Events On The Town: October 2018
19 Halloween Happenings, 28 Special Events and 18 fundraisers happening in the month of October.
HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS
HOWL-O-SCREAM AT BUSCH GARDENS
Through Oct. 28: Scary creatures roam the theme park and chilling live shows are combined with some of Florida’s most challenging thrill rides. The fun begins at 7:30 p.m. on select nights; a separate admission fee is charged, with park access after 5 p.m. Busch Gardens, 10165 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa. buschgardens.com
SEAWORLD’S HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR
Through Oct. 28: Meet your favorite Sesame Street friends including Elmo, The Count and Cookie Monster. Watch the not-so-spooky live shows and trick-or-treat for goodies throughout the park. Costumes are encouraged. Included in regular park admission on select weekends. SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando. seaworldparks.com
MICKEY’S NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY
Through Oct. 31: Dress in costume for this Halloween celebration, with candies and sweets waiting to be found throughout the Magic Kingdom. The theme park is transformed into a happy but haunted hallows. Select days from 7 p.m.-midnight. Walt Disney World Resort. Separate park ticket required for this event. disneyworld.disney.go.com
HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
Through Nov. 3: Universal Studios Florida comes alive on select nights with hordes of horrifying mutants and maniacs. Explore haunted houses and pass through “scare zones.” New this year: "The Upside Down from Stranger Things," "Chucky" and"Killer Klowns from Outer Space." Starts at 6:30 p.m. Separate park ticket is required. Universal Orlando, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. halloweenhorrornights.com
SCREAM-A-GEDDON
Through Nov. 3: This “horror park” covers 60 acres and features carnival games and food and drink, plus various bone-chilling attractions. 27839 Saint Joe Road, Dade City. screamageddon.com
SPIRITS IN SANFORD HALLOWEEN ART SHOW AND SALE
Oct. 5-6: This juried Halloween art show and sale features one-of-a-kind pieces. Friday 6-8 p.m. (reservations required), Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (open to the public). Women’s Club of Sanford, 309 S. Oak Ave., Sanford. spiritsinsanford.com
SCOTT'S MAZE ADVENTURES
Oct. 2-Dec. 9: Get lost—and have fun—exploring two corn mazes that cover seven acres of this family farm, or take a hay ride. There's also a produce market and cafe. Saturdays and Sundays only. Long & Scott Farms, 26216 CR 448A, Mount Dora. 352-383-6900. longandscottfarms.com
BRICK OR TREAT AT LEGOLAND
Oct. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 28-29 & 31: This friendly—not frightening—event features trick-or-treating, Halloween shows, and fireworks. Select dates. Included with regular park admission. Legoland, 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven. florida.legoland.com
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS & MONSTER FACTORY
Oct. 18-Nov. 9: An annual, juried Day of the Dead/Halloween art exhibition and sale of new works in various media. Opening reception and block party Oct. 18 from 6-11 p.m. CityArts Factory, 29 S. Orange Ave, Orlando. orlandoslice.com
KID’S HALLOWEEN PARTY FEATURING FRANKENWEENIE
Oct. 21: The entire family is invited to show up in costume for a party showing the animated movie Frankenweenie. The movie is preceded by a spook-tacular lunch, games and a costume contest. Lunch 11:30 a.m.; film 1 p.m. Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland. 407-629-1088. enzian.org
GREENWOOD CEMETERY MOONLIGHT WALKING TOUR
Oct. 26: Less scary and more historic, this approximately 4-mile walk through the cemetery, guided by sexton Donald Price, visits 100 graves of notable individuals. 1603 Greenwood St., Orlando. 407-246-2616. cityoforlando.net/greenwood/moonlight-walking-tours
PHANTASMAGORIA IX–HOMECOMING
Oct. 26: Live performers, explosive stage combat, large-scale puppetry, aerial performance and haunting storytelling combine to create a tapestry of macabre and whimsical horror. Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford. 407-321-8111. wdpac.com
SPOOKY EMPIRE
Oct. 26-28: Meet and mingle with horror movie and TV stars, browse collectibles from over 200 vendors and artists, and take part in one of the largest zombie walks and more. Caribe Royale Orlando, 8101 World Center Drive, Orlando. spookyempire.com
MR. RICHARD & THE POUND HOUNDS A HALLOWEEN CONCERT
Oct. 27: With sing-a-long tunes about skunks, snakes and Halloween fun, kids can also try out and model their costumes before the big night on the 31st. 1 p.m. Orlando Repertory Theatre, 1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando. orlandorep.com
DISNEY IN CONCERT—TIM BURTON’S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Oct. 27: Experience the cult classic with the score performed live by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. 8 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org
