artwalk returns from 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 27, offering a free, self-guided evening of art, music and local culture across participating venues. Held the last Friday of each month, the community event brings together galleries, artist studios, eateries and nightlife spots for a collaborative showcase of Gainesville’s creative scene. This month’s Artwalk features a wide mix of visual art displays, live performances and pop-up creative experiences at businesses and cultural spaces throughout the city, giving visitors the chance to meet artists, explore new venues and enjoy specials at local establishments along the route. For a full venue list and event details, visit artwalkgainesville.com.
Student and Mentor Exhibition
The Friends of Elementary Arts and the Gainesville Fine Arts Association will present the 2026 Student and Mentor Exhibition from 7 to 10 p.m. during the Feb. 27 Artwalk, with a reception for exhibiting students from 6 to 7 p.m. For this special installation, Alachua County art teachers select students to showcase their work alongside local mentor artists, highlighting emerging young talent within the community. The exhibition will remain on display through March 20. For more information, visit gainesvillefinearts.org.
‘Happily Ever After: A Wedding Comedy’
High Springs Playhouse is set to present “Happily Ever After: A Wedding Comedy,” running through March 1. Written by Mark Dunn and directed by Jenny Martinez, the family-friendly farce follows a bride who barricades herself in a church nursery moments before her wedding, convinced she is destined for another man — if he ever wakes from a coma. As her determined mother pushes to keep the wedding on track, the day spirals into chaos with a dog funeral, a flirtatious caterer, a looming presidential visit, and a miraculous recovery that upends everything. With a Texas twang and plenty of twists, the play evokes the spirit of classic Kaufman and Hart comedies. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays plus 2 p.m. Sundays at the theater, located at 23416 W U.S. 27 in High Springs. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit tinyurl.com/heaawc26.
‘Julius Caesar’
A would-be emperor. Suspicious senators. Jealous conspirators. In “Julius Caesar,” the newest production from Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, Caesar has been gaining a lot of influence recently and people treat him like a god. Cassius and Brutus are concerned about Caesar’s reactions to the power he holds in the Republic — what if he becomes a tyrant? A group of conspirators with the goal of assassinating Caesar recruit the concerned senators to their cause, Caesar’s right-hand man Marc Antony seeks vengeance, and Rome is thrown into civil war. See a performance at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays plus 2 p.m. Sundays at the theater, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit acrosstown.org.
Tusk: The Classic Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Heartwood Soundstage will host Tusk: The Classic Tribute to Fleetwood Mac on Feb. 27 for an 8 p.m. outdoor show. The nationally touring tribute band performs hits and deep cuts spanning the careers of Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductees Fleetwood Mac, delivering note-perfect renditions of both solo and full-band favorites. Formed in 2008, the five-member group recreates the sound and stage presence of the classic lineup — Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood — backed by nearly two decades of touring together. Advance tickets are $29.07, and day-of-show tickets are $29.07. Kids 12 and younger will be admitted free. Lawn chairs are allowed as space permits. This is an all-ages event. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com. The venue is located at 619 S. Main St.
Cans Across Campus 5K
Bread of the Mighty, in partnership with the University of Florida Bread of the Mighty Club, will host the inaugural Cans Across Campus 5K on Feb. 28 for a 9 a.m. start at Flavet Field on Woodlawn Drive. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. The campus run will raise funds and awareness for the regional food bank, an arm of Feeding Northeast Florida, with proceeds supporting local hunger relief programs. Registration is $10 per participant, and the first 100 runners will receive commemorative shirts and medals. Food and beverages will be available before and after the race, and the top three men’s and women’s finishers will receive trophies. For more information or to register, visit tinyurl.com/cac5k26a.
The Deslondes with The Lostines
Heartwood Soundstage is set to welcome The Deslondes with The Lostines on Feb. 28 for an 8 p.m. indoor, seated performance. The Deslondes — who found their footing in New Orleans — deliver a relaxed yet richly textured mix of country, blues, rock and swamp pop, marked by tuneful songwriting and roots-driven groove. The Lostines open the evening with a sound that blends golden-era rock ’n’ roll, classic country and wide-ranging American roots influences. Advance tickets are $24.39, and day-of-show tickets are $30.01. This is an all-ages event. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.
