Latest Events in Alachua County(May Updated)

Andy Squyres returns to Gainesville for an up close evening of songs, stories, tears and laughter. “Andy Squyres started writing songs at an early age but thankfully failed to foist any on the public until he was in his 40s. The delay was painful for Andy but providential for his listeners, since by that point he had lived enough life for the songs to be interesting. Or at least singular. When I listen to Andy I hear something that hasn’t existed before. It’s as if Leonard Cohen grew up Assemblies of God, was raised by Saturday morning cartoons, binged the theology of Robert Farrar Capon, and could build a boat with his bare hands. His album Cherry Blossoms came out in 2016 and was followed in 2021 by Poet Priest . Around that time Andy discovered a gift that many would consider a curse: his voice was a natural fit on social media, where his presence soon garnered an international following with its arresting mix of personal disclosure, wry humor, and prophetic hopefulness. If Flannery O’Connor had a smart aleck son who adored the food and people at McDonalds in equal measure, he’d probably sound a bit like Andy. These writings have been collected in the three stunning volumes of the Poet Priest journal. At 48 Andy took the absurd step of devoting himself to music full time, the first fruits of which arrived in 2025 to rapturous acclaim in the form of the Miracle Service and Sacred Vows EPs. Andy and his wife Amy live in the piedmont of North Carolina and have six grown children and four grandchildren. He tours regularly, and if you happen to catch one of his shows, you’ll witness the truth to which his wonderfully circuitous journey testifies: the side effect of faith is not only that you get a sense of humor. If you don’t watch out, you may get a vocation, too.”- David Zahl, Mockingbird Magazine Information Source: Andy Squyres | eventbrite

Looking to make new connections in your city with fellow conservatives? Pull up a chair at the table and meet new friends over coffee! Information Source: HeRose & Heroines | eventbrite

Get ready for a heartwarming day of giving as we distribute bundles of joy, filled with diapers, to families in need at our in-person event! Bundle of Joy Diaper Distribution Program Join us for the Bundle of Joy Diaper Distribution Program at the Headquarters Library, Cone Park Library, and Clarence R. Kelly Center in Gainesville, FL, USA ! We are excited to offer this in-person event where parents and caregivers can receive free diapers for their little ones. Our goal is to support families in need and provide them with essential resources. Come visit us at our location on East University Avenue and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Don't miss out on this chance to get diapers for your bundle of joy! This event is sponsored by Humana, Inc. Information Source: H.E.A.T. CENTER OF GAINESVILLE, INC. | eventbrite

Half-Day Action-Packed Weekly Summer Camp Looking for a fun and engaging activity for your child this summer? Gainesville Martial Arts & Combatives has you covered! Our day-camp is for kids ages 4-12, is a dynamic program designed around the fundamentals of martial arts, in a fun, safe and supportive environment. Children learn best when having fun. Our games are built around critial developmental skills needed for the martial arts, including speed, agility, hand-eye coordination, focus and balance. Camp attendees are invited to attend our 11am classes each day for actual martial arts instruction, but it is not mandatory that campers attend. Camp activites begin at Noon, following the 11am martial arts class. Friday is BOARD BREAKING DAY! Each afternoon will have a new theme and new fun: Star Warriors-learn and test your Jedi skills Takashi's Castle- Learn the ways of the ninja and complete your mission Mario Party-Play a live-action version of the popular video game Laser Commandos- Laser tag fun Minecraft-Play a live-action version of the popular video game Beverages and light Snacks provided. Attendees are welcome to bring lunch. Martial Arts Instruction: Monday-Friday 11am-Noon. Learn basics of Martial Arts and Self-Defense. Board Breaking every Friday! Camp hours: Monday-Friday, Noon-4pm Pricing: Early-Bird Discount $131.25/Week/Attendee discount ends April 30th. Regular pricing after April 3oth is $175/Week Information Source: Gainesville Martial Arts & Combatives | eventbrite

