Calendar

AUG. 24

The Sixth Annual Dog Days of Summer Wine and Beer Tasting is 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, at The Doggie Door/Unleashed. It’s $25 in advance and $40 the day of the event. For more information, call 407-644-2969 or stop by the stores at 329 N. Park Ave.

AUG. 25

Celebrate the kickoff of Central Florida’s cultural season with the 8th Annual Red Chair Affair on Saturday, Aug. 25. Your ticket to sample the cultural offerings for the 2012-2013, this extraordinary evening is held at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre and includes performances from a variety of genres and organizations. Once again, IKEA has partnered with Red Chair Affair for the IKEA Red Chair Silent Auction, which can be viewed at biddingforgood.com/redchairproject/2012

The Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park will hold auditions for the Jason Robert Brown musical “13 the Musical” from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26. The theatre is located at 419A W. Fairbanks Ave.

AUG. 26

Music at the Casa will have a free open house from noon to 3 p.m. on Sundays, featuring live performances and tours of the historic Casa Feliz, 656 N. Park Ave. Upcoming performances are Shannon Caine/Beautiful Music on Aug. 26. For more information visit CasaFeliz.us or call 407-628-8200, extension 3.

The 2013 Orlando Ski Club Ski Trip Preview and Trip Sales Kick-Off event from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 at Dubsdread Golf Club serves to inform members and interested newcomers of the upcoming trips the organization is planning in the coming year. Attendees will learn more about the roster of ski trip destinations, special rates and the registration process per trip. Members are encouraged to bring friends. Those that put a deposit on an upcoming OSC ski trip, either prior to or during the event, will be entered into a drawing to receive $200 in trip credits. All guests in attendance have the chance to win door prizes. Free appetizers and cash bar will be provided. Dubsdread Golf Club is located at 549 W. Par St. Orlando. Learn more at orlandoskiclub.com

AUG. 27

A grand re-opening celebration for Winter Park City Hall will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27. Residents and visitors are invited to join city officials for the festivities, which will include a special ceremony at 1:45 p.m., live music and refreshments. City Hall is located at 401 S. Park Ave. in downtown Winter Park. Visit cityofwinterpark.org or call 407-599-3399.

The newest “Art in Chambers” exhibition featuring paintings by Rose Thome Casterline will be open for public viewing from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, until Friday Aug. 31, in Commission Chambers and Room 200 at Winter Park City Hall located at 401 S. Park Ave. The exhibit will be on display through October. There will be an artist reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19.

AUG. 28

The Art & History Museums – Maitland’s (A&H) continues the popular Artists’ Critique & Conversation series at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28. This professional development series for artists is held on the fourth Tuesday of every month in the A&H’s Germaine Marvel Building, 210 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland. The program is free and the public is encouraged to attend. Each critique is led by artist, arts writer and instructor Josh Garrick. Joining Garrick as guest panelists on Aug. 28 are Robin Maria Pedrero and Terry Hummel. Artists of every medium and skill level are encouraged to participate in the critiques. Each critique will review the art of up to nine artists, all artists must sign up in advance. Interested artists can sign up in advance for one of the nine slots online at ArtandHistory.org

AUG. 29

Mi Tomatina, a Winter Park restaurant inspired by the internationally known festival La Tomatina (recently seen in Pepsi’s TV ad campaign) in which participants engage in a massive tomato fight in Buñol, Spain, is set to celebrate the festival by giving back. In an effort to support the local community the restaurant asks that guests bring in non-perishable canned good items on Wednesday, Aug. 29 – tomatoes would be appropriate of course – to donate to the Community Food & Outreach Center. Those who donate will receive a complimentary glass of sangria.

50+FYI Expo, which rotates throughout Central Florida, is coming to west Orange County from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 29 at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Gotha. The event is free and in addition to having information, there will be a Food Truck Bazaar, magician, master balloon artist and music by Jacqueline Jones.

