October is electric here in Jacksonville with some exciting live performances, food events, dance parties and more. On Thursday, catch some theatre at Limelight Playhouse or indulge in a guided Port tasting at Texas de Brazil. On Friday, the Florida Ballet’s “Dracula” is the perfect live spooky story, and Jelly Roll’s Jacksonville tour stop is the way to get your country on. Alternatively, why not try your hand in a makerspace? This weekend, there are classes offering how to make spiced apple butter, or a beautiful succulent garden, fit with beverages, of course. Whether wrapping up early October means tailgating the Jags game or getting your groove on with a ’90s dance party, we got you covered.

10.12

“The Music Man” at Limelight Theatre
What better play to see in River City than “The Music Man”? Catch the trouble at the Limelight theater in St. Augustine. The family favorite by Meredith Wilson features a traveling conman who leads the town into a musical hijinx, but later finds that love may get in the way. Known for the classic movie and recent Broadway run, “The Music Man” is a show you can catch regionally in Jax. 7:30 p.m. $30. 11 Old Mission Ave. St Augustine, FL; limelight-theatre.org // @limelightstaug

Port Tasting- Jacksonville
Texas de Brazil is hosting a special port and food sampling in collaboration with The Fladgate Partnership and Warrior Rising. Known for their signature churrasco bites, Texas de Brazil pairs these awesome apps with four different ports plus dried fruit, nuts and gourmet chocolate. In addition, guests who attend will receive 25% off dinner at Texas de Brazil. 6:30 p.m. $55. 4634 Town Center Pkwy. Jacksonville, FL; eventbrite.com // @texasdebrazil

10.13

Jelly Roll at Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena
This stop on the “Backroad Baptism” tour features Jelly Roll’s distinct hip-hop/country genre. Infusing rap with a country twang, Jelly Roll’s vulnerable expression of self-doubt has named him “country’s ‘most authentic’ new artist.” His stacked lineup includes Chase Rice, Struggle Jennings, and Josh Adam Myers in addition to performing from his most recent album “Whitsitt Chapel.” 7:00 p.m. $110+. 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd. Jacksonville, FL; https://www.ticketmaster.com/jelly-roll-backroad-baptism-tour-2023-jacksonville-florida-10-13-2023/event/22005E51ABB4C914 //@vystarvetarena

10.13 + 10.14

The Florida Ballet: Roberto Forleo’s “Dracula”
Looking for a spookier story? Check out “Dracula” at the Florida Ballet. Different from the usual enchanting pieces, the story explores the old legendary vampire with a modern take. Directed and choreographed by Roberto Forleo, the ballet features live orchestral accompaniment by the Jacksonville symphony orchestra. 7:30 p.m. $32+. 300 Water St. Jacksonville, FL; jacksonvillecenterfortheperformingarts.com //@jaxperformingartscenter

10.14

Learn How to Make Spiced Apple Butter at Jacksonville Canning Center
Make your own perfect fall treat with the Jacksonville Canning Center. Now that the Florida Cottage Food Exemption is in full swing, you can learn the step by step process in not only making delicious apple butter, but also canning, food preservation and selling within your own community. 9:00 a.m. $25. 2525 Commonwealth Ave. Jacksonville, FL; eventbrite.com

Get Ready to Groove: CoLab’s ’90s Party
CoLab Cafe is hosting an epic throwback event to kick off theme-party season in October. Go back in time to the ’90s with everything from grunge to boybands to bubblegum pop played by a live DJ. Neon, scrunchies, flannel and fanny packs are encouraged at this in-person dance party. 7:00 p.m. $15. 2695 Post St. Jacksonville, FL; eventbrite.com //@thecolabcafe

10.15

Succulent Garden Workshop at Allstar Garden Center
A Halloween-inspired succulent garden party is around the corner at Allstar Garden Center. Get ready to mingle, browse succulents, then create your own garden to take home. Charcuterie, sangria and infused water are included bonus treats for this fun Sunday activity. 2:00 p.m. $55. 1151 Miller Cir. North Jacksonville, FL; eventbrite.com // @belles.blooms

Tailgate Party at Old St. Andrew’s Event Venue
Now that football season is in full swing, stop by Old St. Andrews for a good old-fashioned tailgate before the Jags play the Colts. Right between the Jaguars Stadium and Vystar memorial arena, there will be music, yard games, food and an open bar. Enjoy the atmosphere and cheer on the Jags with this awesome event! 10:00 a.m. $15. 317 A.P. Randolph St. Jacksonville, FL; eventbrite.com // @authenticeducatorsinc