Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

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, 25 and 26 – The Lake Placid Caladium Festival

Highlands County is blessed with rich soil and creative people who grow caladiums in huge fields often compared to the tulip fields in Holland. Many travel to Lake Placid to drive by the fields in order to see this handiwork of art by Mother Nature. A shade-loving plant from the rain forests of the Amazon, the caladium’s popularity has led to an annual festival held this year from July 24 to 26 in Stuart Park. Along with free admission, the Caladium Festival offers plants for sale, arts and crafts booths, continuous live entertainment, a grape industry display, antique car show, airboat rides, the festival competition and field bus tours. Visit lpfla.com/caladium.

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

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

July 25 – The Babys

If you’re into classic-rock history, The Babys are back together after a three-decade layover. With hits including “Isn’t It Time,” “Every Time I Think of You,” and “Midnight Rendezvous,” The Babys created some of the great arena anthems of that era. Original drummer Tony Brock and lead guitarist Wally Stocker have reformed the band with new singer, John Bisaha, whose vocals really fit The Babys sound as heard in their first new song in 30 years – “Not Ready to Say Goodbye.” It has all the classic Babys elements – amazing vocals, thoughtful lyrics and a chorus that lodges itself in your brain. Judge for yourself on July 25 at 8 p.m. when these newborn Babys take the stage at Plaza Live in Orlando.

July 30 to Aug. 2 – GeekyCon and ‘Geek Day’ in Orange County

Thousands of geeks from across the country will unite in Orlando to celebrate their obsessions at the seventh annual GeekyCon, one of the largest conventions in the world for fans of fantasy films, TV and books. In recognition of this geeky gathering, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs has declared July 31 as Geek Day. Seventy-five special guests will make personal appearances at the show, allowing fans to meet their favorite personalities as GeekyCon takes up residence at the Orange County Convention Center from July 30 to Aug. 2. Note: GeekyCon has added a pre-convention party at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando on July 29 from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Visit GeekyCon.com

July 31 – The Dr. Phillips Center presents Fifth Harmony

After their sold out Reflection Tour, the award-winning, pop powerhouse Fifth Harmony will visit Orlando as part of their Reflection Summer Tour. Their latest single “Worth It” is earning Fifth Harmony their highest position on the charts so far following their win as Favorite New Artist at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards and a performance at the White House. They won the Artist To Watch Moonman at the MTV VMA’s, and they were nominated for six 2014 Teen Choice Awards and a People’s Choice Award. The ladies will perform at the Dr. Phillips Center on July 31 at 7 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Aug. 1 – Ice cream social for Bags of Hope

Yes, ice cream is the draw, including sundaes, floats, Italian ice, games, face painting, balloon art, a cake walk and photo opportunities for “Star Wars” fans on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 1 to 4 p.m. The Council of Catholic Women presents the social to benefit Bags of Hope, an organization that helps needy and hungry children in our community. At Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at 5300 Old Howell Branch Road in Winter Park, tickets are an affordable $5. Visit Bags of Hope on Facebook or call 407-647-6769.

Aug. 2 – Chayanne Brings His National Tour to the Amway Center

Puerto Rican heartthrob, singer, actor and composer, Chayanne has released 21 solo albums and sold over 30 million albums worldwide. A performer since childhood, he was too young to perform with Menudo, so he joined the group, Los Chicos, beginning a life of producing hit records. More than 20 solo albums later, Chayanne brings his first solo national tour to the Amway Center in Orlando on Aug. 2. Visit Amwaycenter.com

Current – Orange County sculptural art in place

Orange County officials joined artists recently for the unveiling of a new art exhibit of five large sculptures on the lawn of the Orange County Administration Center. The sculptures were selected from 100 submitted sculptures. “Thanks to the hard work of so many arts supporters, today we are experiencing a renaissance of the arts in Central Florida,” said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. “Events like this are truly a collective effort – we’re so proud to support the arts, but without the individual artists and those who believe in the arts, we wouldn’t be here today.”

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