This weekend in Alachua County, FL

Saturday Shoppes brings a two day Fall Foodie Festival to Oaks Mall in Gainesville, serving up smoky barbecue flavors, craveable sauces, and smooth tunes. Look for ribs hot off the grill, live performances that keep the groove going, activities for kids with bounce houses, a marketplace of local vendors, sweet treats, and one-of-a-kind finds, all in a lively outdoor festival setting. Admission and parking are free. Bring a lawn chair, your appetite, and someone to share a plate with. Vendors interested in participating should know only two spaces remain and will be awarded in the order applications are received. To apply, text 213-218-5017 as the preferred contact or email vfapply@gmail.com.

A community bike and car show hosted by the High Springs Lions Club brings together standout vehicles, music, food, and a shared purpose. The show field welcomes clubs and individual enthusiasts, with all makes and models from antique to present invited to participate. Entry is 25 dollars per vehicle, and each registered participant receives a complimentary Lions Club meal. A wide range of awards will be presented, including participant judged Top 20 cars and Top 5 motorcycles, Best of Show selected by Florida Diabetes Camp, the John Sullivan Memorial Award chosen by the High Springs Lions Club, Best Halloween Costume for a car, bike, or participant, a Kids’ Choice top truck, an Under Construction award, and recognition for strong club participation. Highlights include goody bags for the first 50 registered participants, a 50/50 drawing, music, trivia, and other activities. Proceeds support Florida Diabetes Camp.

Free RPG Day at PunkOuter Games features stand-alone adventures from Pathfinder, D&D Adventures League, and a selection of indie RPGs. Newcomers and veteran players ages 16 and older are welcome. Sessions include options for both beginners and advanced participants. Tables have limited capacity and seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis. The venue offers a clean, comfortable play space, refreshments, and shelves stocked with everything from single cards to RPGs and miniatures, creating a convenient spot to relax and enjoy the games. This is a recurring weekly event held every Saturday.

Settle in for a six hour oil painting workshop in the gallery at Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies focused on the rich autumn tones of Rum 138 Park along the Santa Fe River. Guided by artist Tina Corbett, participants will learn how to simplify and plan from a reference photo, strengthen compositional choices, and build a painting from a thin underlayer to fuller passages while understanding the principle of fat over lean. Instruction includes mixing a fall palette, capturing water and reflections, and creating strong contrast so lights and darks stand out. All supplies are provided, tuition is $150, and everyone leaves with a finished piece. Bring lunch or choose to order from nearby options, with complimentary coffee and water available. Class size is limited to six, so early registration is recommended, and signups are available online or in person at the gallery.

This guided meditation at Sacred Earth offers an immersive space to deepen spiritual and intuitive practice. The session blends shamanic methods, breathwork, inner journeying, guided visualization, and elements of Tibetan Buddhist teachings. The focus is on cultivating a stronger connection with the divine within. Suggested donation is $10.

A two day celebration of flavor and music arrives at Oaks Mall in Gainesville, bringing smoky barbecue, saucy plates, and smooth tunes. Expect ribs that steal the spotlight alongside live entertainment that keeps the vibe lively between bites. Families will find plenty to enjoy with kid friendly activities and bounce houses, while shoppers explore local vendors for sweet treats and one of a kind finds. Entry and parking are free. Bring a lawn chair, a hearty appetite, and friends to share a plate. RSVP on the event page for a chance to win a $25 food gift card, and vendors are welcome to reserve a booth.

A St. Augustine live game is planned at Meizon Church in Gainesville. Parking is located behind the building and everyone should use the rear entrance, as the front doors will not be in use. A $5 venue fee is required and can be paid in cash at the door or via PayPal or Cash App. Payments should go to Korum, not Jordan. The theme will be announced. Health guidance encourages COVID vaccination as a general practice. If you feel ill, please stay home, and if you test positive after being around other players, notify those you were in contact with. Returning players can jump back into play or coordinate with staff for plot tie-ins. Newcomers interested in the OWBN game are welcome to speak with staff, observe, or get assistance starting a character sheet. Visitors are allowed, and those traveling should email staff in advance so they can plan headcount. Please send character sheets and items ahead of time, since at-the-door checks are discouraged. For questions or coordination, email staugsts@gmail.com rather than reaching out via social media.

