FEST 24, Boo at the Zoo lead Gainesville events this week

Staff report
Gainesville Sun
Oct. 21, 2026, 8:00 a.m. ET

“Line by Line”

The Gainesville Fine Arts Association will present its fifth biennial National Juried Exhibition, “Line by Line,” through Oct. 23 at 1314 S. Main St. Curated by Skip Snow and Katy Lemle, the exhibition features 43 artists from 18 states exploring line as a mark, boundary, path, division, connection, structure and symbol. For more information, visit gainesvillefinearts.org.

“Hadestown: Teen Edition”

Eastside High School will present its production of “Hadestown: Teen Edition” at 7 p.m. through Oct. 24 at the school auditorium, 1201 SE 43rd St. Inspired by the Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone, the sung-through musical blends American folk music with vintage New Orleans jazz in a journey to the underworld and back. General admission is $15, and student admission is $10. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit our.show/ehs-hadestownteen.

“Whodunnit, Darling?”

High Springs Playhouse will open its 2026-27 season with “Whodunnit, Darling?” through Oct. 25. Written by Charles Edward Pogue and Larry Drake, the 1930s mystery comedy follows gentleman sleuth Damocles Cole as he investigates a dude-ranch murder at the request of his mystery-writing ex-wife, Daphne. As Dam sorts through clues, alibis, eccentric suspects and interference from a meddling sheriff, he must also confront his unresolved feelings for Daphne. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Adult tickets are $17, and student and senior tickets are $15. High Springs Playhouse is located at 23416 W. US 27. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit highspringsplayhouse.com.

“Little Shop of Horrors”

A rock ’n’ roll, doo-wop and Motown score will come to life when the Hippodrome Theatre presents Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s cult musical “Little Shop of Horrors” through Nov. 1. The two-hour production will be staged at 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, with additional 2 p.m. performances Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets range from $10 to $55 depending on the performance, seating and eligibility. The Hippodrome Theatre is located at 25 SE Second Place. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit thehipp.org.

“Only Music Has the Answer”

The Hippodrome Theatre Art Gallery will celebrate the music, community and shared memories of Gainesville’s annual FEST in the photography exhibition “Only Music Has the Answer,” on view through Nov. 1. The exhibition features concert, crowd and portrait photography documenting the bands, friendships and experiences that bring FEST attendees back to Gainesville each year. Featured photographers include Nicole Kibert Basler, Lindsy Carrasquillo, Tommy Calderon, Dave Decker, Katie Leslie, Andy Stern and others who have helped create a visual history of the festival. Gallery hours are 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 to 6 p.m. Sundays. The Hippodrome Theatre is located at 25 SE Second Place. For more information, visit thehipp.org.

“Disenchanted!”

Snow White and other familiar storybook heroines set the record straight in “Disenchanted!,” running through Nov. 8 at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Featuring a book, music and lyrics by Dennis T. Giacino with Fiely Matias, the irreverent musical comedy reimagines the lives of fairy-tale princesses who have had enough of poisoned apples, glass slippers and their traditional stories. The production is not suitable for small children. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit acrosstown.org.

DanceAbout Classes

Dance Alive National Ballet will offer free DanceAbout classes in ballet, modern, jazz and hip-hop this fall at Legacy Park, 15400 Peggy Road in Alachua, and the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave. in Ocala. The Alachua session meets Mondays, while the Ocala session runs Wednesdays through Nov. 18. Classes meet from 4 to 4:45 p.m. for students in kindergarten through fourth grade and 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. for students in fifth through eighth grade. No previous dance experience or special attire is required. Participants may also perform in a free production of “The Nutcracker” on Nov. 21 in Alachua or Dec. 14 in Ocala. Space is limited and advance registration is required. For more information or to register, visit dancealive.org.

“Layered Lives”

The Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida will present more than 60 works by 10 Cuban women artists in the landmark exhibition “Layered Lives.” Originating from the Discoveries in Art Certilman Family Collection, the exhibition brings together three decades of photography, paintings, ceramics and prints illustrating the resilience, innovation and expansive creativity of Cuban women artists whose layered stories continue to shape our understanding of Cuba and its diaspora. The exhibition will be on view through Jan. 3, 2027. “Layered Lives” features work by artists Belkis Ayón, Ariamna Contino, Aimée García, Rocío García, Alejandra Glez, Elsa Mora, Mabel Poblet, Sandra Ramos, Adislen Reyes and Linet Sánchez. The works can be approached in diverse ways as they contain many interconnected stories and meanings. As viewers explore these layers, they gain a deeper sense of the complex experiences, identities, emotions and perspectives of Cuban women. The exhibition design draws inspiration from water and is organized in a fluid, circular installation, offering multiple points of entry that culminate in a central, site-specific work by Mabel Poblet. The work will feature thousands of miniature square photographs printed on mirror fragments resembling a cascading waterfall, exploring the female body, their connection to water and memory. For more information, visit harn.ufl.edu/layeredlives. Admission is free. The Harn is located at Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road on the University of Florida campus.

“Oliver Jeffers: Life at Sea”

The Harn Museum of Art invites visitors of all ages to help transform a sparsely populated underwater world in “Oliver Jeffers: Life at Sea,” on view through May 30, 2027. Inspired by Jeffers’ children’s book “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the interactive exhibition encourages visitors to create and add sea creatures to an illustrated ocean landscape, gradually turning it into a vibrant marine environment. The installation also includes a sunken ship and a reading nook featuring books that encourage imaginative thinking about caring for the planet. Organized by the Brooklyn Museum, the exhibition explores community, environmental responsibility and humanity’s relationship with Earth through Jeffers’ signature humor and playfulness. Admission is free. The Harn Museum of Art is located at 3259 Hull Road. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with extended hours until 9 p.m. Thursdays, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, visit harn.ufl.edu/lifeatsea.

