On The Town: October 2017
15 Halloween Happenings, 22 special events and 27 fundraisers happening in the month of October.
HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS
SEAWORLD’S HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR
Through Oct. 29: A “fantasea” filled with trick-or-treating and dancing sea creatures, including pumpkin fish. Costumes are encouraged, and children can create sea-themed arts and crafts. Included in regular park admission on select weekends. SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando. seaworldparks.com
HOWL-O-SCREAM AT BUSCH GARDENS
Through Oct. 29: Scary creatures roam the theme park and guests are surprised at every turn. Chilling live shows are combined with some of Florida’s most challenging thrill rides. The fear and the fun begin 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. seaworldparks.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 just waiting to be found throughout the Magic Kingdom. The boo-tiful spirits of the season transform the theme park into a happy but haunted hallows, with many favorite Disney characters dressed in Halloween costumes. Select days from 7 p.m.-midnight. Walt Disney World. Separate park ticket required for this event. disneyworld.disney.go.com
HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Through Nov. 4: Universal Studios Florida comes alive on select nights with hordes of horrifying mutants, monsters and maniacs. Explore haunted houses, pass through “scare zones,” see outrageous live shows, and experience many of the park’s usual rides and attractions. New this year: The Overlook Hotel from Stephen King’s classic horror story The Shining. Starts at 6:30 p.m. A separate park ticket is required. Universal Orlando, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. halloweenhorrornights.com
SPIRITS IN SANFORD HALLOWEEN ART SHOW AND SALE
Oct. 6-7: This annual, juried Halloween art show and sale features one-of-a-kind pieces. Friday 6-8 p.m. (reservations required), Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (open to the public). Jeanine Taylor Folk Art, 211 E. First St., Sanford. 407-323-2774. spiritsinsanford.com
UNDERGROUND VAMPIRE BAR
Oct. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 & 27-28: DRIP, the I-Drive bar known for dancers performing to live music as liquid and sand rain down, is turning the place over to vampires (and their human friends) for the month of October, with blood cocktails, a vampire love story, and the usual dancing in messy mixed media. Fridays and Saturdays 8:45 p.m. 8747 International Drive, Orlando (behind Señor Frogs and Denny’s). 347-855-3747. ilovedrip.com
GARDEN THEATRE GHOST TOURS
Oct. 15 & Nov. 4: With the aid of American Ghost Adventures, investigate the historic Garden Theatre, learn about its history, hear of firsthand ghost encounters, perhaps meet one yourself. An investigator will lead each group (limited to 35 people) and some ghost-hunting equipment will be available for use. 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. 407-877-4736. gardentheatre.org, americanghostadventures.com
BRICK OR TREAT AT LEGOLAND
Oct. 14-15, 21-22, 28-29 & 31: Trick-or-treat throughout the park during extended operating hours. Meet Lego Vampyre, Lego Mummy and other spooky characters. Brick-building activities, meet-and-greets, new shows and end-of-day fireworks. Select weekends in October plus Halloween; included with regular park admission. Legoland, 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven. florida.legoland.com
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS & MONSTER FACTORY
Oct. 19-Nov. 10: An annual, juried Day of the Dead/Halloween art exhibition and sale of new works in various media. Opening reception and block party Oct. 19 from 6-11 p.m. CityArts Factory, 29 S. Orange Ave, Orlando. orlandoslice.com
SHRIEKFEST ORLANDO
Oct. 21: Orlando actress Denise Gossett started the Shriekfest Film Festival in Los Angeles 17 year ago to draw attention to a new horror film in which she had starred. This year she is bringing a one-day version of the four-day LA festival—now an international horror/sci-fi film and screenplay competition – to the Orlando area. The best movies from the LA event will be screened throughout the day and into the evening at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford. 407-321-8111. shriekfest.com, wdpac.com
KID’S HALLOWEEN PARTY FEATURING HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2
Oct. 22: The entire family is invited to show up in costume for a party featuring the animated movie Hotel Transylvania 2. 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
ZOO BOO BASH
Oct. 28-29: Come trick or treat where the truly wild things are. 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
MR. RICHARD & THE POUND HOUNDS A HALLOWEEN CONCERT
Oct. 27-28: With sing-a-long tunes about fish, 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 Street, Orlando. orlandorep.com
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
Oct. 31: Let’s do the time warp again – and on Halloween! This cult classic about a young couple whose car breaks down in an isolated area, forcing them to call on the eccentric Dr. Frank-N-Furter, returns to the Garden Theatre complete with prop bags (no outside props allowed), interactive entertainment, and a costume contest. 9:30 p.m. 160 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden. 407-877-4736. gardentheatre.org
SYMPHONIC BAND HALLOWEEN CONCERT
Oct. 31: Free Halloween-themed concert on the mall area of Valencia College’s East Campus. 130 p.m. 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando. 407-582-2900. valenciacollege.edu/arts
SPECIAL EVENTS
MOUNT DORA JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES SHOW
Sept. 30-Oct. 1: From the producers of the Mount Dora Arts Festival, a two-day showcase for the makers of unique, handmade jewelry and accessories. Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Lake Receptions, 4425 N. Highway 19A, Mount Dora. 352-383-0880.
