Looking for fun events? Top 5 things to do around Tallahassee

Helloooo, October! The pumpkins are out and the spooky month arrives with plenty of excitement in the air.

Last weekend’s Tallahassee Film Festival drew big crowds and costumed fans packed into “Rocky Horror” screenings and films galore.

The fun continues this week with a visit from Academy Award winning actor Morgan Freeman for Opening Nights.

Tom & the Cats gets the pre-game party started at the Downtown GetDown on Friday, Oct. 3. Things could get stormy on Oct. 4 as the Seminoles take on the Miami Hurricanes at 7:30 p.m. at Doak. The FAMU game has been moved to November due to a scheduling snafu.

Here’s a roundup of entertaining events around Tallahassee, culled from emails, the Council on Culture & Arts, online listings and elsewhere.

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1. Morgan Freeman’s in the house for Symphonic Blues Experience

Morgan Freeman is set to visit with his Symphonic Blues Experience at FSU’s Opening Nights on Oct. 3, 2025.

Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience is coming to Florida State University at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, in the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. The experience comes as part of the Opening Nights at FSU event series. Tickets are $115/$80. Visit openingnights.fsu.edu. “Morgan Freeman combines his love of blues and symphony music, creating an experience that tells the history of the blues in the Mississippi Delta like you have never seen or heard it before,” said Kevin Maynard, executive director of Opening Nights. “Tallahassee will be among the first cities to experience this brand-new show, and we are excited to have Morgan Freeman himself open the show and join you in the audience.”

This cinematic experience pays homage to the sounds of the Mississippi Delta with live blues and orchestral performances. Attended and guided by the voice of Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman, this immersive musical performance spotlights blues music on a concert hall stage. Audience members will get a firsthand look at how his work honors the history and soul of the artists who brought the genre to life.

This one-of-a-kind event promises an unforgettable evening for music lovers, film fans and anyone moved by the power of live performance.

2. Catch the spirit at Downtown GetDown

Tom & the Cats get the party started for the Downtown GetDown at the Adams Street Commons from 6-10 p.m. Oct. 3, 2025.

Tallahassee rockers Tom & the Cats pump up the pep rally at the Adams Street Commons from 6-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, ahead of Florida State’s big game against Miami at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4. The Downtown GetDown series is free to the public and will include live music from local bands, the Fun 4 Tally Kids Zone, performances by community dance groups, and numerous food and craft vendors. See you on Adams Street.

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3. Get jazzed about Moon Over Maclay concert

The Annual Moon Over Maclay concert is back again with this year’s headliner Rodney Jordan, FSU Professor of Jazz Bass, and his band The Rodney Jordan Quintet. They recently released their new CD “Memphis Blue” On Baxter Music Enterprises.

The Friends of Maclay Gardens holds its 14th Annual Moon Over Maclay jazz concert at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, 3540 Thomasville Road, from 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5. The gate opens at 5 p.m.. Music lovers can bring a blanket, lawn chairs, picnic supper, and beverages of your choice. Choose a place on the lawn in front of the Maclay house, and relax under the moonlight.

The Friends of Maclay Gardens 14th Annual Moon Over Maclay jazz concert at Maclay Gardens State Park runs from 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.

Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for students. Purchase in advance online at friendsofmaclaygardens.org or the Maclay Gardens Visitor Center on the day of the event.

Jordan, who was born and raised in Memphis explains the new album: “Not a typical blues recording, but if you listen closely every piece has that thread running through it. There’s an optimism in the way we play that embodies the blues spirit.” This band includes a group of first-rank collaborators: University of South Carolina based trumpeter Matt White, Atlantan pianist Louis Heriveaux, Charleston-based saxophonist Mark Sterbank, and native Charlestonian Quentin E. Baxteron drums.

4. Mystery and murder afoot at Theatre TSC

Theatre TSC’s production of “And Then There Were None,” opens at Turner Auditorium at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2.

Kick off the Halloween Season with Theatre TSC and Agatha Christie’s masterpiece, “And Then There Were None,” opening this weekend.

Ten strangers are lured to a solitary mansion on an island off the English coast. When a storm cuts them off from the mainland and one of the party dies, they realize they may be harboring a murderer among them and the true reason for their presence on the island becomes horribly clear. Ages 13 and up.

Show times are Oct. 2-4 and 10-11 at 7 p.m. and October 12 at 2 p.m. All performances take place at TSC’s Turner Auditorium, 444 Appleyard Dr. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors (60+) and $10 for non-TSC students and children. Tickets can be reserved online at tsc.fl.edu. Cash and checks only when purchasing tickets at the door.

5. Kendell Marvell brings country grit to Opening Nights

Kendall Marvel is part of the lineup for FSU’s 2025 Opening Nights.

As part of Opening Nights at Florida State University, Grammy-winning songwriter and vocalist Kendell Marvel will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Opperman Music Hall, bringing his signature blend of outlaw country grit and Southern rock swagger. Tickets are $45. Visit openingnights.fsu.edu. “If you are a fan of country music, you have probably been singing Marvel’s songs for years,” said Kevin Maynard, executive director of Opening Nights. “We are excited to have him in our season to showcase his solo work, share the stories behind the hit songs he has written and hear his outlaw country style.”

Bonus event: ‘The Revolutionists’ presents history with humor

Set during the French Revolution, Theatre Tallahassee presents “The Revolutionists,” from Oct 2-19, 2025.

Four beautiful, badass women lose their heads in Theatre Tallahassee’s production of “The Revolutionists,” written by Lauren Gunderson, and running Oct. 2-19.

