Scene Calendar: 'Free Fridays,' 'Honky Tonk Laundry,' Fourth of July events and more

MUSIC

“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. today, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (bodiddleyplaza.com/upcoming-events) Tamayo and Dionysus will perform.

Friday Concerts in the Park: 7-9 p.m. today, Dr. Kenneth A. Schwiebert Pavilion, Northwest First Avenue, Williston. Free. (bit.ly/fridayconcertjuly22) Rudy Turner will perform. Miller Concessions will be on hand selling wings, fish, funnel cakes and fried Oreos. Buy dinner there or bring your own picnic.

Tioga Concert Night: 7-10 p.m. today, Tioga Town Center, 133 SW 130th Way, Newberry. Free. (tiogatowncenter.com) The Project will perform. Future performances include Elio Piedra on July 22, Scott Wilson and the Global Jazz Ensemble on Aug. 5 and one more performance TBA on Aug. 26. 

Steve Miller Band: 7:30 p.m. today, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340C A1A South, St. Augustine. Tickets: $49.50-$149.50. (904-209-0367, theamp.com) Guitarist, multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter, bandleader, Rock ’N’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and Songwriters Hall of Fame electee Steve Miller is beyond excited to finally get back on the road.

Spyro Gyra: 8 p.m. today, WJCT Soundstage, 100 Festival Park Ave., Jacksonville. Tickets: $74.50. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) With a career spanning more than 40 years, the jazz fusion band Spyro Gyra have more than 30 albums and 10 million copies sold to their name.

Josh Turner: 8 p.m. today, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets: $39-$59. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) Josh Turner is an American country and gospel singer. 

Blackberry Smoke: 6:45 p.m. Thursday, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340C A1A South, St. Augustine. Tickets: $34.50-$54.50. (904-209-0367, theamp.com) The band will perform as part of their “Rasslin' Is Real” tour.

THEATER

“Honky Tonk Laundry”: 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through July 10, The Hipp, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $23 general admission, $18 students and children. (thehipp.org/honky-tonk-laundry) Wash your cares away with this jukebox musical full of country favorites from Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Gretchen Wilson, Patsy Cline and many more. Suitable for ages 13 and older.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” Live: 8-11 p.m. Wednesday, High Dive, 210 SW Second Ave. Tickets: $13 seated, $10 standing in back. (bit.ly/rhpslive22) Live action skits from local players to accompany the cult movie classic — with audience participation. Ages 18 and older unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian; $3 under-21 fee charged at the door. Future dates include July 13, July 19, July 22 and July 27. 

BENEFITS 

Freedom 5K: 8 a.m. Saturday, Keystone Heights City Hall, 555 Lawrence Blvd., Keystone Heights. Cost: $45. (bit.ly/freedom5k22) Run to benefit the Jordan Cooper Memorial Scholarship Fund, an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that gives scholarships to Keystone Heights High School graduating seniors. The race will be professional chip timed by Florida Race Day. Other planned activities for the day include a parade, arts and crafts vendors, and food trucks.

ET CETERA

Vote for High Springs History: All day today-Sunday, High Springs Library Branch, 23779 W. U.S. 27, High Springs, and Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies, 23645 W. U.S. 27, High Springs. Free. (surveymonkey.com/r/walldogshighsprings) The Heart of High Springs Inc. seeks community input by voting for their favorite concepts.

“Florida Skies (Spring)”: 7-8 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 5, Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets: $7.19 for adults; $6.17 ages 4-12, ages 60 and older, UF affiliates, military and first responders. (showpass.com/o/santa-fe-college-planetarium) Join James Albury, former co-host of the PBS TV Show “Star Gazers,” as he takes you on a personally guided tour of the night sky using the GOTO Chronos Space Simulator. 

Lake Butler Independence Celebration and Fireworks: 4 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Lakeside Park, 155 NW Third St., Lake Butler. Free. (bit.ly/rotaryjuly422) Annual event kicks off with the Tommy Spires Memorial Fishing Tournament (launch begins at daylight). Vendors, crafts fair, music, car show and fireworks with musical accompaniment.

High Springs Garden Club Indoor Yard Sale: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, High Springs Garden Club, 19460 NW U.S. 441, High Springs. Free entry. (339-6575, hsflgardenclub@gmail.com) Rain-or-shine event featuring lots of new merchandise.

Railroad Days: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Veterans Memorial Park, 14705 NE Waldo Road, Waldo. Free. (waldo-fl.com) Annual event featuring open car show, craft vendors, music, food trucks and bounce house.

