Events in Columbia County today

Sculpt abstract, Cubist-inspired faces on terra cotta planters while exploring the geometry of the human form. This workshop shifts away from traditional realism and encourages experimentation with fragmented planes, multiple viewpoints, and bold, interlocking shapes using paper clay. Instructors guide participants in deconstructing facial features into striking three-dimensional reliefs that wrap around the planter, then teach layering and carving techniques to create sharp edges and dramatic shadows. Finish the piece with stains or paints that emphasize its architectural depth. No prior experience is required, only curiosity and a fresh perspective. Held at Gateway Art Gallery, this class takes place over two sessions to allow for drying and finishing, with the second date decided together during the first meeting. Registration is available online through the Find Tickets option or in person at the gallery.

Each Tuesday the microphone is open and the song choices are all yours. Sing a beloved classic, pair up for a duet, or dedicate a tune to someone new. The focus is on having fun and singing without judgment. Between turns, keep the momentum going with hundreds of vintage and modern arcade and pinball games, and refuel with a broad selection of food and drinks.

Social dancing blends short, targeted instruction with plenty of time on the floor. Programming is geared toward intermediate and advanced beginners with sessions in Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing, and Salsa. A four-week beginner series in Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing, Waltz, and Ballroom helps new dancers get started. Novices are welcome for Argentine Tango and Waltz, where walking forms the foundation, while another session expects familiarity with basic footwork. Teaching emphasizes light, gentle partnering without force and shares clear principles for leading and following from the book How To Dance With a Partner, with books available. Sessions start promptly and instruction is woven throughout to keep the focus on dancing. Admission is $10 per night. A newsletter is available for updates, and financial accommodations can be arranged when cost is a concern.

Hosted by Lacey, this music bingo night blends the fun of calling bingo with a soundtrack of favorite songs. Prizes are awarded to participants, and a late night happy hour adds extra discounts. It brings together the energy of a game night and the feel-good vibe of familiar tunes.

Open to adults 18 and older, this no-cost weekly improv gathering provides a chance to learn and explore improvisation in a friendly, community-minded environment. Attendees can connect with others, have fun, and participate in group activities focused on improv. The session is held in Limelight Suite 11.

Suit up for a casual Battletech league that is free to play and welcoming to newcomers. The focus is on storytelling and memorable tabletop battles within an ongoing open world campaign, designed so players can drop in or step out at their convenience. Most sessions feature the 350-point Alpha Strike tournament format with official Alpha Strike rules, and Classic Battletech is also an option. New and returning players can tap into community resources for rules guidance and list building. PunkOuter Games provides a relaxed place to play, recharge, and browse. Expect a clean, comfortable gaming area, refreshments, and a broad selection of products from single cards to RPGs and miniatures. This league meets weekly.

Each Thursday at lunchtime, Cornerstone hosts a mix of food trucks, bringing a variety of options to enjoy during the midday break.

Enjoy casual Heroscape in a setting that welcomes newcomers and seasoned players, with no cost to play. Terrain is provided from the game library to make getting started easy. The action unfolds at PunkOuter Games, a friendly spot for tabletop enthusiasts featuring a clean, comfortable gaming area, refreshments, and shelves stocked with single cards, roleplaying games, and miniatures.

Enjoy casual games of Warhammer 40,000, Kill Team, and Age of Sigmar in a relaxed setting that welcomes both newcomers and veteran players. There is no cost to participate, and terrain plus loaner armies are available from the in-store library to help you get right into the action. This gathering takes place every Thursday. PunkOuter Games offers a clean, comfortable play area with refreshments, along with shelves stocked with single cards, roleplaying games, and miniatures to explore between matches.

Trivia unfolds across two separate sessions led by Casey Hull. Each session features three rounds that blend general knowledge with a visual image segment and an audio-focused segment. Prizes are awarded for every round, so whether staying for the entire event or dropping in for just one session, there are multiple chances to win.

