5 Events you can't miss in Gainesville

Here's a few upcoming events in our area to pencil in your calendar. Show us your stars and stripes with hashtag #CMCfourth on Instgram or Twitter - and keep up with all the goodness of Summer with our Summer Lovin' board on Pinterest.

1. Fanfares & Fireworks | Wednesday July 3rd

In Gainesville kick off the eve of the Fourth with an evening of live music and spectacular fireworks at Flavet Field on the University of Florida campus. The fireworks will begin at approximately 9:40 p.m.

For safety reasons no dogs sparklers or alcohol are allowed at the event. Coolers are allowed (but may be subject to search by the University of Florida Police Department). Musical groups confirmed include: Richy Stano and Mindwalk Mark Gaignard and the Barstool Prophets and the Gainesville Community Band.

2. City of Alachua Annual Fourth of July Celebration | Thursday July 4th

Mosey over to the Hal Brady Rec Center in the city of Alachua for the "Largest Small Town Fireworks Display in America. It starts at 3p.m. with family-friendly activities including: a petting zoo bounce houses water slide and spray park. Bring a chair for the fireworks show at sundown.

3. Viva Gainesvegas First Friday | Friday July 5th

Watch downtown Gainesville transform into the Vegas strip during Viva Gainesvegas First Friday - the city's largest weekly happy hour & block party with food and drink specials at over 35 locations. This Las Vegas-themed night includes a family-friendly casino with parlor games a giant silent auction an Elvis look-alike costume contest and lounge style performances by local artists.
Donate gently used board games for discounted VIP admission.

4. The Ultimate Thriller | Friday July 12

Get tickets for this live Michael Jackson tribute concert - based on Jackson’s Dangerous and Bad concert tours featuring classic hits like Billie Jean Beat It Black or White and many others.

The production is supported by an audio consultant and dance experts who worked with Jackson and features four musicians two background singers four dancers and Fabio Morda as “Michael.” Tickets start at $20 (discounted for student IDs) for this show held at the Phillips Center.

5. FREE CONCERT: SWAMPFEST at UF | (also) Friday July 12

SWAMPFEST is back for its second year! This show is FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC! No tickets necessary. Kick off Summer B with a FREE concert featuring indie rockers: Matt & Kim as the headline act alt-darlings Cults and Ahmir. Show time is 6:30pm at Flavet Field at the University of Florida (bringing this post full circle back to Flavet Field).