Sweetwater Wetlands Tour: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sweetwater Wetlands Park, 325 Williston Road. Tickets: Free with park admission of $5 per car or $2 per person for bicyclists, pedestrians and buses. (sweetwaterwetlands.org, 393-8437) In-person, socially distant tours. Online pre-registration through Eventbrite is required; only 10 spaces per tour are available. Guests not registered cannot participate in the tour. Masks required.

Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation July 4th Special Event: 10 a.m. Saturday and Monday, Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation, 8528 E. CR 225. Tickets: $35 adults, $10 ages 3-11, free ages 2 and younger. (carsonspringswildlife.org) Walk or ride group tours with big cat and rhino feedings, rare animal interactions and photo opportunities.

Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park Sinkhole Guided Walk: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, 4732 Millhopper Road. Cost: $4 per vehicle, $2 pedestrian or bicyclist. (bit.ly/devilsmill) Ask questions and learn about the area and its history while exploring the park with a ranger.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Guided Tour: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Drive. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 ages 5-13, free for ages 4 and younger; free for members; group rates available. (kanapaha.org) Guided tour of the gardens. 

Our Country Day: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Keystone Heights Nature Park, 550 S. Lawrence Blvd., Keystone Heights. Cost: $1. (ourcountryday.com) Fourth of July celebration featuring food, arts and crafts, live music, parade, children's activities and fireworks.

Horse Feeding: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Mill Creek Farm Retirement Home for Horses, 20307 NW CR 235A, Alachua. Entrance: Bag of carrots. (millcreekfarm.org) The Retirement Home for Horses provides lifetime care to elderly horses seized by law enforcement agencies, rescued by the SPCA or humane societies, as well as horses retired from government service such as police patrol or state and federal parks.

East Gainesville Backyard BBQ Cook-Off: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Northeast 14th Street. Free. (bit.ly/egbbq22) Family event featuring food trucks, barbecue cookoff, live music, live DJ, raffles and informational tables.

Williston Pre-4th Extravaganza: 5 p.m. Saturday, parade on West Noble Avenue then Horseman's Park, 1610 SW 8th Terrace, Williston. Free. (willistonflchamber.com) This year’s parade theme is "Freedom and Fireworks." Music, food and crafts followed by fireworks at dusk. 

“Mars One Thousand One”: 7 p.m. Saturdays through July 30, Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets: $7.19 general admission; $6.17 ages 4-12, ages 60-plus, UF affiliates, military and first responders. (showpass.com/mars-1001) An immersive cinematic experience that follows an international crew of astronauts who are about to embark on the first interplanetary journey in history, the first manned mission to the surface of Mars.

Kulaqua River Ranch Water Park Community Day: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday, River Ranch Water Park, 23400 NW 212th Ave., High Springs. Admission: $16 ages 4 and older, free ages 3 and younger. (kulaqua.com) In an effort to support the community, Camp Kulaqua opens the River Ranch during specific days during the summer at a discounted rate with no reservations required. The venue requests that modest swimsuits be worn. Food and coolers allowed, but no glass containers or alcoholic beverages. Future community days include July 10, July 24 and Aug. 7. 

Birds and Brews: 5:45 p.m. Sunday, First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE Veitch St. Free. (facebook.com/FirstMagnitudeBrewing/events) Bird walks. Meet in front of the metal Maggie sign by the entrance to The Source. The group, led by volunteers from the Alachua Audubon Society, will identify birds at Depot Park. Some binoculars and bird guides provided, but feel free to bring any other equipment you wish. Future dates include Aug. 7 and Sept. 4.

Fanfares and Fireworks: 6-10 p.m. Sunday, Flavet Field, 605 Woodland Drive. (wuft.org) Live music and fireworks.

Bouncers July 4th Bike Parade: 9 a.m.-noon Monday, Bouncers, 3401 NW 34th St. Entry: Free parade; $7 per child to play. (bit.ly/bikeparade22) Annual outdoor event. Decorate your bike, scooter or stroller. 

Town of Micanopy Independence Day Celebration: 11 a.m. Monday, downtown Micanopy. Free. (micanopytown.com) Parade kicks off annual event featuring ballpark fun, music, food, bounce house and fireworks.

Branford 4th of July River Reunion Festival: 2 p.m. Monday, Town Hall, 502 SW Suwannee Ave., Branford. Free. (bit.ly/riverreunion22) Inaugural Rod Run, parade, duck race, watermelon eating contest, watermelon seed spitting contest, arts, crafts, retail, food and live entertainment by Faith Jackson.

