THIS WEEK
‘Silver Linings’
The Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida will display art from Spelman College — a historically black liberal arts college for women located in Atlanta. The Harn is one of five venues across the United States exhibiting “Silver Linings: Celebrating the Spelman Art Collection.” Through 39 works by nearly 30 artists, “Silver Linings” uplifts the legacy of artists of African descent spanning the 20th century through the contemporary moment, many of whom have been overlooked by mainstream art museums. The exhibition will be on view through July 6. “Silver Linings: Celebrating the Spelman Art Collection” includes a variety of mediums and techniques such as painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed-media collage, prints and photographs divided into five sections that focus on the Spiral Group, abstraction, early figuration, contemporary photography and contemporary figuration. An artist-in-residence program and special community day are among the programs providing opportunities for the community to engage with the exhibition in multiple ways. Entrance to the museum is free. For more information, visit harn.ufl.edu.
Jack Gamble Melon Run
Running enthusiasts should get set for the 47th annual Jack Gamble Melon Run — a local July 4 tradition. Set for 8 to 11 a.m. July 4, the 3-mile run, hosted by the Florida Track Club, features a course with rolling hills. Age-group winners — set in 10-year increments — receive a watermelon. Refreshments will be served to all runners after the race. The event also will have a half-mile run for children as well as a crowning of the king and queen of the race. The event will be held at Albert “Ray” Massey Park (Westside Park), located at 1001 NW 34th St. For more information, including registration for the run, visit runsignup.com/FTCMelonRun.
City of Alachua’s Annual Fourth of July Celebration
Join the city of Alachua for its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring what the city calls “the largest small-town fireworks display in America.” Legacy Park opens at 5 p.m. July 4 for family fun including live music with Crooked Counsel and food vendors. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Admission and parking are free. The city of Alachua reminds patrons that personal fireworks are prohibited; pets, glass containers and smoking (e.g., cigarettes, vapes, etc.) also are not permitted. Legacy Park is located at 15400 Peggy Road in Alachua.
‘Free Fridays’ Concert
Catch the next performance of the city’s popular “Free Fridays” concert series from 7 to 9 p.m. July 4 at the Bo Diddley Plaza downtown amphitheater, located at 111 E. University Ave. The free concert series highlights a different act each week, with The Wire Birds and The Wandering Hours performing folk and Americana this week. Attendees are encouraged to bring their blankets and lawn chairs to Bo Diddley Plaza to enjoy the concert under the stars. For more information, including a list of upcoming performances, visit gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series. Future performances include MusicGNV Live and Local Edition Singer Songwriter Showcase on July 11; Salvaged Records Showcase on July 18; Pet Detectives performing ’90s alt-rock covers on July 25; Uncle Mosie and Bad Dog Mama on Aug. 1; The Ox Showcase featuring Short Stack and Kevin PM Jamboree on Aug. 8; Sooza Brass Band and Displace on Aug. 15; Michael Claytor and friends on Aug. 22; De Lions of Jah on Aug. 29; Alex Kaufman Big Band on Sept. 5; Fest 24 Showcase on Sept. 12; Uncle Morty’s Rhythm Cream performing R&B, soul and rock on Sept. 19; and Morningbell performing psychedelic rock and soul on Sept. 26.
Gainesville Cars and Coffee
Car lovers of all ages can join Gainesville Cars and Coffee, a family friendly gathering that is open to all automotive enthusiasts. Get together for a cup of coffee and show off each other’s vehicles regardless of if it’s an import, exotic, classic or jalopy, from 9 to 11 a.m. July 5 at Tioga Town Center, located at 13085 SW First Lane in Newberry. The event is free. For more information, visit gainesvillecarsandcoffee.com.
Birds and Brews
Birds and Brews are free monthly bird walks led by volunteers from the Alachua Audubon Society to identify birds at Depot Park. Some binoculars and bird guides are provided, but feel free to bring any other equipment you wish. This month’s walk will be held from 5:45 to 7 p.m. July 6 at First Magnitude Brewing Company, located at 1220 SE Veitch St. For more information, visit facebook.com/FirstMagnitudeBrewing/events.
Springs Academy Lecture
Springs Academy is a free lecture series on Florida’s freshwater resources and springs. Each class is tailored to make learning quick and easy. The classes are held from noon to 1 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month, with this month’s lecture occurring on July 8. Discussion goes as deep as time and audience allow. If you are unable to attend in-person, you can watch the lecture live on Facebook at facebook.com/floridaspringsinstitute/live_videos. This month’s speaker will be Dr. Robert Knight of the Florida Springs Institute. He will give an overview of the springs. Admission is free and drop-ins are welcome. There is no need to register in advance. The lectures are held at the Florida Springs Welcome Center located at 18645 Main St. in High Springs. For more information, visit floridaspringsinstitute.org.