“Kick Up Fun with Roses” Fall Rose Show and Conference

Award-winning roses, floral arrangements and photography will be displayed during the Deep South District Fall Conference and Rose Show from Oct. 23-25 at the Best Western Gateway Grand, 4200 NW 97th Blvd. Presented by the Deep South District of the American Rose Society, the “Kick Up Fun with Roses” gathering will feature speakers, educational activities, awards and a banquet. Visitors may explore a free public rose exhibition and receive advice about growing roses, while growers may enter their own blooms in the competition. For exhibition hours, registration information and a complete schedule, visit tamparosesociety.com.

FEST 24 at Heartwood Soundstage

Heartwood Soundstage will serve as one of the venues for FEST 24, Gainesville’s annual punk-rock gathering, Oct. 23-25. Heartwood events begin at 11 a.m. Oct. 23, with additional festival performances beginning at 4:20 p.m. Oct. 23, 1:30 p.m. Oct. 24 and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 25. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. For schedules, admission information and tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com. For more information on FEST 24, visit thefestfl.com

“We Sing of One World”

Voices Rising Community Chorus will celebrate music’s power to unite cultures during its fall concert, “We Sing of One World,” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 and 4 p.m. Oct. 24 at First United Methodist Church, 419 NE First St. The program will feature music from countries around the world, demonstrating the universal nature of music and its ability to bring people together. A suggested donation of $10 to $20 will be collected, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Greater Gainesville International Center. For more information, visit vrccgainesville.org.

Bass Persuades Me to Dance: A Miley Party

A Miley-themed dance party celebrates the singer’s new album, “Bass Persuades,” and her biggest hits beginning at 9 p.m. Oct. 23 at Signal, 7 SW First St. The playlist will also feature music by Lady Gaga, Kesha, Beyoncé, Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, Rihanna and Britney Spears. The event is open to ages 18 and older, with a $5 fee for guests younger than 21. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit glorydayspresents.com.

Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale

More than 500,000 books, records, games, puzzles, films, works of art and other items will be available during the Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale on Oct. 24-28 at 430 N. Main St. The sale will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 24 and noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 25-28. Most items cost 25 cents to $4, with half-price merchandise available Oct. 27 and most remaining items reduced to 10 cents Oct. 28. Collector’s Corner, open through Oct. 27, will feature rare, signed and first-edition books along with collectible maps, postcards and local works. Guests should bring their own bags and boxes. For more information, visit folacld.org.

Florida Bat Festival

Visitors can meet some of the world’s largest bats during the 22nd annual Florida Bat Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 24 at Lubee Bat Conservancy, 1309 NW 192nd Ave. The family friendly event will feature live bat encounters, educational exhibits, activities and vendors, along with a beer garden for adults 21 and older. Proceeds support bat conservation and education programs. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and older and $5 for children ages 5-12. Children 4 and younger are admitted free. The festival will be held rain or shine. For more information or tickets, visit lubee.org/flbatfestival.

Young Dancers Showcase

Young dancers from across Florida will take the stage during the Young Dancers Showcase at 8 p.m. Oct. 24 at Santa Fe College’s Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall, 3000 NW 83rd St. Part of the Young Dancers Workshop of North Central Florida, the performance will feature participants working with artist-in-residence RUBBERBAND Dance Group of Montreal. The workshop and showcase are co-coordinated by Santa Fe College Assistant Professor of Dance Melissa Brenner. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit youngdancerworkshop.com.

Claire Wells

Violinist Claire Wells performs at 2 p.m. Oct. 25 in the Squitieri Studio Theatre at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The prize-winning soloist’s chamber program includes sonatas by Debussy, Brahms and Grieg, along with Prokofiev’s “Five Melodies.” Reserved tickets are $40, and UF student tickets are $15. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Robin Wall Kimmerer

Author, scientist and enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member Robin Wall Kimmerer will discuss her book “The Serviceberry” at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Presented as the keynote event of Gainesville Reads 2026, the conversation with Ginessa Mahar and Whitney Leigh Morris will explore generosity, reciprocity, community and economies of care in the natural world and human relationships. Kimmerer is also the author of the bestselling “Braiding Sweetgrass” and a recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship and National Humanities Medal. General admission tickets are $15, with alternative ticketing options available for guests who find the price prohibitive. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

“Fences”

August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama “Fences” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at Star Center Theatre, 11 NE 23rd Ave. Set in Pittsburgh in 1957, the play follows Troy Maxson, a former Negro Leagues baseball player whose bitterness over the opportunities denied to him strains his relationships with his wife, Rose, and son, Cory. Conflict deepens when Cory pursues his own chance to play football, forcing father and son to confront ambition, family responsibility and generational change. For ticket information, visit starcentertheatre.org.

SAP with Sludge Mother and Easterlin

Heartwood Soundstage will host Austin alternative-rock trio SAP with Sludge Mother and Easterlin at 7 p.m. Oct. 26. Touring in support of its 2026 album, “Erasure,” SAP combines the energetic, melodic sound of 1990s grunge with contemporary emotional dynamics. Sludge Mother draws inspiration from the heavy riffs of Soundgarden and Alice in Chains, while Easterlin blends alternative rock, shoegaze and noise pop. Tickets for the all-ages indoor show are $20. The concert will offer standing room, with limited seating available for guests who need it. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.

Florida Indigenous Soundscapes

Poets, musicians and storytellers from the Seminole Tribe of Florida will share their culture and heritage during Florida Indigenous Soundscapes from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at Heartwood Soundstage. Presented by the Florida Museum of Natural History, the program will feature artist, musician and poet Elgin Jumper and storyteller and musician Gordon “Ollie” Wareham, director of the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. Several of Jumper’s paintings will be displayed alongside a pop-up exhibition of South Florida ethnographic and archaeological collections from the Florida Museum. Admission to the seated, all-ages indoor event is free. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. For more information, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.