Red White and Boom: 2-8:30 p.m. Monday, Archer Road, 1.5 miles west of Santa Fe College Ron and Norita Davis Center, Archer. Free. (bit.ly/rwboom22) Annual event featuring apple pie and watermelon-eating contest, food and craft vendors, live entertainment by DJ REM Juice and Vibe RW, a kids’ zone and fireworks.

City of Alachua 4th of July Celebration: 4-10 p.m. Monday, Legacy Park Multipurpose Center 15400 Peggy Rd., Alachua. Free. (bit.ly/archer4th22) Annual event in its 22nd year featuring kids’ corner, live music and fireworks.

Cedar Key Independence Day Fireworks: 9:15 p.m. Monday, 434 Second St., Cedar Key. Free. (543-5600) Independence Day celebration.

Ocean Tales: 2 p.m. Tuesdays in July, live on Zoom and Facebook. Free. (aclib.us/summer) Meet marine animal friends, including manatees, sea turtles and dolphins from Florida zoos, museums and aquariums.

Blockbusters at the Brewery: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE Veitch St. Free. (bit.ly/brewerymovies22) “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” on the big screen. Future films include “Raiders of the Lost Ark” on July 13, “Back to the Future” on July 20 and “Dirty Dancing” on July 27.

PAGES

Battle of the Books: Online through July 23, aclib.us/summer. Free. (aclib.us/summer) Teens can register and receive three free books for this annual trivia competition. Patrons ages 11 to 17 can sign up now and select which library branch team they’d like to compete with during the Battle of the Books at 2 p.m. July 23 on Zoom.

ART

Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention: “Wandering the Milky Way,” a tour of the solar system, on display through Jan. 1, 2023; “Voyages,” a trip through space and time, on display through Jan. 1, 2023; “Animationland” on display through Jan. 3, 2023. Tickets: $12.50, $10 seniors and college students, $7.50 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and younger. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. 811 N. Main St. (371-8001, cademuseum.org) 

Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center: “Unapologetic!” on display through August. The exhibit features works by local Gainesville artist Yvonne Ferguson with images of cultural and human rights icons as well as notable and groundbreaking musicians. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday and Saturday plus by appointment for schools and other groups. 837 SE Seventh Ave. (226-8321, info@cottonclubmuseum.com)

Florida Museum of Natural History: Standing exhibits include the “Our Changing Climate: Past and Present,” “Butterfly Rainforest,” “Florida Fossils: Evolution of Life & Land,” “Northwest Florida: Waterways & Wildlife,” “South Florida People & Environments,” “Exploring Our World,” “Fossil Plant Garden” and “Florida Wildflower & Butterfly Garden.” All standing exhibits are free, but regular admission fees apply to enter the “Butterfly Rainforest” exhibit: $14 for adults ($12 for Florida residents and seniors) and $7 for ages 3-17. Admission is free for museum members and UF students with a valid Gator 1 card. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 3215 Hull Road. (floridamuseum.ufl.edu, 846-2000)

Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery: “2022 Summer Showcase,” a showcase of the area's latest work, on display from through July 23; “The Beautiful Mind: Exploring Mental Health Through Art” on display July 28-Aug. 20; “Things Unseen: Biennial National Juried Exhibition” on display Aug. 23-Oct. 22; “Indulge: The Art of Food” on display Oct. 25-Nov. 19. Gallery hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. 1314 S. Main St. (gainesvillefinearts.org, info@gainsevillefinearts.org)

Good News Arts Inc.: “Farewell to Adulthood,” featuring works by Paul Shortt, on display through Saturday; Works by Kimberly Bossons on display Tuesday-July 30. Gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. 18555 Main St., High Springs. (goodnewsarts.com)

Harn Museum of Art: “Global Perspectives: Highlights from the Contemporary Collection,” a celebration of global interconnectedness, on display through Sept. 25; “COPIA II,” celebrates new photographs that have entered the Harn Museum of Art’s collection in the last six years, with a few other photographs rarely or never shown before, on display through Oct. 30; “Speechless: Text & Image in Global Culture,” a fascinating look at how words, aesthetics and materials have supported religious, political and socio-cultural agendas for millennia, on display through Dec. 30; “Global Perspectives: Highlights from the Contemporary Collection,” a celebration of global interconnectedness, on display through Oct. 1, 2023; “She/Her/Hers: Women in the Arts of China,” which unravels the intersecting roles women played as subjects, artists and consumers of art in traditional, modern and contemporary China, on display through March 24, 2024. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 3259 Hull Road. (392-9826)

