What's Happening: Final 'Free Fridays' of the season, 'No Exit,' Fandomonium and more

AUG. 25

“FREE FRIDAYS” CONCERT: Catch the next performance of the city’s popular “Free Fridays” concert series from 7 to 9 p.m Aug. 11 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 final performance this week featuring the FEST 21 Showcase. 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 gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series.

AUG. 25 THROUGH SEPT. 3

“NO EXIT”: In the newest production from Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, “No Exit,” two women and one man are locked up together for eternity in one hideous room in Hell. The windows are bricked up, there are no mirrors, the electric lights can never be turned off, and there is no exit. A remounting of a successful 2017 production reminds the audience that hell is other people. Catch a show at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays plus 2 p.m. Sundays, Aug. 18 through Sept. 3, at the Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $20 for students, seniors, military and teachers. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit acrosstown.org.

AUG. 26

FANDOMONIUM: The Alachua County Library District will be putting on a free, all-ages fan convention called Fandomonium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 26 at Headquarters Library in downtown Gainesville. The Library District has not held a Fandomonium event since 2017, and organizers say they are excited to host this year’s event. Renowned anime voice actor Kevin Thelwell will be the guest speaker this year. Thelwell has voiced characters on the shows “One Piece,” “Pokémon Masters EX” and “Haikyuu.” Thelwell is the voice of Haruto on currently airing episodes of the show “Am I Actually the Strongest?” In addition to voice acting, Thelwell is an assistant director on anime dubs at Crunchyroll, with credits on “Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch of Mercury,” “Blue Lock,”  “Ayaka” and “My Tiny Senpai.” Thelwell will be speaking and doing an autograph session at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend dressed as their favorite character to enter a cosplay contest. There will be four categories for the contest: kids, teens, adults and masterclass. The cosplay contest will begin at 3 p.m. Eventgoers also can rally their best and brightest to compete as a team during Fandom Trivia from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Attendees also can meet with fellow Pokémon Go trainers in the Teen Space as organizers put out lures all day, and enjoy Pokémon Go Fest Global with rotating habitats every hour. There also will be goods for sale and displays from local vendors. Get your game on in the retro gaming area or take on the arcade challenge. Two panel discussions led by the library’s team of master crafters will cover the topics of 3D printing and creating cosplay at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Local artist Roxanne Palmer will lead a workshop on graphic novel illustrations from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Finally, there will be photo opportunities throughout the event all day. Headquarters Library is located at 401 E. University Ave. For more information, visit aclib.us.

AUG. 26

BATURDAYS OF SUMMER: Learn all about bats during the inaugural Baturdays of Summer event — set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 26 at Lubee Bat Conservancy, 1309 NW 192nd Ave. — featuring the world’s largest bats in a small, intimate event setting. Have one-on-one conversations with bat experts, sit in on educational presentations, have a picnic or visit the Bat Barn and Education Center full of games, displays and interactives. Stubbies Pop-up Sausages will be on site. No pets or emotional support animals allowed. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for ages 5-12, and free for ages 4 and younger. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit lubee.org.

ONGOING THROUGH SEPT. 4

“SPIDERS ALIVE!”: Take an eight-legged walk on the wild side with “Spiders Alive!” at the Florida Museum of Natural History. This exciting exhibit dives into the world of spiders, scorpions and their relatives with more than a dozen live species from around the world on display. Discover the unique traits and characteristics of this diverse group of animals at this interactive, family-friendly experience! Live arachnids (spiders) highlight the ecological importance of these animals that include black widows, orb weavers and bird eaters. Large, touchable models reveal more about spider anatomy and their differences from insects while rare fossils display species from the past — including one that is 100 million years old. Videos showcase a variety of unique animal behaviors, such as a diving bell spider living underwater and a southern black widow spinning silk. Separate fact from myth and learn about ancient spiders, conservation, venom and more. “Spiders Alive!” will be on display through Sept. 4. The museum is located at 3215 Hull Road. Tickets are $8 for adults; $7.50 for Florida residents, seniors and non-UF college students; $5.50 for ages 3 to 17; and free for ages 2 and younger, UF students, and museum members.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: What's Happening: Baturdays of Summer, 'Spiders Alive!' and more