Drivin N Cryin with The Alabama Heathens

Atlanta rock band Drivin N Cryin will perform with The Alabama Heathens at 7:45 p.m. Oct. 27 on the outdoor stage at Heartwood Soundstage. Led by singer-songwriter Kevn Kinney, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame group blends Southern rock, folk storytelling and hard-driving rock ’n’ roll in songs including “Fly Me Courageous,” “Honeysuckle Blue” and “Straight to Hell.” The band’s new album, “Crushing Flowers,” was produced by Sadler Vaden and features guest appearances by R.E.M.’s Peter Buck and the late Todd Snider. The all-ages show will open with rising Southern rock group The Alabama Heathens. Lawn chairs are permitted. Tickets are $35. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.

Boo at the Zoo

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo’s Halloween tradition Boo at the Zoo returns on a new date from 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at 3000 NW 83rd St. Students in the college’s Zoo Animal Technology program will transform the zoo into a trick-or-treat trail filled with Halloween scenes and decorations. The event will also feature themed performances by Danscompany of Gainesville, games with SF Athletics, activities hosted by Student Life clubs and a Fun4GatorKids Kid Zone offering crafts, games and additional candy. Admission is one nonperishable food item per person, with donations benefiting Saints Food Share and local families in need. The zoo will be closed during its regular operating hours Oct. 28 while staff and students prepare for the event. For more information, visit sfcollege.edu/zoo/visit/events.

“When the Sky Speaks and the Body Trembles”

Dr. George Aaron Broadwell will present “When the Sky Speaks and the Body Trembles: Timucua Spiritual Practices in Colonial Florida” at 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. The program will explore the beliefs and spiritual traditions of the Indigenous Timucua people during Florida’s colonial period. Admission is free, but registration is requested. For more information or to register, visit mathesonmuseum.org/events.

Nick Shoulders with Leonie Evans

Arkansas singer-songwriter Nick Shoulders will perform with British multi-instrumentalist Leonie Evans at 8 p.m. Oct. 29 on the outdoor stage at Heartwood Soundstage. Shoulders draws from Southern traditional music while combining a country croon, Appalachian yodel and field holler with progressive, punk-influenced songwriting. His fifth album, “Refugia Blues,” explores climate change, Southern identity, love and personal transformation. Evans performs a multilingual blend of jazz, blues, country, gospel and folk. Tickets are $29, and children 12 and younger are admitted free. Lawn chairs are permitted as space allows. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.

Community Jazz Sessions

Heartwood Soundstage hosts its free Community Jazz Sessions each month, bringing together professional musicians, emerging improvisers and local jazz listeners. Each indoor session features a house rhythm section, a spotlight performance by a guest artist and opportunities for musicians with jazz experience at any level to sit in and perform or sing. Participating musicians should bring their own instruments and complete the online sign-up form. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. For upcoming dates, guest artists or musician registration, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.

Community Nights

Community Nights are free weekly events hosted by South Main Station and Heartwood Soundstage, featuring a rotating calendar of jams, skillshares, concerts, arts markets, food and drink specials, and other activities each Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. The event has grown in popularity with families, locals, musicians, and college students since its launch in 2024. The event takes place at South Main Station, an arts, food, and entertainment campus adjacent to Depot Park, spanning the Southeast corner of Main Street and Depot Road. Community Nights always feature free live music and drink specials at Heartwood Soundstage’s lawn bar, but any given week can also include skillshares on music and videography, kids’ activities, film screenings, and opportunities to sample local food and drink at South Main’s businesses, which include Humble Pie Pizzeria, Grand Scheme Brewery, Bingo Deli, and Afternoon Coffee. The first Wednesday of every month always features an open-air arts market of local makers and an old-time music jam. More information is available at heartwoodsoundstage.com.

Free Porch Sessions

Enjoy an evening of live acoustic music during the weekly Free Porch Sessions featuring Amanda Husband and Friends every Wednesday at Heartwood Soundstage. Held outdoors on the venue’s deck, the weekly gathering offers a relaxed atmosphere with acoustic performances, happy hour specials and summer drink specials from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Seating is provided, and guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. For more information or to RSVP, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.

Horse Feeding

The Retirement Home for Horses provides lifetime care to elderly horses seized by law enforcement agencies, rescued by the SPCA or humane societies, and horses retired from government service, such as police patrol or state and federal parks. They allow visitors to tour the property and feed treats — carrots, apple slices and bananas provided by the visitors — from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday. Mill Creek Farm Retirement Home for Horses is located at 20307 NW CR 235A in Alachua. For more information or to support the nonprofit, visit millcreekfarm.org.

WACKY Wednesdays

WACKY Wednesdays takes place every Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Alachua Branch Library, 14913 NW 140th St. in Alachua. Children can enjoy a different hands-on activity each week, including arts and crafts, LEGO building, MakerSpace projects, board and card games, and video games. Designed to encourage creativity, imagination, and social interaction, this free weekly program offers a fun and welcoming space for kids to explore, create, and play after school. For more information, visit aclib.us/alachua-branch.

Jake Shimabukuro

Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro will perform at 7 p.m. Oct. 30 on the outdoor stage at Heartwood Soundstage. Known for expanding the possibilities of the ukulele, Shimabukuro blends jazz, rock, classical music, blues, folk and traditional Hawaiian influences. His viral rendition of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” introduced his innovative playing to an international audience, and he has collaborated with artists including Yo-Yo Ma, Jimmy Buffett, Ziggy Marley and Bette Midler. Tickets are $32. The all-ages show permits lawn chairs. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.