A weekly Riftbound Constructed tournament offers competitive play with one-on-one, best-of-one matches and 60 minute rounds. Entry is $10, and participants receive Nexus Night promo packs while supplies last. For each entrant, 1.5 booster packs are added to the prize pool. Capacity is limited, and advance online ticketing is available. Players who do not arrive and check in before the start may receive a refund and forfeit their spot. The venue, PunkOuter Games, provides a clean and comfortable gaming area with refreshments, along with a wide selection of products ranging from single cards to RPGs and miniatures for both new and experienced gamers.

Due to a room conflict at B’nai Israel, the regular dancing shifts to a field trip with Gainesville Swing Dancers that features a beginner Balboa lesson followed by social dancing. The evening typically offers three sessions covering Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing or another style, and Waltz with a dance mix. Sessions begin promptly and blend a bit of instruction with plenty of time on the floor, with guidance spread throughout. No partner is needed. New dancers are welcome in Argentine Tango and Waltz, while the West Coast Swing or Other session expects you to know the basic footwork. A beginner series is available for those starting from scratch. Admission is $10 per night, and arrangements can be made if cost is a concern. The teaching approach emphasizes a gentle connection and clear lead and follow without pushing or pulling.

Experience a Reiki healing circle that introduces this gentle practice for easing stress, encouraging relaxation, and supporting healing. Participants will explore sensing energy and will both offer and receive Reiki during the session. Beginners are welcome, and no prior Reiki experience is required. Donation is $20. RSVP to Lori at lori@thesacredearthcenter.com or text Joanna at 352-848-9665.

Free swing dancing takes place at the Rosa B. Williams Center in an air conditioned hall with hardwood floors. Beginners are welcome to start with an introductory lesson, and no partner or prior experience is required. After a few sessions, dancers can move into progressive lessons that build skills and confidence, then continue with a social dance to put everything into practice in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere. Free street parking is available beside the building and in the nearby Friends of the Library lot. Admission is free, with optional donations accepted in cash or via Venmo.

Explore Ichetucknee Springs from a new angle on a guided paddle in a clear tandem kayak along the Ichetucknee River. An experienced guide highlights wildlife and shares insights into the history and ecology of this celebrated Florida spring system. The outing begins at the South Entrance, with shuttle service provided to the North Canoe Launch. All essentials are included, with a paddle and life vest provided, and the experience is beginner friendly. Clear kayaks seat up to two adults with a combined weight limit of 425 pounds. The price is $65 per person. Park admission is separate, with an entry fee of $6 per vehicle for up to eight guests. Tours are offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Spots fill quickly.

This weekly Riftbound Constructed tournament features head-to-head best of three matches. Entry is $10. Participants receive Nexus Night promo packs while supplies last, and one and a half booster packs per entrant are added to the prize pool. Signups occur before a prompt start, and players who do not arrive and check in before play begins may receive a refund and forfeit their spot. Entry is limited and advance tickets are available online. The venue includes a dedicated gaming area with refreshments and a selection of products ranging from single cards to RPGs and miniatures, suitable for both new and experienced players.

A weekly Magic: The Gathering Pauper tournament features decks built entirely from cards printed at common rarity. Signups take place shortly before a prompt start. The entry fee is $10, and two booster packs per entry are added to the prize pool, chosen by each player. The winner receives a traditional foil Dark Deed promo card while supplies last, and participants receive a WPN promo pack while supplies last. Matches are one on one, best of three, with a minimum 60 card main deck and up to a 15 card sideboard. Games typically last about 20 minutes. Rounds use a Swiss structure, with the total number based on turnout. Proxies are not permitted. Advance tickets are available on the store website and entry is limited. Failure to arrive and check in before the start may result in a refund and the forfeiture of the reserved spot. The host location provides a clean, comfortable play area, refreshments, and a broad selection that ranges from single cards to RPGs and miniatures. This tournament runs every week.

