TOP 10

LAKELAND TOP 10

BANDIDAS PRIDE SOCIAL

Oct. 1, 6-10pm at the Poor Porker. Enjoy dancing, drinks, eats, but this one is extra special. It’s our first ever PRIDE Social + Pop-Up Market! Bandidas will have special food and drink available to keep you fueled and refreshed. DJ Eric will be spinning LGBTQ+ anthems with a mix of Latin classics. This event is open to all folks and of all ages. Visit their IG page for more info @bandidas_lkld

BRICK OR TREAT

Don’t miss the spookiest, kookiest trick-or-treating party of the year! This kid-friendly Halloween event returns with tons of spooktacular sweets, meet-and-greets with exclusive creepy-cool LEGO® Halloween monsters, larger-thanafterlife LEGO® build activities, limited-time seasonal themed snacks PLUS BOO-tastic nightly fireworks to create the ultimate family Halloween celebration– all included with regular day admission and select Annual Passes. Saturdays and Sundays only, reserve in advance. legoland.com/florida/

SIP & SUPPORT

Oct. 8, 7-9pm. Gather your friends and family for an evening at home featuring hand-selected wines, artisan food pairings, and an exclusive, live virtual discussion with a world-renowned winemaker and an award-winning chef, all in support of Polk State College student scholarships. Guests will pick up their wine and charcuterie from the Polk State Winter Haven Campus on October 8. Additional information including Zoom links and details for pick up will be provided upon purchase of tickets. secure.qgiv.com/for/pscf/ event/835485/

WINGTOBERFEST

Oct. 16, noon - 7pm at Swan Brewing. It’s gonna be a wingeating party! Not only are they celebrating Swantoberfest, but they’re bringing in wing cooking teams ready to fill your spicy chicken cravings! They’ll have 20 teams battling for wing supremacy, a wing eating contest sponsored by Mojo’s wings, plenty of Swantoberfest beer, live music and so much more! They’re also raising money for Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center’s Mr. Central Florida fundraiser!

FORE THE KIDS

Oct. 18, 11am-4pm at The Country Club of Winter Haven or the Lone Palm Golf Club in Lakeland. This is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County’s 31st Annual Golf Tournament. The tournament is a two-man scramble -- 18 hole, 3 par format. Registration fees include lunch, green’s fee, carts, and refreshments on the course. Enter to win exciting raffle prizes, exotic prizes and an awards dinner afterward. Register in advance. Fore-the-kids.perfectgolfevent.com

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME

For two nights only on Oct. 20 & 21 at Lakeland Community Theatre. 15-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain: He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Watch as the “curious incident” takes him on an adventure. Purchase tickets in advance. Lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

ONWARD & UPWARD

Oct. 21, 5:30 at SUN ‘n FUN. Talbot House Ministries’ newest fundraising event where guests may join in person or virtually. Enjoy dinner, entertainment, a silent auction, and client testimonials. Sheriff Grady Judd will be the keynote speaker. Proceeds will support Polk County’s most comprehensive provider of services to adults experiencing homelessness. To register, visit talbothouse.org/onward or call 863-687-8475, ext. 120.

STEPPING OUT FOR EDUCATION

Oct. 22, 6pm at the RP Funding Center. This is a Dancing with the Stars type event, done as a fundraiser by the Polk Education Foundation. Local celebrities are given 20 dance lessons and will perform at the event in front of a panel of judges. The general public can help dancers by voting for them to win the People’s Choice Award, which will go to the couple that raises the most money. polkschoolsfl.com/pef/ steppingout/

FALL GARDEN EXTRAVAGANZA

The Fall Garden Extravaganza is hosted by The Garden Club of Lakeland, Inc. Located in Munn Park on Saturday, October 23, from 8am to 3pm. Shop supplies and new plants from several plant vendors. Ask the experts about fall gardening in Florida. Find out tips and tricks to keep your garden healthy and lush over the winter. facebook.com/36FallExtravaganza

CAMPGROUND SPOOKTACULAR

Oct. 29 at SUN ‘n FUN. Camp under the stars this Halloween Season! Decorate your camper for the Haunted Campground. Get spooked at SUN ‘n FUN’s Haunted House. Dare to walk through the Spooky Trail. Hand out treats for the “Camper-Treating” festivities, enjoy s’mores at the fire pit. All Halloween activities are included with overnight camping. Reserve in advance.

