What's Happening: Thornebrook Fall Arts Fest, 'Rocky Horror,' 'Matilda,' 'Free Fridays'

OCT. 21

“FREE FRIDAYS” CONCERT: Catch the final performance for 2022 of the city’s popular “Free Fridays” concert series from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Bo Diddley Plaza downtown amphitheater, located at 111 E. University Ave. The free concert series highlights a different act each week, with The Imposters, a The Beatles tribute band, performing today. Attendees are encouraged to bring their blankets and lawn chairs to Bo Diddley Plaza to enjoy the concert under the stars. For more information, visit bodiddleyplaza.com/upcoming-events.

OCT. 21

TIOGA CONCERT NIGHT: Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a performance under the stars by Crooked Counsel from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Tioga Town Center Amphitheatre. This is a free outdoor concert. Don't forget to visit the Tioga Town Center restaurants for dinner before the show, or to grab take-out to enjoy during the concert. Parking is available near the Tioga Town Center, 33 SW 130th Way in Newberry. Future performances are planned from Couch Messiahs on Nov. 18.

OCT. 21 THROUGH OCT. 30

“MATILDA THE MUSICAL”: Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning “Matilda The Musical” is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With a book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, “Matilda” follows a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and longs for a better life. Catch a showing at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays plus 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 30 at the Star Center Theatre, 11 NE 23rd Ave. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for students. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit starcenter.ticketleap.com/matilda-the-musical.

OCT. 22 THROUGH OCT. 23

THORNEBROOK FALL ARTS FESTIVAL: Seventy-five fine artists and craftsmen will be exhibiting their work from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 22-23 throughout the park-like setting of Shoppes At Thornebrook. A Gainesville tradition, this festival is entering its 37th year. There will be paintings of all kinds, sculptures, photography of the familiar and the exotic, mixed media from fused glass to paintings with additions, fiber arts, wood carvings and furniture, pottery and jewelry — with gold, silver and precious gems to beach glass and stones. The show is laid out to take advantage of the ambiance and convenience of Shoppes at Thornebrook and its stores, restaurants and other amenities. There also will be food for sale — both festival fare and food trucks as well as local restaurants and specialty food shops. Shoppes At Thornebrook is located at 2441 NW 43rd St. For more information, visit facebook.com/Artfestivalthornebrook or shoppesatthornebrook.com.

OCT. 26

“ROCKY HORROR” LIVE: The local “Rocky Horror Picture” troupe, "Frankie and the Pretenders," is fully vaccinated and ready to party! Come celebrate this High Dive tradition with performances set for 8 p.m. Oct. 26 and Nov. 2. The show will include live-action skits from local players to accompany the cult movie classic — with audience participation. Tickets cost $13 in advance or $15 the day of the show. According to rockyhorror.com, the movie’s official fan site, the American premiere of “Rocky Horror Picture Show” was in late September 1975. Even though it played in a few test market cities, the film was considered a failure and was shelved. Then, on April 1, 1976, a young advertising executive at 20th Century Fox persuaded the Walter Reade Organization to replace the midnight show at the Waverly Theater with “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The Waverly had already been a mecca for midnight movies, and Denise Borden, the theater’s manager, was fascinated with the film. She began her own personal hype campaign, with photos in the box office window and a theater telephone recording that stated, "This is a film not to be missed." It was because of her that audiences began generating a party atmosphere and turning it into the audience-participation cult classic that it is today. The local production is for ages 18 and older, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (there is a $3 under-21 fee charged at the door). No smoking inside the venue, but it is allowed outside in the Beer Garden. High Dive is located at 210 SW Second Ave., Suite A. For more information, visit bit.ly/rockyfall22.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: What's Happening: Thornebrook Fall Arts Fest, Tioga Concert Night