Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Current – A historic literary event from Harper Lee

This week saw the publication date of a newly discovered novel, the earliest known work from Harper Lee, the bestselling author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning classic “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Written in the 1950s, “Go Set a Watchman” was assumed lost, but the manuscript was re-discovered in 2014 and features many of the characters from “Mockingbird” – 20 years later – exploring how those characters adjust to the events of mid-1950s America. “Go Set a Watchman” is available in bookstores now. Visit barnesandnoble.com

July 16 and 17 – Grand opening of Smoothie King Winter Park also a fundraiser

Today’s grand opening of the new Smoothie King in Winter Park is also be a fundraiser for the local Crosby YMCA. On July 16 all smoothie sales up to $1,500 will go to the YMCA. In addition, on July 17, Smoothie King will give away free T-shirts to the first 100 guests and offer all guests the chance to win a $250 Smoothies for Summer gift card. The new Smoothie King is at 2254 Aloma Ave. in Winter Park. Call 407-335-4907

July 17 to Aug. 2 – ‘Mary Poppins,’ the musical, at Orlando Rep

“Mary Poppins,” based on the stories by P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, will be performed by the Orlando Rep’s Youth Academy from July 17 to Aug. 2. These talented youngsters had the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious opportunity to have their production staged with the help of Broadway’s original Mary Poppins, Ashley Brown. I guess it proves we can all learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “anything can happen if you let it.” You can “let it happen” for your family by calling 407-896-7365 or visiting Orlandorep.com

July 17 – Free Villain Con event with the Minions

“Bello!” (That’s how Minions say, “Hello!”) Everyone I know is a Minions fan, and now fans (of all ages) may sign up for a Minions Fun event set for July 17 at 7 p.m. at your local Barnes & Nobles store. Become a “Certified Minion” and attend Villain-Con as you search for the most despicable villain to follow. Activities and giveaways round out the fun. Contact your local Barnes & Noble to sign up.

July 18 – How to Butterfly Garden at Leu Gardens

Keri Byrum, assistant director of Leu Gardens, will teach us how to start our own butterfly garden from the ground up on July 18 beginning at 10 a.m. She will cover how to identify and attract local butterflies, learn about the plants suited to our area, and specific host plants for butterflies in Florida. Byrum has worked for Orange County as well as the SeaWorld theme parks where she developed her knowledge of landscape maintenance, plant selection, and adding color to Florida landscapes. Call 407-246-2620 or visit leugardens.org

July 18 – ‘The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses - Master Quest’

Gamers who celebrate the beloved 28-year-old “Legend of Zelda” franchise will love this unique orchestral concert as they experience the beautiful four-movement symphonic work that chronicles favorite moments from Zelda's rich and storied history. Expertly timed with a full-stage video presentation at the Dr. Phillips Center, “The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses” will be performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra for one-night-only on July 18 at 8 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

July 18 and 19 – Handmade is the word at the Buckler’s Crafts Fair

Handmade arts and crafts are the featured attraction offered by the professional craftspeople who exhibit and sell country, folk art, and/or primitive furniture, wood items, toys, dolls, clothing, jewelry, food, Christmas items and much more at the twice annual Buckler’s Crafts Fairs in Lakeland. Opening at 10 a.m. on July 18 and 19, the fair will take place at the Lakeland Center at 701 Lime St. in Lakeland. Admission is $6 with the offer of $2 off by visiting bucklercraftfair.com

July 19 – Pop Nation Tour at Plaza Live

They’re young, they’re talented, and they’re hungry for success. Welcome to Pop Nation, the new musical experience that puts you behind the scenes as boy bands and bubblegum divas get a jump-start to the heights of pop royalty. Pop Nation is a new rock concert experience set in the ’90s music scene that explores what it’s like to rise, fall, and rise again in a world more concerned with the sight (as opposed to the sound) of its newest superstars. The show begins at 7 p.m. Visit plazaliveorlando.com