mountdoracenterforthearts.org
VISIT ORLANDO’S MAGICAL DINING MONTH
Through Oct. 1: Satisfy your cravings for haute cuisine at reasonable prices as this five-week culinary promotion of the region’s best dining draws to a close. More than 70 of Central Florida’s top restaurants feature three-course, prix fixe dinners for $35 each; a dollar from each meal is donated to a local charity. 407-363-5872. visitorlando.com/magicaldining
EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
Through Nov. 13: Taste the world from one location in Central Florida as dozens of international food markets pop up within this Disney theme park. Experience the art of celebrity chefs, attend culinary demonstrations, and enjoy “Eat to the Beat” concerts. It’s more than two full months of food and fun. Walt Disney World’s Epcot World Showcase, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com
FIRST THURSDAYS AT ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART
Oct. 5: “Orlando’s original art party” has a themed exhibit each month featuring local artists, plus live music, cash bar, and lots of socializing. This month’s theme is “Ghosts and Ghouls.” 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. 407-896-4231. omart.org
MOUNT DORA BICYCLE FESTIVAL
Oct. 5-8: Florida’s oldest and largest bicycling event has added a fourth day 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. 6-8: 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. The show includes silent auctions, door prizes, demonstrations, and family activities. 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
REGGAE ON THE BLOCK 2017
Oct. 7: This outdoor, multistage reggae fest takes over a block of Washington Street just west of Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando for one day each year. Trevor Hall is this year’s headliner in a musical lineup that includes Mike Love, En Young, and Ballyhoo. 4 p.m. 10 W. Washington St., Orlando. reggaeontheblock.com, thebeacham.com
GERMAN AMERICAN SOCIETY OKTOBERFEST
Oct. 7 & 28: The German American Society of Central Florida has two Oktoberfests, three weeks apart, 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
WINTER PARK INSTITUTE AT ROLLINS COLLEGE
Oct. 10: The second lecture of the institute’s 2017-18 season features Lauren Bush Lauren, founder and chief executive of FEED Projects, a socially conscious business designed to “create good products that help feed the world.” Every carry bag and fashion accessory it sells has a measurable food donation attached to it. Lauren’s topic: “How to FEED the World, One Bag at a Time.” 7:30 p.m. Knowles Memorial Chapel, Rollins College campus, Winter Park. 407-646-2145. rollins.edu/wpiticketshttp://orlandogermanclub.com
THORNTON PARK 2ND THURSDAY WINE + ART WALK
Oct. 12: Artists display works for sale along the streets and inside local businesses. Free, but $15 gets you a glass and a map of more than 25 businesses offering wine tastings. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Summerlin Avenue at Washington Street. thorntonparkdistrict.com
SANFORD’S ALIVE AFTER FIVE STREET PARTY
Oct. 12-13: Central Florida’s largest recurring street party is a two-day event this month, with Oktoberfest as the theme. These monthly gatherings in Sanford’s historic downtown district feature live music, local artists, and both food and beverage samples. Thursday-Friday 5 p.m. Free. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordwelcomecenter.com
Southern Women’s Show
Oct. 12-15: Enjoy fashion shows, cooking demos, health screenings, makeovers and more at this 27th annual event. Olympic medalist Laurie Hernandez kicks off the show on Oct. 12, and singer/cookbook author Patti LaBelle wraps it up on Oct. 15. Orange County Convention Center, North Concourse, Hall B, 9400 Universal Blvd., Orlando. southernwomensshows.com
ART & MUSIC IN THE PARK