ORLANDO TOP 10

SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL

Oct. 2-4 at Enzian Theater in Maitland. Beyond Bollywood: The 27th Annual South Asian Film Festival showcases diverse images of the Indian subcontinent, its culture, and heritage through acclaimed independent films from across the globe. This program is part of Enzian Theater’s cultural festival circuit and is copresented with the Asian Cultural Association. enzian.org

ORLANDO CITY SOCCER CLUB

This Major League Soccer team plays at home four times in October at Exploria Stadium. 10/2 DC United at 7:30pm, 10/20 Montreal at 7:30pm, 10/24 New England at 7:30pm, 10/31 Nashville at 4pm. The site is within walking distance of the downtown bar district. The stadium has been designed with the intention of creating the loudest and most intimidating atmosphere in Major League Soccer. Purchase tickets online at orlandocitysc.com/tickets/

TRICK OR TREAT WEDNESDAYS

Every Wednesday at the Museum of Illusions Orlando. Kids wear your costume and bring your trick or treat bag for the 4 zones of treats. Or visit any other day and explore the fascinating world of mental perception—and deception. With more than 50 exhibits, the experience will fool your eyes, trick your mind, and has a ton of spectacular selfie spots! Must reserve in advance. moiorlando.com

PHANTASMAGORIA XII: DARK CARNIVAL

Oct. 7 & 8 at 8pm Dr. Phillips Center. Join the Victorian horror troupe Phantasmagoria as they draw you into a dark, full-length mainstage performance. From 19th-century penny dreadfuls to mythological creatures, Edgar Allan Poe’s “Fall of the House of Usher,” French vampire tales, haunted poetry, and much more, they light the candles for a truly “Phantasmagorical” Halloween Season. Must purchase tickets in advance. 407-358-6603 drphillipscenter.org

AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL

Oct. 9 & 10, 9am-5pm in Winter Park. The Winter Park Autumn Art Festival is the only juried fine art festival exclusively featuring Florida artists. The sidewalk show presents visual art and live entertainment the whole family can enjoy. The festival is held in Central Park along Park Avenue in Downtown Winter Park. Hosted by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, admission is free. winterpark.org/autumn-artfestival

COME OUT WITH PRIDE FESTIVAL

Oct. 9 at Lake Eola Park from noon - 9:30pm. Come Out With Pride, Inc. is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization inspired to make an impact in Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community. The festival showcases diverse entertainment on two stages, The Most Colorful Parade at 4pm, the Pride Marketplace with goods and services of the organizations who support the LGBTQ+ community, Kid’s area, Sober Space, VIP Experiences, fireworks and more. Must register in advance. comeoutwithpride.org

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION

Oct. 12, 5pm at the Amway Center. Join Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 2 City Commissioner Tony Ortiz to celebrate the community’s diversity. This free event will feature Latin food, music, and entertainment. Parking is available with a $5 flat fee at Geico Garage. Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in the state, advance registration for this event is required. Orlando.gov

BUILD A BAT HOUSE

Oct. 16, 1:30-3pm at the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford. Building a bat house will encourage bats to roost near your home, a natural, DIY form of pest control! Space is extremely limited, so don’t delay reserving your spot today! Assemble your own bat house at this family-friendly workshop. $25 per family, $15 for each additional bat house. Must register in advance. centralfloridazoo.org MASTERCHEF JUNIOR LIVE!

