On The Town: October 2016
15 special events and fundraisers happening in the month of October.
OKTOBERFEST
Oct. 1 & 22: The German American Society of Central Florida has two Oktoberfests so you won’t miss out. Authentic German bands are on tap, along with Bavarian beer, home-cooked German food, German dancers and a biergarten. 2-11 p.m. German American Club, 381 Orange Lane, Casselberry. orlandogermanclub.com
RANCH RODEO AND COWBOY HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Through Oct. 1: Bronco riding, stampede races, cowdog competition, arts and crafts, living-history exhibits, and a beef-brisket cook-off are all part of this family-oriented event. Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. floridacattlemen.org
EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
Through Nov. 14: Taste the world from one spot in Central Florida, as dozens of international food markets pop up within this Disney theme park, along with celebrity chefs, culinary demonstrations, and Eat to the Beat concerts. Walt Disney World’s Epcot World Showcase, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com
MOUNT DORA BICYCLE FESTIVAL
Oct. 7-9: Florida’s oldest and largest bicycling event attracts more than 2,000 cyclists, with rides of varying lengths throughout Lake County. mountdorabicyclefestival.com
ROCK, MINERAL, JEWELRY & FOSSIL SHOW
Oct. 7-9: This show features beads, custom jewelry and metaphysical stones for sale, along with demonstrations, door prizes and a silent auction. 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. Ferncreek Ave., Orlando. cfmgs.org
COME OUT WITH PRIDE DAY
Oct. 8: Three days of activities celebrating the LGBTQ community culminate in a gigantic festival from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday at Lake Eola, featuring marketplace vendors, entertainment, a parade (4-6 p.m.) and fireworks (9:15 p.m.). Thursday and Friday events to be announced. For details, check out comeoutwithpride.com
MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS FUNDRAISER
Oct. 8: The UF/IFAS Orange County Master Gardener Volunteers present this event with plant vendors, artisans, seminars, a garden shop and more. Proceeds go toward increasing the visibility of the volunteers and projects throughout the county. Free. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Orange County Extension Education Center, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando. orange.ifas.ufl.edu
FESTIVAL OF BACON
Oct. 8: Soueee! Over 30 local restaurants and food vendors creating bacon-inspired treats and vying for the “Best of Bacon” award. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Seneff Arts Plaza (in front of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts), 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. festivalofbacon.com
WINTER PARK INSTITUTE SERIES
Oct. 13: The Winter Park Institute at Rollins College hosts National Geographic Fellow Joel Sartore, a photographer who documents vulnerable species and landscapes. 7:30 p.m. Free. Knowles Memorial Chapel, Rollins College. rollins.edu/rollins-winter-park-institute
HARVESTING THE MEMORIES COMMUNITYFEST
Oct. 14-16: An opening-day parade, live entertainment, midway rides and family fun highlight the largest church festival in Central Florida. St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Parish, 861 Maitland Ave., Altamonte Springs. stmarymagdalen.org
CREATIVE CITY PROJECT
Oct. 15: With an estimated 15,000 people, including more than 800 artists, expected to participate, downtown Orlando will become a series of unexpected and creative art adventures. creativecityproject.com
AIMEXPO
Oct. 15-16: The American International Motorcycle Expo presents hundreds of exhibitors and machines—and the opportunity to test drive or even buy them. Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Orange County Convention Center, 9400 Universal Blvd., Orlando, 32819. AIMExpoUSA.com
ROOTSTOCK PLANT & GARDEN FESTIVAL
Oct. 15-16:More than 40 vendors will be offering a variety of plants for sale, plus Florida Master Gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions. Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org
