Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

Through Oct. 7 – Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’

The Broadway musical based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film has won the hearts of more than 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest.” The perfect family introduction to theater, we can all marvel at the Beast’s magical transformation scene … and that is the magic of the theater. Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is performed through Oct. 7 at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre in downtown Orlando. Visit OrlandoBroadway.com or call 1-800-448-6322.

Oct. 5, 6 and 7 – Art Under the Stars

The stars create magical experiences for artists and patrons alike as the Rotary Club of Maitland announces the expanded 36th Annual Art Under the Stars, the only art festival in Florida that occurs in evening hours. This free event offers art by 150 artists, food and drink, and live entertainment, including the Maitland Symphony Orchestra on Oct. 6. Works by youth artists from local schools will also be on display. The art surrounds beautiful Lake Lily Park in Maitland at U.S. Highway 17-92 and Maitland Avenue. Hours are Oct. 5 from 6 to 10 p.m.; Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Proceeds from food, parking and festival posters (created by artist Randall Smith) will benefit local charities. Visit maitlandrotaryartfestival.com

Oct. 5 – FAVO Art Village – One Night Only

The Faith Arts Village (FAVO) supports our community by celebrating creative talent and giving local artists an opportunity to exhibit. On Friday, Oct. 5, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., FAVO will host an event that will see Artist Market meet Farmers Market as Motel Studio Art Exhibits premieres that evening. Showcasing the work of 19 Florida artists, FAVO’s artist spaces (in former motel rooms) will be open to the public. This free family-friendly event will also include live music and food-truck fare. FAVO is at 221 E. Colonial Drive in downtown Orlando. Call 407-222-1231 or visit faithartsvillage.com

Now until Dec. 31 – Peanuts at the History Center

On Oct. 2, 1950, three kids appeared on the funny pages of seven newspapers, and over the next 50 years, Charlie Brown, Patty and Snoopy would be joined by characters who would forever change the landscape of the Sunday comics. As The Schulz Museum celebrates its 10th anniversary, the museum has sent us an exhibit that celebrates the life of Charles M. Schulz and his unique characters. Over the years, we came to understand Linus’ blanket, Charlie Brown’s heartache, and Lucy’s knowledge of “everything.” Through Dec. 31, kids of all ages can enjoy Charles Schulz’s interpretation of the world through more than 65 Peanuts comic strips at the Orange County History Center at 65 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando. Call 407-836-8500 or visit thehistorycenter.org

Now through April 14 – ‘Life in the Fast Lane’

The desire for speed is a sentiment that racers and passion-driven Americans understand. The Polasek Museum’s new exhibit “Life in the Fast Lane: The Art of David DeLong” puts us into the action with DeLong’s realistic portrayal of this much-loved American sport. American Realist painter David DeLong (1930-2001) spent his life pursuing his dual passions of racing motorcycles and creating art. Visitors will also be treated to an up close view of DeLong’s motorcycle, the Honda RS125. The Polasek Museum is at 633 Osceola Ave. in Winter Park. Visit polasek.org

Oct. 13 – A&H honors Orlando Magic

Each season I look forward to the Orange & White Gala held to benefit The Art & History Museums – Maitland (A&H), and this is especially true now that we can see all of the wonderful renovations and improvements to the museums that have taken place over the past two years. This year the Gala is called the Orange & White (& Blue) Gala, as A&H will honor the Orlando Magic on Oct. 13 beginning at 6 p.m. Each year, A&H honors an individual, family or business that has made a positive impact on Central Florida history, and the 2012 honoree is the Orlando Magic — champions of our community both on and off the court. Corporate tables are available. For tickets and information, call Devin Dominguez at 407-539-2181 extension 262 or visit ArtandHistory.org