What's Happening: 'Falling in Love ... Again,' 'The Crucible,' Newberry Cornfield Maze

OCT. 6

“FALLING IN LOVE…AGAIN”: Lanard Perry will present “Falling in Love … Again” from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct, 6 at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center. This fundraiser for the museum will feature The Gospel Meets Jazz Band plus some very special guests. Tickets purchased in advance are $25 and are available at gospelmeetsjazz.com or cottonclubmuseum.com/events. Tickets at the door will be $35 each. Perry, trumpeter and leader of the band, is a well-known local jazz performer. The Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center is an organization dedicated to enriching the experiences of all who wish to grow in knowledge and appreciation of the history and culture of African-derived cultures, highlighting those in Gainesville and North Central Florida. The museum is located at 837 SE Seventh Ave.

OCT. 6 THROUGH OCT. 8

“THE CRUCIBLE”: The Gainesville Community Playhouse is kicking off its 2023-24 season with “The Crucible.” In this exciting drama, the town of Salem falls into mass hysteria as a group of teenage girls accuse their neighbors of witchcraft in an attempt to avoid punishment after their own dabbling in the occult. This gripping retelling of the infamous Salem witch trials explores themes of the abuse of power, the destruction caused by false accusations, and the importance of standing up for truth and justice. Don’t miss this riveting story about the purge of witchcraft in old Salem. Catch a show at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 8 at the Gainesville Community 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, visit gcplayhouse.org.

OCT. 6 THROUGH OCT. 28

NEWBERRY CORNFIELD MAZE: According to the Newberry Newberry Cornfield Maze website, the maze was founded in 2004 and began with only a corn maze and a hayride. The site explains that the intent for the Newberry Cornfield Maze was to create a fall family event for the local and surrounding counties to visit. According to organizers, during the day, attendees can take a stroll through the maze by trying to choose the correct path to find their way out. Beware when darkness falls — there is nocturnal life awaiting at every twist and turn. Evening attendees also can embark on a hayride adventure through the haunted Sullivan trail, encountering the living dead and facing the ghosts of the haunted house. The kids’ play area is always friendly and never haunted. Stop by the barn to meet Pepper and Molly, see the sliding ducks, hop aboard “Aunt Shirley’s” cow train, and enjoy a round of putt-putt golf. The event will run from 5 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 28 at Hodge Farm, 20015 W. Newberry Road in Newberry. The costs are $20 cash for general admission at the gate, $25 online for general admission, $15 cash for ages 3 to 10 at the gate, $20 online for ages 3 to 10, and free for ages 2 and younger; Extra fees include $5 for the hayride, $5 to ride the mechanical bull, $5 to play in the human hamster balls, and $5 for additional haunted house entries. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit newberrycornfieldmaze.com.

OCT. 6 THROUGH OCT. 29

FALL FESTIVAL: Amber Brooke Farms is bringing back its biggest festival of the year! At its annual fall festival, attendees can bask in Florida’s warm fall weather as they pick pumpkins, get lost in a crop maze, pet animals in a petting zoo, pick flowers and vegetables, listen to live music and entertainment, and more. Plus, the farm’s year-round activities will remain open, including a large play area, a barrel train ride, duck races, jump pillows and more. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 29. Tickets are $15 per person. Amber Brooke Farms is located at 3250 NE 140th Ave. in Williston. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit amberbrookefarms.com/fall-festival.

OCT. 10

“BREAK EVERY CHAIN” MASTER CLASS LUNCHEON: The Cotton Club Museum will host the inaugural “Break Every Chain” master class from 11 a.m. to 2:10 p.m. Oct. 10. Master class presenters include Professor Fran T. Close, professor of behavioral science and health education at Florida A&M University will lead a discussion on "Living in America while Black" and “The Psychological Impact on Mental Health and Wellness in African Americans.” Dr. Michael Patterson, adjunct professor from Morehouse College, will present and discuss "America's Secret and Successful Strategy, Disenfranchising Unwed Fathers/Legitimizing Fatherhood.” Recently enstooled Queen Mother Mangye Naa Osuowaa Okropong I, Vivian Filer, CCMCC board chairman, also will offer her remarks. The event will be moderated at the luncheon and on the Zoom presentation by Dr. Madie Mosley, owner of 3 Dimensions Life Management LLC, retired educator and ninth first lady of Florida A&M University. Mosley noted that “Break Every Chain” is an opportunity for enlightenment on two extremely critical areas of life that affect all of us, but especially people of color. The composition of the family structure (who lives in the household) and the mental wellbeing of those in the household directly impact the outcome of those individuals. As a society, we must “Break Every Chain” that holds individuals back from being the best version of themselves. Organizers are inviting Gainesville to come add to their depth of knowledge and engage with one another on these topics. The program will consist of the luncheon at the museum, introductions and remarks, and conclude with the master class Zoom presentation. The presenting professors’ classes and invited guests also will participate via zoom at their respective locations. Tickets for luncheon and participation at the museum are $40 each and are available at cottonclubmuseum.com/events. For more information, visit cottonclubmuseum.com/events.