‘Hansel and Gretel’/’18th Annual Spring Youth Concert’
Sun Country Dance Theatre will present its 18th annual Spring Youth Concert at 2:30 p.m. March 1 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The family-friendly program features an encore performance of “Hansel & Gretel,” an original story ballet choreographed by Artistic Director Judy Benton. The performance brings the beloved fairy tale to life with humor, imagination, and heart as the adventurous siblings journey through an enchanted forest, encounter whimsical characters, and outwit the eccentric Cotton Candy Witch. In addition to the story ballet, the concert includes a diverse lineup of new works performed by the dancers of Sun Country Dance Theatre, with original choreography by resident artists and the premiere of three new works created exclusively for the company by guest choreographers from New York City, spanning classical ballet, contemporary, jazz, modern dance, and musical theatre. Distinguished guest artists from Florida and New York City — including professional dancers from The Florida Ballet — also will appear. All seating is general admission; tickets are $20, with free tickets available for children 17 and younger when obtained in person at the Phillips Center box office. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
NCF Blues Society Concert
Blues fans can catch Mud Morganfield with Little Mike and the Tornadoes at 5 p.m. March 1 at Heartwood Soundstage, presented by the North Central Florida Blues Society. The Chicago-born singer — the eldest son of Muddy Waters — continues his father’s legacy with a powerful traditional blues style, mixing beloved Muddy Waters classics with his own original songs. Morganfield’s deep roots in the genre helped earn him a 2014 Blues Music Award alongside harmonica standout Kim Wilson for the tribute album “For Pops: A Tribute to Muddy Waters.” Advance tickets are $42.19, and day-of-show tickets are $47.82. This is an all-ages event. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St.
Anthony Trionfo
University of Florida Performing Arts will present flutist Anthony Trionfo on March 1 for a 7:30 p.m. recital in the Squitieri Studio Theatre at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Known for combining effortless charm with dazzling technique, Trionfo brings familiar chamber works to life in ways that feel fresh and personal, with a program described as playful, thoughtful and full of surprises. Audiences can expect the trailblazing musician’s signature “soaring flute” sound in an intimate concert setting. Reserved seating is $40, and UF student tickets are $12. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
Makaya McCraven
Internationally acclaimed percussionist and bandleader Makaya McCraven brings his genre-blurring sound to Heartwood Soundstage on March 1 for an 8:30 p.m. performance, with DJ R.U.S opening the night. Often described as a leading voice in modern improvised music, McCraven fuses jazz, hip-hop and global folk traditions into richly layered compositions shaped from live performances. The Paris-born, Massachusetts-raised artist — the son of Hungarian vocalist Ágnes Zsigmondi and jazz drummer Stephen McCraven — has earned widespread praise for albums including “In the Moment,” “Universal Beings” and “In These Times.” Advance tickets are $35.64, and day-of-show tickets are $42.19. This is an all-ages event. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com. The venue is located at 619 S. Main St.
VOCES8
The internationally celebrated British vocal ensemble VOCES8 will take the stage 7:30 p.m. March 3 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Renowned for their blend, balance and expressive range, the eight-voice group performs repertoire that stretches from early music to contemporary works and popular arrangements, showcasing the ensemble’s signature precision and warmth. Tickets range from $25 to $45, and UF student tickets are $12. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
‘Accomplice’
The newest production from The Hippodrome Theatre is a witty cocktail of a thriller from the author of “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” “Curtains,” and the iconic “Piña Colada” song. Performances of the true whodunnit where nothing is what it seems run 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and 8 p.m. Saturdays, March 6-22. The Hippodrome is located at 25 SE Second Place. For more information, visit thehipp.org.
Lyrics for Life 2026
A night of music with a mission arrives March 7 at 8 p.m. when University of Florida Performing Arts hosts Lyrics for Life 2026 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The annual benefit concert features Sister Hazel with special guest John Rzeznik for an intimate evening supporting pediatric cancer initiatives. Founded by Sister Hazel frontman Ken Block in memory of his brother, the charity brings together musicians and celebrities to raise funds for research and programs that support children with cancer and their families. Concert tickets range from $99 to $125, while gala tickets are $395 and include access to the pre-party and after-party events. The evening begins with a gala pre-party at 6:30 p.m., followed by the concert from 8 to 10:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
ONGOING
Horse Feeding
The Retirement Home for Horses provides lifetime care to elderly horses seized by law enforcement agencies, rescued by the SPCA or humane societies, as well as horses retired from government service, such as police patrol or state and federal parks. They allow visitors to tour the property and feed treats — carrots, apple slices and bananas provided by the visitors — from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday. Mill Creek Farm Retirement Home for Horses is located at 20307 NW CR 235A in Alachua. For more information or to support the nonprofit, visit millcreekfarm.org.
Community Nights
Community Nights are free weekly events hosted by South Main Station and Heartwood Soundstage that include a rotating calendar of jams, skillshares, concerts, arts markets, food and drink specials, and other activities each Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. The event has grown in popularity with families, locals, musicians, and college students since its launch in 2024. The event takes place at South Main Station, an arts, food, and entertainment campus adjacent to Depot Park that spans the Southeast corner of Main Street and Depot Road. Community Nights always feature free live music and drink specials at Heartwood Soundstage’s lawn bar, but any given week can also include skillshares on music and videography, kids’ activities, film screenings, and opportunities to sample local food and drink at South Main’s businesses, which include Humble Pie Pizzeria, Grand Scheme Brewery, Bingo Deli, and Afternoon Coffee. The first Wednesday of every month always features an open-air arts market of local makers and an old-time music jam. More information is available at heartwoodsoundstage.com.
