Florida is renovating The Swamp. Key points about Ben Hill Griffin plans
Florida Gators reporter Andrew Abadie breaks down key points of UF’s renovation plans for Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
THIS WEEK
‘Exit Laughing’: High Springs Playhouse will present “Exit Laughing” through June 28. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. The comedy follows three longtime friends who “borrow” their late bridge partner’s ashes for one final game, leading to an unexpectedly wild night that changes how they see life and friendship. Tickets are $17 for adults and $15 for seniors and students. High Springs Playhouse is located at 23416 W. U.S. 27 in High Springs. More at highspringsplayhouse.com
‘Florida in the Frame’: The Harn Museum of Art’s exhibition “Florida in the Frame: A Century of Artists’ Reflections on the Sunshine State” continues at 3259 Hull Road, showcasing works from The Florida Art Collection that explore the state’s landscapes, history and culture through paintings, works on paper and select sculptures. Featuring more than 65 artists, including Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent and Florida Highwaymen painters Johnny Daniels and Harold Newton, the exhibition is organized into themes highlighting natural environments, growing cities and the rise of tourism, and will remain on view through July 26. Admission is free. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. More at harn.ufl.edu/floridaintheframe
Juneteenth Breakfast: The Juneteenth Breakfast will be held at 7:30 a.m. June 19 at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, 837 SE Seventh Ave., as part of the city of Gainesville’s Journey to Juneteenth. The event is presented by the CCMCC and the Alachua County branch of the NAACP. In recognition of June as Black Music Month, the program will celebrate the legacy of African-inspired music and culture with an array of musical genres, along with a special homestyle breakfast. State Rep. Yvonne Hinson will be the presenter. This annual event is a fundraiser, and tickets are $40 each. Tickets may be purchased online at CottonClubMuseum.com/events. Additional contributions are appreciated.
Bird and Byron: Bird and Byron will perform at Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St., on June 19, with Gainesville singer-songwriter Alex Willow opening the show. The Nashville-based indie rock and soul duo has built a following through its One Take Tuesday video series, national tours and releases that blend soulful vocals with indie influences. Since relocating to Nashville in 2022, the pair has shared stages with acts including Old Crow Medicine Show and Ocean Alley while growing a large audience on streaming platforms and social media. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $20, student tickets are $14 with valid ID, and day-of-show tickets are $26. More information is available at heartwoodsoundstage.com
“Free Fridays” Concert: Catch the next performance of the city’s popular “Free Fridays” concert series from 7 to 9 p.m. June 19 at the Bo Diddley Plaza downtown amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. The free concert series highlights a different act each week, with Tu Fiesta Radio presenting Elio Piedra this week. Attendees are encouraged to bring their blankets and lawn chairs to Bo Diddley Plaza to enjoy the concert under the stars. More at gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series
‘Company’: Acrosstown Repertory Theatre will present “Company” from June 19 to July 12, with performances at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. The Tony Award-winning musical follows Robert, a lifelong bachelor, as he reflects on relationships, marriage and his own choices during a series of encounters with his friends. Widely regarded as a landmark in modern musical theater, the show blends humor and introspection in its exploration of love and commitment. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for seniors, students and heroes. More at acrosstown.org
Momentum Dance: Momentum Dance will celebrate its 10th anniversary with “Dancing Through the Decade” on June 20 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The showcase will feature performances at 1, 4 and 7:30 p.m., highlighting a decade of choreography, dancers and memorable moments from the studio. General admission tickets are $24, and children ages 2 and younger are admitted free with a box office-purchased ticket. More at performingarts.ufl.edu
Eden Brent: Blues pianist and singer Eden Brent will take the stage at Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St., at 7 p.m. June 20 as part of a concert presented by the North Central Florida Blues Society. Known for her energetic performances and deep roots in Mississippi Delta blues, Brent won the International Blues Challenge in 2006 and has earned multiple Blues Music Awards throughout her career. Opening the show will be guitarist and vocalist Beulah Mae, whose performances blend vintage electric blues with acoustic fingerpicking traditions. Advance tickets are $26, and day-of-show tickets are $32. More at heartwoodsoundstage.com
Sunday Assembly: Sunday Assembly, a secular community, will meet at 10 a.m. June 21 at Curia on the Drag at 2029 NW Sixth St. Some members of the Sunday Assembly Planning Team will be there to have a “coffee talk.” Coffee and snack foods are available for purchase at Curia on the Drag. More at sagainesville.weebly.com or email [email protected].
