What's Happening: 'Free Fridays,' 'Wind in The Willows,' Water Park Community Day, more

AUG. 4

“FREE FRIDAYS” CONCERT: Catch the next performance of the city’s popular “Free Fridays” concert series from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Bo Diddley Plaza downtown amphitheater, located at 111 E. University Ave. The free concert series highlights a different act each week, with Pet Detective performing this week. Attendees are encouraged to bring their blankets and lawn chairs to Bo Diddley Plaza to enjoy the concert under the stars. For more information, including a list of upcoming performances, visit gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series.

AUG. 4 THROUGH AUG. 7

“THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS”: The famous English gentlemen, Mr. Toad of Toad Hall, sees his first motor car and promptly falls uncontrollably in love with motoring, so he buys a car that he then crashes. Another car is bought, followed by another crash and another — and another! For once at the throttle, Toad in his goggles and duster is a man possessed. Soon he is ruled off the road. Then he steals a car. For this he’s sent to jail for 20 years. While there, he learns that weasels have taken over his old family home and all of his friends have been thrown out. But the jailor’s daughter adores Toad for his charm and dash, and she helps him escape. In an exciting climax, Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole retake Toad Hall by storm. Catch a showing of “The Wind in The Willows,” the newest production from High Springs Playhouse, at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays plus 2 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 7 at the High Springs Playhouse, 130 NE First Ave. in High Springs. Tickets are $15 for general admission, and $10 for students and ages 65 and older. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit highspringsplayhouse.com.

AUG. 4 THROUGH AUG. 13

“KINKY BOOTS”: Gainesville Community Playhouse’s newest production, “Kinky Boots,” is based on the Miramax motion picture of the same name, and written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth. In this presentation, Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair find that they have more in common than they realized … and discover that, when you change your mind, you can change your whole world. With a little compassion and a lot of understanding, this unexpected pair learns to embrace their differences and creates a line of sturdy stilettos unlike any the world has ever seen! But in the end, their most sensational achievement is their friendship. Catch a show at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, July 21-Aug. 13, at the playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets are $23 for general admission, $19 for seniors and $12 for students. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, gcplayhouse.org.

AUG. 4 THROUGH AUG. 13

“LUNGS”: The world is getting hotter, there’s unrest overseas — the seas themselves aren’t very calm — and one couple is thinking about having a child. “Lungs,” the most recent production from the Actors Warehouse, is a smart and funny drama that follows a couple through the surprising life cycle of their relationship as they grapple with questions of family and change, hope, betrayal, happenstance and the terrible pain that you can only cause the people you love. Catch a show at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays plus 2 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 13. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for ages 65 and older, and $15 for students. For more information, visit actorswarehouse.org.

AUG. 6

WATER PARK COMMUNITY DAY: Camp Kulaqua opens its River Ranch on specific Sundays during the spring and summer at a discounted rate with no reservations required, and it will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 6. The venue features a 15,000-square-foot wave pool as well as a lazy river, water slide and volleyball courts. The public is allowed to bring food and coolers, but no glass containers or alcoholic beverages are permitted in the water park. Camp Kulaqua requests that modest swimsuits be worn. The water park is located at 23400 NW 212th Ave. in High Springs. The discounted rate is $16.50 per person; free for children ages 3 and younger. Future community day planned for Aug. 13. For more information, visit kulaqua.com.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: What's Happening: 'Lungs,' 'Kinky Boots' and more