Weekend Preview October 25th - 27th, 2013: Things to Do in Orlando

Fantastic Florida weather AND the last weekend in 2013 to get your costume on? Bring on the mind-boggling, unnecessarily slutty costumes.

Friday, October 25

Local spots and local artists at this month's Sanford Art Walk. The flavor of the month leans towards the season of Fall and all things spooky! FREE 6:00 to 9:00pm.

Critical Mass: Costumes! Bikes! Crowds! Don't miss the special October Critical Mass where the costumes are always fun and the drinks flow afterwards. Riding from East Orlando? Check out the pre-ride.

Terror on Thornton Park, If you're looking to have some "grown-up" fun for Halloween, Thornton Park has got you covered: costume contests, drinks, dancing, classic horror films projected--need we go on? 9:00pm to 2:00am, $15 at the door.

The Creative City Project is back in a BIG way! In 2012, a different arts organization performed every day in Oct. This year, all that is packed into ONE NIGHT. Downtown Orlando will come alive with music, new media, dance, performing art, visual art and more. A few highlights :

• The Lake Eola fountain becomes an interactive art piece
• Central Florida Community Arts Orchestra performance
• Immersive and interactive video projection installations by several local and national artists.
• Local Art Galleries will be open during the event.
• Dozens of other participating arts organizations including, Canvas Creative Movement Coalition, Coby Project, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, Nathan Selikoff, The Mud Flappers, Voci Dance and more! 8:00pm to 11:00pm, FREE, Schedule

Ghost Stories at Leu Gardens $10.00 per adult, $5.00 per child (17 years and under), and $5.00 per Leu Member. Tickets are purchased the night of the event, so come early. Gardens open at 6:00 pm, Stories begin at 7:30 pm and end 9:30 pm.

Saturday, October 26

Weren't able to check out the East End Market Grand Opening before they had to shut down on Friday? Head over at 10:00am to see the awesome space with vendors ready to dish out local goodies!

College Park Jazzfest: This year's event features 3 main stages, 10 amazing bands and lots of tasty food, drink and goodies along the Drive. Tickets are $5 and the funds go back into the community :)

Oktoberfest: It's as authentic as it gets, as the German American Society hosts oompah bands and other live entertainment, while serving up German beer and food. 2:00pm - 11:00pm, $5 donation.

There Will Be Words Presents Dead Poets Slam, 9:25 pm – 11:50 pm

This version of the monthly TWBW offers a chance for local lit nerds to pay homage to their beloved late poets, as guests are invited to read poems in full costume with accompanying props. No doubt you’ll see a few tribute ’staches – whether it’s a macabre Poe or an unruly Twain – from the gentlemen, while the ladies might take a lyrical approach as Sara Teasdale or go a bit darker with stanzas by Sylvia Plath. We’ll give big ups to anyone who can pull off a Whitman beard, and we’d be pretty impressed to see someone show up in a full-on Emerson three-piece suit. At the very least, light a cig and say your Cummings.

We're stoked about Central Florida Veg Fest (See our super cool, non-judgey Veggie post)! Enjoy speakers, food preparation demonstrations, a veggie kids zone, a humane education center, an animal haven, an artist corner, music on an acoustic stage, lots of other activities, and many veg-friendly vendors.10:00am - 6:00pm, FREE

We're calling it- Acme's Supervillains Halloween Art Party & Costume Contest is going to be the jam. Cosplay Burlesque by Ivy Les Vixens performing as Poison Ivy then switching sides and doing a Black Cat number; Skill Focus Burlesque troupe member, Lita LaRoux, performing as Cat Woman; Tribal Bellydancing performances by Florida Tribal Dance; Live Body Art; etc. Come dressed as your favorite villain and enter the costume contest to compete for prizes- but perhaps best of all- Free beer & sangria for those over 21.

Not enough Halloween-themed gaming activities? Propeller Anime's 7th Anniversary Post-Apocalyptic Halloween Party will have live music, karaoke, a costume contest, hourly prize raffles, videogames, tabletop gaming and more. Taste Restaurant, 18+

Feel like classing it up a bit? Eden Bar Halloween Party: Dance the night away with DJ music, watch horror flicks on the outdoor screen, sip on spooky cocktails and compete in a costume contest.

Now feel like trashing it up a bit? Wall Street Plaza: Plazaween 13! Let the people-watching begin!

And in case there hasn't been enough burlesque for one weekend - Grotesque Burlesque Halloween Party (FREE) at The Peacock Room. 10:00pm

Sunday, October 27

The Shining: Regal’s Classic Film Series showing of Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 thriller. 2:00pm, $9

For all you a  central/northern Florida 'grammers' (see! We're hip to the lingo!) and Insta-enthusiasts, check out InstameetOrlando. @jamierichardwilliams will be hosting an Instameet in the forest. Meet at Barr St. Trailhead at Little Big Econ State Forest at 12:00pm. After you are done exploring- you'll hit up a local restaurant to relax, share thoughts, post photos, then close the meet at the grand opening of Polaroid Fotobar in The Florida Mall to print out your pics, and celebrate (with swag, I assume). FREE

Festival Calle Orange: Street party with live Latin music bands, food vendors and more




What are you doing this weekend, Orlando? Leave a comment below!