Welcome to October, everyone!

Now is the perfect time of year to step outside and enjoy some of the annual community events and celebrations taking place in Central Florida. I urge you to take advantage of the cooler weather and explore the beautiful parks, trails, and lakes in Orange County.

The Orange County Community Conference is returning this year, and it represents a great opportunity to get involved in your neighborhood. This in-person event will be held at the Renaissance Senior Center on Saturday, October 14 at 7:30 a.m. Please join me for a series of informative sessions, workshops and engaging speakers scheduled throughout the day.

25th Annual Community Conference

There is still time to register for our annual Community Conference. This information-packed event connects residents with experts to find innovative ways to improve Orange County neighborhoods. This year’s conference features interactive workshops on consumer protection, HOA responsibility, code enforcement, safe roadways, grant opportunities and environmental conservation. It will conclude with a chat with Mayor Demings and a community awards presentation honoring citizens who preserve and enhance local communities.

Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023

Time: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Renaissance Senior Center

In the News

Come Out With Pride

Stronger together! — Join Come Out With Pride for an afternoon celebrating love, acceptance and community during Central Florida’s “Most Colorful Parade and Festival.” Families can enjoy hundreds of community vendors, live performances, food trucks, kid zones and a fireworks finale at the end of the day.

Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023

Time: 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Lake Eola Park

Domestic Violence Awareness

Did you know that one in three women and one in four men are victims of domestic violence? Join the Orange County Domestic Violence Commission and its community partners in recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month throughout October as we continue to collaborate to put an end to domestic violence.

Spooky Halloween Fun

4Roots Harvest Festival

The Grove Park

October 28, 9:30 a.m.

Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities including a pumpkin patch, costume contest, kids zone and more.

Trick or Treat Safe Zone

Regional History Center

October 28, 10 a.m.



Enjoy family-friendly trick-or-treating along with creepy crafts, candy and a scavenger hunt.

Spooktacular Candy Bash

Goldenrod Rec. Center

October 28, 12 p.m.

Stop by the District 5 Spooktacular Candy Bash and enjoy contests, games, a selfie station, food and more.

Upcoming Events

Riqueza Latina Art Exhibit

Administration Center

October 2-31

The Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit showcases visual and literary works from local artists, as well as traditional clothing from different countries.

Purple Door Luncheon

Rosen Shingle Creek

October 5, 11 a.m.

Harbor House of Central Florida honors advocates and celebrates survivors of domestic violence at this annual event.

Community Resource Fair

Orange County Corrections

October 5, 9 a.m.



Learn about resources and support opportunities available for recently released inmates, families and the homeless.

Autumn Art Festival

Downtown Winter Park

October 7-8

This community-oriented sidewalk show presents quality visual art and live entertainment the entire family can enjoy.

Walk to End Alzheimer's

Amphitheatre at Lake Eola

October 7, 7:30 a.m.

Come together for an inspiring community event that celebrates our commitment to ending Alzheimer's.

Cardboard Canoe Regatta

Kelly Park/Rock Springs

October 14, 8:30 a.m.



Build a canoe using only cardboard and duct tape before racing in the clear waters of Rock Springs.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event

Apopka High School

October 21, 8 a.m.

Safely dispose of your household hazardous waste and electronic waste during this free event in Apopka.

 Adopt-A-Tree Program

Dr. Phillips Community Park

October 21, 8 a.m.

Orange County residents can pick up two free trees, while supplies last, by showing proof of residency.

Peanut Butter Challenge

UF/IFAS Extension Office

October 1-31

Donate unopened jars of peanut butter during the month of October to help combat food insecurity in Central Florida.

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