University of Florida Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Tiffany Lu returns to lead the University of Florida Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Violinist Aubree Oliverson joins the orchestra for Barber’s Violin Concerto as part of a dream-inspired program that also includes Debussy’s “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun” and Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique.” Tickets range from $30 to $50, with $15 tickets available to UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Perspectives in the Parks

The city of Gainesville’s monthly Perspectives in the Parks program returns from 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 1 at Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park. The free series connects community members with the outdoors through presentations by local experts covering topics such as science, nature, history and art. Programs are held on the first Sunday of each month at the park’s nature center, located at 1500 NW 45th Ave. The next session is scheduled for Dec. 6. For more information, visit gainesvillefl.gov.

Capitol Fools

Election-season comedy returns when Capitol Fools takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Continuing the satirical tradition of The Capitol Steps, the troupe uses improvisation and pop-song parodies to lampoon headlines and politicians on both sides of the aisle. The show is recommended for ages 14 and older. Tickets range from $30 to $50, while UF student tickets are $15. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

The Brook and the Bluff

The Brook and the Bluff will bring its “Werewolf” tour to Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St., on Nov. 6. The Nashville-based indie rock band recently released its album “Werewolf” through Dualtone Records and will spend the fall touring across the United States. Known for its four-part harmonies and energetic live performances, the group’s latest record leans into a louder, more guitar-driven sound inspired by years on the road. For more information, visit thebrookandthebluff.com.

An Evening with Renée Elise Goldsberry

Tony and Grammy Award winner Renée Elise Goldsberry performs at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Best known for originating the role of Angelica Schuyler in “Hamilton,” Goldsberry will showcase her vocal range in a program featuring Broadway favorites, original music, pop and R&B. Tickets range from $35 to $60, with $25 admission for UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Big Sky

Gainesville rock band Big Sky returns to The Wooly, 20 N. Main St., for a concert Nov. 6. Doors open at 8 p.m., with music beginning at 8:30 p.m. Formed in Gainesville in 1993, the group built its sound around original, guitar-driven rock with Southern influences and has recently supported Bill Murray and His Blood Brothers. Bli and the Miles, and Chris McCarty will also perform. Tickets are $25.94, including fees. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit glorydayspresents.com.

“Behind the Lines: A 9/11 Story”

“Behind the Lines: A 9/11 Story” combines theater, music and firsthand testimony at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Led by trumpeter Dominick Farinacci, the production features Bill Spade, the sole surviving member of FDNY Rescue Company 5, and three-tour Afghanistan combat veteran Jaymes Poling. Presented during the 25th anniversary year of the attacks, the work explores modern history, healing and hope. Tickets range from $20 to $40, with $15 tickets for UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

“The ’Nam AC-48”

Sons of Town Hall

David Berkeley and Ben Parker become a pair of fictional 19th-century vagabonds when Sons of Town Hall performs at 7 and 9 p.m. Nov. 12 at UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The duo combines close-harmony Americana with fanciful tales about a seafaring search for adventure and love. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, while desserts accompany the 9 p.m. show; both offer a cash bar. Tickets are $60 at 7 p.m., $35 at 9 p.m. and $15 for UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Tom Petty Weekend

Musicians and fans will celebrate Gainesville native Tom Petty during Tom Petty Weekend on Nov. 13-15 at Heartwood Soundstage. The three-day festival will feature Stan Lynch and The Speaker Wars; White Denim; Jake Thistle Band; Joe Crookston; Have Gun, Will Travel; Kristopher James; The Shambles and more on indoor and outdoor stages. Friday’s general-admission kickoff concert runs from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., followed by festival performances from 1 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets and packages range from $15 to $300. Children 18 and younger are admitted free, and lawn chairs are permitted as space allows. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. For more information, a complete lineup or tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.

Yilian Cañizares

Violinist and vocalist Yilian Cañizares fills UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road, with Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz at 7 and 9 p.m. Nov. 13. Her melodic, danceable music combines a soulful voice, improvisational freedom and influences drawn from Afro-Cuban traditions. Heavy hors d’oeuvres are included at 7 p.m. and desserts at 9 p.m., with a cash bar at both seatings. Tickets are $60 at 7 p.m., $35 at 9 p.m. and $15 for UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Ballyhoo!

Maryland-based beach-rock band Ballyhoo! closes its fall tour at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at Vivid Music Hall, 201 W. University Ave. Blending reggae, punk rock, pop and alternative music, the group has built a national following through energetic live performances and songs about life, relationships and escape. Lifted Riffs and Left on Red will open the show. Tickets are $25.94, including fees. The concert is open to ages 18 and older, with a $6 fee for guests younger than 21. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit glorydayspresents.com.

Americana Classic Car, Truck and Bike Show

The fifth annual Americana Classic Car, Truck and Bike Show will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 14 at Homestead Park, 1050 NE Sixth Blvd. in Williston. The family friendly event will feature hundreds of classic cars, trucks and motorcycles competing for 17 trophies, along with a veterans tribute, live music by The Vegas Roadshow, food trucks, arts-and-crafts vendors, a 50/50 raffle, axe throwing and nine-hole miniature golf. Spectator admission and parking are free. Early vehicle registration is $10 through Nov. 2 and includes a commemorative dash plaque and raffle ticket. Day-of-event registration is $15. For more information or vehicle registration, call Premier Events NCF at 954-854-2364 or 941-586-7258.

“Art from the Archives”

The Matheson History Museum will open its second annual “Art from the Archives” exhibition from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 14 at 513 E. University Ave. The exhibition is part of the museum’s 2026 Fall Program Series. Admission is free. For more information, visit mathesonmuseum.org/events.

“Sleeping Beauty and the Saving Prince”

Doxa Dance Company will present its 16th annual production, “Sleeping Beauty and the Saving Prince,” at 6 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Designed for the entire family, the production uses dance, artistry and storytelling to follow the preparations for a grand celebration honoring Princess Aurora. Reserved tickets are $27. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Jason Salmon

Comedian and actor Jason Salmon performs at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 at Signal, 7 SW First St. Originally from Texas and based in New York City, Salmon brings a conversational storytelling style to material drawn from his Southern upbringing, relationships and everyday experiences. Doors open at 6 p.m. General admission and premium seating are available for the show, which is open to ages 18 and older. Guests younger than 21 must pay an additional $5 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit glorydayspresents.com.

