Gainesville and Alachua County Entertainment listings

Staff report
| Gainesville Sun

THIS WEEK

‘Escape to Margaritaville’

The newest production from Gainesville Community Playhouse, “Escape to Margaritaville,” will be on stage through April 12 at Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Directed by Ted Lewis with a book by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley, and music and lyrics by Jimmy Buffett, the musical comedy features Buffett classics including “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Margaritaville,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Fins” and “Volcano.” The show blends humor and heart in a lively story built around Buffett’s best-known songs. No performance will be held on Easter. For more information, visit gcplayhouse.org.

‘Song’

The Gainesville Fine Arts Association is presenting “Song,” a group exhibition of artwork inspired by songs, at the Gainesville Fine Arts Association, 1314 S. Main St. The exhibition, featuring work by local artists, will be on display through April 17, with artwork available for purchase in the gallery and gift shop. Admission is free. For more information, visit gainesvillefinearts.org.

‘On Golden Pond’

The newest production from Gainesville Community Playhouse, “On Golden Pond,” will be on stage through April 26 at Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Written by Ernest Thompson and directed by Terry Beauchamp, the play follows Ethel and Norman Thayer as they return to their beloved lakeside cabin for Norman’s 80th summer and hope to mend long-chilled ties with their daughter, Chelsea. When an unexpected houseguest disrupts their quiet routine, the summer becomes a season of second chances as pride softens, old wounds are faced and love finds a way to be spoken. For more information, visit gcplayhouse.org.

Levitt AMP Alachua Music Series

The Levitt AMP Alachua Music Series will present free, family-friendly outdoor concerts Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m. through May 8 at Skinner Baseball Park on Main Street in Alachua, with additional performances scheduled for September. The series will feature a diverse lineup of artists performing R&B, soul, bluegrass, indie rock, country, Irish, blues, reggae, funk, Latin and a cappella. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnics to enjoy the open-lawn concert setting. Admission is free. For more information and the full concert schedule, visit levittampalachua.com.

Big: Culture & Arts Festival

The Big: Culture & Arts Festival returns to downtown Gainesville for its fourth year April 10–12, featuring 136 artists and groups across eight stages in three outdoor spaces and five venues. Blending street culture with a modern circus-inspired atmosphere, the grassroots festival includes performers such as Zack Fox, The Alchemist, Dirty Chai and JER. Events will take place throughout downtown, with the main stage at Lot 13, 106 SW First Ave., and additional performances at venues including Loosey’s and Café Voltaire. General admission tickets are $75, with VIP passes available for $125.

Høly River

Høly River, with MT.BRAJ, will perform at Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St., at 6 p.m. April 10. The show will feature the band’s immersive, indie-folk sound alongside a dynamic opening set. Advance tickets range from $15.95 to $24.39. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com/shows/holy-river-10-apr.

‘The Pirates of Penzance’

The University of Florida Opera Theatre will present “The Pirates of Penzance” on April 10 and April 11 for 7:30 p.m. performances at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The classic comic operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan follows a young pirate apprentice navigating duty, love and absurd twists of fate, brought to life by UF student performers under the direction of Tony Offerle and conductor Tiffany Lu. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

‘Sylvia’

In “Sylvia,” the newest production from Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, Greg and Kate have moved to Manhattan after 22 years of raising children in the suburbs. Greg brings home a dog he found in the park — or that has found him — bearing only the name “Sylvia” on her name tag. A street-smart mixture of Lab and poodle, Sylvia becomes a major bone of contention between husband and wife. She offers Greg an escape from the frustrations of his job and the unknowns of middle age. To Kate, Sylvia becomes a rival for affection. And Sylvia thinks Kate just doesn’t understand the relationship between man and dog. The marriage is put in serious jeopardy, and the audience is put in serious stitches. Will Greg and Kate (and Sylvia) survive this mess? Find out at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays plus 2 p.m. Sundays through April 26. Tickets are $25 or $20 with the Senior/Student/Hero discount. Acrosstown Repertory Theatre is located at 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit acrosstown.org.

Dexter and the Moonrocks

Heartwood Soundstage will host Dexter and the Moonrocks on April 10 for an 8:15 p.m. show at 619 S Main St. The West Texas band blends country influences with alternative rock in their self-described “Western space grunge” sound, following breakout success with songs like “Sad in Carolina.” Tickets are $30.01, and the show is all ages, with kids 12 and younger admitted free. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.

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 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.

Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival

The 54th annual Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival returns to Santa Fe College’s Northwest Campus at 3000 NW 83rd St. on April 11-12, offering a free weekend of art, music and community. The festival will feature more than 120 artist booths alongside student artists, juried competitions, live music and dance performances on two stages, children’s activities and a food truck court with regional and international cuisine. Festivalgoers can also ride a train to the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, which will offer free admission during the event, and visit the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium. This year’s featured poster artist is Florida native Veronica Steiner, and artist-in-residence Elena Ohlander will create a mural over the course of the weekend. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 11 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 12. Admission and parking are free, and RTS will provide complimentary bus service. Visit sfcollege.edu for more information.