This irreverent, girl-powered comedy is set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. Playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, former queen (and fan of ribbons) Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle hang out, murder Marat, and try to beat back the extremist insanity in 1793 Paris.

Show times are 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, and Saturday, Oct. 4, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, running through Oct. 19 at Theatre Tallahassee, 1861 Thomasville Road. Tickets are $27.50 for adults, $22.50 for seniors and military and $17.50 for students. Visit theatretallahassee.org.

Bonus event: Quincy Music Theatre goes to ‘Chicago’

Step into the roaring ’20s in Chicago with a sizzling, jazz-fueled tale of fame, justice and all that jazz when Quincy Music Theatre presents “Chicago, the Musical” Oct. 3-12 at Quincy Music Theatre, 118 E. Washington St., Quincy.

Packed with jazz-infused hits like “All That Jazz” and “Cell Block Tango,” this satire of celebrity culture and justice is a feast for the eyes and ears. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3 and Oct. 4 and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 5 and Oct. 10-12. Tickets are $22 for adults, $19 for seniors and $17 for students. Visit quincymusictheatre.com.

OTHER EVENTS

Bannerman Crossings Block Party: Hot dog eating contest, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, Bannerman Crossings, 3425 Bannerman Road. $20 entry, sign up starts at 6 p.m.

Blessing of the Animals: Mission San Luis welcomes the community to celebrate a day for pets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Mission San Luis. Parking available at temporary access at 2021 Mission Road, due to construction. The day will include pet blessings performed by local clergy, exhibitions from animal aid and support organizations, historic interpretation of the archaeological site, food for purchase, and craft activities.

Mike Lagasse will play Blue Tavern with Swinglewide on Oct. 3, 2025.

Blue Tavern: Tallahassee Youth Jam FUNdraiser with Aisha Ivey, 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at Blue Tavern,1206 N. Monroe St., followed at 8 p.m. by Mike Lagasse & Kilo with folk and original tunes and Swinglewide with swing and jazz. $10 cover. 1st Saturday Jug Band starts off at 4 p.m. Oct. 4, followed at 8 p.m. by Ari Pereira Quintet with jazz with Ari Pereira – guitar, Asher Pereria – keys, Josh Dennis – bass, Lawrence Turner – percussion, Zach Urbine – trombone. $10 cover. Barry Sager plays happy hour at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, followed at 8 p.m. by Bluesday Tuesday: Blues Meets Girl. $5 cover. Elizabeth Fravel plays 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, followed at 8 p.m. with Open Mic Night. David Pucik plays happy hour at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, followed at 8 p.m. by Open Jazz Jam with Jacob Wright. $5.

Book events: Midtown Reader, 1123 Thomasville Road, hosts former Tallahassee Democrat columnist Mary Ann Lindley as she launches her book, “Fragments: Then and Now,” a cultural memoir, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. The Word Garden at Tallahassee Nurseries, 2911 Thomasville Road, hosts monthly literary readings with four readers including Mary Ann Lindley at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5.

The Crooked River Lighthouse: Twilight at the Tower, 7-9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, in Carrabelle. Guests can explore the Keeper’s House Museum after-hours, view the historic Fresnel lens constructed in 1894 in Paris, and enjoy the colorful glow of the setting sun and rising moon in Crooked River Lighthouse Park. Climbs are $10 and require reservations. Visit crookedriverlighthouse.com.

Friday Night Block Party: Cowboy Mouth, 6-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, Madison Street at FSU CollegeTown.

Great Oaks Pub at Southwood: One-Eyed JAK plays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday at Great Oaks Pub, 3750 Grove Park Drive. With Cody Thompson on drums, Lewis Berger on bass, John Brinkley lead guitar, and Jason Raymond on rhythm guitar, The Jaks are a local party band that covers everything from rock to country to heavy classics. No cover, full restaurant and bar. Call 850-942-4653 for reservations.

The Hub at Feather Oaks: East Town Get Down gets going at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, with country artist Jason Byrd at The Hub at Feather Oaks, 6500 Miccosukee Road.

Getaway Grille: Mojo Stew, 7-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3; Queen of Hearts Band, 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct 4, 2386 Allen Road.

Lake Tribe Brewing: Live tunes, local craft food, and seasonal brews on tap at 3357 Garber Drive. Local band “Seminole Uprising” will be making their debut performance on the terrace at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, “Flavor Society” will be bringing the flavor from 5-9 p.m.

Peak Dive plays The Soundfest at The Sound Bar on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.

The Sound Bar: Huey & Rachel Hillman’s Please to Meet You at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at The Sound Bar, 1105 W. Tharpe St. $15 cover. The Soundfest (Local Music Appreciation Day) begins at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, and features Old Porch Swing, Peak Dive, Queen High Straight, Laura Oaks, Young Lions and Eleven 0 Five. $20. Visit thesoundbartallahassee.com.

Tallahassee Film Society: Celebrate the career of the late Robert Redford in these two classics presented by the Tallahassee Film Society: “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” (1969) 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, and “The Sting,” (1973) at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Challenger IMAX Theater, 200 Duval St. Free admission. Visit tallahasseefilms.com.

Tallahassee Museum: Acoustic duo Hot Tamale will be doing a “lunchtime session” at the Tallahassee Museum, 3945 Museum Road, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, in front of the Cafe. Museum admission rates apply.

Tallahassee Youth Orchestras: Fall Concert, 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct 5, Opperman Music Hall, 200 W. College Ave. Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 for children (K-12).

Have an event coming up? Email details to [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Top 5 fun things to do around Tallahassee this weekend