July 21 – Snooty, the manatee, has a birthday party

Manatee County's most famous resident (and the oldest known manatee in the world), Snooty, will turn 67 on July 21. Weighing in at over 1,000 pounds, Snooty resides at the Parker Manatee Aquarium in 60,000 gallons of water, including a medical pool. The pool offers both deep and shallow water, allowing the manatees to maintain natural feeding behaviors. A second facility provides a temporary home for manatees that will be released back into the wild after having received treatment from an acute care hospital. The Aquarium has housed 28 manatees with Snooty as part of the rehabilitation program. Visit Southfloridamuseum.org

July 24, 25 and 26 – Phantasmagoria ‘Wicked Little Tales’ in limited engagement

Three not-to-be-missed performances by the acclaimed Victorian horror troupe Phantasmagoria will premiere the company’s new touring show – “Wicked Little Tales” on July 24, 25 and 26. Shown in Orlando before its first Atlanta engagement, “Tales” will include the troupe’s special blend of horror, “Phantastical” dance, live music, stage combat, large-scale-puppetry and storytelling in the troupe’s first ever “best of” performances. Orlando performances are at the Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park. For credit card orders, visit orlandoatplay.com and visit PhantasmagoriaOrlando.com

July 24 to Aug. 22 – Winter Park Playhouse presents tap dance musical ‘Dames At Sea‘

It’s the best tap-dancing theater in Florida, so it’s no surprise that the Winter Park Playhouse will present “Dames At Sea” as their first production of the 2015-2016 season. Set in New York City, this quintessential American musical features the hottest tap dancing this side of 42nd Street. The story of a small-town-girl who comes to the big city to make it on Broadway, the show offers tap dancing, songs, and boatloads of laughs. The fantastic Michael Edwards returns to The Playhouse to direct, Roy Alan will choreograph, and Christopher Leavy will music direct this stellar production. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

July 25 –Maitland has a birthday too

Maitland's (family-friendly) 130th birthday celebration will begin at 6 p.m. on July 25 at Lake Lily Park. The celebration will feature a Touch-A-Truck exhibit with vehicles from the city's fleet including a fire truck and a police cruiser. The Maitland Stage Band and Licorice Sticks will provide live music. Learn about Maitland's history and art while hair braiders, balloon artists, face painters, and carnival games entertain the kids. Food trucks will have summer foods available for purchase, and a fireworks show will cap off the evening at 8:45 p.m. Visit itsmymaitland.com

July 25 – Give Hope Foundation Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament & Gala

This fun and classy fundraiser brings Las Vegas to Orlando in an evening of professionally managed Texas Hold 'Em poker, craps, blackjack and roulette. The date is July 25 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Rosen Centre Hotel at 9840 International Drive in Orlando. Along with poker, the evening offers food, a silent and live auction, entertainment, and raffle giveaways – all for a great cause. There is even a special $99 room rate at Rosen Centre Hotel with purchase of a ticket. Visit givehopefoundation.org

July 25 – Broadway superstar Idina Menzel at the Dr. Phillips Center

Tony Award-winning leading lady Idina Menzel, praised for her powerhouse voice and emotional performances, was recently called “the Streisand of her generation” by the Denver Post. In March, Menzel released a CD and DVD called “Idina Menzel Live: Barefoot at the Symphony,” a live concert with an orchestra led by the legendary Marvin Hamlisch. Garnering huge critical acclaim, Menzel reached superstardom on Broadway with her Tony Award-winning performance in “Wicked.” This season, Menzel reprised her role on Fox’s hit TV series, “Glee.” She will perform at the Dr. Phillips Center on July 25 at 8 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.com

And looking ahead …

Aug. 8 – Celebrated chefs support 26th Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry

Central Florida’s most celebrated chefs will gather on Aug. 8 at the Orlando World Center Marriott to donate their time, talent, and passion for the 26th installment of Orlando's Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry. Forty-four award-winning chefs will showcase signature dishes, accompanied by fine wines, craft beers and cocktails, to ensure that no child grows up hungry in Orlando. Newcomers include Artist Point at Disney's Wilderness Lodge (a personal favorite), Highball and Harvest at Ritz-Carlton Orlando, and Yak & Yeti at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Along with extraordinary food, guests will enjoy auctions and entertainment. Please know that every dollar raised fights hunger and homelessness in Central Florida. Tickets are $150. Visit ce.strength.org/Orlando or facebook.com/OrlandoTaste