Rock and Roll and Afro-Roots
The Afro-Roots Fest is returning to Gainesville for two days song, dance, drum workshops and lectures celebrating Afro-Cuban culture. The award-winning festival kicks off with a more academic-centered event at the University of Florida School of Theater and Dance.
The following evening, a family friendly concert will feature performers like Jacaré Brazil, UF Afrotop Ensemble, Titos Sompa and the Odara Conjunto Folklorico. Come see the Bo Didley Plaza awash in colorful lights, infectious music and captivating performances.
Mean, Green, Clean Machine
The Florida Gator’s golden boy is back in Gainesville with the announcement that he is opening his second location for Clean Juice. Tebow became an ambassador for the fresh fuel brand back in 2021. Clean Juice also contributed to the Tim Tebow Foundation through the Quarters4Kids program serving underprivileged youth.
The second store will be located near the University of Florida’s campus, in Butler Plaza. After the success of his first store in Jacksonville, Tebow is excited to bring a product that means so much to him to a place that means even more.
Spring Fashion
Butler Plaza is also welcoming a new J. Crew Factory in Butler Plaza West. The store is set to open Spring 2023 and will be fully stocked with clothes and outfits to match the season. J. Crew Factory famously sells fun, chic and bright clothing for men, women and children. The factory store will be located in the lot with Publix and Target.
BestFest
The city of Newberry, the Newberry-Jonesville Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Mainstreet Organization have come together to host the annual Newberry WestFest Music Festival. This year’s set list will include Tobacco Rd Band, JB Crockett, Hannah Harber & the Lionhearts and Cameron Wheaton.
In addition to the music, the event will have food and drink vendors as well as activities for kids. WestFest is an opportunity to give back to the community and will be a free event. Just bring some bag chairs and blankets, sit back and enjoy.
Happy Birthday, Satchel’s!
Greater Gainesville’s favorite, iconic hippie spot is celebrating their 20th anniversary. The pizzeria known for its top-notch slices, eclectic atmosphere and, of course, the van has seen its fair share of life’s challenges.
Owner Satchel Raye started the restaurant in 2003 after graduating from college and spending time travelling. Most of the artwork in Satchel’s are souvenirs Raye collected on the road. Even the famous van was his home before it was extra seating. Despite two fires and a pandemic, Raye managed to keep Satchel’s an ever-growing local favorite.
Third Time’s the Charm
Billy Gonzales is back for his third stint at the University of Florida’s Wide Receivers Coach. He first came to UF in 2005 as WR Coach under Urban Meyer until 2009. He came back in 2018, again as WR Coach, having followed Dan Mullen from Mississippi State, until 2021.
Gonzales is famous for turning college players into NFL rock stars. Twenty-seven players under his tutelage went on to be drafted, all within the first 10 rounds. Bringing Gonzales back to Ben Hill will complete UF’s on-field staff for the upcoming 2023 season.
Tryna Catch Me Ridin’ Birdie
The beloved Birdie Box Sando has officially opened their new decked out double decker bus. Located on Southwest 13th Street, the new pink and yellow bus turned the top floor into available seating, with booths lining the windows and their classic graffiti-chic design.
Along with the opening of their Birdie bus, the Sando shop has announced the completion of their nine-month hunt for the perfect bun. Custom made, toasted and 25% bigger, these Birdie buns are the delicious new addition to a top-rated menu.
Galap-Go-Crazy
Join Pinspiration Gainesville at their Paint Party at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo. Go behind the scenes and get a glimpse of the Galapagos tortoises, meet an animal ambassador and just create. Taking place in a tent outside the tortoise exhibit, enjoy a new view of the zoo. (Hey, that rhymed!)
With two art experiences and three different times to choose from, there is plenty of opportunity to make it out there. Guests can either opt for the Guided Canvas session, led by a Pinspiration Gainesville artist, or the Alcohol Ink Tiles session. Guests get two ceramic tiles to decorate and turn into coasters!
Ba-na-na-na-na-Ba-na-na-na-na, Bat Day!
Blackadder Brewing Company is hosting the Lubee Bat Conservancy for its sixth annual Bat Appreciation Day. Guests will be able to talk to bat experts, have fun with bat inspired activities and crafts and celebrate all things bat.
Local vendors and food trucks will be onsite as well to satiate guests, and of course, there will be delicious craft beers served up by Blackadder Brewing. All proceeds from Bat Appreciation Day will go to Lubee Bat Conservancy.
By Harper Warner.