Dance!nk by Davis: Dance!nk by Davis will present En Fuego at 5 p.m. June 21 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The annual recital will showcase dancers of all ages and experience levels in a performance featuring a variety of dance styles and choreography. General admission tickets are $20, and children ages 2 and younger will be admitted free with a ticket obtained in person through the box office. More at performingarts.ufl.edu
Pierce Pettis: Acclaimed singer-songwriter Pierce Pettis will perform at Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St., at 6 p.m. June 21. The Alabama native has built a decades-long career that includes work at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, songwriting in Nashville, and recordings with Compass Records. His songs have been recorded by artists including Garth Brooks, Joan Baez, Art Garfunkel and Dion. During this special Father’s Day matinee, Pettis will perform selections from his six Compass Records albums along with new material. Tickets are $25 in advance and $31 at the door. More at heartwoodsoundstage.com and piercepettis.com
‘Remaking Democracy: How We Make the World We Want’: The Lynx Books will host a conversation with Danielle Chynoweth, trauma expert Meadow Jones and performance artist Sheila Bishop at 6 p.m. June 22. The discussion will center on “Remaking Democracy: How We Make the World We Want,” a new book by Chynoweth and co-author Elizabeth Adams that explores strategies for creating lasting social change through the authors’ “Spiral of Change” framework. Drawing from backgrounds in organizing, education and the arts, the authors examine ways communities can address systemic issues through collaboration, activism and democratic participation. More at thelynxbooks.com. The Lynx Books is located at 601 S. Main St., Gainesville.
Samantha Jones and Stephen Marsh: Heartwood Soundstage will host a free Porch Sessions performance featuring Samantha Jones and Stephen Marsh of Pechoa from 6 to 9 p.m. June 24 at 619 S. Main St. The outdoor event invites guests to enjoy acoustic music on the venue’s deck while taking advantage of happy hour and summer drink specials. Seating will be provided, and guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs. The all-ages event is free, though attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance. More at heartwoodsoundstage.com
“2026 Summer Showcase”: The Gainesville Fine Arts Association will present the “2026 Summer Showcase” from June 24 through July 24 at 1314 S. Main St. The exhibition celebrates local artists and features works across a variety of themes and mediums. Visitors can attend an Artwalk reception from 7 to 10 p.m. June 26 and an Artist Meetup from 7 to 8:30 p.m. July 2. Admission is free, and artwork will be available for purchase through the exhibition and the association’s gift shop. Additional parking is available in the grocery store lot next door and along Main Street. More at gainesvillefinearts.org
Jazz Session: Heartwood Soundstage will host its monthly Jazz Sessions beginning at 6 p.m. June 25 at 619 S. Main St. The free, all-ages event brings together local jazz musicians and music lovers for an evening of live performance, collaboration and improvisation. Jazz players of all experience levels are invited to bring an instrument and sign up for an opportunity to perform with the house rhythm section, while audience members can enjoy featured performances from area artists. June’s session will showcase guitarist Edward White and trombonist Marco Thomas, with a house rhythm section led by host and pianist Cindy Mueller. More at heartwoodsoundstage.com and gainesvillebigband.com
ONGOING
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 at heartwoodsoundstage.com
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, and 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. More at millcreekfarm.org
COMING SOON
Back-to-School Event: Registration must be completed by July 1 at www.jarquezcarter.org. The J.C. Carter Foundation Inc. and JMC Legacy Enterprise LLC will present what’s billed as a Back-to-School event from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. July 11 at the King Center in Gainesville at 1028 NE 14th St. The event will include the giving away of backpacks and school supplies, community agencies and organizations that provide resources for families, games, a DJ and food. It will also feature a Mini Sports Camp.
Voices Rising Community Chorus: Voices Rising Community Chorus will present a special concert in celebration of the country’s 250th birthday. “Sing USA 250th” will take place on at 4 p.m. July 4 at First United Methodist Church, 419 NE First St. The program features a variety of music ranging from “America, the Beautiful” to “This Land is Your Land” and from “Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor” with cello and narrator to “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” with lanterns. Suggested donation is $10 to $20. More at vrccgainesville.org
‘Heathers — The Musical’: Gainesville Community Playhouse will present “Heathers — The Musical” from July 17 to Aug. 9, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Directed by Sam Rhodes, the darkly comedic rock musical follows high school student Veronica Sawyer as she navigates the toxic social hierarchy of the “Heathers” and a dangerous relationship that spirals into violence. Featuring music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy and based on the film by Daniel Waters, the show explores themes of identity, bullying and teen rebellion. Recommended for mature audiences, the production may contain strong language and depictions of violence, substance use and other adult themes. The playhouse is located at 4039 NW 16th Blvd. More at gcplayhouse.org
‘Robin Hood’: In “Robin Hood,” the newest production from High Springs Playhouse, the classic tale of the prince of thieves is retold through the lively narration of Friar Tuck, bringing Sherwood Forest to life with familiar characters including Little John, Maid Marian and the Sheriff of Nottingham. The summer youth production runs from July 23 to Aug. 2 at High Springs Playhouse, located at 23416 W. U.S. 27 in High Springs, with performances at 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $17 for adults and $15 for seniors and students. More at highspringsplayhouse.com
The Brook and the Bluff: The Brook and the Bluff will bring its “Werewolf” tour to Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St., on Nov. 6. The Nashville-based indie rock band recently released its album “Werewolf” through Dualtone Records and will spend the fall touring across the United States. Known for its four-part harmonies and energetic live performances, the group’s latest record leans into a louder, more guitar-driven sound inspired by years on the road. More at thebrookandthebluff.com
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.gainesville.com ’
