Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Now through Nov. 10 – Taste your way around the world at Epcot

Take your family (and your taste-buds) on an adventure of food and wines at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival through Nov. 10. Each fall, Disney’s Epcot offers the flavors of 30 global marketplaces along with cooking demos, tastings, wine-pairings, and decadent desserts. Meet and talk with celebrity chefs as you sample, sip and learn. Then each evening, visitors end their day with a live performance by chart topping bands ranging from the Pointer Sisters to Smash Mouth. Visit disneyworld.disney.go.com

Oct. 23 to Nov. 22 – Orlando Shakes presents ‘The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley’

Young audiences are invited to a whirlwind, musical travelogue as Orlando Shakes opens its Fall Children’s Series with “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley” through Nov. 22. Based on the character created by Jeff Brown, Stanley Lambchop makes a wish to be as flat as a pancake… and his wish comes true! Stanley becomes the ultimate exchange student, teaching young audiences that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. A printable Flat Stanley is available at orlandoshakes.org. Call 407-447-1700, ext. 1, or visit orlandoshakes.org

Oct. 24 to Nov. 19 – ‘High Fidelity,’ an art exhibit by James Cornetet

Orlando-based artist James Cornetet began his career as an architect, but his interest in the arts has resulted in his artwork earning recognition at international levels. Cornetet’s “High Fidelity” series represents the culmination of his skills as the images feature butterflies at an unprecedented fidelity, photographed by a custom CNC camera that enables him the ability to create the 1,000 mega-pixel images of these beloved insects. An opening reception will be held Oct. 24 beginning at 7 p.m. at Jai Gallery in downtown Orlando. RSVP by calling 407-921-0693 or by email to [email protected]

Oct. 24 to 26 – Fright and fun at Spooky Empire’s horror convention

The Ultimate Horror Weekend at the DoubleTree at Universal Studios from Oct. 24 to 26 will offer events including the iconic Zombie Walk (Oct. 24 from noon to 5 p.m.) for a quick dose of the undead, a costume and cosplay contest (Oct. 26 at 4 p.m.) for cash prizes, live performances and celebrity appearances, and the Freak Show Film Fest culminating in The Freakys Red Carpet Awards (Oct. 26 at 5 p.m.) In addition, more than 200 vendors will offer horror merchandise: art, movies, toys, props, action figures, comic books, fantasy swords, clothing, jewelry and more. Visit spookyempire.com

Oct. 24, 25 and 26 – CFCArt’s Cabaret celebrates ‘The Golden Age of Musical Theater’

CFCArt’s Cabaret will revisit Broadway’s “Golden Age” – when iconic musicals such as “Anything Goes,” “42nd Street,” “Guys and Dolls,” “The King and I,” and “Oklahoma” made their mark in musical-theater history. Directed by Donald Rupe, “Golden Age” will be performed on Oct. 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. at Central Christian Church at 250 S.W. Ivanhoe Blvd. in Orlando. Parking is behind the church. Tickets are $10 at the door. Call 407-937-1800 or visit cfcarts.com

Oct. 25 – Saddle up for the fourth annual Cows 'n Cabs

Dust off those fancy Western boots and get-on-down to Winter Park's West Meadow on Oct. 25 for the fourth annual Cows ‘n Cabs to benefit the Community Food & Outreach Center. At this Western-themed event, guests may expect fancy food, music and spirits from more than 18 of Central Florida's top restaurants including 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Kres, and K Restaurant, alongside newcomers such as Soco and P is for Pie Bakeshop. You can guess about the cows; the cabs are cabernets. Visit cowsncabs.com

Oct. 25 – Jack in the Park for the Special Olympics Florida

Jack in the Park is an incredible night featuring black jack, live music and an expansive menu supplied by more than 20 of Central Florida’s most popular restaurants. For the suggested donation of $100, guests enjoy an open bar as they sample unlimited selections from their favorite restaurants. Benefiting Special Olympics Florida, Jack in the Park is a unique outside-the-ballroom fundraiser to make a difference in the lives of Special Olympics athletes. Held at the Winter Park Civic Center on Oct. 25 beginning at 7 p.m., find ticket information online at specialolympicsflorida.org/jack

Oct. 25 – Mr. Richard and the Pound Hounds

Orlando’s favorite rock band for children will rock out at the Orlando Repertory Theater for some Halloween fun. With sing-along tunes about fish, skunks, snakes and Halloween, Mr. Richard and The Pound Hounds play great music for hip kids, who can preview their costumes by wearing them to the concert. Tickets are $5. Call 407-896-7365 or visit Orlandorep.com

Oct. 25 – The 13th annual College Park JazzFest

The annual College Park JazzFest is a street party along six blocks of Edgewater Drive in College Park’s Main Street District. On Oct. 25 beginning at 6 p.m., JazzFest will present 10 bands on three stages featuring Miss Jackie Jones; ’80s pop star Tiffany; and Sisaundra Lewis, top-10 contender on “The Voice.” Other entertainers include Dr. Otto Jazz Band, Bill Allred All-Stars, Dave Capp Project and more. Presented by College Park Partnership, a $5 donation is suggested. Call 407-579-0023 or visit collegeparkpartnership.com

