On The Town: November 2015
37 special events happening in the month of November.
HURRICANE WHO CONVENTION
Through Nov. 1 This year’s special guests and speakers include actors from Torchwood and Doctor Who, a tech manager from Ghost Hunters International, and author and Disney historian Jim Korkus. Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, 10100 International Drive, Orlando. hurricanewho.com
HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Through Nov. 1 The theme park comes alive with hordes of horrifying mutants, monsters and maniacs when Jack the Clown makes a triumphant (and twisted) return to present the scariest Halloween Horror Nights yet. Select nights beginning at 6:30 p.m. A special park ticket is required for this event. Universal Orlando, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. halloweenhorrornights.com
MICKEY’S NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY
Through Nov. 1 Dress up for this not-so-scary Halloween celebration, with all kinds of candies and sweets waiting to be found throughout the Magic Kingdom. Many favorite Disney characters are dressed in Halloween costume. Select nights from 7 p.m.-midnight. Walt Disney World. Separate park ticket required for this event. disneyworld.disney.go.com
CARVED: A PUMPKIN’S MUSICAL ADVENTURE
Through Nov. 1 It has been 25 years since the king of Pumpkinville mysteriously disappeared. Each year, young pumpkins leave their village hoping to find him, but return empty-handed. Will things be different this year? Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m., 12:30 and 3 p.m., Sunday at 3 and 4:30 p.m. Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. 407-877-4736. gardentheatre.org
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS/MONSTER FACTORY
Through Nov. 13 An annual juried, themed art exhibition of various media. CityArts Factory, 29 S. Orange Ave, Orlando. orlandoslice.com
EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FEST
Through Nov. 16 Taste the world from one spot in Central Florida, as dozens of international food markets pop up within this Disney theme park. Experience the art of talented celebrity chefs, watch special culinary demonstrations, and enjoy Eat to the Beat concerts. Walt Disney World’s Epcot World Showcase, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com
24TH ANNUAL COLLEGE PARK TOUR OF HOMES
Nov. 1 The west Lake Adair section of College Park is the focus of this year’s tour, which also includes artists, music, local vendors and antique cars. 1-5 p.m. Lake Adair is at the south end of Edgewater Drive, Orlando. mycpna.org
ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL FASHION WEEK
Nov. 1-7 OIFW begins with a show at the Orlando Science Center and ends with an after-party at the nightclub Eve. Other events include a beauty expo, a student showcase, an emerging-designer show, and a fashion mixer. orlandointernationalfashionweek.com
WORLD FOOD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Nov. 3-10 Competitors vie in such categories as BBQ, Bacon, Burgers, Desserts and Seafood. Attendees can check out the latest in indoor and outdoor kitchens, private chef demonstrations, Culinary Fight Club events, mixology classes and more. 701 Front St., Celebration Town Center. celebrationtowncenter.com
BBQ ON THE BOULEVARD
Nov. 4 This annual event, hosted by the Orlando Economic Development Commission, is all about BBQ, fun and a chance to network with 700 of the region’s top business leaders, elected officials, and representatives from the Orlando Magic, Orlando City Soccer and the Orlando Solar Bears. Central Boulevard, overlooking Lake Eola, Orlando. 407-422-7159. orlandoedc.com
WINTER PARK INSTITUTE AT ROLLINS COLLEGE
Noted authors, historians and experts speak on a variety of subjects within their disciplines. Free. Rollins College campus, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park. 407-691-1995. rollins.edu/wpi
LeVar Burton: The Power of Storytelling—Written, Spoken, Lived
Nov. 5 The award-winning actor, writer, producer, director and literacy advocate shares his life’s narrative. 7:30 p.m. at Knowles Memorial Chapel.
ELECTRIC DAISY CARNIVAL
Nov. 6-7 The former Tinker Field next to the Citrus Bowl is transformed into a neon dreamscape with interactive art, live music, carnival rides, dancers, stilt walkers and more. 1 p.m.-midnight. South Tampa Avenue between Church and Long streets, Orlando. orlando.electricdaisycarnival.com
OSBORNE FAMILY SPECTACLE OF DANCING LIGHTS
Nov. 6-Jan. 3, 2016 In its final season, this spectacle of millions of glittering lights synchronized to holiday music is free with standard admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. disneyworld.disney.go.com
AMERICAN HEROES AIR SHOW
Nov. 7 This event has grown to become a premier free, helicopter-only aviation event, designed to educate the public about rotary-wing aircraft and their diverse uses. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oviedo Mall, 1700 Oviedo Mall Blvd., Oviedo. heroes-airshow.com
DO GOOD DATE NIGHT
Nov. 7 Have fun with your date while doing something significant for your community. Couples pitch in to help a local nonprofit, then relax and enjoy food, drink and good times. 7-9 p.m. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, 411 Mercy Drive, Orlando. dogooddatenight.com
HALIFAX ART FESTIVAL
Nov. 7-8 Artisans from across the country display their wares at Florida’s second-oldest art festival, which includes live entertainment, a student art competition and children’s activities. The event benefits the local Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS). Saturday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Riverfront Park on Beach Street, between Orange Avenue and Bay Street, Daytona Beach. halifaxartfestival.org
MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY
Nov. 8-Dec. 18 Magic, cheer and enchantment for all ages fill the Magic Kingdom. Party with your favorite characters, enjoy live music, glittering lights, a holiday-themed parade, and life-like snow. A separate ticket is required for admission. Select nights from 7 p.m.-midnight. disneyworld.disney.go.com
SANFORD’S ALIVE AFTER FIVE STREET PARTY
Nov. 12 Central Florida’s largest recurring, monthly street party with live music, local artists, and food and beverage samples. 5 p.m. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordwelcomecenter.com
