2019 Gainesville Native American Festival, Gainesville, March 29-31

The 2019 Gainesville Native American Festival is new and it’s destined to be a great time for folks of all ages.  The event will be held at the Alachua County Fairgrounds and will feature traditional music and dances, handmade arts and crafts, native foods and a living history village.  Hours are 9-3 Friday, 10-6 Saturday …

Suwannee River Paddling Festival, April 5-7, 2019

If you’re an avid paddler, you don’t want to miss this event.  There are several 8-12 mile options on both the Suwannee River and the upper Withlacoochee River, all departing from Suwannee River State Park.  In addition to the many paddling opportunities, attendees will experience kayak and canoe demonstrations, a  silent auction, as well as …

Float The Santa Fe River, Then Enjoy Music at Rum 138 Outfitters, March 2, 2019, In Fort White, FL

  Doug Jipson and Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson’s Rum138 Outfitters has become a gathering spot for paddlers and music lovers in southern Columbia County.  Located on CR138 (off US27, west of High Springs) at the corner of Rum Island Road, the building houses a thriving canoe and kayak rental/livery as well as some spectacular art. Out back, …

Third Annual Suwannee Spring Reunion–American Music Festival at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, March 21-24, 2019

Our Natural North Florida region is well known for some great music festivals and events.  After all, Gainesville “raised” Stephen Stills, Tom Petty, Bo Diddley and others.  But at the northern end of the region, at one of the largest venues, some great “American music” can be heard at several events held at Spirit of …

17th Annual Florida State Bluegrass Festival in Perry, FL April 4-6, 2019 Don’t Miss It!

Join music lovers from all ’round the southeast April 4-6 in Perry, Fl for the 17th Annual Florida State Bluegrass Festival & Chili Cook-Off.  The event will be held at the Forest Capital State Park, just south of town.  Sponsored by the Perry/Taylor County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Development Board, the event has something …

Second Annual Big Bend Brewfest, Rosehead Park, Perry, FL–March 2, 2019 Don’t Miss It!

Join us for unlimited tastings of over a hundred different beers from brewers all over the Southeast United States. The event is scheduled to start at 5:00 PM and run until 8:00 PM that night (4:00 PM for VIP Ticket Holders). The standard admission ticket includes entry to the festival and unlimited beer tastings. The …

Discover UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station—Discovery Days at Cedar Key, FL–2019 Schedule of Events

If you’re headed to Florida’s Big Bend, don’t miss an opportunity to head down SR24 from Gainesville, through Otter Creek, and visit Cedar Key, in Levy County.  At the end of the road, you’ll see the new, 3-story, headquarters of the Nature Coast Biological Station (NCBS).   As a research arm of the University of …

Panacea Oyster Festival Rescheduled for February 9, 2019

I don’t know about you, but I can eat a lot of oysters on a Saturday afternoon, especially if they’re farm raised in the waters of Wakulla County, on Florida’s Big Bend.  Farm raised oysters are special.  They are called “triploid” and they grow faster than wild “diploid” oysters.  With oysters now being farmed at …

Mark Your Calendars for the 17th Annual Florida State Bluegrass Festival and Chili Cook-Off, 4/5-6, in Perry

The 17th Annual Florida State Bluegrass Festival is coming to Perry, in Taylor County, April 4-6, 2019. This is a “don’t miss” event, with three days of professional and amateur music, food, music workshops, arts and crafts–AND a CHILI Cook-Off!   Tickets are available for each day as separate purchases, and there’s a three-day pass, …