“B-Roll”

Educator and filmmaker Steve Robitaille will present “B-Roll: Life in Front of the Blackboard and Behind the Lens” at 7 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Admission is free, but registration is requested. For more information or to register, visit mathesonmuseum.org/events.

“Sounds of the Season”

More than 300 student and community singers and musicians will take the stage when the University of Florida School of Music presents the 78th annual “Sounds of the Season” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19-20 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Conducted by Will Kesling, this year’s “Ugly Christmas Sweaters” program will combine holiday music, humor and festive spirit, with “The Ugly Christmas Sweater Song” serving as the centerpiece. Audience members are encouraged to wear their most outrageous holiday sweaters. Admission is free, but tickets are required and will become available at noon Nov. 2 through the Phillips Center box office and UFPA ticketing website. Each guest may reserve up to four advance tickets. For more information, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

“Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical”

The bond between sisters Elsa and Anna comes to the stage when Gainesville Community Playhouse presents “Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical” from Nov. 20-Dec. 13 at the Vam York Theater, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Directed by Rhonda Wilson, the expanded stage adaptation follows the sisters as they confront fear, identity and self-acceptance with help from Olaf, Kristoff and Sven. The score includes the Academy Award-winning song “Let It Go” and new music created for Broadway. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, with no performance on Thanksgiving. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students and $15 for children 12 and younger, plus a $2 online service fee. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit gcplayhouse.org.

Auditions: “Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood”

Gainesville Community Playhouse will hold auditions for “Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood” at 7 p.m. Nov. 22-23 at the Vam York Theater, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Directed by Derek Wohlust, the fast-paced comedy follows Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Little John and Friar Tuck on a swashbuckling adventure filled with romance, laughter and heroism. The production will run Jan. 22-Feb. 7, 2027. Additional casting and preparation information will be posted as the audition dates approach. For updates or to download an audition application, visit gcplayhouse.org.

The War And Treaty

Husband-and-wife duo Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter bring The War And Treaty to the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22. The group channels its commanding vocals and personal songwriting into a cross-generational blend of country, gospel, soul and Americana. Tickets range from $40 to $60, with $20 admission for UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Florida Museum Reopening

The Florida Museum of Natural History will reopen its Ken and Linda McGurn Exhibition Hall to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 23 following an extensive construction and renovation project. Visitors will encounter a redesigned lobby, expanded museum store, updated permanent exhibitions and the new free Jack and Tifi Bierley Inspire Gallery, which will offer interactive activity kits, natural history specimens, NASA’s Eyes on the Earth display and NOAA’s Science On a Sphere Explorer. The gallery’s Science Up-Close section will also provide opportunities to meet scientists, watch demonstrations and examine museum specimens. General admission is free, though some exhibits require paid tickets. The Florida Museum is located at 3215 Hull Road. After reopening, hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, visit floridamuseum.ufl.edu/visit/expansion.

Bryan Bielanski

North Carolina-based singer-songwriter Bryan Bielanski will perform two Gainesville shows Nov. 23, beginning at 4 p.m. at The Bull, 18 SW First Ave., and continuing at 9 p.m. during Bobo-a-Gogo at University Club, 18 E. University Ave. Inspired by rock and folk music, Bielanski pairs catchy, upbeat songs with a relentless touring schedule that has taken him across the United States and to audiences throughout Europe, Asia, Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica. Since 2022, he has played more than 1,000 shows, including 311 performances in 2025. For more information, visit bryanssuperhappyfuntime.bandcamp.com.

Kings Return

Grammy-nominated a cappella quartet Kings Return welcomes the holiday season with “We Four Kings” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Known for viral performances and seamless four-part harmony, the group refreshes familiar winter music with influences from R&B, jazz and gospel. Tickets range from $30 to $40, and UF student tickets are $15. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

“The Charitable Sisterhood Christmas Spectacular”

A missing baby Jesus figure creates a holiday mystery in “The Charitable Sisterhood Christmas Spectacular,” running Dec. 4-20 at High Springs Playhouse. Set in 1977, Bo Wilson’s comedy follows the women of Second Trinity Church as they prepare for their annual Christmas show while attempting to identify the thief who disturbed their Nativity scene. Private investigator Janet Murchison joins the search as the sisterhood performs sacred songs and satirical skits both onstage and behind the scenes. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m. Adult tickets are $17, and student and senior tickets are $15. The theater is located at 23416 W. US 27. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit highspringsplayhouse.com.

“Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley”

Acrosstown Repertory Theatre will continue the story of Jane Austen’s Bennet family with “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley,” running Dec. 4-20 at 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Performances begin at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. Written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, and directed by Kate Clement, the play takes place two years after “Pride and Prejudice” and follows bookish middle sister Mary Bennet as an unexpected Christmas guest awakens her hopes for independence, intellectual companionship and romance. Ticket prices have not yet been published. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit acrosstown.org.

“A Christmas Carol”

The Hippodrome Theatre will continue its holiday tradition with “A Christmas Carol” from Dec. 5-20. Featuring lively music and holiday cheer, the 75-minute production will be presented at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturdays and 1 p.m. Sundays. Tickets range from $20 to $45 depending on seating and eligibility. The Hippodrome Theatre is located at 25 SE Second Place. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit thehipp.org.