ONGOING
‘The Unscene South’
The Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center is sharing artistic works by Ocala artist Charles Eady in an exhibit entitled “The Unscene South. The exhibit will run through August. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. South Carolina-born, Ocala-based artist Eady paints large compelling canvases — captivating figures representing free Blacks in the South before 1865, an overlooked, even unknown population. The Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center is an organization dedicated to enriching the experiences of all who wish to grow in knowledge and appreciation of the history and culture of African-derived cultures, highlighting those in Gainesville and North Central Florida. The Cotton Club Museum is located at 837 SE Seventh Ave.
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
Jazz on the Green
Join Celebration Pointe for live music, food and drinks, lawn games and more as Decyo McDuffie and the Newcombs play live music on the stage in the promenade from 7 to 9 p.m. July 12. Spread a blanket under the setting sun and catch some live music while the kids play games on the lawn. Celebration Pointe is located off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road at Celebration Pointe Avenue. For more information, visit celebrationpointe.com. Future performances include Swing Theory on Aug. 9, Ed Roth Trio on Sept. 13, Smooth Operatives on Oct. 11, TBD on Nov. 8 and Nino Castaneda on Dec. 13.
‘The Best Little Whorehose in Texas’
This happy-go-lucky view of small-town vice and statewide political side-stepping recounts the good times and the demise of the Chicken Ranch, known since the 1850s as one of the better pleasure palaces in all of Texas. Governors, senators, mayors and even victorious college football teams frequent Miss Mona’s cozy bordello — until a Puritan nemesis watchdog focuses his television cameras and his righteous indignation on the institution. Catch “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays plus 2 p.m. Sundays July 18 through Aug. 10 at the Gainesville Community Playhouse, located at 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets are $24 for adults, $20 for seniors and $12 for students. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit gcplayhouse.org.
Baturdays of Summer
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. This event is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 19 at the Lubee Bat Conservancy, located at 1309 NW 192nd Ave. The cost to attend is $15 to $20. For more information, visit lubee.org. An additional date for this event is Aug. 16.
Phillips Center 2025|2026 Season Preview
Fans of the performing arts can get the inside scoop on the Phillips Center’s upcoming season of performances straight from UFPA Director Brian Jose. According to the Phillips Center, the preview is a special tradition that kicks off every UFPA season where they announce the performances coming over the next year. The presentation features highlights for the 40 performances in the 2025-26 season, in addition to information about their affiliate program. The free event starts at 7 p.m. July 22. The Phillips Center is located at 3201 Hull Road. For more information, 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, from 7 to 9 July 25, D.R. Band and Soul Fire will perform. 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 of Interstate 75 and Archer Road at Celebration Pointe Avenue. For more information, call 333-9333 or visit celebrationpointe.com. Future performances include TBD on Aug. 22, Whiskey Jones on Sept. 26, TBD on Oct. 24 and Chillula at 2 p.m. Nov. 28.
‘The Lightning Thief Percy Jackson Musical’
In the latest musical from the High Springs Playhouse, 16-year-old Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek god Poseidon. See what happens when his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he possibly could have imagined. “The Lightning Thief Percy Jackson Musical” will be performed at 7 p.m. July 24-26 and July 31-Aug. 2 plus 2 p.m. July 27 and Aug. 3. Tickets are $17 for adults, and $15 for students and ages 65 and older. The High Springs Playhouse is located at 23416 W. U.S. 27 in High Springs. For more information, visit highspringsplayhouse.com.
‘The 39 Steps’
Spies! Murder! Mayhem! Laughter! A Hitchcock masterpiece and a dash of Monty Python come together in the Tony Award-winning “The 39 Steps,” packed with 150 characters (played by three actors), missing fingers and romance! Tickets are $20 to $50, and can be purchased online at thehipp.org. Performances will run Sept. 12-28. Times will be announced at a later date.
‘On Sight’
The world premiere of “On Sight” — a one-person show, intervention and TV special in honor of World Mental Health Day — is set for 7-10 p.m. Oct. 10 at Eastside High School. The special will feature writer, performer and producer Dr. Micah E. Johnson, and host DC Youngfly. Organizers say the show will uniquely blend comedy, drama, science and street culture to address youth mental health and gun violence. This event will bring together 50-plus community partners and leaders from across the region. For more information, visit doctormicahjohnson.com. Eastside High School is located at 1201 SE 43rd St.
Tom Petty Weekend
The annual music event celebrating the life and legacy of Tom Petty is scheduled for noon Nov. 7-9 at Heartwood Soundstage. This year’s event will feature headliners The Wallflowers as well as performances by Jake Thistle and Jeff Slate, Sine and the Shakers, The Ain’t Sisters, Fortune Child and many more. Students and ages 18 and younger get in for free. General admission is $100. VIP tickets also are available. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. For more information, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.
