THIS WEEK
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire
On Jan. 24-25, Depot Park will transform into a bastion of medieval revelry during the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire as the kingdom of Hoggetowne opens its gates and welcomes guests to enjoy merry entertainment on six stages and a medieval marketplace featuring original artwork, jewelry, fortunetellers, medieval clothing and more. Free shuttle and tram rides will ferry attendees from several downtown parking locations. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day at Depot Park, 874 SE Fourth St., Gainesville. For more information, visit hoggetownemedfaire.com/
‘The Drowning Girls’
Acrosstown Repertory Theatre presents “The Drowning Girls,” a darkly poetic true-crime drama running Jan. 23-Feb. 1. Written by Beth Graham, Charlie Tomlinson and Daniela Vlaskalic and directed by Lola Bond, the play revisits the real Edwardian-era murders committed by George Joseph Smith through the voices of three of his wives — Bessie, Alice and Margaret — who appear as ghostly figures rising from bathtubs to recount the events leading to their deaths. Blending gallows humor with lyrical language and striking imagery, the production examines not only Smith’s crimes but the broader social forces that left the women vulnerable. Performances take place at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre. For tickets and showtimes, visit acrosstown.org/season-202526.
‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” the newest production from Gainesville Community Playhouse, is a darkly comic stage adaptation of Ken Kesey’s iconic novel. Set in a psychiatric hospital in the 1960s, the story follows Randle P. McMurphy, a rebellious new patient who challenges the authoritarian rule of Nurse Ratched. As McMurphy rallies his fellow patients to reclaim their individuality and humanity, the play explores themes of freedom, control and the cost of nonconformity. With unforgettable characters and gripping emotional stakes, this acclaimed drama remains a searing and timely exploration of institutional power and the resilience of the human spirit. See the show from Jan. 23 to Feb. 8 at Gainesville Community Playhouse, located at 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets are $25 with discounts for seniors, students, and children 12 and younger. For more information, visit gcplayhouse.org.
Mary Gauthier
Singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier is set to perform with Jaimee Harris beginning at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St. The concert marks the 25th anniversary of Gauthier’s debut album, “Drag Queens in Limousines,” a record that helped establish her as a distinctive voice in contemporary folk and Americana songwriting. Known for deeply personal songs that explore belonging, resilience and identity, Gauthier has spent decades connecting audiences through her narrative-driven work. The seated, all-ages show features advance tickets at $30, day-of-show tickets at $35, and a limited number of front-row seats available. For more information, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.
Liz Longley
Liz Longley performs at 7 and 9 p.m. Jan. 23 at UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Nashville-based singer-songwriter Longley is known for her captivating blend of folk, pop and Americana, and her deeply personal, emotionally resonant songs. UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center main stage that places the audience close to the performance, with heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar included at the 7 p.m. seating, and desserts and a cash bar at the 9 p.m. seating. Tickets range from $35 to $55, with discounted $12 tickets for UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
Playlist at the Pointe
Celebration Pointe offers Playlist at the Point, a music event with an eclectic mix of music from a variety of genres – country, rock, soul and more — on the fourth Friday of every month. This month, beginning at 7 p.m. Jan. 23, Prime Time Band will perform on the promenade. Food from Celebration Pointe’s restaurants will be available for dine-in or takeout. Kick off your weekend right with good music, good food and good times. Celebration Pointe is located off Interstate 75 and Archer Road at Celebration Pointe Avenue. For more information, call 333-9333 or visit celebrationpointe.com.
Silverada
Silverada performs at 9 p.m. Jan. 23 at Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St., in an all-ages, outdoor show with Taylor Hunnicutt opening. Formed by frontman Mike Harmeier in his early 20s, the band built its reputation as a workingman’s Texas country group through marathon sets on Austin’s dancehall circuit before gaining national and international recognition as ambassadors of modern, roots-driven country music. Career highlights range from recording “Cheap Silver & Solid Country Gold” at Abbey Road Studios to appearances at the Grand Ole Opry. Lawn chairs are allowed, space permitting, and children 12 and younger are admitted free. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the show. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.
Kick-Off Party and Introduction to Afrofuturism
A family friendly celebration and introduction to Afrofuturism Week is set for 5-8 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Santa Fe Blount Center, located at 530 W. University Ave. Attendees wll be able to take part in music, refreshments, a pop-up library, and comic- and print-making workshops. For more information, visit linktr.ee/afrofuturismweek.
Selwyn Birchwood
Heartwood Soundstage will present Selwyn Birchwood live in concert Jan. 24, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the show beginning at 8 p.m. at 619 S. Main St. Award-winning Florida musician Birchwood is widely regarded as one of the most forward-thinking voices in contemporary blues, blending deep blues traditions with psychedelic-tinged rock, Southern soul and hard-driving funk in what he calls “Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues.” A guitarist, lap steel player, songwriter and commanding vocalist, Birchwood is backed by a powerhouse band featuring Regi Oliver on baritone saxophone. Birchwood delivers performances known for their visceral energy and fearless originality. Tickets are available at heartwoodsoundstage.com.
