WHAT’S GOOD. ALACHUA | ARCHER | GAINESVILLE | HAWTHORNE | HIGH SPRINGS | LA CROSSE | MICANOPY | NEWBERRY | WALDO

Plan your weekend with the official events guide from Visit Gainesville, Alachua County -8, 2019

Enjoy a Magical Theatrical Performance for the Entire Family at Spirit of the Horse Friday, – Saturday, , 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday, , 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center 23100 W Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL 32669 Experience an inspiring holiday story that is sure to delight and entertain. This show is in its tenth year, enjoyed by audiences around the country, and 2019 marks the premiere of Spirit of the Horse in Florida. Admission is FREE FOR VETERANS with valid ID. Food available from BubbaQue’s BBQ.

Browse Unique Gifts from More Than 200 Vendors at the 51st Annual Craft Festival Saturday, December 7 – Sunday, December 8, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | O’Connell Center 250 Gale Lemerand Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611 Find something special for yourself or that hard to shop for person in your life. The festival has been a holiday tradition for the past 51 years and is the largest indoor craft fair in North Central Florida.

Watch Santa Arrive by Helicopter at Operation Santa Delivery Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Santa Fe College North Field 3700 NW 91st St., Gainesville, FL 32606 Santa will visit Gainesville not by reindeer and sleigh, but by helicopter. Enjoy games, music, food and fun activities. Helicopter Photo by the Gainesville Sun.

Explore the Gainesville Art Scene on a Self-Guided Tour during Artwalk Gainesville Friday, December 6, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Multiple Venues Downtown Gainesville and Celebration Pointe Stroll through 16 local galleries and exhibit spaces during Artwalk Gainesville’s Holiday event. GFAA Gallery features the Opening Reception for Showcase.

Visit the Quaint Shops of Downtown High Springs at First Friday Friday, December 6 | Multiple Venues Downtown High Springs Take a leisurely stroll at First Fridays in High Springs and enjoy the local food and craft brewery scene followed by a stroll downtown to visit the eclectic shops that stay open late with sales and specials for visitors to enjoy.

Delight in a Farm to Table Dinner with Brian Bates of Headwaters Restaurant Saturday, December 7, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Swallowtail Farm 17603 NW 276 Lane, Alachua, FL 32615 Enjoy an evening touring the working farm and meet the farmers who help raise and grow your food. Then savor a one-of-kind dinner menu prepared by Brian Bates paired with locally brewed craft beer and organic wines. Photo by Dave Miller.

Light Up Depot Park at Celebrate “D” Holidays Friday, December 6, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Depot Park 874 SE 4th St., Gainesville, FL 32601 Grab a hot cocoa from Pop-a-Top General Store then stroll the promenade while enjoying holiday decorations and music. For a complete listing of this weekend’s events visit: bit.ly/whatsgood1205 To get What’s Good delivered straight to your inbox: TEXT “WhatsGood” to 22828 or visit http://bit.ly/WhatsGoodAlachuaCounty WHAT’S GOOD. ALACHUA | ARCHER | GAINESVILLE | HAWTHORNE | HIGH SPRINGS | LA CROSSE | MICANOPY | NEWBERRY | WALDO

Plan your weekend with the official events guide from Visit Gainesville, Alachua County December 5-8, 2019

Visit Santa and Take Horse and Wagon Rides at Holiday Tree Lighting Saturday, December 7, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | The Historic Thomas Center 302 NE 6th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601 Visit the Thomas Center at night as the giant tree lights up at this annual event. Santa visits with children to hear their wishes. Horse and wagon rides are available for a small fee.

Watch the Traditional Method of Making Cane Syrup at Fall Farm & Cane Festival Saturday, December 7, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Dudley Farm Historic State Park 18730 W Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL 32669 Explore Dudley Farm and see the cane mill and syrup complex in operation. Other activities include traditional craft demonstrations, blacksmithing, wood working, cross cut saw demonstrations, children’s games, a quilt drawing, old-time music and much more.

Find Artisan Gifts from Local Makers at GLAM Craft Show Sunday, December 8, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company 1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601 Browse and shop the curated selection of artisan gifts from makers in Gainesville and beyond. Grab a bite from food trucks and drop by First Magnitude’s tap room for a beer, wine, kombucha or soda on tap. Admission is free.

Partake in Cider and Sweets and Tour a Decorated 1856 Plantation Home at the Annual Homestead Holidays Sunday, December 8, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Historic Haile Homestead 8500 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608 Traditional greenery and Victorian finery with a “ Sweets” theme adorn the 1856 home. Enjoy live music, hot cider and see the famous Talking Walls.

Tap Into Holiday Nostalgia with Classic Carols during the Spectacular A Celtic Christmas by Performed by Cherish the Ladies Wednesday, , 7:30 p.m. | UF Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611 One of the most engaging and successful ensembles in the history of Celtic music, Cherish the Ladies has shared timeless Irish traditions with audiences worldwide for over 30 years.

Dance to Indie Rock, Funk and Reggae with The Heavy Pets and a Pedal Steel Get- Down with Roosevelt Collier Wednesday, December 11, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage 619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601 Two energetic South Florida acts bring the funk to make Gainesville dance.

This publication contains information about events, venues and activities in Alachua County, Florida. Reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the information is accurate. We are not responsible for errors or omissions in the information provided. For complete details, contact the host directly. The information is not advice, and should not be treated as such. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing paragraph, we do not represent, warrant, undertake or guarantee that the information is correct, accurate, complete or non-misleading. We will not be liable to you in respect of any special, indirect or consequential loss or damage. If a section of this disclaimer is determined by any court or other competent authority to be unlawful and/or unenforceable, the other sections of this disclaimer continue in effect.

For a complete listing of this weekend’s events visit: bit.ly/whatsgood1205 To get What’s Good delivered straight to your inbox: TEXT “WhatsGood” to 22828 or visit http://bit.ly/WhatsGoodAlachuaCounty