On The Town: September 2017
28 special events and 16 fundraisers happening in the month of September.
VISIT ORLANDO’S MAGICAL DINING MONTH
Aug. 25-Oct. 1: Satisfy your cravings for haute cuisine at reasonable prices during this culinary promotion of the region’s best dining. More than 70 of Central Florida’s top restaurants feature three-course, prix fixe dinners for $35 each, with a dollar from each meal donated to a local charity. 407-363-5872. visitorlando.com/magicaldining
MICKEY’S NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY
Aug. 25-Nov. 1: Dress in costume for this Halloween celebration, with candies and sweets just 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. Separate park ticket required for this event. disneyworld.disney.go.com
EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
Aug. 31-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
SUNBURST CONVENTION OF CELEBRITY IMPERSONATORS
Sept. 1-2: The public is invited to enjoy special talent showcases where celebrity impersonators will perform and entertain. Guests can get their picture taken with their favorite “celeb.” 1-4:30 p.m. The Florida Hotel & Conference Center at The Florida Mall, 1500 Sand Lake Road, Orlando. sunburstconvention.com
GREAT IRISH HOOLEY
Sept. 1-4: This annual Labor Day weekend festival returns with lively dancing and singing to top Irish musical acts. Headliners include: Elevation, a U2 tribute act; the Lisa Canny Band; and the Gary O’Meara Band. Plus authentic step dancing, Irish food and drink, Celtic face-painting and more. Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant, Disney Springs, 1640 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista. raglanroad.com, thegreatirishhooley.com
HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Sept. 15-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
HOWL-O-SCREAM AT BUSCH GARDENS
Sept. 22-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
SEAWORLD’S HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR
Sept. 30-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
FIRST THURSDAYS AT ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART
Sept. 7: “Orlando’s original art party” has a themed exhibit each month featuring local artists, plus live music, cash bar, and lots of networking and socializing. This month the art is courtesy of the UCF College of Arts and Humanities Alumni Chapter; Eclectic Knights IX consists of work submitted by alumni, faculty, staff and students in a variety of media. 2416 North Mills Ave., Orlando. 407-896-4231. omart.org
ART & MUSIC IN THE PARK
Sept. 8: 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
Sept. 8: 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
STAR WARS COSPLAY CELEBRATION
Sept. 8: A chance to relive Star Wars memories or create new ones, show off your Jedi or Sith costume, and party with some of the most epic people this side Cloud City. Cosplay contests with cash and other prizes, lots of photo ops, live music, and dancing. Alcohol for sale, so no one under 21 years old. 9 p.m. The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive, Orlando. 407-704-6261. abbeyorlando.com
ROCK THE UNIVERSE
Sept. 8-9: Faith mixed with fun at Universal Studios Orlando, starting with Christian-music concerts headlined on Friday night by Chris Tomlin and Lecrae, and on Saturday night by Casting Crowns and For King & Country. Also: guest speakers, fan-zone autographs, a candle-lighting ceremony, Sunday morning worship —and access to all attractions in the theme park. 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Universal Studios, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. universalorlando.com
NIGHT OF JOY
Sept. 8-9: Disney World features a two-day contemporary-Christian music festival the same weekend Universal does—with performances by superstars in Christian rock, pop and gospel throughout both evenings, including TobyMac on Friday night and Amy Grant on Saturday night. 5 p.m.-1 a.m.; separate event ticket required for access to the festival. ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, 700 S. Victory Way, Kissimmee. disneyworld.disney.go.com
DISNEY ON ICE
Sept. 8-10: This year’s touring production presents “Dare to Dream”—where Moana, Maui and friends take to the ice for the first time as Moana sets sail on a life-changing quest. Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando. disneyonice.com
WINTER PARK INSTITUTE AT ROLLINS COLLEGE
Sept. 11: The institute’s 2017-18 season kicks off with Jon Meacham, executive editor and executive vice president of book publisher Random House, and author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House. Meacham’s topic is “The Art of Leadership: Lessons from the American Presidency.” 7:30 p.m. Knowles Memorial Chapel, Rollins College campus, Winter Park. 407-646-2145. rollins.edu/wpitickets
FASHION WEEK AT THE MALL AT MILLENIA
Sept. 14-17: Enjoy fashion shows, trunk shows, guest appearances, champagne receptions, in-store activities and more. Times vary. 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando. mallatmillenia.com
SANFORD’S ALIVE AFTER FIVE STREET PARTY
Sept. 14: Central Florida’s largest recurring street party, a monthly gathering with live music, local artists, and both food and beverage samples. This month’s AA5 theme is Sportin’ Sanford. 5 p.m. Free. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordwelcomecenter.com
THORNTON PARK 2ND THURSDAY WINE + ART WALK
Sept. 14: 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
HISPANIC FESTIVAL AT LAKE MONROE
