Wednesday, Sept. 30
alt-J
MUSIC With their debut in 2012, the alluring patter of alt-J's folk-driven electronic pop compelled a rabid fan base and won the band accolades with the dainty emotional progression they conjured on lead single "Matilda," which was a little more subtle but just as powerful as Bon Iver's smash hit "Skinny Love" five years earlier. Alt-J is more than one hit, obviously (their debut, An Awesome Wave, won the Mercury Prize in 2012). They returned last year with sophomore release This Is All Yours, an album that feels like a gripping drama with so many sonic twists. It's a rad shock to much of ambient pop's more wishy-washy system. – Ashley Belanger
8 p.m. | Hard Rock Live, 6050 Universal Blvd. | 407-351-5483 | hardrock.com/orlando | $40.50-$73.50
Thursday, Oct. 1
Carnivale de Fairvilla
EVENTS If you're in the mood for adult fare, drop by the Carnivale de Fairvilla, a sexy Halloween party hosted in Orlando's own eponymous adult-novelty megastore. Sip on complimentary cocktails while your fortune is told at Psychic Alley, try your hand at conjuring ghosts in a vape cloud competition or find true love at the Pug Kissing Booth. If that isn't your bag, drop by for a photo op at the live body-painting exhibition or indulge in a quick game of dildo ring toss before the night's costume contest, where revelers will vie for the chance to be named Sexiest, Scariest or Best Couple. A raffle to benefit Pug Rescue of Florida will close out the night, with prizes like a $100 gift card to Fairvilla Megastore, tickets to a roller derby match or sexy toys of such provenance and bounty as to boggle the mind. – Bernard Wilchusky
7-9 p.m. | Fairvilla Megastore, 1740 N. Orange Blossom Trail | 407-425-6005 | fairvilla.com | free
Thursday, Oct. 1
Realms of the Untold
THEATER The latest show from Orlando actor-writer-dynamo Corey Volence is an anthology of six short, spooky tales. (Heads up! It's the first day of October and everyone is going to try to scare you for the next 31 days.) Realms of the Untold is not in the "gorefest" or "startle-jump" camps, though; it's written in the classically creepy "made-you-think" style of old sci-fi TV shows like The Twilight Zone or The Outer Limits. In our review of Volence's 2013 musical Key of E, we said, "If you've ever thought 'What the world needs now is a nice solid plague,' this sharp-tongued show is for you," so clearly Volence is comfortable with the dark stuff. If you are too, consider a night of live theater that will leave you deeply unsettled, if not scared out of your wits. – Jessica Bryce Young
7:30 p.m. | through Oct. 10 | The Venue, 511 Virginia Drive | sideofsaturn.com | $15
Friday-Tuesday, Oct. 2-6
OrlandoiX
EVENTS The Orlando Interactive Experience, also known as OrlandoiX, is the chance we've been waiting for to get our tech on. The international digital festival runs for five days, from Oct. 2 to Oct. 6, with conferences about the latest technology, exhibitions, speakers, entertainment and a chance to network. Highlights include an opening party on Friday in Wall Street Plaza, a battle of the geek bands on Saturday for the techies that like to rock and two days of all things gaming, including gaming tournaments, industry experts and live demos. – Monivette Cordeiro
7 p.m. Friday-3 p.m. Tuesday | Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive | orlandoix.com | $35-$389
Saturday, Oct. 3
Oktoberfest
EVENTS Beer, beer and more beer is in store for all those who trek out to Casselberry today for Central Florida's "most authentic" Oktoberfest. The German American Society will have quality German beers like Hofbräu flowing like a river at this all-day event. There will be two bars at the venue slinging drinks – one inside, one outside. Complementing the hearty brews are home-cooked German dishes such as schnitzel and bratwurst. And it's going to get loud and boisterous at this Oktoberfest: Two German bands provide attendees a greater sense of being across the pond, and the Schuhplattler Gruppe Alpenrose, known for their Bavarian costumes, will also entertain guests with classic folk dances in the Alpine tradition. Other activities include a flag parade and kids fun zone, as this is an all-ages event. This is likely your best chance to get that Oktoberfest vibe without having to go all the way to Germany, so don't miss out. – Marissa Mahoney
2-11 p.m. | German American Society of Central Florida, 381 Orange Lane, Casselberry | 407-834-0574 | orlandogermanclub.com | $5 donation
Sunday, Oct. 4
Brand Nubian
MUSIC Growing out of the Five Percenter movement in the late '80s, Brand Nubian's debut album, One for All, packed an empowering punch with a message of strength and positivity rapped over plenty of James Brown samples. The original lineup – Grand Puba, Sadat X and Lord Jamar – reunite for an old-school hip-hop bill at Gilt this weekend alongside Nice & Smooth of "Sometimes I Rhyme Slow" fame. Though Brand Nubian caught a lot of flak for perceived "reverse racism" back in the day, their overall message of black strength in the face of an oppressive white regime still strikes chords. – Thaddeus McCollum
10 p.m. | Gilt Nightclub, 740 Bennett Road | giltnightclub.com | $10-$15
Saturday, Oct. 3
Dapper Day
EVENTS Fashionistas and gentlemen unite! Taking place at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Dapper Day is a chance to celebrate your personal sense of style while enjoying your day at one of Disney's theme parks. Thousands meet up at Disney locations every year to show off impeccable outfits complemented by perfectly chosen accessories. No official dress code is set; everything is welcome, from your grandma's favorite vintage fur coat to your friend's brand-new pinup pumps. Meet other fashion-savvy participants and swap style tips and small talk while waiting in lines or just strolling through the park taking in the view – Dapper Day is a come one, come all celebration. – Ashley Rivera Mercado
9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. | Disney's Hollywood Studios, 351 S. Studio Drive, Lake Buena Vista | dapperday.com | cost of admission