Oct. 25 – Double the orchestras at Mead Garden

In a rare opportunity to enjoy our cooler weather while listening to two orchestras performing classical music, the Florida Young Artists Orchestra and the Maitland Symphony Orchestra will each perform on Oct. 25. Both concerts are free – and family-friendly – and will be performed at Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park – at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Call 321-303-1404 or visit PAMaitland.org

Oct. 25 – Festival Singers ‘Open Our Eyes’ with free concert

The Festival Singers of Florida will open their seventh season on Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. with a concert titled “Open Our Eyes.” Featuring works by contemporary composers, the free concert will be presented at the Winter Park Presbyterian Church. Works by composers Moira Smiley, Michael Engelhardt, Philip Silvey, Ola Gjeilo and Troy Robertson will be performed along with Swahili and Zulu songs from the group’s recent concert tour with the Nairobi Chamber Choir in Kenya. Artistic Director Dr. Kevin Fenton will conduct. Visit fsof.org

Oct. 25 to Nov. 1 – Park Avenue Fashion Week

Winter Park’s Park Avenue Fashion Week offers an unparalleled series of events and trunk shows concluding with the PAFW Runway Show as the biggest fashion event of the year. A 20,000-square-foot, air-conditioned tent is placed in Central Park with a runway and lounge area for VIP guests. PAFW’s Runway Show takes place on Nov. 1 with an Interactive Red Carpet encouraging guests to disclose, “Who are you wearing?”; the announcement of the winner of the Emerging Designer Competition; and a check presented to the Foundation for Foster Children. Call 772-222-7614 or visit parkavenuefashionweek.com

Oct. 25 and 26 – The Central Florida ZOO BOO Bash

The kids will love trick-or-treating in the wildest neighborhood in town during ZOO Boo Bash at the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford. It's a safe, fun, and not-too-scary event where kids in costume can fill their goody-bags at the Zoo’s trick or treat stations. No costume, no problem; the Zoo’s face painter will help you out. A costume contest will be held at 1 p.m. each day. Event included in general Zoo admission. Call 407-323-4450, ext. 100.

Oct. 28 – The Front Porch Partnership - Kenneth Murrah and Fairolyn Livingston

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce will launch the Front Porch Partnership, a group of institutions committed to discussions about issues such as growth, urban planning, healthy communities, sustainability, historic preservation and more in a non-political environment. The first talk will be held on Oct. 28 at noon at Casa Feliz with Kenneth Murrah and Fairolyn Livingston reflecting on moments in Winter Park’s history when the community wrestled with tough decisions that are still applicable today. Call 407-644-8281 or visit winterpark.org

Oct. 28 – The American Guild of Organists presents free Organ Spooktacular

The 5-manual-Trexler-Ruffatti-Beast organ lives at Lutheran Towers at 300 E. Church St. in Orlando where the annual Organ Spooktacular will take place on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. Featuring American Guild of Organists musicians and student scholarship winners, music from “Phantom of the Opera” will find Ben Lane on the organ with tenor John Murray. Dr. William Picher will accompany a silent film starring Buster Keaton along with other bone-chilling musical experiences. The event is free, costumes are encouraged, and the public is welcome. Email [email protected]

Oct. 29 – Taverna Opa celebrates seventh anniversary fundraiser

On Oct. 29 our favorite Greek restaurant – Taverna Opa – will be transformed into a haunted house featuring belly dancers, contortionists, magicians, and casino games for the Lucky 7 Haunted Casino charity event. Complimentary cocktails by EG Spirits and Opa cuisine will be served with all funds generated from the suggested $7 door donation and silent auction benefitting Give Kids The World. Visit opaorlando.com and/or RSVP to [email protected]

Oct. 31 – Feed the Need kick-off with Mayor Bradley

Join Winter Park Mayor Ken Bradley, Rollins College President Craig McAllaster and Winter Park Chamber of Commerce President Patrick Chapin as the community launches Feed the Need Winter Park, a community-wide effort to raise funds for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. The event will recognize sponsors and the individuals, businesses and organizations that have committed to raising $500 for the cause. Set for Oct. 31 at 10 a.m. at Winter Park’s City Hall, the kick-off will also feature a can-stacking competition between the Winter Park Police and Fire-Rescue departments. Interested in becoming a Community Champion? Call Ashley Ringler at 407-644-8281 or visit feedtheneedwp.org

Nov. 1 – The Neanderthal Ball to benefit the Science Center

It’s time to go hunting for your new Caveman Couture and step out in Paleolithic style as the Orlando Science Center welcomes you to the seventh annual Neanderthal Ball. As the Science Center’s premier fundraising event, the Ball is also the wackiest (and most fun) Gala of the season. It may be held in a Museum, but there is nothing stuffy about the coolest event this side of the Ice Age! It’s a benefit for children’s programming at the Science Center, and it’s an upscale dining event with gourmet food selections, themed music, and silent auction items. Visit osc.or