Oct. 13: Artwork and live music in the park between Casselberry City Hall and Lake Concord. Food trucks and other vendors on site as well. 6 p.m. Free. 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry. 407-262-7700, ext. 1507. casselberry.org
MOUNT DORA ART SPLASH
Oct. 13: A festive evening of sidewalk artists, performers and live music in downtown Mount Dora, designed to showcase the work of regional artists on display at several local venues. 6 p.m. Free. 138 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. 352-383-0880. mountdoracenterforthearts.org
RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Oct. 14-15 & 20-22: This year’s festival extends over five days and two weekends. It features re-creations and re-enactments from Europe’s 14th to 17th centuries, with kings and queens, lords and ladies, knights and nobles, pirates and even some fairies, elves, trolls and dragons. There’s a daily jousting tournament, a children’s area with petting zoo, and after 5 p.m. a music festival for adults. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Bill Frederick Park, 3401 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando. renfestcfl.ticketleap.com
COME OUT WITH PRIDE FESTIVAL
Oct. 14: Celebrating the LGBTQ community, the annual event—this year’s theme is “Keep Dancing Orlando”— runs from noon to 10 p.m. and features more than 100 vendors, entertainment and food. The highlight is a colorful parade in the afternoon. Lake Eola Park, Rosalind Avenue, downtown Orlando. comeoutwithpride.com
CASA FELIZ PARLOR SERIES
Oct. 17: “A Design History of Winter Park,” the third program in this historic home’s new series, examines the city’s place in Florida history in terms of community planning. Featuring Rollins College professor Bruce Stephenson, who recently wrote a biography of the gifted city planner John Nolen, and series host and architect Richard Reep. 7 p.m. (6:30 reception). Free; reservations suggested. Casa Feliz, 656 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. 407-628-8200. casafeliz.us
AN EVENING WITH NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON
Oct. 18: Tyson, the celebrity astrophysicist in charge of the world-renowned Hayden Planetarium in New York City, discusses “The Cosmic Perspective,” which sees Earth as a planet in a vast, empty universe, a point of view that can profoundly influence what we think and feel about science, culture, politics and life itself. 8 p.m. Bob Carr Theater, 401 W. Livingston St., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org
3RD THURSDAY GALLERY HOP & ART WALK
Oct. 19: You’re invited to descend on Orlando’s Downtown Arts District for the evening to celebrate all that is art. 6 p.m. Free. CityArts Factory, 29 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. orlandoslice.com
SANFORD ART WALK
Oct. 21: 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 each third Saturday of the month. Different theme each month. 6-9 p.m. Free. sanfordartwalk.com, sanfordwelcomecenter.com
IMMERSE
Oct. 21: The Creative City Project presents this annual event. With an estimated 15,000 people, including more than 1,000 artists and performers, expected to participate, downtown Orlando will become a series of unexpected and creative art adventures. creativecityproject.com
MAKER FAIRE ORLANDO
Oct. 21-22: This giant “maker” event features hundreds of do-it-yourselfers working on art, rockets, robots, crafts, technology, music and other hands-on activities. Plenty of hands-on workshops for visitors are offered, too. Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. makerfaireorlando.com
WORLD OF GOOD
OCTOBER FUNDRAISERS
10/2
SHOOTOUT AT TRANQUILO, golf tournament to benefit Special Olympics Florida. Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista. specialolympicsflorida.org/get-involved
10/4
AU-SOME AWARDS CEREMONY, benefits Autism Society of Greater Orlando. Food and drink, music, silent auction, raffle and art exhibit.