Natalie Cordone returns to the popular Winter Park Playhouse Spotlight Cabaret Series with her new Cabaret, “Sentimental Journey,” with Chris Leavy at the piano, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29. Tickets are $20 and include a drink from the bar. (Standing room tickets are $10. No drink included.) Seating is limited to 54, so advance reservations are strongly recommended. To purchase tickets, call the Box Office at 407-645-0145. The Winter Park Playhouse is located at 711 Orange Ave., Suite C. For more information, visit winterparkplayhouse.org

AUG. 30

The grand opening of the new Maitland City Hall is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30. Visit itsmymaitland.com for more details.

With 60,000 thoughts a day, research has found that there is power in committing your goals to writing. Please join JFS Orlando for an interactive evening focusing on hopes and passions from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, at Cocina 214, 151 E. Welbourne Ave. Individual tickets are $30 and include a beverage and light dinner. Sponsorship opportunities start at $300. To learn more, visit jfsorlando.org or call 407-644-7593, extension 227.

AUG. 31

The Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park presents the Joe Landry play “Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play” from Aug. 31-Sept. 17. Spies, murder, love and other trademarks of Alfred Hitchcock come to life in the style of a 1940s radio broadcast of the master of suspense’s earlier films. Show times are 8 p.m. Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Call 407-920-4034.

The 41st Annual Florida Watercolor Society Exhibition will be held at the Mennello Museum of Art from Aug. 31 to Nov. 25. The display will feature 100 of the best paintings by Florida’s top watercolor artists. The Mennello Museum is located at 900 E. Princeton St. Orlando. Details about conference registration can be found at the FWS website, floridawatercolorsociety.org

SEPT. 1

Mi Tomatina’s Executive Chef Jose Baranenko will offer a complimentary three-hour demonstration and sampling of his Pollo Al Ajillo, Patatas Bravas and Zucchini Soup recipes from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 1, at the Williams-Sonoma, 142 S. Park Ave., Winter Park.

Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park will celebrate International Bacon Day with Bacon Bash from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, by selling 10,000 slices of chocolate-covered bacon. The day will feature an array of bacon items: chocolate-covered bacon, bacon brittle, bacon chocolate chip cookies, bacon bites and bacon toppings for gelato. Additionally, one lucky Facebook fan will win one slice of bacon per week for a year. Peterbrooke Chocolatier is located at 300 S. Park Ave., Winter Park.

Sportsman’s Expo will be from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at Bahia Shrine Center, 2300 Pembrook Drive in Orlando. It will be open to the public with free admission. Bahia Shriners of Orlando has partnered with Mosquito Creek Outdoors along with other local vendors to hold the first annual Sportsman’s Expo for Outdoor Sportsman enthusiast. A family friendly event on Hunting, fishing, boating, shooting, camping and hiking or just enjoying the outdoors. For your convenience food and refreshments will be available to purchase all day. Net proceeds from this event are for the benefit of Bahia Shriners facilities and are not tax deductible as a charitable contribution. For additional information, contact Bahia Shrine Center at 407-660-8811.

Enzian Theater presents “The Sleeping Beauty” a Bolshoi ballet at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1. A treasured tale of fairies, spells and storybook romance, “The Sleeping Beauty” is the ultimate classical ballet. Yuri Grigorovich’s adaptation of Marius Petipa’s choreography is paired with some of Tchaikovsky’s most memorable melodies. It’s $17.50 for members and $20 for nonmembers. The theater is at 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland. Purchase tickets at Enzian’s box office or Enzian.org

SEPT. 3

On Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3, Winter Park and Maitland city offices will be closed. Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday!

SEPT. 4

The Tarflower Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, at Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, Florida 32803. Todd Mecklenborg, a Fish and Wildlife Biologist, will discuss the "Status of Florida's Conservation of Plants and Plant Communities." The meeting is free and open to the public. Come early and enjoy refreshments and visiting with other native plant enthusiasts.