Sept. 16: This new festival takes place on a mile-long stretch of Lake Monroe shoreline in downtown Sanford. East Seminole Boulevard will be lined with outdoor boutiques, artisan eateries, and art galleries. The event also includes live-music stages, beer gardens, a Kids Zone and a Pet Zone. 3-10 p.m. Free. Fort Mellon Park, 600 E. First St., Sanford. sanford365.com/event/hispanic-festival-lake-monroe
SANFORD ART WALK
Sept. 16: 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
GLOBAL PEACE FILM FESTIVAL
Sept. 18-24: This festival, in its 15th year, uses the power of motion pictures to further the cause of peace on Earth. In addition to a full slate of movies at more than a half-dozen Orlando-area venues, this year’s festival includes a student “peace art” exhibit, panel discussions with filmmakers and community organizations, talk-back sessions after the films, and a photo exhibit celebrating the legacy of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu of South Africa. peacefilmfest.org
3RD THURSDAY GALLERY HOP & ART WALK
Sept. 21: 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
FLORIDA BLOGGER & SOCIAL MEDIA CONFERENCE
Sept. 23: This one-day gathering of bloggers, vloggers, podcasters, marketers and others, known informally as FLBlogCon, offers panels and workshops to help online entrepreneurs take their work to the next creative level and make money with it. The seventh annual conference includes three keynote presentations and more than two dozen breakout sessions. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Full Sail University, 3300 University Boulevard, Winter Park. 407-679-6333. flblogcon.com
DOG AGILITY COMPETITION OF FLORIDA
Sept. 23-24: This is a team competition that is not sanctioned by any organization but generally follows American Kennel Club rules. Teams are sponsored by various clubs or can just be a group of individual dog owners whose pets train together. Saturday-Sunday 6 a.m. Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. ohpark.com
LATIN JAZZ AND ART FESTIVAL
Sept. 30: This year’s jazz fest features a return appearance by 10-time Grammy Award winner Arturo Sandoval. 5-9 p.m. Free. 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry.
SELF HELP FEST
Sept. 30: Multiple bands take the stage to deliver positive messages embodied in their music. Performers include A Day To Remember, Underoath, Less Than Jake and more. Orlando Amphitheater at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. selfhelpfest.com, orlandoamphitheater.com
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
WORLD OF GOOD
9/9
AMERICAN PATRIOT GALA, benefits the Camaraderie Foundation, which provides counseling and support services to military service members, veterans and their families. Hyatt Regency Orlando. camaraderiefoundation.org
CAMP BOGGY CREEK CHALLENGE RIDE, benefits the organization, which provides fellowship and more to children with severe illnesses and their families. Camp Boggy Creek, Eustis. boggycreek.org/support/events
9/10
CHAMPIONS RIDE FOR CHARITIES, benefits Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida’s Seminole County branches and the Longwood-based Christian Sharing Center. Bicycle rides of varying lengths begin and end at AAA national headquarters, Heathrow. championsrideforcharities.com
9/13
ANNUAL SUCCESS STORIES LUNCHEON, benefits Prospera (formerly the Hispanic Business
Initiative Fund) while honoring Hispanic entrepreneurship in Central Florida. Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando. prosperausa.org
9/16
29TH ANNUAL BLACK & WHITE GALA, benefits Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee. Hyatt Regency Orlando, Orlando. gktw.org
FLORIDA HOSPITAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS 5K, (formerly the Rock ’n’ Run 5K) benefits Casselberry cultural-arts organizations through the Track Shack Youth Foundation. Lake Concord Park, Casselberry. trackshack.com
CF CLIMB, benefits the Central Florida Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Climb 28 flights of stairs at the Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando. fightcf.cff.org
9/16-17
CORKS FOR CANCER, festival that benefits Leesburg Regional Hospital ‘s cancer-care programs. Lakeridge Winery, Clermont. lakeridgewinery.com
9/17
29TH SEASON GALA: MAN OF LA MANCHA
SHOWCASE, benefits Orlando Shakespeare Theater. John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, Orlando. orlandoshakes.org
9/17
FALL COLLECTION BRUNCH, benefits Runway to Hope, which helps Central Florida children and families affected by pediatric cancer. Part of Fashion Week at The Mall at Millenia, Orlando. mallatmillenia.com, runwaytohope.org
9/22-24 & 9/29-10/1
HOME OF DISTINCTION ORLANDO, benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida. Tours of a 12,000-square-foot mansion at Reunion Resort, Kissimmee. homeofdistinction.com, rmhccf.org
9/23
GREATER ORLANDO HEART WALK, benefits the American Heart Association. University of Central Florida, Orlando. www2.heart.org
9/29
SWING “FORE” THE ARTS GOLF TOURNAMENT, benefits cultural programs in Casselberry and Seminole County. Casselberry Golf Club. casselberry.org
9/30
WALK FOR WINNIE, benefits the neonatal intensive-care unit at Orlando Health’s Winnie Palmer Hospital. SeaWorld Orlando.
give.orlandohealth.com
9/23
HEADDRESS BALL—IMAGINARIUM, benefits Hope and Help Center of Central Florida, which promotes action against HIV/AIDS. Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando. hopeandhelp.org
9/30
HATS AND HEROES BALL: PHANTOM OF THE OPERA MASQUERADE BALL, benefits Kids Beating Cancer. Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Orlando. kidsbeatingcancer.com