“A Twistmas Carol”

Kevin Rainsberger’s holiday comedy “A Twistmas Carol” returns to the Hippodrome Theatre for performances Dec. 7-22 at 25 SE Second Place. Set in a retirement home for actors, the play puts a theatrical twist on Charles Dickens’ familiar story as an aging curmudgeon is visited by unexpected spirits and colorful characters. The production offers an irreverent alternative to the traditional holiday tale while retaining its themes of reflection, redemption and human connection. The first performance begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 7, with additional performance times varying by date. Tickets range from $20 to $45. For more information, a complete schedule or tickets, visit thehipp.org.

“Cinderella”

Danscompany of Gainesville will continue its holiday tradition with performances of the full-length ballet “Cinderella” at 1 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Presented by the local company as an annual tradition since 1993, the production brings the classic fairy tale of transformation, kindness and romance to the stage through dance. General admission tickets are $20. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Dan Tyminski

Bluegrass vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Dan Tyminski will present an evening of music and storytelling at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 on the outdoor stage at Heartwood Soundstage. A longtime member of Alison Krauss and Union Station, Tyminski provided the singing voice for George Clooney’s performance of “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow” in the film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” The all-ages show permits lawn chairs. Tickets range from $43 to $49. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.

Hoggtowne Bronze Christmas Concert

Community handbell ensemble Hoggtowne Bronze will welcome the holiday season with a Christmas concert at 4 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. The performance will feature seasonal selections played by the Gainesville-based ensemble. Admission is free. For more information, visit mathesonmuseum.org/events.

“The Nutcracker”

Dance Alive National Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” with live accompaniment by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 and 2 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The family-friendly production brings the traditional holiday ballet to the stage with a full orchestral score. Reserved tickets range from $47 to $67, with $47 tickets for seniors and students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Class with Clara

Young dancers and other ballet enthusiasts can join the heroine of “The Nutcracker” during Dance Alive National Ballet’s “Class with Clara” at 4 p.m. Dec. 19-20 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The onstage ballet class is open to participants of all ages. Admission is $25. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Valerie June

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Valerie June brings her distinctive blend of folk, blues, soul, country and Appalachian influences to Heartwood Soundstage at 6 p.m. Dec. 19. June has written songs for Mavis Staples and The Blind Boys of Alabama and shared stages with artists including John Prine, Norah Jones, Willie Nelson, Brandi Carlile and Robert Plant. Tickets for the all-ages outdoor show are $49, and lawn chairs are permitted as space allows. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.

Flying Pig Parade

Gainesville’s Flying Pig Parade will return for its fourth year at 2 p.m. Jan. 2, 2027, beginning at Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. More than 50 groups will celebrate everything wild and wonderful about North Central Florida through music, dancing, puppetry, costumes, satire and other creative performances. The six-block procession will travel south along Southeast First Street before circling back to the plaza for a post-parade party featuring music and opportunities for marchers to mingle with spectators. Emily Robbins, Caitlin Butler and Mariah Doran will take over production of the event from founder Glenn Terry, who will remain involved as creative director. Individuals and groups may apply to participate at no cost through Dec. 12. For more information, volunteer opportunities or participant applications, visit flyingpigparade.org.

Twanguero

Latin Grammy winner Diego García, performing as Twanguero, brings his band to UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road, at 7 and 9 p.m. Jan. 9, 2027. His fingerstyle guitar work combines Spanish and Latin traditions with country, rockabilly, jazz and surf music. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, while desserts are included at 9 p.m.; both have a cash bar. Tickets are $60 at 7 p.m., $35 at 9 p.m. and $15 for UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

“Marjorie Prime”

Jordan Harrison’s “Marjorie Prime” will explore memory, identity and artificial intelligence Jan. 15-31, 2027, at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Performances begin at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. Directed by Cristina Palacio, the play centers on 85-year-old Marjorie, whose fading memories are reflected back to her by a computerized companion programmed with the story of her life. The production asks what people might choose to remember or forget and whether technology can replace human connection. Ticket prices have not yet been published. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit acrosstown.org.

“Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood”

Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Little John and Friar Tuck embark on a swashbuckling adventure in “Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood,” running Jan. 22-Feb. 7, 2027, at Gainesville Community Playhouse’s Vam York Theater, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Directed by Derek Wohlust, the fast-paced comedy combines romance, heroism and swordplay as Robin and his band of outlaws challenge the ruthless powers controlling England. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, and $15 for children 12 and younger, plus a $2 online service fee. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit gcplayhouse.org.

“Firebird”

Dance Alive National Ballet enters a world of magic and mythology with “Firebird” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23, 2027, at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The family-friendly ballet will feature live accompaniment by the University of Florida Symphony Orchestra. Reserved tickets range from $42 to $62, with $42 admission for seniors and students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Invoke

Award-winning chamber ensemble Invoke performs at 2 p.m. Jan. 24, 2027, in the Squitieri Studio Theatre at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The concert pairs music by Haydn, William Grant Still, Ravel and Florence Price with original compositions by the ensemble, which has appeared at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Reserved admission is $45, and UF student tickets are $15. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

“Two Trains Running”

August Wilson’s “Two Trains Running” will take the Hippodrome Theatre stage from Jan. 27, 2027 through Feb. 14, 2027. Set in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1969, the play centers on longtime diner owner Memphis Lee and a community that includes a numbers runner, funeral director, waitress and 322-year-old sage navigating gentrification while holding onto their hopes for the future. Performances begin at 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, with 2 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets range from $10 to $55 depending on the performance, seating and eligibility. The Hippodrome Theatre is located at 25 SE Second Place. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit thehipp.org.