Afrofuturism Concert and Cipher
After the AFW Kickoff celebration, head to The How Bazar for an afterparty of innovative music. Pulp Arts will present experimental artists Chris Williams and Black Sun Black Moon, followed by a DJ set from We’re Sweet Girls. Tickets are $10 at the door. The afterparty runs 8-11 p.m. Jan. 24 at How Bazar, located at 60 SW Second St. For more information, visit linktr.ee/afrofuturismweek.
William Tyler and Atticus Dean
Acclaimed instrumental guitarist William Tyler and Toronto-based composer Atticus Dean will perform an intimate listening room concert Jan. 25 at Lyceum Concert Hall at Santa Fe College, located at 3000 NW 83rd St. Tyler is known for his cinematic, minimalist approach to solo guitar, drawing from Americana and experimental traditions, while Dean performs contemporary instrumental piano compositions influenced by modern minimalism. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25; Santa Fe College students are admitted free with a valid ID. For tickets and information, visit tinyurl.com/wtad26.
Knightlife: Medieval Faire Afterparty
Knightlife: Medieval Faire Afterparty begins at 6 p.m. Jan. 25 at Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St., following the final day of the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire at Depot Park. The all-ages, free event invites fairgoers to keep the revelry going with themed drink specials, a fire pit, a costume contest and a medieval-inspired dance party. Admission is free, but an RSVP is required. For more information or to reserve a spot, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Club Meeting: “Parable of the Sower”
Join the Lynx Bookstore from 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 26 to discuss the graphic novel adaptation of Octavia Butler’s classic dystopian novel “Parable of the Sower.” Books are available at the Lynx bookstore. The Lynx Bookstore is located at 601 S. Main St. For more information, visit linktr.ee/afrofuturismweek.
Carbon Leaf
Carbon Leaf performs at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St. Formed in 1992, the band rose to national attention with its hit “The Boxer,” which won the American Music Award for New Music in 2002 and made Carbon Leaf the first unsigned band to perform on the AMAs. With thousands of live shows to their credit, the group has built a devoted following through thoughtfully crafted indie rock songs and a fiercely independent, DIY ethos that has defined its career. The all-ages show supports the band’s upcoming album, Time Is the Playground, its first full-length release in a decade. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the show. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.
At the Illusionist’s Table
At the Illusionist’s Table will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 27-30 plus 5 and 8 p.m. Jan. 31 at Embers Wood Grill, 3545 SW 34th St. Illusionist Scott Silven combines fine dining, whiskey tasting and jaw-dropping illusions in an immersive dinner experience that engages all of the senses, with imaginative courses and extraordinary feats of magic woven throughout the evening. Audience members must be 14 and older to attend. Tickets range from $375 to $400. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
An Evening of Afrofuture Spirituality: Lecture and Music
Guest scholar and performer Dr. Louise Toppin and Dr. Joseph Brown will lead a discussion exploring the teaching of gospel and Black church music to new audiences, highlighting contemporary spiritual music. Hear their lecture from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 28 at Greater Bethel AME Church, 701 SE 43rd St. For more information, visit linktr.ee/afrofuturismweek.
‘Some Enchanted Evening, The Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein’
The Hippodrome Theatre invites the public to kick off 2026 with romance, passion, and the music that theatergoers have grown to love: “The Sound of Music,” “Oklahoma,” “The King and I,” “Carousel,” “Flower Drum Song” and more. The Hipp calls it a glorious parade of genuine hits from the golden age of Broadway that will lift spirits, brighten the audience’s souls and leave a melody in their hearts. The show runs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays plus 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Jan. 28 through Feb. 15 at the Hipp, located at 25 SE Second Place. Tickets can be purchased at thehipp.org.
‘Suessical Junior’
Star Center Theatre is set to present “Suessical Junior” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road, Gainesville. The youth musical performance brings Dr. Seuss characters to life in a family-friendly show. General admission tickets are $18, children ages 2-12 are $12 and youths ages 1 and younger are free. Infant tickets must be purchased through the box office. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
‘Technoskepticism’ Book Party
Guest scholars will discuss “Technoskepticism: Between Possibility and Refusal,” a book that explores the possibilities and skepticism of new technologies in the context of Afrofuturism, from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 29 at UF Innovate, 747 SW Second Ave., Suite 160. For more information, visit linktr.ee/afrofuturismweek.
ArtWalk
Artwalk Gainesville returns from 7 to 10 p.m. Jan. 30 with a free, self-guided tour of local galleries, artist studios and cultural spots across downtown. Highlights include original works and live music at Gainesville Fine Arts Association, local art and food at First Magnitude Brewing Co., featured pieces by Noel Smith at Bingo Deli and Pub, and eclectic installations at The SL8 Gallery of Art. Other participating venues showcase a range of visual art, performances and community creativity throughout downtown. For more information and a list of participating venues, visit artwalkgainesville.com.