UF Total Musicianship Band Camp - June 21-27, 2026 UF TOTAL MUSICIANSHIP BAND CAMP JUNE 21-27, 2026 The UF Total Musicianship Band Camp provides an excellent opportunity for musicians with a minimum of one year of study on their chosen instrument to improve their individual performance skills while participating in full-band rehearsals, master-classes, sectionals, chamber winds, and optional private lessons—all under the guidance of the professional faculty, staff, and distinguished alumni of the University of Florida. Students will have the opportunity to take elective classes in student leadership, conducting/drum major skills, theory, rhythm skills, improvisation, marching auxiliaries and other related areas. Each camp will conclude with a performance in the historic University Auditorium. All Camp attendees will live like Gators in the University of Florida residence halls and eat at the fabulous UF dining facilities. This is a wonderful and rare opportunity to make new friends and perform great music in beautiful venues while receiving world-class instruction at a world-class institution. **Discounts for members of the 2026 Florida All-State Band OPTIONAL PRIVATE LESSONS: Studio professors will offer 30 minute private lessons at the rate of $30 per private lesson. Parents can register their students for 1 or 2 lessons during camp check-in. Payment will be due at time of registration(cash only). Information Source: University of Florida Bands; Supported in part by the Robin O. Oegerle Educational Outreach Fund | eventbrite

Get ready to sizzle at Hot Sword Summer 2026 - a fiery gathering of sword enthusiasts for a summer full of adrenaline and epic battles! Welcome to Hot Sword Summer 2026 ! Come join us for a sizzling summer tournament filled with longsword, rapier, sword and buckler, and singlestick matches. Whether you're a seasoned fencer or just starting out, this event is perfect for you! Event Details: Dates: June 27-28, 2026 Time: Doors expected to open around 8:00am with tournaments ending around 6:00pm on Saturday and 2pm on Sunday. Schedule Coming Soon! NEW LOCATION: Alachua County Sports & Events Center, 4870 Celebration Pointe Ave Gainesville FL 32608 Activities: Beginner Synthetic Longsword, Open Steel Longsword, Open Rapier w/optional sidarm, Open Singlestick, Open Sword and Buckler Get ready to feel the heat of the summer sun as you immerse yourself in the world of historical fencing. Don't miss out on this epic event - mark your calendars and get ready for Hot Sword Summer 2026 ! HEMA Alliance members may use the promo code, "HEMAAMEMBER5" for $5 off of their Single Tournament ticket, or "HEMAMEMBER10" for 10% off their 2, 3 or 4 event ticket. They must also send proof of their membership to SocietyOfHistoricalFencing@gmail.com. As a reminder - the Beginner Longsword and Open Longsword tournaments are separate, but Fencers that qualify for both may only compete in one or the other. To qualify for the Beginner Longsword tournament, the fencer must have no more than a year of HEMA experience with longsword at the day of the tournament. Society of Historical fencing will provide synthetic longswords for ONLY the Beginners Tournament on an as needed basis. Fencers may view the full rules of the tournament here. Information Source: Society of Historical Fencing | eventbrite

The UF Judging Camp is a multi-day camp that is designed to teach students the basics of livestock judging and reasons. All camps are open for ages 8yo through a senior in high school. We are following the same format as last year to better accommodate our three camp tracks. Please pay special attention to dates for each camp track-- Not all camps start and end on the same day. Beginning Basics and Intro to Reasons run at the same time on the 15th so participants can only register for ONE of these two camp tracks . If they complete one of the two camp tracks on the 15th and want to come back on the 16th for the Advanced camp, they can register for that camp as well. They do not have to register for a camp on the 16th to register for the Advanced Reasons Camp. Beginning Basics July 15th (ONE DAY) Designed for true beginners with limited livestock and judging experience. Students should expect to spend most of the time in the classroom learning the topics listed below. They will also spend some time placing both video classes and live classes. Campers are invited to return to participate in the mock contest on July 19th. Topics include: Animal Functions and Terminology Breeds and Anatomy Contest Format Breeding and Market Evaluation Intro to Reasons July 15th (ONE DAY) Designed for students with basic understanding of judging that are new to Oral Reasons. Participants should expect to spend some time in the clasroom reviewing evaluation priorites and begin developing their first sets of reasons. Campers are invited to return to participate in the mock contest on July 19th. Topics Include: Breeding and Market Evaluation Note taking Reasons Format and Presentation Advanced Reasons July 16th - July 18th This camp track is designed for students that already understand the basics of placing a class and are ready to focus on and sharpen their reasons. This track will include one and a half days of instruction and a mock contest on the 3rd day. Campers should expect to give at least 20 sets of reasons throughout the duration of camp; If participants are unwilling to give that many sets then we would encourage them to sign up for the Intro to Reasons camp. Schedule * daily schedule subject to change final schedule will be emailed out before the start of camp. Beginning Basics Wednesday July 15th 9:30 - 10:00 AM Registration 10:00 - 10:15 AM Welcome and Split into Camp groups 10:15 - 12:00 PM Instruction 12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch 1:00 - 4:00 PM Livestock Evalaution 4:00 PM Wrap Up Intro to Reasons Wednesday July 15th 8:30 - 9:00 AM Registration 9:00 - 9:15 AM Welcome 9:30 - 10:30 AM Cattle Discussion, Judge Class, and Reasons 10:30-11:30 Sheep and Goat Discussion, Judge Class, and Reasons 11:30 - 12:30 Lunch 12:30 – 1:30 Sheep and Goat Discussion, Judge Class, and Reasons 1:30 – 2:30 Swine Discussion, Judge Class, and Reasons 3:30 - 4:00 Reasons 4:00 PM Wrap Up Reasons Camp Thursday July 16th 1:00 - 2:00 Registration 2:00 – 2:30 Welcome and Split into Camp groups 2:30 – 4:30 Reasons Evaluation 4:30 – 4:45 Divide into Small Groups 4:45 – 6:30 Note Taking, Basic Terminology and Reasons 6:30 – Dinner Friday July 17th 9:00 – 11:30 Cattle Discussion, Judge Class, and Reasons 11:30 – 12:30 Lunch 12:30 – 3:30 Sheep and Goat Discussion, Judge Class, and Reasons 3:30 – 6:00 Swine Discussion, Judge Class, and Reasons Saturday July 18th 8:00 – 3:00 Mock Contest 3:30 Awards and Wrap Up Information Source: UF Animal Sciences Department | eventbrite

