Josh Garrick: Culture for your Calendar

Today – Sept. 15 – Sip, Shop & Stroll in Winter Park

Park Avenue in Winter Park is the place to be as the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Park Avenue Merchants Association invite you to sip, stroll and experience the charm of Park Avenue on a unique wine walk to your favorite shops and restaurants. While checking out the latest fashions, gifts and menus, you’ll enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres at participating locations. Tickets are $25 each with online registration closing at noon, Sept. 15. Check-in begins at 5 p.m. to receive your wine glass and passport. Call 407-629-2299 or visit experienceparkavenue.com

Today – Sept. 15 to Oct. 14 – The ‘ArtistsRegistry.com Small Works Show’ at CityArts Factory

The CityArts Factory will host the “ArtistsRegistry.com Small Works Show” with an opening reception today, Sept. 15, beginning at 6 p.m. With a diversity of artwork including painting, drawing, photography and sculpture, the public is invited and the event is free. City Arts Factory Gallery hours are open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. You’ll find the CityArts Factory at the corner of Orange Avenue and Pine Street in Orlando. Call 407-648-7060 or 407-312-0708 or visit ArtistsRegistry.com

Current: Bok Tower Gardens’ 8-acre expansion now open

In the shadow of his great-grandfather’s singing tower, Dr. Tomas Bok recently dedicated 8 acres of new garden spaces at Bok Tower Gardens. The largest expansion in 87 years of the gardens’ history, the new spaces include the Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, the Wild Garden, the Outdoor Kitchen, the Edible Garden and the Alexander Discovery Center. Guided tours of the gardens took place with the dedication ceremony concluding with the release of 2,500 native pollinators. Now – more than ever – Bok Tower Gardens is a “must-see” natural tourist preserve at 1151 Tower Blvd. in Lake Wales. Visit Boktowergardens.org

Final week – Now to Sept. 19 – The Breakthrough Theatre presents ‘Dearly Departed’

In the David Bottrell/Jessie Jones comedy, "Dearly Departed", set in the Baptist backwoods of the Bible Belt, the beleaguered Turpin family attempts to pull themselves together for their father's funeral. The Turpin's other problems, however, keep overshadowing the occasion. In desperation, the Turpins turn to their neighbors, an eccentric community of misfits, who pull together in their hour of need. The Breakthrough Theatre is located at 419A W. Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park. Call 407-920-4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com/tickets/

Now to Oct. 2 – Central Florida premiere of ‘Bonnie & Clyde,’ the musical

With a ‘white trash’ craving for excitement and fame, two nobodies in Depression-era Texas meet, feel a spark, and set out to chase a dream. Too quickly that spark leads the young lovers’ to robbery and murder. This musical, infused with blues, gospel and rockabilly, was nominated for Outstanding New Broadway Musical and Outstanding New Score in 2012. While everyone loves a bad boy, the musical’s mature subject matter may not be suitable for all audiences. Call 407-877-4736 or visit gardentheatre.org

Now to Oct. 9 – ‘West Side Story’ opens Orlando Shakes season

The most famous of the contemporary “Romeo and Juliet” stories finds idealistic young lovers Maria and Tony caught between rival street gangs. Their struggle to love and survive in a world filled with hatred and violence is one of the most beautiful and heart-wrenching musical dramas of all time. Based on the original concept by Jerome Robbins, with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story’s Latin and classical-inspired score features the treasured songs "Maria," "Tonight," and "America." Highly recommended. Visit orlandoshakes.org

Now to Oct. 16 – Orlando Repertory brings rhyming book to life for young ones

The world of little Llama and his mama seems familiar as they encounter the daily adventures of the first day of school, a trip to the supermarket, and bedtime. Llama learns about self-control and bravery with help from his mama. Based on the rhyming books by Anna Dewdney, playwright Ernie Nolan has crafted a delightful show for children and parents alike. Call 407-896-7365, ext. 1, or visit orlandorep.com

Sept. 16 to Jan. 1 – Highlights from the James Cottrell and Joseph Lovett Collection

The Orlando Museum of Art continues its relationship with James Cottrell and Joseph Lovett who have been, over a period of 40 years, building an exceptional collection of contemporary art from prominent artists, while reflecting the collector’s passion for discovering new talent before it is critically proven. Their regard for artists is demonstrated by their practice of collecting an artist’s work in depth. Cottrell and Lovett began collecting in the late 1970s with acquisitions including works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, David Hockney, and Robert Mapplethorpe. Call 407-896-4231 or visit omart.org

Sept. 16 to Oct. 9 – ‘All Hands on Deck’ brings (Bob) Hope to the Winter Park Playhouse

Bob Hope’s World War II USO tours for the troops made the man a legend in his own time. Now Hope is the inspiration for a new all singing, all dancing musical written, directed and choreographed by Jody Madaras at the Winter Park Playhouse. In an evening of classic songs, dances and laughs, join those happy audiences with timeless hits, vaudevillian antics and rousing comedy for audiences of all ages. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Sept. 17 – Musical Gala of Mexican Independence at Dr. Phillips Center