Mercedes Benz of Orlando, Maitland. asgo.org
10/6, 10/25 & 10/26
WOMEN PLAYING FOR T.I.M.E., events to benefit the Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center: tennis, 10/6, Lake Cane Tennis Center; duplicate bridge, 10/25, Country Club of Orlando; and golf tournament, 10/26, Orange Tree Golf Club. womenplayingfortime.org
10/7
2017 WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S, benefits the Alzheimer’s Association. Lake Eola Park, Orlando. act.alz.org
VOICES OF HOPE GALA—MASQUERADE, benefits Voices for Osceola’s Children, an advocate for abused and neglected children. Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando. voicesoc.org
SILLY SOCKS DRIVE ORLANDO 2017, benefits Kids Beating Cancer. Free event, but donations sought of themed socks. Cypress Grove Park, Orlando. kidsbeatingcancer.com
WOODSTOCK WINTER PARK, benefits Mead Botanical Garden. An evening of peace, love and music, including a concert by Central Florida Community Arts. Mead Botanical Garden, Winter Park. meadgarden.org
10/13
INSPIRING INNOVATION GALA, benefits the Orlando Science Center. 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando. osc.org
10/14
ORLANDO TEAM HOPE WALK, benefits the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. Lake Lily, Maitland. hdsa.org
BAT-TACULAR BOWLING, benefits Junior Achievement of Central Florida. Boardwalk Bowl, Orlando. juniorachievement.org
SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA CHAMPION’S GALA, formal dinner and auctions to benefit Special Olympics Florida. Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista. specialolympicsflorida.org/get-involved
10/15
RIDE-4-RONALD, 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
MUSIC FEST 2017, benefits the Jewish Pavilion and its programs for the elderly. Lake Brantley High School, Altamonte Springs. jewishpavilion.org
10/18
PURPLE DOOR BREAKFAST, benefits Harbor House, which assists victims of domestic abuse. Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando. harborhousefl.com
10/20
LA VIE EN COULEUR, black-tie gala to benefit Nemours Children’s Hospital. Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, Orlando. nemours.org
BUBBLES & BLACKJACK, a casino night to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida. The Mezz, Orlando.
ronaldmcdonaldhouseorlando.org
ART OF MEDICINE, benefits the University of Florida Trauma, Concussion and Sports Neuromedicine Program. Includes a performance by the Orlando Ballet, an art auction and tasting stations. Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando. artofmedicinegala.org
CASINO NIGHT, benefits Quest Kids and Quest Kids Academy. Trade in chips at end of evening for chances to win raffle prizes. Winter Park Civic Center, Winter Park. questinc.org
10/21
STROLL ’N’ ROLL 4K WALK, benefits the Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, which helps people with disabilities. Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs. cilorlando.org
FURBALL, benefits the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, Orlando. petallianceorlando.org
BOWLING FOR BABIES, benefits Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County. Aloma Bowl, Winter Park. healthystartorange.org
10/26
JUNIOR LEAGUE HALLOWEEN HUSTLE 5K, benefits programs to fight childhood hunger. Baldwin Park, Orlando. jlgo.org/5k
10/27
LADIES LEGACY LUNCHEON, benefits Florida Hospital Waterman Cancer Care Services. Keynote speaker: Stetson University President Wendy B. Libby. Lake Receptions, Mount Dora. floridahospital.com/waterman
10/28
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
FAMOUS FACES MASQUERADE BALL—THE ROARING ’20s, benefits Shepherd’s Hope, which helps those who can’t afford health care. Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. shepherdshope.org
CHEF BRIAN AND KID KULINAIRE AT MADS FASHION SHOW, benefits celebrity chef Brian David Robinson’s Central Florida charity Healthier Choices for a Hungry Child. Flamingo Waterpark Resort, Kissimmee. healthierchoicesinc.org
10/29
U CAN FINISH 5 MILER & 2 MILER RUNS, benefit Track Shack Foundation and 4Ever Knights Student Alumni Association. Spectrum Stadium, 4465 Knights Victory Way, UCF, Orlando. trackshack.com