This competition is a local weightlifting meet sanctioned by USAW (USA Weightlifting), and a National Universities Qualifying Event (NUQ). At the University of Florida's Reitz Union Grand Ballroom! Use this local meet to qualify for the Florida Weightlifting State Championships, AO Series, and Masters Nationals. ALL USAW ATHLETES ARE WELCOME! ++ The final lifting schedule and session times will be emailed to registered athletes, coaches, and spectators by July 20th. ++ Here is a TENTATIVE the schedule : Women's first session: Weigh-ins 8 - 9am, Lifting from 10am - 12:30pm Men's Session: Weigh-ins: 10:30am - 11:30am, Lifting from 12:30am - 2:30pm Women's second session: Weigh-ins: 12:30pm - 1:30pm, Lifting from 2:30pm - 4:30pm ++ Athletes must have a membership with USAW to compete. Before signing up, please grab your membership, here: https://usaweightlifting.sport80.com/public/wizard/a/830/home Information Source: The Ark Fitness | eventbrite

Chris Boyko's captivating and thought-provoking surrealistic artworks will be showcased in his highly anticipated solo exhibition at the prestigious Brenau University’s Presidents Gallery. Aptly titled "Assembling the Masses", the exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the enigmatic complexities of the human mind. Boyko's masterpieces serve as portals to the subconscious, where hidden depths and intricate thoughts come to life in a mesmerizing dance of otherworldly shapes and forms. With each brushstroke, Boyko delves deeper into the recesses of his own psyche, creating a symphony of organic and intuitive lines that mirror the ebbs and flows of his memories, emotions, and boundless imagination. The result is a continuous stream of evocative visuals that captivate and inspire viewers. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this extraordinary display of artistic prowess. Mark your calendars for the opening reception and artist talk, taking place on September 14, 2023, at the illustrious Presidents Gallery - Simmons Visual Arts Center in Gainesville, Georgia. Admission to this captivating event is free, allowing art enthusiasts and curious minds alike to immerse themselves in Boyko's visionary world.

The highly-anticipated clash between Florida and Tennessee is set to take place on September 16, 2023, at the iconic Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. This epic showdown promises to be a game for the ages, with two powerhouse teams battling it out on the gridiron. Football fanatics from across the nation are eagerly awaiting this thrilling encounter, as the longstanding rivalry between these two teams adds an extra layer of excitement to the match. The atmosphere at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is sure to be electrifying, with passionate fans cheering on their respective teams and creating an unforgettable experience. Located at 157 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville, FL 32611, the stadium provides a picturesque backdrop for this monumental clash. So mark your calendars and get ready for a showdown that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Florida v Tennessee is not just a game; it's a battle of wills, a test of strength, and a showcase of pure determination. Don't miss out on witnessing history in the making. Secure your tickets now and be a part of this legendary event.