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
‘Ten Minute Plays’
Santa Fe College’s Department of Fine Arts and Entertainment Technology is set to present “Ten Minute Plays,” a student-directed and -performed showcase featuring scenes from some of Broadway’s most memorable works. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30. The program offers a sampling of plays by celebrated playwrights, including Arthur Miller, Neil Simon and Suzan-Lori Parks, among others. The performance will take place at the Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall, located at 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets are available for purchase at showpass.com/ten-minute-plays-2/seating.
TEDxGainesville
TEDxGainesville will take place at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at the University Auditorium, 333 Newell Drive. The independently organized TEDx event features a program of speakers and performances focused on ideas, innovation and creative work across disciplines. Tickets are $39 for the general public, $29 for students and children, and $84 for VIP seating, which includes access to a pre-event lounge and post-show reception. Box office information is available at 392-2787. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
Gainesville Beer Mile
The inaugural Gainesville Beer Mile will take over Cypress & Grove Brewing Company beginning at 3 p.m. Jan. 31, blending fitness, craft beer and community spirit. Participants will complete a 1 mile course by drinking a beer before each of four laps, with a non-alcoholic beer option available. Open to ages 21 and older, the event welcomes runners and walkers of all ability levels, while spectators are encouraged to cheer along. Proceeds benefit the Gainesville Area Rowing Club, supporting youth athletics and training programs on Newnan’s Lake. Cypress & Grove Brewing Company is located at 1001 NW Fourth St. Registration and details are available at tinyurl.com/GNVBEERMILE.
Final Celebration, Fashion Show and Costume Contest
Celebrate Afrofuturism Week’s signature Fashion Show event, showcasing mythology, fantasy and cosplay. Also featuring performances, music, AI demos and costume contests, the celebration will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Cade Museum, located at 811 S. Main St. For more information, visit linktr.ee/afrofuturismweek.
‘Swan Lake’
Dance Alive National Ballet will present “Swan Lake” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Phillips Center. Tickets range from $35 to $70, with discounted rates for children, students and seniors. “Swan Lake” is the story of a prince whose fiancée has been transformed into a swan by the evil sorcerer, Von Rothbart. Featuring DANB Principal Dancer Carla Amâncio as the Swan Queen, the stage is transformed into a world of beauty and artistry for this family friendly performance. DANB’s “Swan Lake” will also be performed Feb. 27 in Ocala, March 8 th in Pembrook Pines, March 12 in Bunnell, March 14 in Boca Raton, and March 19 in West Palm Beach. Tickets can be purchased online at dancealive.org/2025/06/29/swan-lake or performingarts.ufl.edu, via phone at 392-2787 or 800-905-2787, or in person at the Phillips Center Box Office, located at 3201 Hull Road.
Feng E
Teen Taiwanese ukulele sensation Feng E will perform live at Heartwood Soundstage at 7 p.m. Feb. 2. An international viral phenomenon since age 10, Feng E first gained global attention for his virtuosic ukulele rendition of “Classical Gas” and has since appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and major international talent programs. Now regarded as one of the most exciting young artists in the global ukulele scene, he brings his high-energy, technically dazzling style to Gainesville as part of his U.S. tour. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. Tickets are available at tinyurl.com/FengEGville.
KPOP Warriors
Taconhy Entertainment will present KPOP Warriors at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at the University Auditorium, located at 333 Newell Drive. The family-friendly live production is inspired by the music and performance style of K-pop and features choreographed dance, colorful characters and interactive audience moments. General admission tickets are $34; children ages 2-12 are $24, and infants ages 0-1 are admitted free with tickets purchased through the box office. Box office information is available at 392-2787. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
Julia-Hyunji Lee and Andrew Barnwell
Celebrated cellist and Gainesville native Julia-Hyunji Lee returns for an evening performance with pianist Andrew Barnwell at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall at Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83rd St. The program features works by Robert Schumann, Johannes Brahms, Nadia Boulanger and Dmitri Shostakovich. A principal cellist with the orchestra at her alma mater, The Juilliard School, Lee has performed with the New York Philharmonic and at the Kennedy Center, and is known for her commitment to music education and community outreach, including co-founding Buchholz High School’s first string orchestra in Gainesville. Barnwell, a founding member of Trio Gaia, has earned top prizes at major chamber music competitions and has presented concerts and educational workshops internationally. Tickets are available online through Showpass at showpass.com/julia-lee/seating or at the Sasser Fine Arts Hall box office.
Dinosaur World Live
Dinosaur World Live will be presented at 2 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Designed for families and younger audiences, the stage production brings prehistoric creatures to life through large-scale puppetry and storytelling. Following the performance, children are invited to participate in a post-show meet-and-greet with the dinosaurs. Tickets range from $20 to $40; UF students are admitted for $12. Box office information is available at 392-2787. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
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.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.gainesville.com ’
