Events in Alachua County today

Each Thursday, a variety of food trucks gathers at Cornerstone for the lunch hour, offering an easy way to grab lunch from different vendors in one place.

Depot Village in downtown Gainesville hosts a full evening of live country music with four performances on a single ticket. Whey Jennings, grandson of outlaw country legend Waylon Jennings, appears alongside Filmore, The Bandemic, and Anthony Jones. Food and drinks will be available. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Relax with casual Heroscape play and trading. This gathering welcomes beginners, and participation is free. Terrain is available from the game library. It takes place at PunkOuter Games, which offers a comfortable, clean play area, refreshments, and shelves stocked with single cards, roleplaying games, and miniatures.

Riftbound players can step into a weekly Constructed tournament featuring 1v1, Best of 1 matches. Entry is $10. Nexus Night promo packs are available for participants while supplies last, and 1.5 booster packs per entrant are added to the prize pool. Capacity is limited, and tickets can be purchased online in advance. Please arrive and check in before the start or your ticket may be refunded and your spot released. PunkOuter Games provides a clean, comfortable play space with refreshments and a wide selection of single cards, RPGs, and miniatures for a relaxed gaming experience.

Enjoy casual games of Warhammer 40,000, Kill Team, and Age of Sigmar in a relaxed, beginner friendly setting. Participation is free, and the game library offers terrain and loaner armies so players can jump right in. This gathering recurs weekly, with PunkOuter Games providing a comfortable play area, refreshments, and a wide selection of products from single cards to RPGs and miniatures, welcoming both newcomers and experienced hobbyists.

At Fairfield Inn & Suites Gainesville I-75, Steve Russell, a widely respected voice in Gator athletics, offers football insights, shares behind-the-scenes stories, and answers audience questions as the season approaches its home stretch. The evening opens with a relaxed happy hour for conversation and networking, transitions into a club meeting, then features Russell’s talk, followed by a Q&A to wrap up.

Explore Reiki in a welcoming circle that focuses on releasing stress, inviting relaxation, and supporting healing. The gathering includes practical ways to notice energy along with opportunities to both give and receive Reiki. No previous experience is needed. A $20 donation is requested. For RSVP or questions, contact Lori at lori@thesacredearthcenter.com or text Joanna at 352-848-9665.

Enjoy free swing dancing with GSD in an air-conditioned hall with hardwood floors at the Rosa B. Williams Center. Begin with a newcomer-friendly lesson that requires no partner or prior experience, then continue growing your repertoire through progressive classes that build skills and confidence. After class, step onto the social dance floor to practice with music and a friendly, inclusive crowd. Admission is free, and optional donations are welcomed by cash or Venmo. Complimentary street parking is available by the building, along with access to the nearby Friends of the Library lot.

Compete in a Magic: The Gathering Pauper tournament built around commons-only decks. Entry is $10, and for every player two booster packs of the players choice are added to the prize pool. The top finisher earns a traditional foil Dark Deed promo while supplies last, and all participants receive a WPN promo pack while supplies last. Deck construction follows Pauper guidelines with a minimum 60 card main deck and up to a 15 card sideboard. Matches are one on one and decided as a best of three, with games averaging about 20 minutes. The number of rounds depends on attendance, and pairings are run in a swiss format. Proxies are not allowed. Advance tickets are available on the store website, and capacity is limited. Players who do not check in before play begins may receive a refund and lose their spot. The host venue provides a clean, comfortable gaming area with refreshments and a wide selection of products, from single cards to RPGs and miniatures, creating a relaxed place to play and refuel.

This weekly Riftbound Constructed tournament features head-to-head, best of three play. Entry is $10, with Nexus Night promo packs available while supplies last, and for each entrant 1.5 booster packs are added to the prize pool. Capacity is limited, and tickets can be purchased in advance on the organizer’s website. Please plan to register before the event begins so matches can start on time, and note that checking in late may lead to a refund and forfeiture of your spot. Hosted at PunkOuter Games, the venue offers a welcoming atmosphere with a clean and comfortable play area, refreshments, and a broad selection that includes single cards, RPGs, and miniatures. For additional information about Riftbound events at PunkOuter, updates are available through their Discord.

At the Promenade, this music event presents a diverse mix spanning country, rock, soul, and more. Attendees can enjoy the music alongside food and a lively atmosphere.

This event features a lively mix of rock, blues, and country music.

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.

