Welcome to Thursday Morning, Orlando!
Fall is easily my favorite season of the year in Orlando. This means Greater Orlando is filled with fall festivals out the wazoo. This issue is chock-full of them. Enjoy!
🎂 Happy belated birthday to glorious readers, Diana Prince and Suzanne Kennedy. We speak your name!
- A Phantom Prowls
- Palmers Garden & Goods Fall Festival
- The Goldilocks Quartet
- + lots of weekend recs
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Let’s roll!
- Philip
P.S. 🍲 Want some hawt community sourced foodie recommendations? Check out the Orlando Signal Restaurant Guide, right here.
3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
More Than a Job as Maitland Program Builds Futures for Autistic Adults
In Maitland, creativity is thriving. A student recently designed a logo for iHeart Media 104.5, proof that the right support can unlock incredible potential.
Among Florida's estimated 329,000 adults with autism spectrum disorder, landing and keeping meaningful work can feel like an uphill battle.
Enter nonPareil Institute in Maitland, which opened in 2020 and now energizes around 50 students weekly with hands-on training in graphic design, game development, AI, and tech certifications from Adobe, Microsoft, and Google IT support.
But it's not just about skills. The program champions social development, independence, and mental wellness. Students arrive ready to shatter low expectations and discover fulfilling careers that actually excite them.
(Learn lots more about the nonPareil Institute with Randy Rauch, right here)
A Phantom Prowls Orlando's Family Stage This Halloween Season
The autumn air is thick with screams at Orlando Family Stage, where "Goosebumps the Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium" has burst onto the scene and haunts recently kicked off, and runs through November 2nd.
R.L. Stine's spooky classic gets the Broadway treatment as a crew of middle schoolers battles a vengeful ghost who's really not into their play.
Anna Kate Hindman leads the charge as horror-obsessed Brooke Rogers, with Rhyse Sylvester bringing the laughs as class clown Zeke Matthews and Seth Kirk rounding out the trio as new kid Brian Coulson.
John Maclay's script and Danny Abosch's tunes pack enough chills to earn Broadway World's stamp of approval, they literally said it "sends goosebumps through audiences." (Mission accomplished!)
This whodunit nails the sweet spot between actual scares and belly laughs, serving up just enough spine-tingles for elementary schoolers while keeping parents entertainingly on edge.
Perfect for families who like their frights with a side of fun!
🔥 Learn more about this show, including all showtimes.
Orange County Is Building Florida's Biggest Animal Shelter, And It's Going to Be Pawsome
After nearly four decades in an aging facility, Orange County is giving its furry friends a major upgrade.
Commissioners unanimously approved a $49 million contract this week for a massive 123,419-square-foot shelter opening summer 2027.
The two-story building will house approximately 265 dogs and 200 cats in fully air-conditioned comfort, a game-changer from the deteriorating 1987 structure.
Last year alone, Orange County Animal Services welcomed nearly 15,000 animals, achieving impressive 91% and 88% live release rates for dogs and cats.
The new digs incorporate the Fear Free Shelters concept, designed to keep tails wagging and stress levels low.
Florida's future largest shelter is proof that good things come to those who wait, on four legs.
WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
Palmers Garden & Goods Fall Festival
Source: Palmers Garden & Goods
📍Palmer’s Feed and Seed. 912 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32805. Map to this location.
🕐 Sunday, October 12th, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Feel that crisp fall air? It's festival time.
Palmer's Annual Fall Festival transforms Palmer's Feed & Seed this Sunday into autumn's most enchanting celebration.
Discover rows of perfect pumpkins, enjoy live music, and dive into pumpkin painting, face painting, and balloon animals. Cuddle real furry friends at the petting area while savoring delicious fare from Bon Appetit and homemade scoops from Kelly's Home Made Icecream.
Rally your crew, this is the Sunday you won't want to miss.
👉 Check It Out
TOP 3 4 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Audubon Park Garden District Zombie-toberfest
Source: Audubon Park Garden District
📍Audubon Park Garden District. 3201 Corrine Dr #216, Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.
🕐 Saturday, October 11th evening (movie) and Sunday, October 12th afternoon (market)
Get ready for the weekend as Audubon Park hosts a two-day Zombietoberfest celebration.
Saturday night features a big-screen showing of cult classic Goonies, a Spooky Concert, and Kidstoberfest for younger attendees.
Sunday afternoon shifts to a craft market showcasing local artisans and unique Halloween finds.
Whether you're a horror enthusiast or seeking family-friendly seasonal fun, this expanded event promises "a scary good time" for every brave soul.
👉 Get more info, right here
4Roots Harvest Festival
Source: 4Roots Foundation
📍4Roots. 1101 John Young Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32804. Map to this location.
