As Thanksgiving approaches, turkeys start taking center stage – in grocery store displays, dinner menus, and classroom crafts. But beyond the holiday hustle, wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) roam Florida’s forests, pastures, and wetlands year-round, playing a vital role in our state’s natural ecosystems. A CLOSER LOOK AT THE WILD TURKEY Florida is home to two of the five subspecies of wild turkey found in North America: the Eastern subspecies, which is common across the Pan

SPOOKY NIGHT BLOW Nov. 8, 7 p.m. at the Morean Glass Studio. Watch artists create something amazing during this glass-blowing event. Backlit by nothing more than a fiery hot kiln and molten glass, Night Blow mixes glassblowing with synchronized music choreographed by the evening’s DJ. Limited space, reserve in advance. moreanartscenter.org CHARCUTERIE WORKSHOP Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m. at Keel & Curley Winery. Follow along as you learn the tricks & techniques to create a beautiful

ORLANDO JAPAN FESTIVAL Nov. 9, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. Celebrating Japanese culture! Enjoy a full day of authentic food, traditional performances, and hands-on cultural experiences for all ages. From music and dance to martial arts and crafts, there’s something for everyone. More info at facebook.com/orlandojapanfestival . TURKEY TROT 5K Nov. 27, 7 a.m. at Lake Eola. Runners, joggers, and walkers, many dressed in full costumes or Thanksgiving-themed hats

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS Nov. 1 at Union Hall in Lakeland. Dance, eat, drink, and honor traditions at the first Dia de Los Muertos Night Market & After Party! Night Market is family-friendly from 6 - 9 p.m., and the After Party is 21+ only from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. FB @latinasprofesionalesinaction JOHN MCEUEN Nov. 21 at Gram Parsons Derry Down. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s John McEuen plays live with co-founder Les Thompson and special guest Muriel Anderson. In 1971, John initiated t

ART CRAWL Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Swan Brewing in Lakeland. This free festival celebrates the arts with over 60 local artists selling their work and competing for prizes alongside live performances, art demonstrations, live art making, and more. Family-friendly. artcrawlfl.com JOHN MCEUEN Nov. 21 at Gram Parsons Derry Down. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s John McEuen plays live with co-founder Les Thompson and special guest Muriel Anderson. In 1971, John initiated the landmark “W

IN THE TIME OF FIVE PUMPKINS By Alexander McCall Smith Botswana detective Precious Ramotswe solves a new case with the help of her loyal associate and proves again that compassion and wisdom are the greatest tools for justice in the twenty-sixth novel of the series following, “The Great Hippopotamus Hotel.” HAPPY FRIENDSGIVING By Marcie Colleen & Laura Sandoval Herrera Learn the familiar traditions of Thanksgiving, and how family takes on many forms, as friends, neighbors, an