ZOO BOO BASH
Oct. 28: The Central Florida Zoo invites children to wear costumes, get their faces painted and collect treats while learning about animals in the wild. Most activities included in zoo admission. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 3755 U.S. Highway 17, Sanford. centralfloridazoo.org
SYMPHONIC BAND HALLOWEEN CONCERT
Oct. 30: Free Halloween-themed concert on the outside stage of Valencia College’s East Campus. 12:30 p.m. 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando. 407-582-2332. valenciacollege.edu/arts
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
Oct. 31: This cult classic is complete with prop bags (no outside props allowed), interactive entertainment and a costume contest. 10 p.m. Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden. 407-877-4736. gardentheatre.org
SHRIEKFEST ORLANDO
Nov. 3: This bi-coastal indie horror and sci-fi film festival and competition returns to Orlando. The best movies from the Los Angeles event will be screened from 2-10 p.m. Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford. 407-321-8111. shriekfest.com, wdpac.com
SPECIAL EVENTS
EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
Through Nov. 12: Taste the world from one location as dozens of international food markets pop up within this Disney theme park. Experience the art of celebrity chefs, attend culinary demonstrations, and enjoy live entertainment. Walt Disney World’s Epcot World Showcase, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com
CHILLIN ON THE LUCIE
Oct. 3-7: Wynonna Judd headlines this country music festival with her band The Big Noise and hit-maker Joe Nichols. Club Med, 4500 S.E. Pine Valley St., Port St. Lucie. 800-813-6884. chillinonthelucie.com
FIRST THURSDAYS AT OMA
Oct. 4: Mingle with local artists and view their work, enjoy live music and wander the galleries of the Orlando Museum of Art. Food and drink available for purchase. This month’s theme: “Nerds in the City.” 6-9 p.m. Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. omart.org
MOUNT DORA BICYCLE FESTIVAL
Oct. 4-7: Florida’s oldest and largest bicycling event offers four days of programs, games and rides. Previous festivals have attracted more than 2,000 cyclists, with rides of varying lengths throughout Lake County. mountdorabicyclefestival.com
ROCK, MINERAL, GEM, JEWELRY & FOSSIL SHOW
Oct. 5-7: The not-for-profit Central Florida Mineral & Gem Society assembles a group of vendors offering beads, minerals, gemstones, custom jewelry, fossils, artifacts and other items for sale. Friday 1-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Florida National Guard Armory, 2809 S. Fern Creek Ave., Orlando. 321-663-8805. cfmgs.org
FIREFIGHTER FRIDAY AT LEGOLAND FLORIDA
Oct. 5: Kicking off the National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Prevention Week, this event includes fun, educational activities to teach kids the importance of fire safety. LEGOLAND Florida, 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven. legoland.com
DISNEY JUNIOR DANCE PARTY! ON TOUR
Oct. 6: This all new interactive live concert invites families to sing and dance along to Disney Junior’s greatest hits with live appearances from Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Vampirinia, Elena of Avalor, Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins. 4:30 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org
GERMAN AMERICAN SOCIETY OKTOBERFEST
Oct. 5-6 & 26-27: The German American Society of Central Florida has two Oktoberfests, so you won’t miss out on the fun. Authentic German bands, including Heimatland Musikanten, are on tap, along with Bavarian beer, home-cooked German food, German dancers and a Bavarian biergarten. Noon-10 p.m. German American Club, 381 Orange Lane, Casselberry. orlandogermanclub.com
EATONVILLE CRAFTS & CULTURE MARKET AND FALL FESTIVAL
Oct. 7: Experience the history and culture of this historic town. The event features storytellers, performers, reenactments and more. Fall Festival activities including food trucks, giveaways, a kids’ corner and a pumpkin patch. Free. 1-5 p.m. 100 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville. eatonvillechf.com
COME OUT WITH PRIDE WEEK
Oct. 8-14: Celebrating the LGBTQ community, this week-long festival features daily events including the Drag Race 5k, Reel Pride Film Screening, Block Party and the parade on Saturday from noon-10 p.m..Lake Eola Park, Rosalind Avenue, downtown Orlando. comeoutwithpride.com
ORLANDO STORY CLUB
Oct. 10: Ten names are drawn at random from audience members wishing to share a 5-minute story based on the theme “Down to the Wire.” All proceeds support the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. 6:30 p.m. The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive, Orlando. 407-704-6103. abbeyorlando.com
THORNTON PARK 2ND THURSDAY ART AND WINE WALK
