What's Happening: Newberry Cornfield Maze, Fall Festival, 'Sweeney Todd,' 1890s Festival

OCT. 13 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. 13 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. 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

HIGH SPRINGS YOUTH PROGRAMS FUNDRAISER: The kids will take over the lawn of the High Springs Brewing Company, 18562 NW 237th St. in High Springs, from 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 15 to raise funds and awareness for two important local programs featuring the arts and sciences. For science, attendees can enjoy meeting members of the Swampbots, High Springs’ own robotics teams spanning grades 1 through 12. The middle and high school robotics teams will race and display their best — including a large robot built and controlled by the high school team. Good News Arts will have the arts covered with complementary, hands-on art experiences for all ages to create and play. Donations are welcome. In addition, a silent auction will be held of five quilts made this summer by students at GNA’s Summer Arts Camp. All proceeds support GNA’s educational programming. Live music by Santa Fe High School student Trevor Ellis will complement these activities featuring favorites in southern rock, reggae and country. At 15, Trevor is already accomplished. His credits include an appearance on PBS. He excels at the drums, piano and guitar, challenging himself with the most intricate compositions of John Mayer and Zach Brown on guitar and Vince Guaraldi on piano. For hungry kids and parents, the Swampbots teams also will be teaming up with High Springs’ own Prohibition Pizza (located across the street from the brewery, for those who need their own pie), selling pizza by the slice as well as kid-friendly drinks. Ross Ambrose, a High Springs city commissioner who has personally supported both programs since they were launched, will be on hand to talk to voters and their families and friends about these programs and other issues facing the community. Visit rossambrose.com for more information. The event is free to attend, but bring cash for food, drinks, the silent auction and donations.

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.

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.

OCT. 21

BAT FEST: Lubee Bat Conservancy will host its 19th annual Florida Bat Festival beginning at 10 a.m. Oct. 21 on the grounds of the conservancy, located at 1309 NW 192nd Ave. Visit with flying giants while learning about what Lubee has accomplished during its years in Gainesville. This year’s event will include games and activities in the Kids Zone, local artisans and food trucks, Lubee's resident Bat Experts, the world’s largest bats, local conservation nonprofits, live music and unlimited samples in the Beer Garden from local Florida breweries (ticket required). Tickets cost $30 for beer garden plus general admission, $10 for general admission, $5 for ages 5-12, and free for ages 4 and younger. Funds are used for ongoing research, conservation and community education programs. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit lubee.org.

OCT. 22

BALOURDET QUARTET: One of the hottest new string quartets on the classical music scene, Balourdet Quartet is made up of individuals filled with raw passion for chamber music. Formed in 2018, the quartet received the Gold Medal at the 2020 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, Second Prize at the 2019 Carl Nielsen International Chamber Music Competition, and the top prize at the Borciani Competition in Italy in 2021. Catch their show at 2 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Squitieri Studio Theatre, inside of the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $12 for UF students. For more information about this and other upcoming performances, or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: What's Happening: 'Stories of Immigration,' Youth Program FUNdraiser