October Events: Cultural Performances, Halloween Highlights, and More
Whether you’re looking for your next night out plan, family event, or spooky outing, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of October events:
“How I Learned What I Learned”
Kick off GableStage’s 25th season with an autobiographical tour de force, “August Wilson’s How I Learned What I Learned.” The late Pulitzer Prize-winner takes audiences on a life-changing voyage from being a young poet in Pittsburgh’s Hill District to his encounters with racism, music, love, and transformative friendships. Follow one man’s journey of self-discovery and what it means to be a black artist in America. Starring Melvin Huffnagle and directed by Carey Brianna Hart.
The show runs Sept. 30 to Oct. 22, with performances Wed. at 2 pm and 7 pm, Thurs. to Sat. at 8 pm, and Sun. at 2 pm. Tickets $35 to $65.
REVIEW: ‘How I Learned’ Features Only One Actor, but Collaboration Shows
GableStage
1200 Anastasia Ave.
gablestage.org
“The Importance of Being Earnest”
The University of Miami’s Jerry Herman Ring Theatre is going wild — Oscar Wilde, that is. Take in this brilliant romantic comedy of two bachelor buddies, Jack and Algie, as they craft complicated double-lives to escape the doldrums of Victorian London. Hilarity ensues when both these friends become “Ernest” in their quests for love and truth.
Tickets are $12 for students and children; $24 for UM alumni, faculty/staff, and seniors; and $27 for adults. “The Importance of Being Earnest” runs Oct. 6 to 13.
Performances are at 8 pm on Oct. 6, 12, and 13; matinee at 2 pm on Oct. 7.
The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre
1312 Miller Drive.
ring-theatre.as.miami.edu
Spanish-Language Book Fair
Celebrate the end of Hispanic Heritage Month with ENTRELIBROS, a vibrant weekend festival highlighting a diverse selection of illustrated books in Spanish for children and young people. Organized by IMAGO X LAS ARTES in collaboration with the Coral Gables Museum, this free book fair showcases the best publishing houses from Spain and Latin America. Enjoy a fun program of interactive activities, including readings, panel discussions, art workshops, storytelling, and more.
The festival takes place at the museum Oct. 13 to 15.
Coral Gables Museum
285 Aragon Ave.
coralgablesmuseum.org
The Return of the Piano Man
Jazz legend Mike Gerber is back for a one-night performance at The Globe. Gerber is a pianist and composer of exceptional talent. Born blind and with just one functioning ear, he made his concert debut with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra at age 15. He has recorded and performed with some of the biggest names in modern jazz, including Jaco Pastorius, David Liebman, Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, and Pat Metheny.
Gerber has performed locally for years, most recently as a regular at the Betsy Hotel on Miami Beach. In 2000, the Miami New Times named him Best Piano Man in Miami. The year before, he performed at the Giants of Jazz concert in Albuquerque. Catch his Oct. 18 performance, starting at 8 pm.
The Globe
377 Alhambra Circle.
theglobecafe.com
100 Voices: Yesteryear Stories of Coral Gables
Join the City of Coral Gables at the Coral Gables Merrick House Oct. 22 for the second installment of the “100 Voices: Yesteryear Stories of Coral Gables” series, highlighting the people and places of the City Beautiful’s first century. Journalist Helen Muir wrote “The Biltmore: Beacon for Miami” based on her coverage of the hotel, which began with a story in 1935. Her son, Toby Muir, will reflect on his mother’s life in Miami and her friendships with Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Eunice Peacock Merrick, and Richard Merrick (George Merrick’s brother).
Event starts at 4:30 pm. Tickets are $5.
Coral Gables Merrick House
907 Coral Way.
coralgables.com/events/100-voices-yesteryear-stories-coral-gables
Order Up! The Pop Art of John Miller
This solo exhibition, debuting on Oct. 27 at University of Miami’s Lowe Art Museum, includes 35 pieces of John Miller’s oversized glass sculptures of food, drinks, and condiments, contextualized by 1950s diner fixtures and fittings. Inspired by the Pop Art movement of the 1960s as well as the artist’s own memories of visiting diners, the “Blue Plate Special” installation shines. Created between 2014 and 2023, these sculptures are “comfort foods,” both literally and metaphorically, showcasing Miller’s technical mastery, poignant nostalgia for his working-class roots, and reverence for mid-20th-century Americana. The work is fun and accessible to all, and entrance to the museum is free.
Lowe Art Museum
1301 Stanford Drive.
lowe.miami.edu
Knight Opening Festival
The Frost Symphony Orchestra inaugurates the week-long Knight Opening Festival with “Impressions,” a classical concert featuring works by Ellen Taaffee Zwilich, the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music. Held at the University of Miami’s Gusman Concert Hall, Oct. 28 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 for students and children, $25 for seniors, and $30 general admission.
RELATED: Check out more October events by Frost Music Live in our Cultural Season Preview.
The festival takes a spooky turn with the Frost Studio Band’s “Halloween Masquerade” on Oct. 31 at 7:30 pm — a fun night of Halloween-inspired big band jazz. This family-friendly event features trick-or-treating, costumes, and a live broadcast at the new Knight Center for Music Innovation’s plaza. Tickets are $10 for students and children, $16 for seniors, and $20 general admission. Festival events continue through Nov. 8.
UM Gusman Concert Hall
1314 Miller Drive.
frost-music-live.miami.edu
Trick or Treat in the Gables
Take your little ones trick-or-treating on Miracle Mile Oct. 28 from 3 to 8 pm, where you’ll encounter family-friendly activities, including face painting, balloon artistry, book readings, and a magic show. Participating businesses along Miracle Mile will hand out candy to eager trick-or-treaters. This event is free to the public.
Then, join the city Oct. 29 at the historic Venetian Pool for the Halloween Pumpkin Float event. Families can enjoy snacks while carving their pumpkin and watching the jack-o’-lanterns float across the dark, moonlit waters. Tickets are $30 per family (limit of 4 people) and include the pumpkin carving contest and a trick-or-treat walking path.
Venetian Pool
2701 De Soto Blvd.
coralgables.com/events
Best Reason to Leave the Gables: Havana Haunted Mansion
Roam the legendary grounds of the Curtiss Mansion, going back in time to early 20th century Havana. This adults-only, pop-up Halloween experience is filled with mind-bending wonders, mesmerizing theatrical performances, spine-chilling cocktails, and delectable Cuban cuisine. Go on a quest to solve the centennial disappearance of a wealthy Cuban family through a series of ghostly challenges and puzzles.
Tickets are $59 for general admission (includes one crafted cocktail) or $169 for VIP admission for two (includes access to an area with exclusive amenities and four cocktails).
All month through Oct. 31, Thurs. to Sat. at 6 pm, 8 pm, and 9:30 pm, with additional time slots Sat. at 4 pm and Sun. at 4 pm, 6 pm, and 8 pm.
Curtiss Mansion
500 Deer Run, Miami Springs.
hauntedmansionmiami.com
Check out our events calendar for more events in October.
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