Key Takeaways:
- The Acrosstown Repertory Theatre presents "The Drowning Girls," a darkly poetic true-crime drama, from January 16 to February 1.
- Dance Alive National Ballet will present "Ocean Voyage – Immersive Concert III" on January 16, featuring underwater visuals and music from various films and composers.
- The Prague Philharmonia will perform at the Phillips Center on January 21, featuring works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Mozart, and Dvorák.
- The Steel Wheels and Nolia Joy and the Ramblers will perform at Heartwood Soundstage on January 18, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary roots influences.
- The 2026 Old Florida Celebration of the Arts will be held on April 11-12, 2026, in Cedar Key, featuring 100 artists and benefiting local nonprofit groups.
Introduction to Upcoming Events
The city of Gainesville has a wide range of exciting events lined up for the coming weeks, catering to diverse interests and tastes. From theatrical productions to musical performances, concerts, and festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Acrosstown Repertory Theatre presents "The Drowning Girls," a darkly poetic true-crime drama, which will run from January 16 to February 1. This production explores the real Edwardian-era murders committed by George Joseph Smith through the voices of three of his wives, blending gallows humor with lyrical language and striking imagery.
Theatre and Music Performances
Dance Alive National Ballet will present "Ocean Voyage – Immersive Concert III" on January 16, featuring underwater visuals and music from various films and composers, including Saint-Saëns’ "Carnival of the Animals" and the sea shanty "Wellerman." The Prague Philharmonia will perform at the Phillips Center on January 21, featuring works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Mozart, and Dvorák. The Steel Wheels and Nolia Joy and the Ramblers will perform at Heartwood Soundstage on January 18, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary roots influences. Singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier will perform at Heartwood Soundstage on January 22-23, celebrating the 25th anniversary of her debut album, "Drag Queens in Limousines."
Community Events and Festivals
The city will also host various community events, including the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. lecture on January 22, featuring speaker Kathi Earles Ross, MD, Physician and Artist. The Afrofuturism Week will take place from January 24 to 31, featuring a range of events, including a kickoff party, concerts, lectures, and a fashion show. The 2026 Old Florida Celebration of the Arts will be held on April 11-12, 2026, in Cedar Key, featuring 100 artists and benefiting local nonprofit groups. Additionally, the city will host TEDxGainesville on January 31, featuring a program of speakers and performances focused on ideas, innovation, and creative work across disciplines.
Ongoing Events and Activities
The Retirement Home for Horses provides lifetime care to elderly horses and allows visitors to tour the property and feed treats every Saturday. Community Nights are free weekly events hosted by South Main Station and Heartwood Soundstage, featuring live music, drink specials, and other activities. The city’s various museums and galleries will also host exhibitions and events throughout the coming weeks, showcasing local and international art. The University of Florida will host various events, including concerts, lectures, and performances, at the Phillips Center and other venues.
Upcoming Productions and Performances
The Gainesville Community Playhouse will present "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest" from January 23 to February 8, a darkly comic stage adaptation of Ken Kesey’s iconic novel. The Hippodrome Theatre will present "Some Enchanted Evening, The Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein" from January 28 to February 15, featuring a range of classic hits from the golden age of Broadway. Dance Alive National Ballet will present "Swan Lake" on January 31, a family-friendly performance featuring beautiful music and dance. KPOP Warriors will be presented at the University Auditorium on February 3, a live production inspired by the music and performance style of K-pop. Dinosaur World Live will be presented at the Phillips Center on February 8, a stage production bringing prehistoric creatures to life through large-scale puppetry and storytelling.