Experience a blend of R&B, soul, and rock as Uncle Morty's Rhythm Cream performs at Bo Diddley Plaza. Presented as part of the Free Fridays Concert Series, this concert is free and open to everyone.

At the Promenade, a music event features an eclectic mix across country, rock, soul, and more. It offers a relaxed start to the weekend with plenty of music, food, and a lively atmosphere.

Make it a playful night out at Bragging Rights with a $40 couple’s package that includes admission for two, two drink tickets, and unlimited arcade play. Pick up the Date Night Challenge Sheet at the counter and take on ten head to head matchups across fighters, racing cabinets, pinball, rhythm games, skeeball, air hockey, and more. Face off in Street Fighter, run the same track in Cruis’n World, team up for a Gauntlet Legends co op, then cap it with a quick 10 minute sprint where you switch games every two minutes. When it is all over, one of you walks away with the bragging rights. No reservations and no dress code.

Florida Gators Football takes on Ole Miss Rebels Football at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Gates open 90 minutes before kickoff. Express Entry registration is available. Tickets will be delivered, and they cannot be viewed or managed until they are sent. A public onsale and a resale period are scheduled.

At Olustee Park, the City of Lake City presents the Growers & Makers Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. Shoppers can purchase directly from local growers and makers, with arts and crafts booths, farmers market vendors, and food trucks on site. The market focuses on connecting residents with community producers and handmade goods.

Walk with a Doc is a no-cost community walk at Depot Park, guided by a local UF Health health care provider. All ages and ability levels are welcome. Participants take a safe walk, learn about current health topics, and connect with others in the community.

Bring your game to a friendly and competitive Adult Mixed Doubles Social at Youngs Park Tennis Courts in Lake City, FL. Players of every experience level are welcome, and there is no fee to participate. Come with a partner or arrive solo and be paired on site. This casual gathering offers a chance to sharpen skills, connect with new tennis partners, and enjoy time on the courts.

Tabletop roleplaying takes center stage with fast, single-session adventures from Pathfinder, D&D Adventures League, and a selection of indie RPGs. The lineup features Pathfinder tables, beginner-friendly and advanced D&D Adventures League options, plus indie titles, offering a variety of worlds to explore. Both newcomers and experienced players ages 16 and up are welcome. Seating is limited at each table and filled on a first come, first served basis. The venue, PunkOuter Games, provides a clean, comfortable play area with refreshments and shelves stocked with cards, RPGs, miniatures, and more, making it easy to relax between sessions and find supplies for your next game.

This guided meditation offers an immersive space at Sacred Earth to deepen spiritual and intuitive awareness. It incorporates shamanic practices, breathwork, journeying, guided visualization, and Tibetan Buddhism, all focused on cultivating a stronger connection to the Divine within. Suggested donation is $10.

PunkOuter Games in Gainesville hosts a free, casual tournament using the All Time format that is designed to introduce tournament-style play to new and returning players. Build up to 500 points with a cap of 24 figures. There is no entry fee and no prize pool. Each participant chooses one promo figure, either Major Q11 or Syvarris, and also selects one order marker set, either the 2026 Store Championship set or the 2026 Valkyrie Trial set that includes the Glyph of Thorian. Loaner options are available, including all Contemporary figures and most from the All Time pool. For further details or to request an army, information is available through North Florida Heroscape.

Ole Miss travels to Gainesville for an SEC clash with the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Both teams are known for quick, physical play, and their meetings often hinge on momentum shifts. As conference action picks up, this game offers a clear read on where each program stands.

Carnival For a Cause is returning to the Baker County Ag Fair. This community carnival supports a cause. Opportunities to volunteer or sponsor are available through the organizers.

Honor the Harvest Moon, the full moon that falls nearest the autumnal equinox, with a guided meditation shaped for this lunar energy. Caitlyn leads the practice with an emphasis on gratitude for what has come to fruition and on setting intentions to welcome more blessings throughout the remainder of the year. A special warm moon milk is offered with the session. The cost is $45, and advance registration is required directly with Relax Salt Rooms.