Oct. 11: Artists display works for sale along the streets and inside local businesses. Free, but $15 gets you a glass (pay and pickup at Olde Town Brokers) and a map of participating businesses. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Summerlin Avenue and Washington Street. thorntonparkdistrict.com
SANFORD’S ALIVE AFTER 5 STREET PARTY
Oct. 11: Central Florida’s largest recurring street party, a gathering with live music, local artists, food and beverage samples. 5 p.m. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordwelcomecenter.com
ART & MUSIC IN THE PARK
Oct. 12: Artwork and live music in the park between Casselberry City Hall and Lake Concord just east of U.S. Highway 17-92. Food trucks and other vendors on site as well. Free. 6 p.m. Casselberry City Hall, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry. 407-262-7700, ext. 1507. casselberry.org
MOUNT DORA 2ND FRIDAY ART SPLASH
Oct. 12: An evening of art, music and hors d’oeuvres to showcase the work of regional artists, on display at several walking-distance venues. Free. 6-8 p.m. 138 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. mountdoracenterforthearts.org
INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
Oct. 13: This is the ultimate MLDB Championship—an international showcase of paddlers—attended by more than 70 teams. The event offers vendors and entertainment, a health and wellness village, food trucks, beer garden and more. Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, 3401 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando. gwndragonboat.com
JAZZ ‘N BLUES CONCERT
Oct. 13: Stroll from band to band or hang out in your favorite area of the gardens. Pack a picnic of your favorite foods and bring seating—alcohol is permitted. 7-10 p.m. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org
FEAST ON THE 50
Oct. 18: Enjoy unlimited food and drink while alumni clubs from partner schools in the Big Ten, SEC, ACC and Big 12 compete for the most spirited tent in the Official Alumni Village. Kids’ area with inflatable games, face painting and more, plus silent auction to benefit FCSports Foundation Summer Camp. 5:30 p.m. Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando. floridacitrussports.com
3RD THURSDAY GALLERY HOP & ART WALK
Oct. 18: Visitors converge on the core of Orlando’s Downtown Arts District to browse the galleries and nontraditional art venues that spotlight the best of established and emerging Orlando-based artists. 6 p.m. CityArts Factory, 29 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. 3rdthu.com
IMMERSE
Oct. 19-20: This annual interactive arts event, presented by The Creative City Project, features more than 1,000 artists and performers, and turns downtown Orlando into a series of unexpected and creative adventures. New this year: a 3,200-square-foot ball pit, an interactive photo installation, and a multilevel mural fort. creativecityproject.com
MOUNT DORA JEWELRY SHOW
Oct. 19-20: From the producers of the Mount Dora Arts Festival, a two-day showcase for the makers of unique, handmade jewelry and accessories. Friday 2-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunset Park, 230 W. 4th Ave., Mount Dora. 352-383-0880. mountdoracenterforthearts.org
ROOTSTOCK
Oct. 19-20: This annual festival is an all-day affair with vendors selling plants and garden accessories, food trucks and live music. Members only event Friday 5-8 p.m. and open to the public Saturday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. 863-676-1408. boktowergardens.org
SANFORD ART WALK
Oct. 20: Discover this river town’s culture, nightlife, food and art while exploring galleries and art spaces on and around First Street between Magnolia and Sanford avenues. 6-9 p.m. sanfordwelcomecenter.com
WINTER PARK INSTITUTE AT ROLLINS COLLEGE
Oct. 22: The Institute’s 2018-19 series continues with Martha C. Nussbaum—philosopher, author and professor of law and ethics at the University of Chicago—and her discussion on “Fear, Anger and Hope—Democracy in Peril.” 6 p.m. Bush Auditorium, Rollins College campus, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park. 407-646-2145. rollins.edu/wpitickets
SOUTHERN WOMEN’S SHOW
Oct. 25-28: Discover hundreds of boutiques filled with the latest fashions, trendy jewelry, gourmet treats, health and beauty, plus fashion shows, top chefs and celebrity guests. Orange County Convention Center, North Concourse, Hall B, 9400 Universal Blvd., Orlando. southernwomensshow.com
RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE—WERQ THE WORLD
Oct. 26: The hit television series hits the stage in Orlando with their new tour hosted by Michelle Visage with appearances by Alyssa Edwards, Shangela, Detox and more. The Plaza Live Orlando, 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 407-228-1220. plazaliveorlando.com
TASTE OF AFRICA
Oct. 27: This food and music festival is a celebration of African music and culture offering crafts, games, and goodies with a village market and bazaar. 3-9 p.m.; concert starts at 6 p.m. Eagle Nest Park, 5165 Metrowest Blvd., Orlando. 321-332-5749.