OCT. 13 THROUGH OCT. 29

“SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET”: In this infamous tale, Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to 19th century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber practice. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up … and the carnage has only just begun! Catch a show at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays plus 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 13-29, 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.

OCT. 14

MCINTOSH 1890S FESTIVAL: Travel back to the 1890s from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 14 along Avenue G in McIntosh. The free 1890s festival is an annual event — currently in its 50th year — featuring live oak canopies up and down the streets and avenues of Victorian homes providing shade and a festive backdrop musical entertainment from bluegrass to country and gospel, food vendors and 280 juried vendors. Enjoy the fall weather and take in the historical sights. For more information, visit mcintosh1890sfestival.com or facebook.com/mcintoshfestival.

OCT. 14

“STORIES OF IMMIGRATION: SHARING, LEARNING AND SUPPORTING OUR IMMIGRANT NEIGHBORS”: Join the Matheson History Museum to hear stories about immigration from immigrant neighbors — and bring your own stories to share! Organizers will have a facilitated discussion about the different immigration journeys and experiences represented in the community and will share resources for better supporting and learning about immigrant neighbors. The free event begins at 4 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Registration is required. For more information, or to register for the event, visit mathesonmuseum.org.

OCT. 15

BOOK LAUNCH: “With My Little Spade” is a new book about the beauty of the natural world and the power of the imagination. A little girl ventures into nature with her garden spade and wagon, ready to dig, plant and see things grow. Through this exploration, she discovers how to shape and change the world and works to fulfill a vision of colorful, proliferating, natural beauty. Her imagination furthers her into a fantastical trip to outer space. Through this adventure, readers can see how a child’s imagination, like the little spade, is a tool, and it can work wonders. Beginning at 3 p.m. Oct. 15, author Richard Rosengarten will fill the room at the Santa Fe Center for Innovation and Economic Development with free storytelling and poetry. During the event, kids will be able to engage in fun and educational activities inspired by the book. Attendees will be able to get their own copies of the book personally signed by Rosengarten and the book’s illustrator, Thais Bolton. Snacks also will be available for both young and young at heart. The Santa Fe Center for Innovation and Economic Development is located at 530 W. University Ave. For more information, visit happysailorbooks.com, email contact@happysailorbooks.com, call 954-440-9240 or visit instagram.com/happysailorbooks.

OCT. 15

NOBUNTU: Hailing from Zimbabwe, the all-woman a cappella quintet Nobuntu is recognized internationally for its sparkling energy, breathtakingly rich voices and inventive performances that cover the gamut from gospel to traditional Zimbabwean songs to Afro-jazz. Augmented only using minimal percussion, they emphasize pure voices, authentic dance movements and the use of traditional instruments. Catch their local concert at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $20 to $40; $12 for UF students. For more information about this and upcoming performances, or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

ONGOING THROUGH APRIL 21, 2024

“ANTARCTIC DINOSAURS”: Step back in time and discover life beneath the ice in “Antarctic Dinosaurs.” Today, Antarctica is a forbidding land of snow and ice, but 200 million years ago it was a lush, wooded habitat where dinosaurs thrived. Uncover the history of the world’s southernmost continent and the unique species that have called it home in this interactive, family friendly experience at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Rare fossils, touchable casts and interactive models bring the past to life while showcasing Antarctica’s distinctive dinosaur species. Examine a reconstructed forest, and encounter the early plants and animals that flourished in the once-green environment. Experience the extraordinary work that goes into digging for fossils with real equipment and a recreated quarry. Learn about the important research taking place in this frigid landscape and how it informs future changes to the world’s climate. This is a bilingual exhibit available in English and Spanish. Tickets are $10 for adults; $9 for Florida residents, seniors and non-UF college students; $7 for ages 3-17; and free for ages 2 and younger, UF students and museum members. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. It is located at 3215 Hull Road. For more information, visit floridamuseum.ufl.edu or call 846-2000.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: What's Happening: Fall Festival, 'Break Every Chain' Master Class