🕐 Saturday, October 11th, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
As fall’s arrived, 4Roots Farm opens its gates for the 3rd Annual Harvest Festival this Saturday. This beloved tradition brings together families and neighbors for live music, local food vendors, a farmers market brimming with fresh produce and artisanal goods, plus a pumpkin patch and fresh-cut sunflowers.
Kids can enjoy bounce houses, scavenger hunts, and face painting, while costume contests (Funniest, Most Creative, and Best Overall) award gift bags from local Packing District businesses.
👉 Get the full details
The Goldilocks Quartet
Source: Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
📍The Plaza Live. 5250 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819. Map to this location.
🕐 Saturday & Sunday, October 11th and 12th. Several showtimes.
What happens when a curious young musician wanders into a house full of instruments? Find out at the Symphony Storytime Series this weekend, with multiple showtimes available.
Author Dr. Leia Barrett narrates The Goldilocks Quartet, where a budding musician searches for her perfect instrument before the bears return home.
The OPO's String Quartet brings this tale of exploration and discovery to life, followed by free lobby activities including an Instrument Petting Zoo, Coloring Stations, and Silly Photo Station.
👉 Check it out, right here
Burrow Bazaar
Source: The Burrow Cafe & Play
📍The Burrow Cafe & Play. 618 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.
🕐 Sunday, October 12th, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Burrow Cafe & Play is turning their parking lot into a fall festival on Sunday.
The Burrow Bazaar delivers cozy autumn vibes with local food and retail vendors, family-friendly activities, and a beer garden on the back patio.
Plus, one lucky attendee will score a raffle prize that keeps on giving: a free year-long membership.
Come for the local makers, stay for the community spirit.
👉 Check it out, right here
MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁
Multi-Day
3rd Annual "itty bitty" Art Expo | Fr, Sat, Sun | Sanford | More
Martin Amini | Fri & Sat | I-Drive | More
Friday - 10th
🔥 Firecracker Bollywood Night | 10 p.m. | Downtown | More
A Night of the Mystic Arts | 5 p.m. | Casselberry | More
Janine – PAIN AND PARADISE TOUR | 6 p.m. | Downtown | More
Juan William Chavez: Art Pollination | 10:30 p.m. | Mills 50 | More
withpaperwings - Six Thousand Days Release Show | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | More
Living Dead Girl, Dancing with Ghosts, Phantom Limbs, We're Wolves | 7 p.m. | Winter Park | More
UCF Knights Mens Soccer vs. Georgia Southern Soccer | 7 p.m. | UCF | More
Orlando Pride vs. Portland Thorns | 8 p.m. | Downtown | More
Jon Batiste Plays America | 8 p.m. | Downtown | More
Paul Oakenfold & The Crystal Method | 8 p.m. | I-Drive | More
Saturday - 11th
Celebration Women's Club Chocolate Adventure! | 11 a.m. | Kissimmee | More
Midnight Movies: Day of the Day | 12 a.m. | Maitland | More
52nd Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival | Sat & Sun | Winter Park | More
Paddling Thru Healing Waters | 10 a.m. | Dr. Phillips | More
Saturday Matinee Classics: Night of the Living Dead (4k Restoration) | 11 a.m. | Maitland | More
Live at the Oak: Poetry, Performance and Pollination | 11 a.m. | Mills 50 | More
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Car and Truck Show | 2 p.m. | Kissimmee | More
Halo Halo Music Fest 2025 | 4 p.m. | Mills 50 | More
Graham Barham | 6 p.m. | Downtown | More
Leslie Jones | 7 p.m. | Milk District | More
Sunday - 12th
🔥 Winter Park Elks Lodge Community Open House | 11 a.m. | Winter Park | More
OCPL Trick or Treat Safe Zone | 1 p.m. | Downtown | More
Sunday - UltimateCon: Sports Cards, Pokemon, & Sneakers | 10 a.m. | Kissimmee | More
Market of the Beast: Halloween Edition | 11 a.m. | Winter Park | More
UCF Knights Volleyball vs. West Virginia University Volleyball | 1 p.m. | UCF | More
Stone Cold and the Jackal Show | 1 p.m. | I-Drive | More
Guest Artist Recital: Nancy Zeltsman | 4 p.m. | UCF | More
Steven Rogers @ The Funny Bone| 5 p.m. | I-Drive | More
Orlando Magic vs. Miami Heat | 6 p.m. | Downtown | More
50th Anniversary Rocky Horror Picture Show | 7:30 p.m. | Downtown | More
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THANKS!
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We’ll see you on Monday.
My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal
