Scene Calendar: Summer Solstice Fest, 'Cabaret,' 'Road Trip' and more
MUSIC
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) Little Wings Studio Showcase.
“Abducted by the ’80s”: 8 p.m. Friday, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets: $55-$69. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) Wang Chung, Men Without Hats, The Motels, and Naked Eyes have joined forces to create a musical extravaganza that transports audiences to the heart of the neon-soaked, synth-driven decade.
Summer Soulstice Festival: 4-11 p.m. Saturday, Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St. Tickets: $20-$25. (heartwoodsoundstage.com) Featuring Lemon City Trio, Rasberry Pie, The Shaelyn Band, The Funky Miracle and Voodoo Child Trio.
THEATER
“Cabaret”: 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 students, seniors, military and teachers. (acrosstown.org) In a Berlin nightclub, as the 1920s draw to a close, a garish master of ceremonies welcomes the audience and assures them they will forget all of their troubles at the Cabaret. With the emcee’s bawdy songs as wry commentary, “Cabaret” explores the dark, heady and tumultuous life of Berlin’s natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Cliff, a young American writer newly arrived in Berlin, is immediately taken with English singer Sally Bowles.
“Dead Man’s Cellphone”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through June 30, High Springs Playhouse, 23416 NW 186 Ave., High Springs. Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 students and ages 65 and older. (highspringsplayhouse.com) An incessantly ringing cellphone in a quiet cafe. A stranger at the next table who has had enough. And a dead man — with a lot of loose ends. So begins “Dead Man’s Cellphone,” a wildly imaginative new comedy by Sara Ruhl. A work about how we memorialize the dead — and how that remembering changes us.
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays through July 21, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $10-$30. (thehipp.org/the-25th-annual-putnam-county-spelling-bee) Join an eclectic group of six young people who compete in the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Content Advisory: PG-13. Play discusses race, LGBTQ+ themes, and has some profanity and strong language.
Nate Jackson: 7 p.m. Saturday, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets: $43-$78.50. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) Nate Jackson is currently recurring on the upcoming NBC series “The Young Rock.” He has appeared on “Nick Cannon Presents Wild'N Out,” “All Def Comedy,” “Kevin Hart’s Hart of the City,” “Off The Chain,” “Comic View” and “Laff Mobb’s Laff Tracks.” In 2019, Jackson was named to the Time Out LA Top 10 Comedians to Watch List. In 2018, he recorded a set for Kevin Hart’s LOL Live in Montreal at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival.
DANCE
“Road Trip”: 1 p.m. Saturday, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20, free ages 2 and younger. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Momentum Dance Arts presents their eighth annual recital.
“!con!c”: 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20, free ages 2 and younger. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Dance!nk by Davis is celebrating its seventh season and annual recital. The show will feature performances from recreational and performance programs. Dances will be performed to music from iconic musicians, singers, movie soundtracks and more.
ET CETERA
Summer at the Library: Library Pokedex Scavenger Hunt: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through summer, Library Partnership Branch, 912 NE 16th Ave. Free. (aclib.us) Pokémon scavenger hunt. Every week a different Pokémon will be hidden. If you can find the hiding creature, you will earn a badge. Come back each week to earn different badges. Get all 8 badges for a special prize. Materials and prizes will be limited to the first 40 participants.
Summer at the Library: Florida Wildlife Safari Scavenger Hunt: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through summer, Archer Library,13266 SW SR 450, Archer. Free. (aclib.us) Every week throughout the summer, the library will unveil a photo of a Florida bird or animal track for you to identify. These photos will feature QR codes that lead to recordings of the animals' calls.
Summer at the Library: Aussie Funk Jam Didgeridoo Workshop: 11 a.m.-noon Friday, Tower Road Library, 3020 SW 75th St. Free. (aclib.us) Learn to play the Australian didgeridoo in this interactive and hands-on workshop. Maximum of 40 attendees.
Summer at the Library: ArtSpace Printmaking with Turbado Marabou: 2-4:30 p.m. Friday, Archer Library,13266 SW SR 450, Archer. Free. (aclib.us) Join local artist Turbado Marabou to explore the creative world of printmaking and take home your very own printed design.
Summer at the Library: Aussie Funk Jam Didgeridoo Workshop: 3-4 p.m. Friday, Headquarters Library, 401 E.University Ave. Free. (aclib.us) Learn to play the Australian didgeridoo in this interactive and hands-on workshop. Maximum of 40 attendees.
Summer at the Library: Dungeons and Dragons Summer Shivers: 3-5 p.m. Fridays through June 28, Newberry Library, 110 S. Seaboard Drive, Newberry. Free. (aclib.us) Children ages 8-14 will play through a Dungeons and Dragons campaign in four parts over four weeks while learning the basics from an expert Dungeon Master. Along the way, they will practice and learn skills in math and teamwork. All supplies will be provided, but you can bring your own dice, figure, etc. if you prefer.
Summer at the Library: Amazing Animal Adaptations Santa Fe Zoo: 4-5 p.m. Friday, Waldo Library, 15150 NE U.S. 301, Waldo. Free. (aclib.us) Join the zookeepers and meet animals from the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo to learn about the traits animals have to survive in their homes.
Tioga Movie Night: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Tioga Town Center, 13085 SW First Lane, Newberry. Free. (tiogatowncenter.com) “Trolls Band Together.” This third installment of the “Trolls” franchise finds friends Poppy and Branch as a couple. But as they get to know each other more, it is revealed that Branch was a member of the old popular boy band BroZone when he was younger.
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation Tour: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation, 8528 E. County Road 225. Tickets: $35 adults, $15 ages 2-11, free ages 1 and younger; $45 motorized-vehicle tours. (carsonspringswildlife.org, 468-2827, [email protected]) Take a tour — on foot or in a tour vehicle — of Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation with big-cat feeding demonstrations and up-close encounters with the animals.
Historic Haile Homestead Tour: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. Sundays, Historic Haile Homestead, 8500 Archer Road. Entrance: $5 ages 12 and older, free ages 11 and younger. (hailehomestead.org) The Historic Haile Homestead is unique in the nation for its "Talking Walls.''
School's Out! Summer Block Party: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Corner of Northwest First Street and Northwest Seventh Avenue. Free entry; items and food for sale. (tinyurl.com/sosbp24) Family event featuring a wide variety of vendors, food trucks and giveaways.
Horse Feeding: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Mill Creek Farm Retirement Home for Horses, 20307 NW CR 235A, Alachua. Entrance: Bag of carrots. (millcreekfarm.org) 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.
KidsStreet KidsFest: Chill Out Edition: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, 2264 NW 43rd St. Free. (tinyurl.com/kskfcoe24) Family event featuring mobile ice rink, snow cones, giveaways and more.
Pollinator Palooza: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE Veitch St. Free entry; items and food for sale. (tinyurl.com/polpal24) Family event to help support pollinator conservation with pollinator-themed beers, pollinator-friendly plants, live acoustic music, food trucks, community partners and more.
“The Moon”: 3-3:30 p.m. Saturdays through June 29, Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets: $6.17-$8.22. (showpass.com/the-moon-2) Program incorporates live, interactive planetarium teaching with an immersive planetarium program that has been designed in a modular nature.This program targets grades K-2 and focuses on observations of the moon.
Summer at the Library: Adventures Around the World — Anna Moo: 3-4 p.m. Saturday, Micanopy Library, 706 NE Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy. Free. (aclib.us) Travel with Anna Moo to hear songs and stories from around the world. Celebrate animals, people and the planet with songs from Florida to Mexico and Africa to China.
“Legends of the Zodiac — Solstice”: 5-5:45 p.m. Saturdays through June 29, Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets: $6.17-$8.22. (showpass.com/legends-of-the-zodiac-solstice-2) For centuries, people have been fascinated by the motions of the sun, moon and planets among the stars. Special importance was placed on the position of the sun along the Zodiac (the star patterns that lay along the path of the sun, moon and planets). Learn why we keep track of time the way we do, why the Zodiac is so important in astronomy, what is meant by the term "solstice" and what causes the seasons.
Gainesville Bromeliad Society: 2 p.m. Sunday, Millhopper Branch Library, 3145 NW 43rd St. Free. (gainesvillebromeliad.org) Jason Mellica, owner of Advanced Bromeliads in Sarasota, will discuss stoloniferous bromeliads and will bring plants to sell.
Summer at the Library: Amazing Animal Adaptations Santa Fe Zoo: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Tower Road Library, 3020 SW 75th St. Free. (aclib.us) Join the zookeepers and meet animals from the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo to learn about the traits animals have to survive in their homes.
Summer at the Library: Fire Rescue Visit: 11 a.m.-noon Monday, Alachua Library, 14913 NW 140th St., Alachua. Free. (aclib.us) A crew from the Alachua County Fire Rescue will go over fire safety and safety plans in case of a fire, and will do a show and tell of a fire truck.
Summer Movie Express: 11 a.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, Regal Royal Park, 3702 W. Newberry Road. Tickets: $1. (regmovies.com/promotions/summer-movie-express) “Despicable Me 3” and “Migration.”
Summer at the Library: Lubee Bats: 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Headquarters Library, 401 E. University Ave. Free. (aclib.us) Visit with real, live bats and flying foxes from the Lubee Bat Conservancy.
Summer at the Library: Pirate Tales! Storytelling Show: 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Library Partnership Branch, 912 NE 16th Ave. Free. (aclib.us) Florida was once crawling with pirates. Pirate Katie brings these stories to life with a treasure chest full of props and costumes, vivid scenery, parrot puppets and audience participation.
Summer at the Library: Science Surprises: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Millhopper Library, 3145 NW 43rd St. Free. (aclib.us) The Florida Museum of Natural History presents Science Surprises. In this program, participants will explore natural phenomena and how they occur by understanding the nature of science. Attendees will become better observers and problem solvers while also learning to use their creativity and communication skills. Maximum of 20 attendees.
Summer at the Library: Science Surprises: 3 p.m. Wednesday, Micanopy Library, 706 NE Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy. Free. (aclib.us) The Florida Museum of Natural History presents Science Surprises. In this program, participants will explore natural phenomena and how they occur by understanding the nature of science. Attendees will become better observers and problem solvers while also learning to use their creativity and communication skills. Maximum of 20 attendees.
Summer at the Library: Pirate Tales! Storytelling Show: 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, Hawthorne Library, 6640 SE 221st St., Hawthorne. Free. (aclib.us) Florida was once crawling with pirates. Pirate Katie brings these stories to life with a treasure chest full of props and costumes, vivid scenery, parrot puppets and audience participation.
Summer at the Library: Nature Scene Investigators — On the Go: 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Archer Library, 13266 SW SR 450, Archer. Free. (aclib.us) Join Morningside Nature Center to follow nature's clues and solve a mystery.
Summer at the Library: “Reading in Motion” SeanTmusic: 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Millhopper Library, 3145 NW 43rd St. Free. (aclib.us) Blend poetry and rhythm with global drums for a captivating engagement with the written word. “Reading in Motion” is a dynamic and innovative program designed to enhance engagement with the written word through the captivating synergy of poetry and rhythm. By integrating the power of music with the art of storytelling, "Reading in Motion" provides an enriching and immersive experience that inspires students to explore the written word with enthusiasm and creativity. Maximum of 40 attendees.
Summer at the Library: Magic of Sands: 3-4 p.m. Thursday, High Springs Library, 23779 W. U.S. 27, High Springs. Free. (aclib.us) Embark on a magical adventure and discover the magic within books. Let your imagination soar with Dadician Robert Sands as your guide.
Summer at the Library: Summer STEAM Time: 3-4 p.m. Thursdays through summer, Headquarters Library, 401 E. University Ave. Free. (aclib.us) Play, learn and create with science-, technology-, engineering-, art- and math-inspired fun.
CASTING CALL
Capella Nova: Auditions beginning at 5 p.m. July 23, Abiding Savior, 9700 W. Newberry Road. Free; registration required. (904-535-4779) Singers can audition for the 2024-25 season with the unaffiliated, classically oriented ensemble. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings September through April. No preparation is needed. For those with unavoidable conflicts, additional and later dates may be available.
“Nutcracker”: 12:30-6 p.m. Aug. 24, Pofahl Studios, 1325 NW Second St. Cost: $25. (371-2986, [email protected]) Dance Alive National Ballet welcomes dancers from surrounding counties, studios and gyms. Those auditioning should arrive 30 minutes before the audition in order to complete paperwork and receive their number. For girls: black leotard, pink tights, and appropriate shoes with hair up. For boys: white T-shirt, black tights, shorts or bicycle pants and appropriate shoes. For acrobats: appropriate clothing. Ballet experience required. Audition for Soldiers, Party Children, Franz’ friends, Mice and Next Generation. Pointe work for those roles on pointe. Tumblers must be able to do back handsprings, splits, headstands, front and back walkovers, and aerial tricks.
ART
Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention: “Turning Tides: Save the Ocean Through Invention!” The museum is staying green and going blue. The ocean blankets the planet, covering a staggering 70% of its surface. As humanity brainstorms ways to keep our home-sweet-home happy and healthy, visionaries are no longer looking to the stars, but to the sea for solutions. Embark on a journey through inventions that are fostering a planetary partnership toward a greener future and bluer planet; “Rube Goldberg: The World of Hilarious Invention!” Created by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in partnership with the Heirs of Rube Goldberg, the exhibition showcases Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist and inventor Rube Goldberg’s iconic contraptions and celebrates his humorous storytelling and inventive cartoons. Inspired by Goldberg’s original illustrations, the exhibit contains a collection of new 3-D, life-size machines and hands-on, interactive components that connect Goldberg’s iconic cartoon contraptions to the way things work in the physical world; “Tom Petty: Among the Wildflowers.” This exhibit explores the joys, pains and creative awakenings that Gainesville native Tom Petty experienced while pouring his soul into his second solo studio album, “Wildflowers” (1994). Featuring artifacts previously on display at the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame, the exhibit allows guests to listen to first-hand accounts from Petty and the Wildflowers team about the album’s spirited creation. On display through Oct. 20. Tickets: $12.50, $10 seniors and college students, $7.50 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and younger. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. 811 N. Main St. (371-8001, cademuseum.org)
Cotton Club Museum: 6-9 p.m. Saturday opening reception for “Unapologetic Vol. 2, The Censorship of Blackness,” exhibiting the works of artist Yvonne Ferguson as a sequel to her “Unapologetic!” exhibit from 2022. Registration required at cottonclubmuseum.com/events. The first 100 people attending will receive a free gift. On display through August. Hours are 11 a.m-4 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 837 SE Seventh Ave. (cottonclubmuseum.com)
Florida Museum of Natural History: “Science Up Close: Incredible Insects” exhibit on display through summer. Visitors will have opportunities to interact with live bugs from Florida, view a busy ant colony at work and learn all about the insects that live among us. Tickets: $10 adults; $9 Florida residents, seniors and non-UF college students; $7 ages 3-17; free museum members and ages 2 and younger. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 3215 Hull Road. (floridamuseum.ufl.edu, 846-2000)
Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery: “Weeklong Solo/Curated Shows and Member Postcards” on display through Saturday. Gallery hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. 1314 S. Main St. (gainesvillefinearts.org, [email protected])
Harn Museum of Art: “Gateway to Himalayan Art” on display through July; “Windows and Mirrors,” staff selections from the photography collection, on display through Nov. 3; “Metamorphosis: Reshaping Contemporary Art,” featuring artists who are rethinking traditional materials and techniques to create innovative works of art, on display through Oct. 26, 2025; “Kaleidoscope of Colors in Asian Art,” introducing a fresh perspective for visitors’ exploration and appreciation of Asian art through the prism of colors, on display through April 26, 2026. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 3259 Hull Road. (392-9826)
Matheson History Museum: “Voices and Votes: Alachua County,” which focuses on the local history of elections, civil rights, and more, on display Wednesday through early 2025. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. 513 E. University Ave. (378-2280, mathesonmuseum.org)
Melrose Bay Art Gallery: Works by Carron Wedlund on display through June 30; Gainesville Modern Quilters on display July 5-28, with Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. July 5; August featured artist Linda Zidonik Aug. 2-25, with Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. Aug. 2; Works by Candace McCaffery on display Aug. 31-Sept. 29, with Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. Sept. 6; Works by Kay Deuben on display Oct. 4-27, with Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. Oct. 4; Special Pre-Holiday Gifts Show to be held Nov. 1-10, with Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. Nov. 3; 2024 Holiday Invitational to be held Nov. 16-Dec. 29, with Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. Dec. 6. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday or by appointment. 103 State Road 26, Melrose. (475-3866, melrosebayartgallery.com)
Santa Fe College’s Blount Hall: A large art collection from local collector Hector Puig on display. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Corner of West University Avenue and North Sixth Street.
UPCOMING CONCERTS
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. June 28, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) Mei, Now Leaving Space and The Mermers will perform.
Bryan Bielanski: 10 p.m. July 1, University Club, 18 E University Ave. Free. (ucnightclub.com) Imagine Nirvana and the Beatles had a kid together who became an acoustic rock singer-songwriter — that's Bryan Bielanski. Although he is inspired by some of the rock greats like Tom Petty and REM, he has a distinct musical style and lyrics that make audiences think deep thoughts and feel like they're really alive.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. July 5, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) Pet Detectives will perform ’90s alt-rock covers.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. July 12, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) The ox Showcase featuring Short Stack, Cooper and Wiley Gaby.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. July 13, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) D.R. Band and Soul Fire will perform on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. July 19, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) The Gainesville Big Band will perform jazz/swing.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. July 26, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) MusicGNV Showcase: Tribute to Gainesville Bands.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Aug. 2 Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) TBD.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Aug. 9, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) Stereo Vudu will perform rock, blues and funk.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Aug. 10, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Swing Theory will perform on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Aug. 16, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) D.R. Band and Soul Fire will perform R&B, neo-soul and funk.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Aug. 23, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) PULP Arts Showcase.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Aug. 30, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) The Lions of Jah will perform reggae.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Sept. 6, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) FEST 22 Showcase.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Sept. 13, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) TBD.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Sept. 14, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Brazil Side B will perform on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Sept. 20, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) Morningbell will perform psychedelic rock and soul.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Sept. 27, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) Savants of Soul will perform soul.
Suwannee Roots Revival: All day Oct. 10-13, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, 3076 95th Drive, Live Oak. Tickets: $160-$275. (suwanneerootsrevival.com/tickets) Artists include Old Crow Medicine Show, Yonder Mountain String Band, Donna the Buffalo, Peter Rowan Band, Della Mae, Henhouse Prowlers, The Ain’t Sisters, Kaleta and Super Yamba Band, Blair Crimmins and the Hookers, Snake Oil Medicine Show, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, Sloppy Joe, Quartermoon and Magic Moon Traveling Circus.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Oct. 12, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Marty Liquori Jazztet will perform on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Nov. 9, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Ed Roth Trio will perform on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 14, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Natalie Rella Jazz will perform on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Baturdays of Summer: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 6, Lubee Bat Conservancy, 1309 NW 192nd Ave. Cost: $15-$20. (lubee.org) Visit with the world’s largest bats in a small-event setting. Speak with bat experts, sit in on educational presentations, and explore the Lubee grounds.
Summer Movie Express: 11 a.m. July 9-10, Regal Royal Park, 3702 W. Newberry Road. Tickets: $1. (regmovies.com/promotions/summer-movie-express) “Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse” and “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie.”
GFAA Artist Studio Tour Party: 6-9 p.m. July 12, GFAA Gallery, 1314 S. Main St. Free. (gfaastudiotour.org) Many tour artists will be in attendance, and the “Summer Showcase” exhibit will be on display in the gallery featuring a variety of local artists across different mediums.
GFAA Artist Studio Tour: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 13-14, multiple locations; see website and map for more information. Free. (gfaastudiotour.org) Annual arts event featuring impromptu demonstrations and examples of the artistic process in various stages plus conversation and learning at each stop.
Water Park Community Days: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. July 14, Kulaqua River Ranch, 23400 NW 212th Ave., High Springs. Cost: $18, free ages 3 and younger. (kulaqua.com) Annual discounted swimming days. Operators request that modest swimsuits be worn. Also, feel free to bring food and coolers, but no glass containers or alcoholic beverages are permitted in the water park.
Summer Movie Express: 11 a.m. July 16-17, Regal Royal Park, 3702 W. Newberry Road. Tickets: $1. (regmovies.com/promotions/summer-movie-express) “Clifford the Big Red Dog” and “Sonic The Hedgehog.”
24|25 Season Preview: 7 p.m. July 16, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Free. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Attendees will get a sneak peek of more than 40 performances by Grammy award-winning and world-renowned artists slated for the upcoming season. Director Brian Jose will introduce artists through a presentation in which he shares his excitement about season highlights.
“In The Heights”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays July 19-Aug. 11, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $24 general admission, $20 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) “In the Heights,” created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood — a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can decide which traditions you take with you and which ones you leave behind.
Black Business Expo: Time TBA July 20, Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83rd St. Free entry; registration requested. (GBPinc.org) Event dedicated to celebrating and promoting the achievements of Black-owned businesses in the community.
Summer Movie Express: 11 a.m. July 23-24, Regal Royal Park, 3702 W. Newberry Road. Tickets: $1. (regmovies.com/promotions/summer-movie-express) “Trolls Band Together” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 2.”
Summer Movie Express: 11 a.m. July 30-31, Regal Royal Park, 3702 W. Newberry Road. Tickets: $1. (regmovies.com/promotions/summer-movie-express) “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” and “Kung Fu Panda 3.”
“The Wizard of Oz — Youth Edition”: 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays July/August, High Springs Playhouse, 23416 NW 186 Ave., High Springs. Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 students and ages 65 and older. (highspringsplayhouse.com) Join Dorothy and her loyal companion Toto as they “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” through the Land of Oz, determined to reach the Emerald City, where the great and powerful Wizard of Oz will help them get home. Of course, along the way, Dorothy encounters witches (both good and bad), Munchkins, talking trees and winged monkeys. But most importantly, she befriends three unique characters: a scarecrow with no brain, a tin man with no heart, and a lion with no “nerve.” Their journey to happiness — and self-awareness — is a glowing testament to friendship, understanding and hope in a world filled with both beauty and ugliness.
Baturdays of Summer: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 3, Lubee Bat Conservancy, 1309 NW 192nd Ave. Cost: $15-$20. (lubee.org) Visit with the world’s largest bats in a small-event setting. Speak with bat experts, sit in on educational presentations, and explore the Lubee grounds.
Summer Movie Express: 11 a.m. Aug. 6-7, Regal Royal Park, 3702 W. Newberry Road. Tickets: $1. (regmovies.com/promotions/summer-movie-express) “Minions: The Rise of Gru” and “Sing 2.”
Brew at the Zoo: 4-7 p.m. Aug. 24, Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, 3000 Northwest 83rd St. Tickets: $60, $25 for non-drinkers. (showpass.com/brewatthezoo2024) For ages 21 and older. All ticket sales include admission to the zoo, animal encounters, beer and food tastings, live entertainment, food trucks, games and commemorative souvenir cup. All funds raised will directly support the zoo and its mission to educate, inspire and secure a future for wildlife. Held rain or shine.
Zach Williams and Tim Tebow: 7 p.m. Sept. 5, O’Connell Center, 250 Gale Lemerand Drive. Ticket prices vary; see website for more information. (tinyurl.com/williamstebow) An evening of worship and inspiration, with a message of love, hope and God’s grace highlighting the importance of persevering in Christ through life’s challenges.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Scene Calendar: Summer at the Library, Tioga Movie Night and more