Oct. 18, 7pm at Hard Rock Orlando. The family-friendly show will feature head-tohead cooking demonstrations and fun challenges with past MasterChef and MasterChef Junior contestants. This show is an overall immersive audience experience fun for all ages, and can sometimes get messy! Limited VIP Packages are available that include a premium seat, meet and greet experience, and more. Must reserve in advance. hardrock.com/ live/locations/orlando/

BEETLEJUICE

Oct. 30, 7-9pm at Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando. Bring the entire family to watch Beetlejuice (1988) Rated PG outside on the East Lawn of the park. Bring blankets, chairs, and snacks for the evening. This is a free, familyfriendly event to enjoy Halloween weekend presented by the Downtown Development Board. downtownorlando.com

TAMPA TOP 10

HOWL-O-SCREAM

Select nights through October 31 at Busch Garden. Fear returns with the iconic horror-filled haunted houses, Tampa Bay’s BIGGEST haunt event. Park guests will find nowhere to hide as zombies, deranged clowns, werewolves, and new surprises stalk their prey throughout eight scare zones, where unpredictable roaming hordes lurk in the darkness. This is a separately ticketed event, adultsonly, no costumes. buschgardens.com

GASPARILLA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Oct. 1-3 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Kiley Gardens Park. Features musical acts from a variety of genres on several stages and food from top restaurants. The Gasparilla Music Foundation’s mission is to support and promote music and education, the organization is involved in several initiatives including providing scholarships and instruments to music students. Gasparillamusic.com

HEIGHTS FALL FESTIVAL

The Fall Festival will take place at Armature Works on Oct. 9 & 10 from 10am– 5pm. This kick-off to the fall season will feature a food drive benefiting Metropolitan Ministries. Enjoy a pumpkin patch, craft beer, live music, and interactive games. Shop from the small market featuring some of their favorite fall-inspired vendors. Register at armatureworks.com

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

You’ve got two chances to watch Tom Brady in October at Raymond James Stadium. Watch the Bucs play the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 10 at 1pm or the Chicago Bears on Oct. 24 at 4:25pm. Purchase your tickets in advance, including single-day tickets, luxury suites, and groups of ten or more people. Stadium parking lots only accept credit-cards as payment, no cash. buccaneers.com

RIVERWALK HALLOWEEN HUNT

A family-friendly not-too-spooky virtual scavenger hunt along the Tampa Riverwalk. Individuals and teams will compete to be the first place HalloWinner! Solve riddles, puzzles, and tasks in this safe, outdoor Halloween activity fun for all ages. This event is free to the public. You must download the mobile app Mobile Adventures to participate. Oct. 16 - 31, the game can be played any time! Thetampariverwalk.com

CANDY CHAR-BOO-TERIE CLASS

Oct. 17, Armature Works. Make a spooky candy charcuterie board, no tricks just treats. Delicious Art will be walking you and your kids through building a fun and delicious candy coffin. Whether you want to bring your whole family or share the table with you & your child’s BFF, must reserve your spot in advance. Tables seat four and will work on a board together, purchase one ticket per party. Two time slots are available, 12pm or 2:30pm. armatureworks.com

DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE

On the streets of Victorian-era London, Henry Jekyll’s experiments with exotic “powders and tinctures” have brought forth his other self: Edward Hyde, a villain free to commit the sins Jekyll is too civilized to comprehend. The two sides battle each other in a game of cat-and-mouse to determine who shall be the master and who his slave. Oct. 20 - Nov. 14. 813-229-7827 strazcenter.org

BROADWAY BALL

Oct. 23, 6pm at The Straz Center. Hear classic Broadway tunes, place bids on silent auction items, enjoy a gourmet dinner, drinks, and dancing. Celebrate the return of Broadway to Tampa Bay, attire is black-tie optional, valet parking available. This is a benefit for the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. Purchase tickets in advance. Strazcenter.org

THE ROLLING STONES

Oct. 29, 7:50pm at Raymond James Stadium. Watch The Rolling Stones; No Filter Tour. Founding frontman Mick Jagger, and guitarist Keith Richards still perform in the group, as do longtime members Charlie Watts (drums) and Ronnie Wood (guitar). VIP packages available for additional purchase. This is their only scheduled visit in Florida, rescheduled from last year. Purchase tickets in advance. Raymondjamesstadium.com

RIVERWALK TRICK OR TREAT

Oct. 30, 4-7pm on The Tampa Riverwalk. This is a free community event. Children in costume and their families are invited to come and trick or treat at over 50 treat stations participating along the Riverwalk from Water Works Park to MacDill Park including Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Afterward, enjoy the Halloween Lighted Boat Parade along the Hillsborough River. Thetampariverwalk.com