Celebrate the 2nd Annual Laced Up for Love Sneaker Ball at the Howard Center at Florida Gateway College. This family friendly gala features a seated meal, lively dancing, and a fundraising program that supports Catholic Charities Lake City and the Florida Gateway Food Bank. The event helps provide food, encouragement, and vital services to neighbors across Columbia, Hamilton, Lafayette, Suwannee, and Union counties. Guests can pair formal or cocktail attire with their favorite sneakers. Children and grandchildren are welcome, creating a meaningful experience for all ages. Tickets are $75 for adults and $35 for children ages 13 and under. Apex Imaging serves as the presenting sponsor.

Heartwood Soundstage hosts French acoustic guitar virtuoso, vocalist, and composer Pierre Bensusan as part of The Infinite Guitar Tour 2026. Often called Mister DADGAD, he has shared his distinctive sound with audiences worldwide. His honors include an Independent Music Award for the triple live album Encore, recognition as Best World Music Guitarist in Guitar Player Magazine’s readers poll, and the Rose d’Or at the Montreux Festival for his debut. This performance highlights a fluid, nuanced style that can seem as though the instrument is leading the way, presented by an artist widely regarded among the foremost guitarists of this century.

This weekly constructed event for the Digimon card game offers structured competitive play. Entry is $10, and for each participant 1.5 booster packs are added to the prize pool. Tournament Packs may be available while supplies last. Registration takes place before a prompt start. Capacity is limited, and tickets are available for advance purchase online. Participants who do not arrive and check in before the event begins may receive a refund and forfeit their spot. A Discord community shares updates on Digimon events at PunkOuter. PunkOuter Games provides a well-kept, comfortable play area with refreshments and a wide selection that ranges from single cards to RPGs and miniatures, welcoming both new and experienced players. This tournament takes place every Saturday.

A weekly One Piece constructed tournament invites players for organized play every Saturday. The entry fee is $10, and 1.5 booster packs per participant are added to the prize pool. Tournament packs will be on hand while supplies last. Space is limited, and tickets can be purchased online ahead of time. Participants who do not arrive and check in before the start may receive a refund and lose their spot. PunkOuter Games provides a comfortable play space with refreshments and a wide selection of gaming products, including single cards, roleplaying games, and miniatures.

The Limelight Suite 11 hosts a Laugh Local stand-up showcase with performances by Curtis, Houston, Quaybae, Rex, and Tekk. Jef from Laugh Local serves as host, introducing each comedian.

This free, casual Magic: The Gathering Commander open play invites participants to enjoy games at their own pace. Players set up their own pods and manage gameplay. A code will be available in store for those who choose to use the Magic Companion App to take part. The app is used by Wizards to track in-store participation and can affect what promotional items the store may receive and distribute at future Magic events. Using the Magic Companion App is preferred, but it is not required to play. PunkOuter Games provides a friendly place to relax, refuel, and game, featuring a clean, comfortable play area, refreshments, and a well-stocked selection ranging from single cards to RPGs and miniatures for both newcomers and longtime players.

A relaxed, social build day for Gunpla fans to make progress on backlogged projects or begin something new. The gathering is open to both newcomers and experienced builders, creating a friendly setting to share tips and build together. PunkOuter Games provides a comfortable gaming area with refreshments and a broad selection of hobby items, including single cards, RPGs, and miniatures.

