This weekend in Columbia County, FL

Join Open Gym at Easton Newberry Sports Complex every Saturday throughout the summer for a free, welcoming open gym session for both pickleball and basketball. Pickleball runs from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, and basketball runs from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM. All skill levels are welcome, and participants are asked to bring their own pickleball paddles.

LifeSouth is hosting its first Jeep Meet Blood Drive at the LifeSouth Community Blood Center. This community event supports the local hospitals that LifeSouth supplies, inviting donors to arrive with their Jeeps, give blood, and help save local lives. Attendees can look forward to food, raffles, custom T-shirts, and more. Appointments are available to reserve a donation time, and vendors are welcome to participate and share their goods.

Help your little one discover the fun of soccer through an eight-week program with age-based sessions. Options are available for ages 18 months to 3 years, 2 to 4 years, and 3 to 5 years. The program fee is $135. For more information, contact Toddler Time at 352-425-0385.

Canvas Church presents the fourth annual Backpacks & Blessings at Promised Land Family Ministries. This family-friendly back-to-school gathering on the farm offers free backpacks, school supplies, and hot dogs. One backpack is available per student in Pre-K through 12th grade while supplies last, and students must be present to receive one. Additional details may be shared as the event nears. For donations or sponsorship inquiries, contact Rebecca Hall at (386) 515-5903 or RHall@PromisedLandFM.org.

Enjoy friendly, mixed doubles tennis for adults at Youngs Park Tennis Courts. All experience levels are welcome, participation is free, and the format makes it easy to meet new tennis partners while getting in some competitive play. No partner is required, as players will be matched.

Alachua County Animal Resources hosts a large summer adoption event focused on second chances for shelter pets. Adoption fees are waived for every animal, and each new pet parent receives a starter goodie bag to help their companion settle in. Visitors can meet dogs ready for adventure and cats hoping for a cozy home. The day highlights how community involvement, whether through adoption, volunteering, spreading the word, or simply stopping by to meet the animals, increases visibility and helps more pets find loving homes.

Create your own wearable art at an outdoor tie-dye workshop led by Groovy Ties and Freaky Dyes. Held beneath the shade of pecan trees, this hands-on class provides step-by-step instruction in folding, binding, and dyeing techniques. Learn how to produce standout designs like a crisp blue heart and a high-contrast spider pattern, with guidance aimed at clean, vibrant results. The cost is $35, and shirt size is selected at checkout.

Get ready for the new school year with a hair tinsel pop-up at 386 Market featuring young entrepreneur Addison Waldron. Guests can add sparkle to their back-to-school look while helping Addison work toward the goal of saving for a first car. Friends can come together to get styled for the first week of classes and show support for a young dream chaser. Even a small touch of shimmer can make a meaningful difference.

Celebrating two decades of sweet tradition, this 20th annual ice cream social and back to school bash offers an afternoon of treats, games, and family fun. Enjoy ice cream with more than 20 toppings in a safe, family-friendly setting, alongside efforts to prepare kids for the upcoming school year with backpacks and essential school supplies. Special guest Julien “King” Smith, founder of Born Elite from Gulfport, Mississippi and a White Springs native, will share messages about leadership, perseverance, and chasing dreams. The festivities bring community and education together in White Springs, Hamilton County, Florida, blending food, fun, and smiles. A lighthearted note for parents... let kids choose their own ice cream toppings unless there is an allergy.

This annual charity basketball tournament brings local first responders to the court in support of the CHS Tigers Basketball programs. Teams compete for bragging rights for the next year in a spirited, family friendly showcase. Admission is $5, payable in cash or via Cash App, and children younger than five are admitted free. Concessions will be available for cash purchase. Expect an afternoon centered on community, friendly rivalry, and plenty of hoops.

SFVC brings low-cost veterinary care to pets in the Ellisville and Providence area, with services that include vaccinations, microchipping, heartworm testing, flea and heartworm preventatives, and nail trims. All pet owners are welcome, and walk-ins are accepted. Discounts are available for military personnel and seniors. Pre-registration is offered to reserve a spot.

LyriCo Conservatory presents an Open House featuring complimentary mini-classes in music, dance, acting, and theater, followed by a student showcase performance. Guests can meet the instructors, tour the conservatory, explore fall class options for their student, and enjoy prizes on offer. Open to families at no cost.

The summer series from No Sitter Necessary wraps up with a high-energy family dance battle at The Woods in Lake City, FL, outdoors. Serving as the third and final show of the season, it doubles as a back-to-school celebration with one dance floor shared by children and parents. A live DJ sets the soundtrack while an MC keeps the crowd energized, and food and drinks are available. Beyond the music, there is pickleball, roller skating, water slides, and family movies. No babysitter is needed, families dance together under the open sky. Tickets start at $27.10.

Enjoy smooth jazz on the second Saturday of each month with Jazz on the Green. Pick up a drink or sweet treat and unwind along the Promenade as talented musicians set the mood. Each month features a different performer for a fresh experience.