This donation-based, trauma sensitive yoga session offers gentle, embodied movement in a supportive setting. Grounded in the Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga approach, it invites participants to explore choice, cultivate a sense of safety, and build physical awareness as part of the healing process. Everyone is welcome, including all levels of experience and a wide range of physical abilities. The session is led by Mary Bobowiec, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and certified TCTSY facilitator who leads trauma healing groups in the Gainesville area and beyond. It is an opportunity to experience this style of practice while connecting with others who are seeking grounding and healing. Held in person at Gainesville Healing House. Space is limited.

Bring your Beyblades and, if you have one, an arena for a relaxed, beginner-friendly meetup focused on casual play and trading. This free to play gathering invites participants to set up and judge their own matches while facing other players in a friendly setting. Hosted at PunkOuter Games in Gainesville, it runs every Monday. The shop offers a clean, comfortable gaming area with refreshments and a selection that spans single cards, RPGs, and miniatures, making it a convenient spot for newcomers and longtime fans alike.

Enjoy relaxed Pokémon TCG play at a weekly Monday league at PunkOuter Games. A Pokémon Professor will help set up matches and provide judging support for gameplay and card interactions as needed. It is free to play and open to all ages, welcoming both new and experienced players. Beginners are welcome, though this session is not a dedicated lesson, and separate learn to play events are listed on the calendar. If there is enough interest, the professors may run a tournament. The venue features a clean, comfortable gaming area, refreshments, and a wide selection of products including single cards, RPGs, and miniatures.

Take part in a weekly Grand Archive Constructed tournament at PunkOuter Games in Gainesville, FL. Entry is $10, and 1.5 booster packs per entrant are added to the prize pool. Tickets are available online ahead of time, and entry is limited to ensure space. Players must arrive and check in before the event begins or they may receive a refund and forfeit their spot. PunkOuter Games features a comfortable play area with refreshments and a broad selection of gaming products, including single cards, RPGs, and miniatures. This event is held every Monday.

This event offers relaxed play and card trading for Flesh and Blood. Participation is free and welcoming to beginners. Players bring a constructed or Blitz deck and pair up for casual matches with others. Attendees set up their own games and handle rules and judging among themselves. The setting is PunkOuter Games, which provides a clean play area, refreshments, and a wide selection of gaming products, including single cards, RPGs, and miniatures.

The group meets at The Queen's Arms Pub in Gainesville and follows a shaded 5k loop through Haile Plantation. Runners of all ages and paces are welcome to take part. After the miles, participants can enjoy the Rally Point Endurance burger with fries for $7.99.

At Sweetwater Branch Inn, this hands-on grazing board workshop teaches participants to create tasty, eye-catching bites suited to any get-together. Ideal for beginners as well as anyone aiming to elevate their entertaining skills, the session features guidance from Julianne Raymond Flinchum of JayMay Grazing. The experience is Halloween themed. All food is provided, with a spread of meats, cheeses, fruits, veggies, and more so each person can build a personalized board. A separate shared board will be available to sample, and two glasses of wine are included. Snacking during the creative process is encouraged. Participants may wrap up their boards and take them home, food and all. Early registration helps secure a Halloween-themed charcuterie board, while later registrations may receive a standard board. Tickets are $47.86 per person, which includes the grazing board.

In Gainesville, Florida, the mic is open and the song choices are plentiful, inviting solo spotlights, harmonized duets, and even spur-of-the-moment dedications to someone you do not know. The focus stays on singing rather than judging. Between turns, keep the energy high with hundreds of arcade and pinball games spanning vintage to modern, and refuel with a wide range of food and drinks.

An evening of social dancing with Andy features three segments focused on Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing, and Waltz with Ballroom. Each segment starts precisely and blends concise instruction with abundant practice time, aiming for about 15 minutes of teaching and 45 minutes of dancing woven through the hour. New dancers can comfortably participate in the Argentine Tango and Waltz portions since the essentials emphasize walking, while the West Coast Swing hour is intended for those who already know the basic footwork. A partner is not required. The teaching centers on light, effortless connection without force, with lead and follow principles drawn from the book How To Dance With a Partner, and copies are available. The cost is $10 for the evening, and accommodations can be arranged if price is a concern.

At Limelight Suite 11, this free, weekly improv meetup welcomes adults 18 and older. It offers a friendly space to learn and explore improvisation, share plenty of laughs, and connect with others in a community-minded setting.