A welcoming weekly brunch features a broad mix of sweet and savory plates, with room for both large and small parties. For guaranteed seating, send reservations to contact@halpatters.com. Highlights include Bruleed French Toast Stix and Honey Whipped Feta Dip, along with rotating picks like Quiche of the Week and Four Cheese Grilled Cheese paired with Soup of the Week. Hearty options range from a Breakfast Croissant Sandwich, Biscuits and Gravy, and a BLT to Shrimp and Grits, a Mexican Breakfast Bowl, a Breakfast Burrito, and a Patty Melt. A la carte choices make it easy to build a plate with Hashbrowns, eggs cooked your way, Tater Tots, Bacon, Sausage Gravy, Toast, a Biscuit, Soup of the Week, or a Grilled Cheese. Brunch cocktails include Mimosas available bottomless or by the glass, Bloody Marys in regular, spicy, or loaded styles, plus Sparkling Rose, Blue Moscato, and Watermelon Rose.

This weekly Gundam constructed tournament welcomes players to compete in a structured format. Sign-up opens before the start and matches begin promptly, so checking in early is important. The entry fee is $10, and for every entry 1.5 booster packs are added to the prize pool. Tickets can be purchased on the organizer’s website in advance, and entry is limited, so advance purchase is recommended to secure a spot. Those who do not arrive and check in before play begins may receive a refund and forfeit their place. PunkOuter Games provides a clean, comfortable gaming area with refreshments and a wide selection of single cards, RPGs, and miniatures. This event takes place every Sunday.

Enjoy friendly Pokémon matches at PunkOuter Games with guidance from a Pokémon Professor who helps set up games, answers rules questions, and judges card interactions when needed. Participation is free and open to all ages, welcoming both newcomers and experienced players. Beginners are encouraged to attend, though the Professor may not be able to provide dedicated one-on-one instruction for the entire session. Separate learn-to-play sessions are available and can be found on the store calendar. If there is strong interest, staff may launch a tournament during the gathering. The venue offers a comfortable play space with refreshments and a wide selection of gaming products, including single cards, RPGs, and miniatures. This event recurs regularly.

Presented by Glory Days, this stand-up night features comedian and actor Johnny Pemberton with Lisa Pockets. Pemberton is known for portraying Bo on NBC’s Superstore and has appeared in films including 21 Jump Street, 22 Jump Street, Neighbors 2, The Watch, Ant-Man, Action Point, This Is 40, and Armando Iannucci’s Oscar-nominated In The Loop. On television he plays Thaddeus in Fallout on Amazon, appeared as Max in FX’s You’re The Worst, and led FOX’s Son of Zorn. He tours nationwide with appearances at Just for Laughs in Montreal, the Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin, and SXSW. His voice credits include Pickle and Peanut, Bob’s Burgers, Adventure Time, Middlemost Post, and Netflix’s The Midnight Gospel, where he also contributed as a writer. He is the host of the podcast LIVE to TAPE with Johnny Pemberton, formerly Twisting The Wind, with hundreds of episodes. Premium up-front and general admission seating are available, with college discount options. Entry is for ages 18 and over, and a $5 cash fee is charged at the door for attendees under 21. A physical government-issued ID is required. The schedule may change. The venue is smoke free. All ticket sales are final unless the show is canceled. Attendance signifies acceptance of standard event policies and an assumption of risk, including COVID-19 related risks, as outlined by the presenter.

This indoor, all-ages show spotlights The Cold Stares, a rare modern blues-rock power trio from Evansville, Indiana. Formed in 2012 as a duo, the band expanded its sound in 2022 with the addition of bassist Bryce Klueh. Their music blends fuzz-laden guitars, classic rock riffs, quick Cream-inspired improvisations, and touches of Delta blues with a strong focus on songwriting and lyrics. The group continues to define what a modern blues-rock trio can be with an upcoming album titled Texas, a salute to Texas and influences such as ZZ Top and the Vaughan brothers. They have earned recognition from outlets including Classic Rock Magazine, No Depression, and American Songwriter, reached the top of Amazon Music’s Blues Rock albums chart, and placed consecutive releases in the Billboard Blues top ten. Their songs have appeared in advertising for Dodge and Chevy, on television series like Animal Kingdom and Sex Education, and in video games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and UFL. Seating upgrades are available at check out. Funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.