Songfest

The Barbergators Chorus will host Songfest 2026 beginning at 7 p.m. April 11 at First United Methodist Church, celebrating National Barbershop Quartet Day with a free community concert and fundraiser. The event will feature a diverse lineup of local ensembles — including Venus A Cappella, UF Honor Chords, Voices Rising Community Chorus, 1000 Voices of Gainesville, Resonance, The Shabbatones and Cappella Nova — each performing a two-song set in a randomly selected order, blending traditional choral music, collegiate a cappella, ethnic styles and barbershop harmony. Donations will be accepted at the door to benefit the Alachua County Public Schools Honor Choir program. First United Methodist Church is located at 419 NE First St.

Phoneboy

Heartwood Soundstage will host Phoneboy, with Heart Attack Man and Slow Joy, on April 12 for a 6:30 p.m. show at 619 S Main St. The indie rock group will bring its “Heartbreak Designer” tour to the stage, showcasing a mix of high-energy hooks and more introspective new material. Tickets are $30.01. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.

Evren Ozel

Pianist Evren Ozel will perform a recital beginning at 7:30 p.m. April 14 in the Squitieri Studio Theatre at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. A rising star in the classical world and a medalist at the 2025 Van Cliburn Competition, Ozel will present a solo program featuring works by Debussy, Fauré and Schumann, highlighting his expressive and nuanced playing style. Reserved seating tickets are $40, with $12 tickets available for University of Florida students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Mean Mary

International touring musician Mean Mary will perform at Lightnin’ Salvage Enterprises at 6 p.m. April 15, showcasing songs from across her albums along with new original material from her “Woman Creature” tour. The performance will feature a mix of fan favorites and new songs, with Mary playing multiple instruments — including banjo, guitar, fiddle and percussion — throughout the set. Known for her fast-paced songs and wide-ranging sound, the show will include a variety of styles and tempos. Lightnin’ Salvage Enterprises is located at 1800 NE 23rd Ave. For more information, visit lightninsalvage.com.

Mountain Grass Unit

Mountain Grass Unit will take the stage at Heartwood Soundstage at 7 p.m. April 15. Known for their high-energy take on bluegrass and modern string music, the group brings a fast-paced, roots-driven sound to the venue. Tickets are $24.39. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S Main St.

Samantha Fish and Tab Benoit

Heartwood Soundstage will host Samantha Fish and Tab Benoit beginning at 8 p.m. April 16. The co-headlining tour brings together two acclaimed blues-rock artists — Fish, known for her powerful guitar work and genre-blending sound, and Benoit, a longtime force in swamp blues — for an outdoor performance on the venue’s stage. Tickets are $49.70, and the show is all ages, with kids 12 and younger admitted free. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S Main St.

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

Third Friday Concert Series

The Annasemble Chamber Orchestra will perform as part of the Third Friday Concert Series at 7 p.m. April 17 at St Patrick Catholic Church. The free concert, with a freewill offering accepted, will feature a varied program including a Vivaldi concerto grosso as well as music by Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, showcasing the ensemble’s range across classical and contemporary styles. St. Patrick Catholic Church is located at 500 NE 16th Ave. For more information, visit spccgnv.org.

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 $35, 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.

The Next Generation’s Spring Concert

Dance Alive National Ballet and Pofahl Studios will present “The Next Generation’s Spring Concert: Don Quixote Suite & More!” at 3:30 p.m. April 19 at Gainesville High School Theatre, 1900 NW 13th St. The family friendly performance will showcase the Dance Alive National Ballet junior company, featuring a production of “Don Quixote Suite” followed by a mix of ballet, contemporary, jazz and tap works, along with a guest performance of “The Dying Swan.” Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students, with children 5 and younger admitted free, and will be available at Arabesque, Pofahl Studios and at the door. For more information, visit pofahldancestudio.com/works or call 371-2986.

Ani DiFranco

Ani DiFranco will perform at Heartwood Soundstage at 7 p.m. April 26 as part of her “Spirit of Love” tour, with Sweet Petunia opening. Widely considered a feminist icon and a pioneer of the DIY music movement, DiFranco founded Righteous Babe Records in 1990 and has released more than 20 albums spanning folk, punk, hip-hop, soul and electronic genres, often exploring autobiographical, political and social themes. Her recent releases include the 30th anniversary edition of “Not A Pretty Girl” (2025), and she is also a bestselling author and former Broadway performer. Advance tickets are $53.44, and day-of-show tickets are $59.07. Attendees under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit tinyurl.com/3mvpdbks. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St.

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.