Matheson History Museum: “We're Tired of Asking: Black Thursday and Civil Rights at the University of Florida,” which follows one slice of African American history in Gainesville, currently on display online and in person; “When Johnny Came Marching Home: Some Gave All – All Gave Some,” remembering those who came home from war with both physical and mental wounds, on display outside; “Trailblazers: 150 Years of Alachua County Women,” celebrating the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote in the United States, on display. Gallery hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 513 E. University Ave. (378-2280, mathesonmuseum.org)

Melrose Bay Art Gallery: 6-9 p.m. today Art Walk event featuring the opening reception for July's featured artist, Jordan Shapot, on display through July 31; work from Cleetus Antony on display Aug. 5-28; work from Candace McCaffery on display Sept. 2-25; work from Nancy Betty on display Sept. 30-Oct. 3; work by Gwen Chraznowski on display Nov. 4-20; Gallery Special Pre-Holiday Gifts Show to be held Nov. 26-Dec. 31;2022 Holiday Invitational Reception to be held Dec. 2 during the First Friday Art Walk. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday or by appointment. 103 State Road 26, Melrose. (475-3866, melrosebayartgallery.com)

Mossman Hall: 6-9 p.m. today Melrose Art Walk event featuring guest artists Jerry and Amy Stringham, live music, food vendors and a chainsaw sculpting demonstration. 301 State Road 26, Melrose. (262-6222)

Santa Fe College Art Gallery: “Natural Beauty,” featuring painting, printmaking, photography, and ceramic and sculptural works by John Moran, Wendy Free, Deb Lindberg, Vicki Santello, Veronica Villasénor and more, on display through Aug. 5. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. 3000 NW 83rd St. (395-5464) 

Santa Fe College’s Blount Hall: A large art collection from local collector Hector Puigon display. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Corner of West University Avenue and North Sixth Street.

UPCOMING CONCERTS

Goo Goo Dolls: 7 p.m. Aug. 24, Daily's Place Amphitheatre, 1 Daily’s Place, Jacksonville. Tickets: $39.50-$269.50. (dailysplace.com/events, 904-633-2000). The ’90s band will perform as part of their “Summer Tour 2020” tour with special guest Blue October.

Rod Stewart: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2, Daily's Place Amphitheatre, 1 Daily’s Place, Jacksonville. Tickets: $63-$458.50. (dailysplace.com/events, 904-633-2000). The flamboyant, gravelly-voiced rock/pop singer will perform.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tioga Outdoor Movie Night Series: 7 p.m. July 8, Tioga Town Center, 133 SW 130th Way, Newberry. Free. (tiogatowncenter.com) Tioga movie night featuring “Sing 2.” Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy the movie under the stars. The last movie will be “Clifford the Big Red Dog” on Aug. 12.

Cuban Sandwich Festival: 2-8 p.m. July 9, Cypress & Grove Brewing Co., 1001 NW Fourth St. Free entry; food and items for sale. (bit.ly/cubansand22) Inaugural event featuring live music, beer, and Cuban sandwiches. Best Cuban Sandwich winner will be awarded a cash prize, as well as the runner up.

Family Invention Lab: 2 p.m. July 10, Meeting Room A, Headquarters Library, 401 E. University Ave. Free; register online. (aclib.us/invention) Learn basic coding and engineering lessons for the whole family. These programs are curated by the MakerSpace team to encourage discovery, experimentation and hands-on learning with beginner-friendly technology. Ages 5 and older. Future events will be held July 24, Aug. 14 and Aug. 28.

Pool Party: 1-5 p.m. July 24, Andrew R. Mickle Sr. Pool, 1717 SE 15th St. Free. (cityofgainesville.org) Swimming, dancing, music and food hot off the grill courtesy of the Gainesville Police Department.

Brew at the Zoo: 4-7 p.m. Aug. 13, Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets: $60. (showpass.com/brewatthezoo) After-hours admission to the zoo, animal encounters, access to food, four 4-ounce beer pours, live bands, games and a commemorative souvenir cup. Additional pours will be available for purchase. All guests must be 21 years or older to attend; valid government-issued ID required..

High Springs Art Walk: Noon-5 p.m. Oct. 15, downtown High Springs. Free entry. (facebook.com/HighSpringsDowntownMerchants) Seasonal monthly event featuring local artists gracing sidewalks and storefronts with some locations featuring live painting and demonstrations. Future dates are Nov. 19 and Dec. 17.