Good morning, Gainesville.

Country singer Morgan Wallen will perform at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on May 15 and 16 with Thomas Rhett, Gavin Adcock, Zach John King and Ella Langley opening across the two nights — Gale Lemerand Drive and Stadium Road will close at 2 p.m. to manage traffic.

Oak Hammock at UF will host its 5th Annual Grand Bonsai Exhibition on Saturday, May 16 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Sunday, May 17 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at the Oak Room (5100 SW 25th Blvd.) where over 60 bonsai trees will be on display with live demonstrations, hourly giveaways and sales of starter trees and supplies.

P.K. Yonge was named a 2025-26 Project Lead The Way Distinguished School on May 12 in Gainesville.

The award honors its hands-on approach in PLTW Engineering and career-connected learning designed to build student skills for future success.

City officials announced that Eric Estevez has started his role as economic mobility program manager; funded by a Gates Foundation grant administered by ICMA, he will improve job training + healthcare access in underserved areas through June 30, 2028.

Research shows ACL injuries in girls sports have risen 32% over 15 years, with soccer rates at 13.3 per 100,000 exposures.

Gainesville experts say neuromuscular training (a 20 minute no equipment program) may reduce injury risks and speed recovery for young athletes.

Florida baseball locked a chance to host a regional on May 12 when the team beat Kentucky, and USA Today + other sources project the Gators as a top national seed in a regional featuring Virginia, Arizona State and Bethune-Cookman.

Coach Will Palmer nearly completed his fourth track season by leading Gainesville’s distance team to break 15 of 16 program records — his athletes will compete at the SEC Outdoor Championships in Auburn from May 14-16.

Florida football added JUCO cornerback Javier Jones to boost its 2026 roster depth.

The 6-foot athlete from Independence Community College in Kansas will enroll next week — strengthening the Gators' secondary group.

Florida A&M coach Brittany Beall is confident her softball team will challenge the No. 6 Gators in the Gainesville Regional on Friday at 11 a.m., following their historic SWAC championship win and standout performance from Amari Brown.

Gainesville Area Rowing qualified three boats for the USRowing Youth National Championships after finishing first and fourth at the Southeast Youth Championships on May 12; nationals are set for June 11–14 at Nathan Benderson Park.

Florida lacrosse ended its 2026 season 15-4 after losses in the Big 12 Tournament and NCAA first round, while standout performances from freshmen and veterans hint at bright days ahead.

Coach Amanda O’Leary will lead the Gators into the 2027 season.

81st Annual Newberry Watermelon Festival

9 AM – 4 PM — Newberry Watermelon Festival — Free entry — Enjoy family fun with games, crafts, and live entertainment while savoring delicious Florida Watermelon.

North Central Florida Women in Blues Showcase

3-6 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Celebrate the power of blues music with talented female artists in an engaging atmosphere.

Our Town by Thornton Wilder

7:30 p.m. — Gainesville Community Playhouse — Ticket prices vary — Experience the Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece that explores the essential truths of life in a small town.

Gainesville Speed Dating for Singles in Their 20s and 30s

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Tinker Restaurant — Ticket cost unknown — Connect with up to 12 local singles through engaging 6-minute dates.

Ole 60 Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets starting at $83 each — Enjoy a night of live music in Gainesville's vibrant venue.

UF Short Course in Horticulture

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM — Straughn IFAS Extension Center — Registration fees apply — Explore emerging environmental challenges and innovative horticultural solutions.

Easy Star All-Stars Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets available — Experience reggae-driven performances that reimagine classic albums.

Black Uhuru Live in Concert

8-11 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Kids 12 & Under get in free — Experience reggae legends Black Uhuru and local favorites Macca Reggae Samba perform live under the stars.

Tech Coffee Social

9-10 a.m. — Resident Coffee — Free entry — Kick-start your day with stimulating conversations and connections among tech professionals.

FREE Live on the Lawn: The Savants with The Shambles

6-9 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Free entry — Enjoy a relaxing outdoor concert featuring classic rock favorites in Gainesville.