Events in Gainesville today

Celebrate the start of fall with a cozy Tiny Tales story time inspired by The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming. Little ones will follow Squirrel’s playful search for who is taking the leaves, then enjoy interactive reading, songs, movement, and a simple autumn craft. There will also be time to play, create, and make new friends. Designed for ages 0 to 5, this free session takes place at Tiny Tot Bundles. RSVPs are encouraged to help ensure enough craft supplies for everyone.

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.

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.

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.

Part of the Levitt AMP Alachua Music Series, this free, family-friendly concert unfolds on the open lawn at Skinner Baseball Park with a relaxed, bring-your-own setup. Attendees may bring picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs and enjoy a diverse slate of high-caliber artists spanning R&B, soul, bluegrass, indie rock, country, Irish, blues, reggae, funk, Latin, and a cappella. Supported in part by the Levitt Family Foundation, the series activates public spaces through no-cost outdoor performances and highlights the unifying power of live music. The season features ten concerts presented in spring and fall.

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.

Expect a night of R&B, soul, and rock with a live performance by Uncle Morty's Rhythm Cream at Bo Diddley Plaza. Presented as part of the Free Fridays Concert Series. The concert is free and open to the public.

At the Promenade, enjoy a live music showcase spanning country, rock, soul, and more. Kick off the weekend with music and food.

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 faces the Ole Miss Rebels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Stadium gates open one and a half hours before kickoff. Express Entry registration is available. Tickets will be delivered on the announced date, and they cannot be viewed or managed until they are sent. A resale window is noted.

Walk with a Doc offers a free community walk at Depot Park, led by a local UF Health health care provider. It is open to people of all ages and abilities. Participants can enjoy a safe walk, learn about timely health topics, and connect with others in the community.

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.

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.

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.

Kristina, Houston, Jim, Melissa, and Malcom bring their comedic styles to the Limelight in a stand-up showcase, hosted by Jef from Laugh Local.

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.

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.

A stand-up showcase arrives at Signal in downtown Gainesville with Johnny Pemberton joined by Josh Fadem. Pemberton’s work spans TV, film, animation, and podcasting. Viewers may know him as Bo on NBC’s Superstore, Thaddeus in the Amazon series Fallout, Max on FX’s You’re The Worst, and the lead of FOX’s Son of Zorn. His film appearances include 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. He tours nationally and has taken the stage at Just for Laughs in Montreal, the Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin, and SXSW. His voice work includes 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 long-running podcast LIVE to TAPE with Johnny Pemberton, previously titled Twisting The Wind. Premium up-front seating and general admission seating are available, with a college discount option. Admission is 18 and over, and guests under 21 will be charged a $5 cash fee at the door. A physical government-issued ID is required for entry. The venue does not allow smoking inside. Set times are subject to change. All ticket sales are final unless the show is canceled. Entry is issued as a revocable license and attendance includes acceptance of event policies, including the assumption of risks associated with live gatherings such as the possibility of contracting or spreading COVID-19. Unauthorized recording or transmission of the event is prohibited, and violations of laws or venue regulations may result in removal. Attendance also grants permission for the use of your image or likeness in event-related media.

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.