THORNTON PARK 2ND THURSDAY WINE+ART WALK
Nov. 12 Artists display works for sale along the streets and inside local businesses. Free, but a $10 wristband (available at Olde Town Brokers) gets you a free pour of wine at various locations. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Summerlin Avenue at Washington Street. thorntonparkdistrict.com
MOUNT DORA 2ND FRIDAY ART STROLL
Nov. 13 A festive evening of art, music and hors d’oeuvres in downtown Mount Dora to showcase the work of regional artists displayed at several walking-distance venues. Free. 6-8 p.m. 138 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. mountdoracenterforthearts.org
ART UNDER THE STARS—ROTARY CLUB OF MAITLAND ART FESTIVAL
Nov. 13-15 Lake Lily Park is the backdrop for this annual boutique art festival. Friday 6-10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with continuous live entertainment by Performing Arts of Maitland. 701 Lake Lily Drive, Maitland. maitlandrotaryartfestival.com
WREATH DISPLAY AND AUCTION
Nov. 13-Dec. 3 One-of-a-kind wreaths from some of Florida’s top artists, interior designers and horticulturalists. A wreath silent auction begins Nov. 20 and ends Dec. 3 at 7 p.m., using an online-bidding system at 32auctions.com/leugardens; winners will be notified by email. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. leugardens.org
ORLANDO VETERANS DAY PARADE
Nov. 14 Hosted by Mayor Buddy Dyer and the mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council, the parade includes several local veterans’ organizations, active military, bands, and floats honoring veterans. The route begins at Orange Avenue and Robinson Street, Orlando. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. cityoforlando.net
FESTIVAL OF TREES
Nov. 14-22 One of Orlando’s seasonal traditions, the festival’s designer-decorated trees are accompanied by wreaths, gingerbread houses, vignettes and table displays—some are available for purchase. Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 407-896-4231, ext. 254. omart.org
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT THE WINERY
Nov. 13-15 Start the holiday season with hot mulled wine and lots of specials in the wine shop. Other highlights include works by local artisans, musical performances, wine tastings and tours. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, 19239 U.S. Highway 27 North, Clermont. lakeridgewinery.com
LIGHT UP UCF
Nov. 13-Jan. 3, 2016 “Fifty Nights of Music, Lights and Ice,” this event celebrates the holiday season with an outdoor ice rink, rides, movies and light shows outside the CFE Arena on the University of Central Florida campus. lightupucf.com
MUSIC ON MILLS FESTIVAL
Nov. 14 This 2nd annual event celebrates Orlando’s array of musical talent with live performances at five locations along Mills Avenue. An area for local artists and vendors will be available, plus a food-truck court. 4:30 p.m.- 2 a.m. Proceeds benefit public art and safety projects in the Mills 50 District. willspub.org/calendar
WINTER PARK CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE
Nov. 15 More than 150 of the finest collector automobiles in the world will grace the fairways of the Winter Park Country Club, with gourmet cuisine and premier beverages available throughout the golf course. This year’s event includes a vintage motorcycle display; a showcase of contemporary, high-performance vehicles; and live entertainment. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. winterparkconcours.com
3RD THURSDAY GALLERY HOP & ART WALK
Nov. 19 Visitors converge on Orlando’s Downtown Arts District to celebrate art. 6 p.m. CityArts Factory, 29 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. orlandoslice.com
FLORIDA BLUE BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Nov. 20 The Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman marching bands and dance teams face off the night before the football game. 7 p.m. Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando. floridaclassic.org
DELAND FALL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Nov. 21-22 About 175 artists from across the country will display and sell their work in the historic downtown shopping district, just in time for holiday gift-giving. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. delandfallfestival.com
WATERFORD TASTE OF ORLANDO
Nov. 21 A family-oriented food festival featuring food and beverage samples, live music, a local-business expo, shopping and children’s events including face painting, a trackless train, a rock-climbing wall and bounce houses. simon.com/mall/waterford-lakes-town-center
JINGLE EVE
Nov. 21 Ivanhoe Village merchants hold an annual open house with sweet treats, live music, a wine stroll and a Santa’s Village. The event is free, except for the wine stroll; tickets may be purchased online. 6-10 p.m. Gaston Edwards Park and the adjacent stretch of Orange Avenue, Orlando. 407-203-2826. ivanhoevillage.org
ART & WINE STROLL AT THE VILLAGE AT ARTEGON
Nov. 21 Every third Saturday, Artegon Marketplace hosts an art-and-wine stroll from 6-8 p.m. Browse handcrafted items and artwork while enjoying live jazz, tasty treats and wine from Orlando’s Quantum Leap Winery. Free. 5250 International Drive, Orlando. 407-351-7718. artegonmarketplace.com
CENTRAL FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
Nov. 26-29 A chance to check out the season’s new cars, trucks and specialty vehicles. Orange County Convention Center, North Concourse, 9400 Universal Blvd., Orlando. Thursday noon -9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. autoshoworlando.com
SANFORD ART WALK
Nov. 27 Explore galleries and art spaces along historic downtown Sanford’s First Street between Magnolia and Sanford avenues. Discover this river town’s culture and nightlife, food and art. 6-9 p.m. sanfordartwalk.com, sanfordwelcomecenter.com
EPCOT CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL
Nov. 27-Dec. 30 Hear the story of Christmas as told by a celebrity narrator, with a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir. Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Edward James Olmos, Meredith Vieira and Amy Grant are among the scheduled narrators. disneyworld.disney.go.com