SEPT. 6

The Winter Park Institute at Rollins College will host New York Times Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Nicholas Kristof from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, at the Alfond Sports Center, 1000 Holt Ave. He will discuss human rights violations regarding the oppression of women and girls in the developing world. Kristof co-authored the bestselling book “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide” with his wife, Sheryl WuDunn, also a New York Times journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner. Kristof is often called the reporter’s reporter for his human right advocacy and his efforts to give voice to the voiceless. This is a free event, open to the public. No RSVP is necessary. Free parking available in the SunTrust parking garage. For more information about Nicholas Kristof, visit facebook.com/kristof or follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/NickKristof

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is pleased to host the Winter Park Welcome Center Fifth Anniversary Celebration from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6. The event will be held at the Winter Park Welcome Center, 151 W. Lyman Ave., Winter Park. Admission is free, but reservations are encouraged in order to provide adequate refreshments. RSVP at winterpark.org

SEPT. 7

Florida Opera Theatre presents “Opera in the Park,” a Winter Park opera concert series to be held in downtown Winter Park in an intimate setting for exclusive operatic performances at the Winter Park Wedding Chapel, 301 W. New England Ave. Baritone Kenneth Stavert will perform on Friday Sept. 7, Soprano Samantha Barnes Daniel on Friday, Sept. 14, and Soprano Janette Zilioli on Sept. 21, all performances held at 6 p.m. Tickets for the entire series are $50 for Florida Opera Theatre members and $55 for the general public. Single tickets are on sale for $20 each. For more information visit FLOperaTheatre.org

There will be a Photo History and Documentary of Winter Park to celebrate the city’s 125 anniversary at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 7 at the University Club of Winter Park.

Baldwin Park’s First Friday Charity Festival & Art Stroll is Friday, Sept. 7. Information will be updated on the event’s Facebook page. If you or your company would like to participate in First Friday by displaying your products or goods, please contact BOOM Marketing & Events’ Brett Blake at 407-923-3849 or [email protected]

Enjoy an outdoor movie in a beautiful garden. Date night at Leu Gardens featuring “Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol” is Friday, Sept. 7. Admission is free for Leu members, $5 plus tax for adults and $2 plus tax for children. Weather permitting the gardens will open at 6 p.m. and the movie will begin at 8:30 p.m.

SEPT. 8

Enzian Theater in Maitland presents “An American in Paris” (1951) at noon Saturday, Sept. 8. Fall in love with this timeless musical gem featuring Gene Kelly in top form, a classic George Gershwin score, and the romantic City of Lights that won six Academy Awards including Best Picture. From catchy tunes like “I Got Rhythm” and “Love is Here to Stay” to an extravagant ballet performance, it’s movie magic at its best. Admission is $8 for nonmembers and $5 for members. The film is unrated. Tickets are available for purchase at Enzian’s box office or Enzian.org

SEPT. 9

Join Winter Park Memorial Hospital, a Florida Hospital, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, for the kick-off to “Pink Out Winter Park 2012” by setting a Guinness World Record for the most number of people standing on one leg in one place for two minutes. Pink Out Winter Park is an initiative to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer prevention by selling pink flamingos. Take part in the world record attempt and other fun activities such as a flamingo decorating contest, bounce house and more all to raise money and awareness for breast cancer! Winter Park Memorial Hospital is located at 150 N. New York Ave. Winter Park. Register via email at [email protected] or call (407) 200-2900. The event is free to all.

SEPT. 11

At 2 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 11 there will be a dedication ceremony for the 9/11 Fallen Heroes Memorial at the Public Safety Facility in Winter Park.

Become your own brain fitness trainer. Acquire tools, skill and knowledge to adopt a brain-healthy lifestyle. Join us for a six-week course where you will discover easy ways to support your brain’s vitality, sharpen your memory and grow your brain. There will be a free memory and brain health at Winter Park Presbyterian Church. The class will be held from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday between Sept. 11 and Oct. 16. Space is limited. Call 407-647-1467 extension 101 to register.

SEPT. 14

The Hannibal Square Heritage Center will present “Keeping Haiti In Our Hearts: Interpreting Heritage In The Diaspora” from Friday, Sept. 14 until Saturday, Dec. 29. The heritage center is located at 642 New England Ave. Winter Park and is open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, from noon to 5 p.m. on Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. There is no charge for admission. For more information visit hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org or call 407-539-2680.