COMING SOON
Stomp The Swamp for Autism
The University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities will host the 17th annual Stomp the Swamp for Autism Acceptance and Awareness event on March 7 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The community walk and run begins at 9:30 a.m., with registration opening at 8:30 a.m. at Gate 7. It brings together self-advocates, families, community members, and UF students, faculty and staff to support individuals with autism and their families. The event includes vendor and UF organization tabling, performances, children’s activities, fitness activities for all ages, a silent auction, and event T-shirts available with a $25 donation. Proceeds support UF CARD’s education, training, and community outreach programs. For more information or to register, visit card.ufl.edu.
The Other Book Part 2: The Shoulders We Stand On
Before school integration, Black educators often taught from an official textbook and an “other book” that preserved the truth of Black history. This lecture series examines the overlooked and often whitewashed contributions of Black Americans. The March 14 session, set for 10 a.m. to noon, focuses on politics with Dr. Sharon Austin. Lectures are held the second Saturday of each month from January through April. A $5 suggested donation is requested. Registration is encouraged but not required. All are welcome. The Matheson History Museum is located at 513 E. University Ave. For more information or to register for the event, visit mathesonmuseum.networkforgood.com/events/92731-the-other-book-part-2-science-and-engineering.
Interrogating the ‘Johns Committee’: A Reckoning for Florida’s Red Scare War on Blacks and Queers
Journalist and scholar Robert W. Fieseler examines the history and legacy of the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee — often called the Johns Committee — a McCarthy-era group that targeted Black and queer Floridians between 1956 and 1965. Drawing from his book “American Scare: Florida’s Hidden Cold War on Black and Queer Lives,” Fieseler explores the committee’s actions and their lasting impact, including in Gainesville. The program is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 25 and is free with registration. The Matheson History Museum is located at 513 E. University Ave. For more information or to register, visit https://mathesonmuseum.networkforgood.com/events/95896-interrogating-the-johns-committee.
The Other Book Part 2: The Shoulders We Stand On
Before school integration, Black educators often taught from an official textbook and an “other book” that preserved the truth of Black history. This lecture series examines the overlooked and often whitewashed contributions of Black Americans. The April 11 session, set for 10 a.m. to noon, focuses on faith communities and resistance with Dr. Rik Stevenson. Lectures are held the second Saturday of each month from January through April. A $5 suggested donation is requested. Registration is encouraged but not required. All are welcome. The Matheson History Museum is located at 513 E. University Ave. For more information or to register for the event, visit mathesonmuseum.networkforgood.com/events/92731-the-other-book-part-2-science-and-engineering.
Old Florida Celebration of the Arts
The 2026 Old Florida Celebration of the Arts two-day event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 11-12, 2026, in Cedar Key. This year’s theme is “Stars of Cedar Key.” According to organizers, the festival was established in 1964 and was formerly known as the Cedar Key Sidewalk Arts Festival. The Old Florida Celebration of the Arts returned to a juried fine art fair format in 2006. It features 100 artists and about 15,000 visitors annually. This free event benefits the Cedar Key Arts Center in addition to local nonprofit and Cedar Key school groups who serve food and beverages during the festival.
Get Your Rear in Gear
Get Your Rear in Gear is a 5K run/walk supporting colon cancer awareness and prevention, and this year marks the first time the event will be held in Gainesville. The race begins at 9 a.m. April 18 at Jonesville Park, 143 NW 32nd St., with proceeds staying local to help fight colon cancer in the Gainesville area. Registration costs $30 through March 18 and increases to $35 afterward, with all participants receiving a T-shirt. The event is designed to be family-friendly and accessible, allowing participants to run or walk individually, with friends and family, or as part of a team. In addition to the race, a silent auction will feature signed items from local sports figures, including a Todd Golden-signed basketball. More information and registration details are available at ColonCancerCoalition.org/Gainesville.
Wildflower Festival and Plant Sale
The Suwannee Festivals Committee will host the Wildflower Festival and Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 2 at Heritage Park and Gardens, 1004 Helvenston St. SE in Live Oak. The free, family-friendly event will feature live music from local performers, vendors offering handcrafted goods and plants, educational presentations on native plants and gardening, food trucks, and activities for all ages. The celebration continues with Movie Night at Heritage Park at 8 p.m., featuring a family-friendly animated nature film and free popcorn; attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Festivities begin the evening before with Chalk Art on the Trail on May 1 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the south entrance to Heritage Trail (Helvenston Street and Cross Avenue), where young artists can create nature-themed sidewalk art with provided chalk.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.gainesville.com ’
