Things to do in Gainesville before the end of Summer B

Yet another Summer B term has gone as quickly as it came, but there are still a few days left before the short break between semesters ensues. If you haven’t had the time to take advantage of the many different things our city has to offer, now is your chance. Although you have to be 21 or older to get a local beer at Swamp Head Brewery or First Magnitude Brewing Compnay, there are plenty of other things available for the college student in need of cooling off. Here are a few things to check off your Gainesville bucket lists before the short Summer Break is upon us.

 

Catch a free concert on Bo Diddley Plaza

One of the greatest things about the renovated Bo Diddley Community Plaza, located at 111 E. University Ave., is the “Free Fridays” concert series. Held every Friday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., this concert series brings talented bands from around the state of Florida to downtown Gainesville — all for free. This Friday’s show will be The Irie Ones, Gainesville’s longest running reggae band.

 

Watch the sunset at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Located just a short drive down U.S. Route 441, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is the perfect spot to catch the sunset in Gainesville. Even though the park officially closes at 6 p.m., all you have to do is pull your car over on the side of U.S. Route 441 to get a good view. Plus, you may even get the chance to see alligators, wild horses or other wildlife while you’re at it.

 

Grab a local beer at Swamp Head Brewery or First Magnitude Brewing Company

Although there’s plenty of drinking to do in Gainesville, both Swamp Head Brewery, located at 3650 SW 42nd Ave., and First Magnitude Brewing Company, located at 1220 SE Veitch St., offer delicious local brews in environments that differ from the norm. With live music and food trucks on the weekends, both of these spots are good places to start your night before heading to Midtown or downtown.

 

Float down Ginnie Springs

If you haven’t taken a daytrip to Ginnie Springs, located at 7300 Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, now is most definitely the time to do it. Only about 45 minutes away from Gainesville, this extension of the Santa Fe River is the perfect place to float with friends or dive in some of the deep natural springs that feature crystal-clear water. This is one of the most inherently Gainesville things to do throughout your college years, and it’s definitely worth catching before the hustle and bustle of Fall picks up.

 

Practice your yoga at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park

One of the newest activities to take place at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, located at 4732 Millhopper Road, is a free, all-levels yoga class hosted by Flow Space. This event takes place on the first Saturday of every month, with August’s class taking place this Saturday at 8 a.m. Attendees can practice their yoga skills and enjoy all of the sights the state park has to offer after the session.

 

Catch a comedy show at Rockeys

Not only does Rockeys Dueling Piano Bar, located at 112 S. Main St., offer live music, but it’s also a great place to catch comedy shows every Wednesday night. Each week features local comedians who open up for a nationally-touring comedian. The bar hosted the likes of Carlos Mencia, Pauly Shore and more throughout the past year and no doubt will be bringing more great headliners, in addition to local talent, in the future.