Compete in a Digimon constructed tournament at PunkOuter Games in Gainesville, FL. Entry is $10, and 1.5 booster packs per participant are added to the prize pool. Tournament Packs may be distributed while supplies last. Space is limited, and tickets can be purchased online in advance to secure a spot. Players who do not arrive and check in before the event begins may receive a refund and forfeit their place. This tournament runs weekly. PunkOuter Games offers a clean, comfortable place to play, with refreshments and a wide selection of single cards, RPGs, and miniatures.

Take part in a weekly One Piece constructed tournament at PunkOuter Games. Entry is $10, and for each participant 1.5 booster packs are added to the prize pool, with tournament packs offered while supplies last. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the store’s website, and space is limited. Participants who do not arrive and check in before play begins may receive a refund and forfeit their spot. The shop provides a clean, comfortable play area with refreshments and well stocked shelves that include single cards, RPGs, and miniatures. This event takes place every Saturday.

Now in its ninth year, CountryWay Town Square presents a professional rodeo packed with bull riding, barrel racing, and fast-paced competition under the lights. Cowboys and cowgirls square off in a family friendly atmosphere, and the event supports the Newberry Lions Club and its community work. Ticket options include advance rates of $17 for adults and $8 for children ages 5 to 12, or at-the-gate pricing of $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 5 to 12. VIP parking and seating is available by advance purchase only at $30 for adults and $25 for children ages 5 to 12. Children under 5 are admitted free.

Young athletes ages 4 to 15 can participate in a triathlon that includes swim, bike, and run. All experience levels are welcome, from first-timers to those with previous experience. It provides an opportunity for kids to take part in all three disciplines in a single event.

Enjoy casual Commander games for Magic: The Gathering at a free-to-play open session. Players create their own pods and handle gameplay at the table. A code available in store lets participants check in through the Magic Companion app, which Wizards uses to track in-store participation and this can influence the kinds of promotional items the store may receive and share at future MTG events. The app is preferred but not required to take part. PunkOuter Games offers a welcoming setting with a tidy, comfortable play area, refreshments, and a wide selection of gaming products, from single cards to RPGs and miniatures. This gathering repeats every Sunday.

Gunpla builders gather for a relaxed build session to work through backlogs or start new projects in a social setting. Beginners and experienced modelers are welcome, and the gathering recurs every Sunday. It is held at PunkOuter Games, which features a comfortable gaming area, refreshments, and a selection that includes card singles, roleplaying games, and miniatures.

High Tea returns to Sweetwater Branch Inn with a refined garden experience rooted in tradition. Savor classic English‑style tea service in the Sweetwater gardens, featuring savory bites and sweets served with graceful touches. It suits a friends' outing, a special celebration, or anyone seeking something a little different. Seating is limited, with tickets offered through Eventbrite.

This weekly Gundam constructed tournament features check in prior to a prompt start. The entry fee is $10, and 1.5 booster packs per entrant are added to the prize pool. Tickets are available for advance purchase online, and capacity is limited. Players who do not arrive and check in before play begins may receive a refund and lose their reserved spot. PunkOuter Games includes a dedicated gaming area, refreshments, and shelves stocked with single cards, RPGs, and miniatures, suitable for both newcomers and experienced players. This tournament runs every Sunday.

Part of ACO Season 22, this Regional stop in Gainesville at Splitz features competition in the World Doubles division. Entry fee and payout details will be announced, and registration takes place before play begins. Two membership options are available for competitors. The free ACO Starter Membership includes access to all ACO divisions at Regionals and Majors, eligibility for standings points, prize money and trophies, and standard pricing on tournament tickets. The ACO Worlds Membership costs $60, provides the best available tournament ticket pricing, maintains access to all divisions, includes eligibility for standings points, prize money and trophies, adds prize jerseys, and awards 500 bonus points at signup for Singles divisions. Only ACO stamped bags from Season 22 Bag Partners are permitted in ACO divisions, with older stamped models allowed if the manufacturer remains a current Season 22 partner. For questions, contact Tommy Hines at 352-538-5084 or tlhines7@gmail.com. Additional details are available through the ACO Calendar.

Celebrate a milestone as the Spirit of Pride Community Awards Dinner marks its 25th year at Sweetwater Branch Inn in Gainesville. The program recognizes honorees for meaningful involvement, support, and contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. Sandra Gail Lambert, a Lambda Literary Award winner and NEA Creative Writing Fellow, will deliver the keynote address. The evening opens with a social mixer offering wine, beer, and nonalcoholic beverages alongside fundraising opportunities, followed by a buffet dinner. Tickets are $90 and must be purchased in advance. A limited number of table sponsorships are available for $1,000 and include ten seats, table signage, name recognition in the printed program, and acknowledgment during the event.