Good morning, Tallahassee.

Local artists and craftspeople donated silent auction items at the For Cats' Sake fundraiser on Saturday at the Tallahassee Elks Lodge to support homeless cats.

The auction raised several thousand dollars for the Feline Advocates of Leon County & featured a jazz trio and finger food.

The 43rd annual Greek Food Festival took place on Oct.

24 and 25 at Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church on Phillips Road, where ideal weather helped thousands enjoy Greek music, dancing, and traditional foods. Local figures like former Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp and Father Robert O'Laughlin praised the event—saying it honored Tallahassee’s long-standing Greek heritage and faith traditions.

The Tallahassee community came together Saturday for the fourth annual Frenchtown Renaissance—an event celebrating local heritage and creativity.

Florida State University students are celebrating Pride Month with events like drag shows and makeup workshops to support and connect queer students—groups such as the Pride Student Union share resources and organize activities that highlight their history and identity.

The community also uses social media to keep students informed and safe on campus.

Leon County Head Start will reopen tomorrow with services running from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.—extended day care will not be available.

On October 14, the Leon County School Board approved key items including a new advisory group at Lively Technical College, an agreement with the sheriff and FSU to study how out-of-school suspensions affect Griffin Middle School students, and a teacher pay plan for 2025-2026.

Board member Alva Smith raised concerns about school operations and Superintendent Hanna promised to review them by year’s end—steps that aim to improve local school performance.

On October 14th, the Leon County Board of Commissioners approved opioid litigation settlement funds for 2026 and authorized contracts with groups that help with treatment and support—actions that include updating EMS equipment and extending partnerships with a local free ride service. The county reported that opioid overdoses have decreased from 4.57 to 3.93 per 10,000 residents, and officials remain focused on reducing the impact of opioid misuse.

On Saturday, the Tallahassee Police and Fire departments held their second annual Battle of the Badges flag football game at Gene Cox Stadium—an event that highlighted their teamwork on and off the field.

The community event featured local vendors, food trucks, music, and a halftime show by the Omega Lamplighters.

Florida State men’s basketball beat Florida A&M 88-54 on Sunday at the Donald L.

Tucker Civic Center — a historic game marked by a jersey retirement for new Rattlers head coach Charlie Ward — and renewed a 35-year rivalry. Coach Luke Loucks said the team built a big early lead — a sign that they are ready to improve — and the win sets a positive tone for future games.

FSU basketball dominated FAMU 88-54 in a homecoming game at the Donald L.

Tucker Center on Sunday — which featured debut head coaches Luke Loucks and Charlie Ward — as the win offered a preview of the 2025 season starting in early November.

On October 22, the Chiles Volleyball team started the state championships with a straight set win over Choctawhatchee and beat Ponte Vedra on October 25 in Tallahassee, pushing them into the regional finals where they will host Beachside on October 29 — while Florida High began with a win over Episcopal School of Jacksonville on October 21 but ended its season on October 25 after a tough loss to Pensacola Catholic.

FSU legend Charlie Ward—now the FAMU coach—said he was proud to play for the Seminoles after his jersey was retired at the Civic Center before the FSU-FAMU tip-off.

Florida State baseball returned to Dick Howser Stadium on Oct.25 for an exhibition doubleheader against UAB—winning game one 10-4 with strong hitting and game two 6-1 as several players contributed.

The team will play again on Friday, Oct.31 in the Garnet and Gold All-Star game ahead of their regular season opener on Feb.13.

Costume Fun Run

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Fleet Feet Tallahassee — Free entry — Enjoy a festive evening of running and a costume contest with seasonal food and drinks.

Little Dinner Series: Willie Nelson Celebration

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Dedman College of Hospitality — Cost upon inquiry — Enjoy a themed dinner featuring a cocktail reception and four-course meal inspired by Willie Nelson.

Aaron Watson III: PhoFunk Performance

9 p.m. – 1 a.m. — Fire Betty's — Tickets available — Experience the sonic storytelling of saxophonist Aaron Watson III and his band Pharaohs Of Funk.

Steve Sternberg Piano Performance

1:30-5:30 p.m. — Westminster Oaks — Tickets available — Experience the engaging and heartfelt piano music of local artist Steve Sternberg.

27th Annual Oktoberfest

2-6 p.m. — AC Hotel Tallahassee Universities at the Capitol — $50 General Admission; $100 VIP; $25 DD/Child — Celebrate the season with craft beer tastings, music, and games while supporting local seniors.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux Systems Administration Training I

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Next Step Healthcare Training LLC. — $2250 — Gain essential Linux skills through comprehensive lab exercises and expert lectures.

Choral Festival Featuring Andrea Ramsey

6 p.m. — Ruby Diamond Concert Hall — Free admission — Celebrate the treble voice with Levana and talented singers from Leon County Schools.

John Williams Cinematic Celebration

7:30-9 p.m. — Cascades Park — $32-$51 — Experience the magic of John Williams' film scores live with food trucks and costumes under the stars.

Bikers on Parade 2025

7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Tallahassee Harley-Davidson — Donations appreciated — Celebrate and support veterans and first responders during this patriotic bike ride.

University Singers: A Poet Sings

3 p.m. — Ruby Diamond Concert Hall — $10 Adult, $7 Child or Non-FSU Student — Experience the musical interpretations of iconic poets performed by the University Singers.