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

Grammy-winning guitarist and vocalist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram performs at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28, 2027, at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Ingram builds upon the Delta blues tradition with explosive guitar work and elements of funk, hip-hop and soul. Tickets range from $30 to $50, with $15 tickets available to UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

The comedy mystery “Clue” comes to life onstage at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30, 2027, at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Based on the 1985 film and inspired by the Hasbro board game, the production gathers six suspicious guests at Boddy Manor for an evening of murder, blackmail, mistaken identities and unexpected twists. Tickets range from $50 to $80, with $25 admission for UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

“King Lear”

Actors From The London Stage presents Shakespeare’s “King Lear” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4-5 and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 in the Squitieri Studio Theatre at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The tragedy follows an aging king whose decision to divide his realm according to his daughters’ flattery unleashes political collapse, familial betrayal and madness. Reserved tickets are $40, while UF student tickets are $15. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

“The Murder Room”

Jack Sharkey’s British mystery farce “The Murder Room” will take the stage Feb. 5-28, 2027, at High Springs Playhouse. Newlywed Mavis Hollister attempts to murder her wealthy husband, Edgar, only for his body to disappear from their Yorkshire cottage. Her effort to conceal the crime becomes increasingly chaotic as eccentric visitors, mistaken identities, secret passageways, false accents and misunderstandings leave everyone questioning who is dead, who is alive and who is deceiving whom. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Adult tickets are $17, while student and senior tickets are $15. High Springs Playhouse is located at 23416 W. US 27. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit highspringsplayhouse.com.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to Gainesville for the first time in 10 years at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15, 2027, at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The internationally celebrated company is known for performances uniting technical precision, emotional power and works that reflect and celebrate the African American cultural experience. Tickets range from $35 to $65, with $25 tickets available to UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Cirque Éloize

Cirque Éloize brings the high-energy spectacle “ID Evolution” to the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18. Designed for audiences of all ages, the visually driven production combines circus arts, dance, music and technology with acrobatics, athletic movement and daring stunts. Tickets range from $25 to $45, with $15 admission for UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Benny Benack III

Trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III brings “The Magic of Manhattan” to UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road, at 7 and 9 p.m. Feb. 20. Benack combines jazz standards, modern arrangements, crooning vocals and virtuosic trumpet playing in a performance shaped by the energy of New York nightlife. The early seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and the later show includes desserts, with a cash bar available at both. Tickets are $60 at 7 p.m., $35 at 9 p.m. and $15 for UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Santiago Cañón-Valencia

Cellist Santiago Cañón-Valencia performs with pianist Victor Santiago Asunción at 2 p.m. Feb. 21 in the Squitieri Studio Theatre at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. A medalist at the Tchaikovsky Competition, Cañón-Valencia will perform music by Debussy, Ginastera, Arvo Pärt and Shostakovich, along with his own work “Ad Noctem.” Reserved tickets are $40, with $15 admission for UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Academy of St Martin in the Fields and Conrad Tao

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields joins pianist Conrad Tao for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The program connects established orchestral traditions with contemporary ideas through works by Bach, Stravinsky and Copland, along with a new composition for strings by Tao. Tickets range from $30 to $60, and UF student admission is $15. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

“Robin Hood”

Dance Alive National Ballet brings the adventures of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men to the stage at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The family-friendly ballet follows the legendary outlaw hero in a story of bravery, love and standing up for others. Reserved tickets range from $37 to $75, while senior and student tickets are $35. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

“SIX”

The six wives of Henry VIII reclaim their stories through pop music in the Broadway musical “SIX,” presented at 7:30 p.m. March 2-4, 2027, at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The international hit transforms 500 years of royal heartbreak into a concert-style celebration of contemporary girl power. The production contains flashing lights, strobe effects, theatrical haze and loud music. Tickets range from $50 to $85, with $25 tickets for UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

“Desperate Measures”

The award-winning musical comedy “Desperate Measures” will run March 10-28, 2027, at the Hippodrome Theatre. Written by David Friedman and Peter Kellogg, the Wild West story blends Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” with the humor of Mel Brooks as novice nun Isabella attempts to save her reckless brother from execution by a corrupt governor. The characters also include saloon girl Bella Rose, a Nietzsche-quoting priest and an honorable sheriff. Shows begin at 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, with 2 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets range from $10 to $55 depending on the performance, seating and eligibility. The theater is located at 25 SE Second Place. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit thehipp.org.

“Swan Lake”

Dance Alive National Ballet stages the romantic ballet “Swan Lake” at 7:30 p.m. March 11, 2027, at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The family-friendly production tells a story of enchantment, devotion and love’s struggle to triumph over evil. Reserved tickets range from $37 to $75, with $37 tickets available to seniors and students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Pasquale Grasso Trio

Guitarist Pasquale Grasso leads his trio at 7 and 9 p.m. March 12 at UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Known for approaching the guitar with the phrasing and harmonic ideas of a bebop pianist, Grasso combines rapid technique and classical precision with influences from Bud Powell and Dizzy Gillespie. The early seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and the late show includes desserts, with a cash bar at both. Tickets are $60 at 7 p.m., $35 at 9 p.m. and $15 for UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

“Sister Act”

Gainesville Community Playhouse will present the musical comedy “Sister Act” from March 19-April 11, 2027, at the Vam York Theater, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. After witnessing a crime, disco singer Deloris Van Cartier enters protective custody at a convent, where she clashes with Mother Superior before transforming the struggling choir and bringing the community together. Brandon Lee directs the Broadway musical, featuring a score by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, with no Easter performance March 28. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, and $15 for children 12 and younger, plus a $2 online service fee. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit gcplayhouse.org.