SEPT. 15

The SPCA of Central Florida will celebrate 75 years of promoting responsible human behavior toward animals with their Diamond Anniversary Gala at 7 p.m. Sept. 15. This black tie fundraiser will be feature gourmet cuisine prepared by Emeril’s Tchoup Chop, fabulous live and silent auctions, and musical entertainment by The Dave Capp Project. Tickets are $200; VIP package $250. Advance purchase required. The gala will be held at Full Sail Live, 141 University Park Drive, Winter Park. For more information and to buy tickets visit spcadiamondgala.com, call 407-248-1758, or email [email protected].

The Performing Arts of Maitland is sponsoring an evening of dance and community with a live 17-piece Stage Band at the Maitland Civic Center on Saturday, Sept. 15. The event theme and title is "A Havana Night," featuring Gary Blalock directing the Maitland Stage Band performing music of Latin origin. Councilman Ivan Valdes will host the evening that will include dance exhibitions from area dance groups. Maitland restaurants Antonio's, SoNapa Grill, Bucca di Beppo and others have donated dinner gift certificates for auction. There will be a cash bar and food. The event begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the Maitland Civic Center or by calling June Flowers 321-303-1404 or Renee Charlan 407-376-3915. Proceeds will help PAM provide an opportunity for community performing artists to perform in a quality environment.

Seed Swap at Leu Gardens is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 15, in the Orchid Room. Bring your extra seeds packaged in small packets and labeled with the botanical name and/or common name of the plant and exchange for other seeds you need or want. The event is free. Commercial seed packs opened and unopened are allowed. No invasive plant seeds will be allowed in the Swap. If you don't have seeds to exchange, Leu Gardens will have seeds to share, up to three packs per family while supplies last.

Enzian Theater will show “Tosca” (Royal Opera House) at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15. Lust, treachery and heartbreaking passion, “Tosca” has it all, set to one of Puccini’s most-gleaming scores. With bona fide stars Angela Gheorghiu, Jonas Kaufmann and Bryn Terfel heading the cast, the Royal Opera House pulls out all the stops in this decadent production by Jonathan Kent. General admission tickets are $20 or $17.50 for Enzian members. Enzian Theatre is located at 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland. For more information call 407-629-1088 or visit enzian.org. Tickets are available for purchase tickets at Enzian’s box office or Enzian.org

SEPT. 18

The Military Retired Officers Wives Club of Central Florida will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month from September through May at the Elks Club. The Elks club is located at 12 N. Primrose Drive Orlando. Active duty wives are also welcome to attend. For information contact Marty Harrison at 407-886-1922 or Ellen Paul at 407-696-4809

ONGOING

The Winter Park Farmers Market is held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday. It is located at the old train depot, at 200 W. New England Ave. For information visit CityofWinterPark.org

The Maitland Farmers Market is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday. It is located at Lake Lily Park. For more information visit ItsMyMaitland.com or call 407-539-6268.

Food Truck Café is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Wednesday at Lake Lily Park in Maitland.

The Winter Park Food Truck Stop is located at 1127 N. Orlando Ave. and is open for food trucks 24/7. Follow the site on Facebook at facebook.com/WPFoodTruckStop

The second Friday of every month, local residents will have the opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy live music and performances while experiencing art and culture at the Maitland Chamber of Commerce. For information contact [email protected]

RNR Registered Nurses Retired meets the third Wednesday of every month at Denny’s at 440 S. Semoran Blvd. for charitable works, educational offerings, fellowship and support. For information call 407-281-1527.

Monday mornings at 11 a.m. at the Winter Park Community Center, there’s a 50-minute Deep Stretch Yoga class that is great for beginners, and anyone who wants to get an intensive stretch after a long run or bike ride. Classes are drop-in and cost $8. Contact the yoga instructor at 407-276-3478 or the Winter Park Community Center at 407-599-3275 for additional details. The Winter Park Community Center is located at 721 W. New England Ave.

On the first Wednesday of each month, the Survivors of Suicide support group will meet from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Hospice, 8009 S. Orange Ave. Call Claudia Swonger to register at 407-206-2273.

The Art & History Museums – Maitland exhibit, “A Day in the Life of the Research Studio,” is at the A&H’s Maitland Art Center Galleries until Sept. 19. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults, and $2 for seniors (55 and older) and for children (4-18 years). Admission is free for A&H members and children younger than 3.