MAKER FAIRE ORLANDO
Oct. 22-23: Now in its fifth year, this event presents do-it-yourselfers working on art, rockets, robots, crafts, technology, music and other hands-on-activities. Hands-on workshops are offered. Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. makerfaireorlando.com
SUNDAY IN THE PARK
Oct. 23: Enjoy this multi-generational family festival featuring food, fun and a Beatles tribute band, The British Invasion. All proceeds benefit Orlando’s elder community. 2 p.m. Cranes Roost Park, 274 E. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs. 407-678-9363. jewishpavilion.org/special-events
WORLD OF GOOD OCTOBER FUNDRAISERS
10/1
ARTLANDO, benefits the Cancer Support Community at Orlando Health. Loch Haven Park, Orlando. artlando.com
10/2
ORLANDO CF CYCLEFORLIFE, benefits Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Fiserv Building, Lake Mary. 407-491-1254. cff.org
10/1, 10/3, 10/14
WOMEN PLAYING FOR T.I.M.E. TENNIS EVENTS, benefit UF Health Cancer Center. 10/1 at
Sanlando Tennis Center; 10/3 at Grand Cypress Tennis & Racquet Club; 10/14 at Country Club of Orlando. womenplayingfortime.org
10/5
WHAT’S YOUR STORY?, benefits the Zebra Coalition, which helps abused, neglected and homeless gay teenagers. Participants tell five-minute stories based on the evening’s theme, which this month is “outstanding” moments, events or people. The Abbey, Orlando. orlandostoryclub.com
10/13
JUNIOR LEAGUE HALLOWEEN HUSTLE, benefits programs fighting childhood hunger. Baldwin Park, Orlando. halloweenhustlewithus.com
10/14
BUBBLES & BLACKJACK, a casino night that benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida. The Mezz, Orlando. ronaldmcdonaldhouseorlando.org
10/15
CARNAVALIA—A CELEBRATION OF LIFE, benefits the Assistance Fund, which helps critically or chronically ill people who can’t afford advanced medications or therapies. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. theassistancefund.org
2016 WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S, benefits the Alzheimer’s Association. Lake Eola Park, Orlando. act.alz.org
JACK IN THE PARK,benefits the Special Olympics. Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center, Winter Park. specialolympicsflorida.org
10/16
U CAN FINISH 5 MILER & 2 MILER RUNS, which benefit Track Shack Foundation and 4Ever Knights Student Alumni Association. Bright House Network Stadium, 4465 Knights Victory Way, UCF, Orlando. trackshack.com
MEALS ON WHEELS BOWL-A-THON, benefits Meals on Wheels. Airport Lanes, 190 Airport Blvd., Sanford. mealsetc.org
10/19
PURPLE DOOR BREAKFAST, benefits Harbor House, which assists victims of domestic abuse. First Baptist Church of Orlando. harborhousefl.com
10/21
LA VIE EN COULEUR, benefits Nemours Children’s Hospital. Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, Orlando. nemours.org
10/22
HOWL-O-WEEN DOG WALK-A-THON AND CANINE COSTUME CONTEST, benefits Franklin’s Friends, which supports animal welfare agencies. Secret Lake Park, Casselberry. 260-693-7387. franklinsfriends.info
BACK TO THE FUTURE FAMOUS FACES MASQUERADE BALL, benefits Shepherd’s Hope, which helps those who can’t afford health care. Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. shepherdshope.org
DANCE, DREAM & INSPIRE, benefits Community Based Care of Central Florida, which helps children and families faced with abuse, neglect or abandonment. Local celebrities compete in a ballroom dance-off. Hard Rock Café Orlando. dancedreaminspire.com
COWS ’N CABS, benefits Community Food Outreach and Elevate Orlando. Central Park, Winter Park. cowsncabs.com
RUN NONA 5K & 10K, benefits the Tavistock Foundation. Lake Nona Town Center, 6941 Lake Nona Blvd. trackshack.com
10/23
SUNDAY IN THE PARK FALL FESTIVAL, benefits the Jewish Pavilion, enhancing the lives of the elderly. Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs. jewishpavilion.org
10/30
CREEPY CRAWL 5K AND FUN WALK benefits the Hemophilia Foundation of Greater Florida. Come dressed for Halloween and walk/run for those living with bleeding disorders. hemophiliaflorida.org/orlando