Vitaly Starikov

Van Cliburn International Piano Competition silver medalist Vitaly Starikov performs at 2 p.m. March 21 in the Squitieri Studio Theatre at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Presented as a Vam and E.T. York Promising Artist, Starikov will perform works by Mendelssohn, Bartók, Debussy and Prokofiev. Reserved tickets are $40, while UF student tickets are $15. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

“The 4th Witch”

Manual Cinema reimagines Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” through the eyes of a young girl orphaned by Macbeth’s army in “The 4th Witch,” presented at 7:30 p.m. March 25, 2027, at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The Emmy-winning company creates a live film using vintage projectors, paper shadow puppets, cameras, actors, choreography, music and immersive sound. The production is recommended for ages 12 and older. Reserved tickets are $40, with $15 admission for UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

“Legally Blonde — The Musical”

Elle Woods heads from the sorority house to Harvard Law when “Legally Blonde — The Musical” comes to the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road, at 7:30 p.m. March 27, 2027. Based on the popular film, the award-winning musical follows Elle as she confronts stereotypes, scandal and academic challenges while discovering her own abilities and ambitions. Tickets range from $45 to $75, with $25 tickets available to UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

“Bill’s 44th”

Inventive puppetry and visual storytelling shape “Bill’s 44th,” presented at 7:30 p.m. April 6-7, 2027, at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Named a New York Times Critics’ Pick, the touching comedy follows a lonely but hopeful Bill as he waits for birthday guests who may never arrive, exploring solitude, aging and the need for connection. Reserved tickets are $40, and UF student tickets are $15. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

The Wailers

The Wailers will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bob Marley and The Wailers’ landmark album “Exodus” at 7 p.m. April 9, 2027, on the outdoor stage at Heartwood Soundstage. Led by Aston Barrett Jr., son of longtime Wailers bassist Aston “Familyman” Barrett, the band’s “Exodus 2027 World Tour” will feature songs from the album including “Jamming,” “Waiting in Vain,” “Three Little Birds,” “One Love” and “Natural Mystic,” along with other reggae favorites and selections from the group’s contemporary catalog. Tickets for the all-ages show are $38, and lawn chairs are permitted as space allows. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.

Twelfth Night

Historical-performance chamber orchestra Twelfth Night presents “Elemental” at 7:30 p.m. April 9, 2027, at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Inspired by humanity’s relationship with the natural world, the concert places instrumentalists and vocalists together in fresh interpretations of music by Bach, Handel and Vivaldi. Tickets range from $40 to $50, with $15 admission for UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain brings musical precision, unexpected arrangements and irreverent British humor to the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road, at 7:30 p.m. April 11, 2027. Dressed like a classical ensemble, the group uses ukuleles to cross musical boundaries with selections ranging from Handel to “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Tickets range from $20 to $40, while UF student admission is $15. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Henhouse Prowlers

Chicago-based bluegrass group Henhouse Prowlers performs at 7 and 9 p.m. April 16, 2027, at UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The band combines fast, skillful picking with four-part vocal harmony, storytelling and humor in an energetic celebration of Americana. Heavy hors d’oeuvres accompany the 7 p.m. seating, while desserts are included at 9 p.m.; both offer a cash bar. Tickets are $60 at 7 p.m., $35 at 9 p.m. and $15 for UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Elida Almeida

Cape Verdean singer Elida Almeida shares her vibrant Afro-pop sound at 7 and 9 p.m. April 17, 2027, at UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Singing in Portuguese, Spanish and English, Almeida pairs soaring vocals and personal storytelling with the propulsive rhythms of African guitar. The early seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and the late performance includes desserts, with a cash bar available at both. Tickets are $60 at 7 p.m., $35 at 9 p.m. and $15 for UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

“The Full Monty”

Six unemployed steelworkers devise an unconventional plan to earn money and save their marriages in “The Full Monty,” running April 21, 2027, through May 23, 2027, at the Hippodrome Theatre. Featuring a book by Terrence McNally and music and lyrics by David Yazbek, the razor-sharp musical follows the group of lovable misfits as they decide whether they are willing to go all the way. Performances will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, with 2 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets range from $10 to $55 depending on the performance, seating and eligibility. The Hippodrome Theatre is located at 25 SE Second Place. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit thehipp.org.

Michael Mayo

Singer and composer Michael Mayo brings contemporary jazz to UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road, at 7 and 9 p.m. April 23, 2027,. A collaborator of artists including Herbie Hancock and Jacob Collier, Mayo blends jazz improvisation with funk, neo-soul and R&B. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, while the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts; both have a cash bar. Tickets are $60 at 7 p.m., $35 at 9 p.m. and $15 for UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Julius Rodriguez

Multi-instrumentalist Julius Rodriguez presents his trio project “Bench2Throne” at 7 and 9 p.m. April 24, 2027, at UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Joined by bassist Brandon Rose and guitarist Andrew Renfroe, Rodriguez moves between piano and drums as the trio brings jazz history into a contemporary setting. Heavy hors d’oeuvres are included at 7 p.m. and desserts at 9 p.m., with a cash bar at both seatings. Tickets are $60 at 7 p.m., $35 at 9 p.m. and $15 for UF students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Shakespeare’s enchanted forest moves beneath an Appalachian moon in Gainesville Community Playhouse’s reimagining of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” running May 21-June 6, 2027, at the Vam York Theater, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Directed by Ellen Frattino, the production follows students from Athens, Georgia, who flee into the woods and become entangled in romance, confusion and otherworldly mischief led by Puck. A backwoods bluegrass band joins the chaos in this blend of comedy, folklore and the supernatural. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students and $15 for children 12 and younger, plus a $2 online service fee. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit gcplayhouse.org.

“Urinetown, the Musical”

A water shortage turns access to restrooms into a privilege controlled by a corrupt corporation in “Urinetown, the Musical,” running July 16-Aug. 8, 2027, at Gainesville Community Playhouse’s Vam York Theater, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Directed by Sarah Hanson, the three-time Tony Award-winning comedy follows Bobby Strong as he leads a revolt against the oppressive system. Featuring music by Mark Hollmann and a book and lyrics by Greg Kotis, the production satirizes capitalism, bureaucracy and musical theater itself. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays-Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, and $15 for children 12 and younger, plus a $2 online service fee. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit gcplayhouse.org.

“Treasure Island”

Pirates, treasure and adventure will come to High Springs Playhouse in Ken Ludwig’s theatrical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island,” running July 22, 2027, through Aug. 1, 20

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