PIONEER DAYS AND BEERS WITH PIONEERS FESTIVAL
Oct. 27-28: A heritage celebration for the whole family with free admission to the Lake Wales Museum on both days. On Saturday, the new Beers with Pioneers craft brew event (separate ticket required) takes place from 4-9 p.m. Lake Wales Museum, 325 S. Scenic Hwy., Lake Wales. cityoflakewales.com/439/depot-museum
World of Good
October Fundraisers
10/6
WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S, benefits the Alzheimer’s Association. Lake Eola Park, Orlando. act.alz.org
VOICES OF HOPE GALA—THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME, benefits Voices for Osceola’s Children, an advocate for abused and neglected children. Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, Orlando. voicesforosceolaschildren.org
BOWLING FOR BABIES, benefits Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County. Aloma Bowl, Winter Park. healthystartorange.org
10/12
LADIES LEGACY LUNCHEON, benefits Florida Hospital Waterman Cancer Care Services. Keynote speaker: Stetson University President Wendy B. Libby. Lake Receptions, Mount Dora. floridahospital.com
10/13
WALK N ROLL-A-THON, benefits those living with paralysis and spinal cord injury. Crane’s Roost, Altamonte Springs. 407-571-9974. nextsteporlando.org
10/14
RIDE-4-RMHCCF, bicycle ride to benefit children and families who stay at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida facilities. Lake Nona Town Center, Orlando. rmhccf.org
10/17
PURPLE DOOR LUNCHEON, benefits Harbor House, which assists victims of domestic abuse. Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando. harborhousefl.com
10/19
SHOOTOUT AT CHAMPIONSGATE, golf tournament to benefit Special Olympics Florida. ChampionsGate Golf, ChampionsGate. specialolympicsflorida.org
NIGHT WITH NEMOURS, black-tie gala to benefit Nemours Children’s Hospital. Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, Orlando. nemours.org
10/20
ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER GALAXY GALA, benefits the education of kids in space exploration and technology. Full Sail Live, Winter Park. osc.org/gala
BUBBLES & BLACKJACK, benefits the children and families who stay at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida facilities. The Mezz, Orlando. rmhccf.org
FAMOUS FACES MASQUERADE BALL—NIGHT ON BROADWAY, benefits Shepherd’s Hope, which helps those who can’t afford health care. Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando Resort. shepherdshope.org
10/20-21
AREA 7 BOWLING COMPETITION, benefits Special Olympics Florida. Boardwalk Bowl Entertainment Center, Orlando. specialolympicsflorida.org
10/21
CHAMPIONS RIDE FOR CHARITIES, benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida/Seminole County branches, The Sharing Center and other charities supported by the first responders of Seminole County, Lake Mary law enforcement officers and Fire and Rescue personnel. AAA National Office, Heathrow. championsrideforcharities.com
10/25, 27 & 31
WOMEN PLAYING FOR T.I.M.E., events to benefit the Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center. womenplayingfortime.org
10/27
HOWL-O-WEEN DOG WALK-A-THON & CANINE COSTUME CONTEST, benefits Franklin’s Friends, which supports Central Florida animal-welfare agencies. Secret Lake Park, Casselberry. 260-693-7387. franklinsfriends.info
10/28
U CAN FINISH 5 MILER & 2 MILER RUNS, benefits Track Shack Foundation. Spectrum Stadium at UCF, Orlando. trackshack.com
THE JEWISH PAVILION GALA, benefits the Jewish Pavilion and its programs for the elderly. Hilton Orlando North, Altamonte Springs. jewishpavilion.org/2018-gala