Casa de México invites the public to their traditional gala concert to celebrate Mexican independence. Presented for the first time at the Dr. Phillips Center, this year’s concert features Opera Orlando performing with the Orlando Philharmonic. Opera Orlando will be represented by tenor Leonardo Villegas, soprano Ana Villeda, and baritone Gabriel Preisser performing aria highlights. In addition, the Gala will feature Mariachi Cobre with the Orlando Philharmonic in a presentation created exclusively for Casa de México. The night begins at 8 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Sept. 21 – From Patio to Plate: Garden Your Way to Healthful Eating

Healthy eating is the ultimate goal when John Rife, owner of the East End Market in the Audubon Park District, reveals his favorite tips for growing farm-fresh veggies year round. He will then discuss the many benefits we reap from eating locally grown produce. His talk, at 10 a.m., is presented by the Winter Park Garden Club at 1300 S. Denning Drive. Call 407-644-5770 or visit winterparkgardenclub.com

Sept. 21 to 25 – Cirque du Soleil presents ‘OVO’

Cirque du Soleil returns to Orlando presenting its newest touring show, “OVO,” never before performed in Florida. Thrilling more than 4.5 million people worldwide since the show premiered in 2009, “OVO” (‘egg’ in Portuguese), offers up a colorful ecosystem where insects work, eat, crawl, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. As with all Cirque shows, the cast of “OVO” is comprised of 50 performing artists, from 12 countries, specializing in a variety of acrobatic acts. Visit cirquedusoleil.com, cirqueclub.com, AmwayCenter.com, or charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000.

Sept. 23 to Oct. 1 – Contemporary farce – ‘The Foreigner’ – at Rollins College

“The Foreigner” is a modern-day farce in which an Englishman, Charlie, arrives as a mysterious stranger at a quaint bed and breakfast in rural Georgia. When Charlie pretends to only speak a foreign tongue, he overhears far too much – from the unexpected pregnancy of the minister’s fiancée to the sinister plans of a hillbilly. Winner of two Obie Awards, this staple of the American stage is a playful look at the fascination, fear, and falsehoods that separate us from each other. Written by Larry Shue. Call 407-646-2145 or visit rollins.edu/annie

Sept. 23 – The Bach Festival & The Rep join forces

One of the region’s leading classical music organizations, comprised of a 100-plus voice volunteer choir, joins forces with The Rep to present an evening of music for the whole family. Members of the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra offer a unique opportunity to introduce classical music to our youngest friends and family members to help nurture a lifelong love of music and concert-going. Celebrating its 82nd season in Winter Park, tickets for this Bach Festival concert are $20, $18, and $14. Call 407-896-7365 or visit orlandorep.com

Sept. 24 – Winter Park Library’s Bash for Books

Consistently recognized as one of Florida's top libraries, the Winter Park Public Library provides a portal to the lives of characters created by our favorite authors from William Shakespeare to J.K. Rowling. This season’s annual fundraiser pays tribute to British authors and will be held at the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center beginning at 7 p.m. on Sept. 24. Attire is black tie optional with guests welcome to add to the spirit of the evening with character-inspired costumes. Tickets at $125 include admission, food, craft beer, and cocktails to support the programs of the Winter Park Public Library. Call 407-623-3300 or visit wppl.org/bash

Sept. 24 – Grammy-winning Peter Cetera in concert

Peter Cetera, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, has had two distinct musical careers. From 1968 through 1986 Peter was the singer, songwriter, and bass player for the legendary rock group Chicago, recording 18 of the most memorable albums of a generation. In 2016, Peter, with Chicago, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A solo artist since 1986, Peter has recorded 10 time-honored CDs including his Academy Award nominated “The Glory of Love” from “The Karate Kid II.” Peter tours with his seven-piece band, The Bad Daddies and still enjoys performing his timeless hits, and touching the lives of people worldwide. His show at the Dr. Phillips Center begins at 8 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Sept. 25 – Second Harvest Food Bank’s ‘Sunday Funday’ brunch

With proceeds benefitting one of the best charitable ideas ever, funds raised at Second Harvest Food Bank’s “Sunday Funday” brunch support the Culinary Training Program, which provides the unemployed with skills to obtain a position in the food service industry. Guests enjoy an all-you-can-eat brunch – with mimosas or Bloody Marys – as Olive Garden chefs, including Executive Chef Jim Nuetzi, present an array of pastas and salads, a carving station, and traditional brunch fare. The event also benefits the Orlando Gay Chorus with a piano bar in the atrium and culminating in a main-stage show during the Brunch. The cost is $39.95 per person. Call 407-514-1070 or visit SundayFundayBrunch.org