Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

Now through Oct. 20 – Harriett’s Park Avenue Fashion Week

Named for our No. 1 arts philanthropist and renowned fashionista, Harriett’s Park Avenue Fashion Week brings high fashion to Winter Park. Each fall, Winter Park is transformed into a fashionista paradise, complete with trunk shows, designer meet-and-greets, sales and parties hosted by Winter Park’s boutiques. The grand finale is a champagne-enhanced runway show on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. as Central Park is transformed into fashion paradise featuring a 20,000-square-foot, air-conditioned tent with a runway and lounge area (modeled after New York Fashion Week’s Bryant Park) on the corner of Morse Boulevard and New York Avenue. Visit ParkAvenueFashionWeek.com

Oct. 19, 20 and 21 – The Vampires are Havin’ a Ball!

The Orlando Ballet Company invites us to the “Vampire’s Ball,” a back-by-popular-demand evening of vampires and ghouls (and sexy dancing) with tongue-in-cheek references to classical ballets and old-time vampire movies. Just in time for Halloween, and with a musical score ranging from Bach to Adele, these creatures of the night come to life on Oct. 19, 20 and 21. The haunting performance is a brilliant full-length ballet with choreography by Orlando Ballet’s own Artistic Director Robert Hill. Grip your seat as you are “glamoured” into craving more at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre. Visit OrlandoBallet.org

Oct. 20 – Free “Star Spangled Birthday Concert”

The Orlando Repertory Theatre (The REP) and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will celebrate their respective 10th and 20th seasons with a free outdoor concert on Oct. 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. in Loch Haven Park. The celebration includes food trucks and an instrument petting zoo at 5 p.m., entertainment by Mr. Richard & The Pound Hounds at 6 p.m., and a 7 p.m. concert of patriotic music by the Orlando Philharmonic featuring The REP’s Power Chords. The concert is funded by Dr. Phillips Charities as a family-friendly, alcohol-free event with attendees encouraged to bring picnics and seating. Call 407-770-0071 or visit OrlandoPhil.org/Birthday

Oct. 20 to Nov. 17 – “A Year With Frog and Toad” at Orlando Shakes

The Orlando Shakespeare Theater continues its Theater for Young Audiences with the whimsical tale “A Year with Frog and Toad.” Based on the books of Arnold Lobel, this musical adventure is recommended for families with children ages 4 and older. A Tony Award Nominee for Best Musical, “Year” celebrates the friendship between an optimistic frog and a grumpy toad. Their friendship flourishes, sending a heartwarming message to the whole family. A fun addition is that following each weekend performance, children have the opportunity to meet and get autographs with the cast. Orlando Shakes also offers weekday matinees for schools. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org. Performances are at the Shakespeare Center at 812 E. Rollins St. in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park.

Oct. 24 and 25 – Christopher Leavy in Cabaret

Singer, pianist, music director, accompanist, vocal coach and actor Christopher Leavy will present his cabaret “They Don’t Write ‘Em Like That Anymore” at the Winter Park Playhouse on Oct. 24 and 25. Leavy, a performer and vocal coach at Disney World, now enjoys his tenure as resident music director at the Playhouse. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $20 and include a drink from the bar. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Oct. 30 to Nov. 4 –Million Dollar Quartet

Inspired by the true story of an electrifying recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, the story was turned into a Broadway musical. On Dec. 4, 1956, these four musicians were brought together by Sam Phillips in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. “Million Dollar Quartet” brings that legendary night to life from Oct. 30 to Nov. 4 with its irresistible tale of broken promises, betrayals and timeless No. 1 hit songs. It’s at the Bob Carr. Call 800-448-6322 or visit OrlandoBroadway.com

Oct. 30 – Central Florida Guild of Organists Halloween Spooktacular

Rick Robinson is the director of music at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Mt. Dora; he is their organist; and he is a bit of a showman. “We don’t just play in church and at funerals,” he says. “We play and have fun, too.” That is exactly what he’ll be doing – along with 11 other organists – as they present the free Guild of Organists Halloween Spooktacular on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. at the Chapel at the Towers on the 18th floor of Lutheran Towers at 300 E. Church St. in Orlando. We can look forward to that Halloween perennial – the scary “Toccata and Fugue in d minor” by J.S. Bach, music from “Star Wars,” a little “Adams Family” and a whole lot more. The concert is free and the public is invited. A meet the artists reception will conclude the evening. Visit dougspike.com/cfago/index.html or call 321-946-6518.

Looking Ahead – Nov. 3 – Orlando Science Center’s Neanderthal Ball

Time to go huntin’ for your new caveman couture and step out in Paleolithic style as the Orlando Science Center welcomes you to the 6th Annual Neanderthal Ball on Nov. 3. As the Science Center’s premier fundraising event, the Neanderthal Ball is also the wackiest (and most fun) gala of the season. Visit osc.org or contact Kathy Lopus at [email protected]