Oct. 3-10: This week's happenings include concerts, wine dinner, a pet blessing, kayaking

It’s Leonard’s birthday

The great Leonard Bernstein would have been a centenarian this year, and the Brevard Symphony Orchestra wants to celebrate the big man’s 100th year with an all-Bernstein program for the Orchestra’s season opener at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6, at the King Center in Melbourne.

The concert will be special indeed, because in addition to Bernstein’s glorious music, one of Bernstein’s assistants, author Charlie Harmon, will be present to share anecdotes about his time with the legendary Leonard.

Harmon has created a special arrangement for solo violin and orchestra of themes from “On the Town.” The BSO will give the world premiere of the “On the Town Rhapsody” with acclaimed violinist Jennifer Frautschi as soloist and will feature guest vocalists Jackie Stressman and E.J. Cardona for “West Side Story Suite.”

The program also includes “West Side Story Suite No. 1,” “Fancy Free Ballet Suite,” “Simple Song from Mass” and “Candide Overture.” 

Tickets are $10 to $50. For tickets, call 321-242-2219 or purchase online at brevardsymphony.com. 

Step back in time

Laurilee Thompson cooks a mean rock shrimp at her Dixie Crossroads Restaurant, but she is also an accomplished raconteur with an encyclopedic knowledge of Brevard County.

The fifth-generation Floridian will visit the Titusville Garden Club for a journey through time and the Indian River Lagoon in all its glory — and misery.

Thompson will share her enthusiasm for one of our nation’s environmental treasures during a free program at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 3, at club headquarters, 5275 Sisson Road, Titusville.

The members also welcome guests to meet this genial group of gardeners during the coffee social held at 9:30 a.m. before Thompson’s presentation. For more information, call 321-264-4266.

October is the new December

Glittering baubles arrive early at Fifth Avenue Art Gallery, host of “Sparkle,” an exhibit of jewelry from award-winning designers. The show has it all, from precious metals to semi-precious stones and glass.

Get a jump start on holiday shopping or treat yourself to a bit of “Sparkle” during the free opening reception from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 5. Chat with the designers and enjoy light refreshments.

Fifth Avenue Art Gallery is at 1470 Highland Ave., in the Eau Gallie Arts District. For more information, call 321-259-8261 or visit fifthavenueartgallery.com.

Margaux the Greek

Just imagine how much Zorba would have enjoyed Café Margaux’s Greek wine dinner. The ebullient Greek would certainly have appreciated the Cocoa Village restaurant’s selections of Greek wines from Douloufakis Winery, Kir-Yianni, Domain Skouras and others.

Zorba, a fan of life’s bounty, would also have loved the seven-course dinner Chef Erol Tugrul will pair with the vinos. The menu includes ouzo-scented scallops wrapped in grape leaves, chicken lemon and egg soup, three-lentil salad over baby red romaine, Shrimp Glyfada, prime tenderloin souvlaki, oregano-roasted lamb over eggplant pancakes, a cheese course of Manouri cheese from Macedonia and dessert of Yaourpita, Greek yogurt cake with fresh berries and lemon Chantilly cream.

Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday, Oct. 4 and 5.

Cost is $95 per guest. Reserve at 321-639-8343. For full menu, see margaux.com.

Sidle up

Howdy, pardner! Want to support the important work of the Women’s Center? All you gotta do is cowboy up to “Boots & Bandits” from 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 6, at Shuler’s, 422 Julia St., Titusville.

Wear your western duds for the barbecue, the beer, wine and ‘shine. Dance to live Southern rock and country, plus line and square dancing, of course. Pose for a Wild West photo and maybe bail out some “celebrity” jail birds.

It’s just $25, or $50 if you want the VIP treatment.

Get your tickets at 321-543-3147 or womenscenter.net.

Mind over mullet

The Mims Mullet Festival returns from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 6, on the grounds of Mims United Methodist Church, 3302 Green St., and the First Baptist Church of Mims, 2395 Kentucky Ave.

Admission is free, but you can purchase smoked and fried mullet dinners, hamburgers, hot dogs and other treats.

The festival includes a car show, bands, children’s games, crafters and a bake sale.

For more, see mimsmulletfestival.com.

Paddle and a pint

Celebrate encountering manatees and dolphins with a cool glass of Playalinda beer after a kayak trip at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at 10:45 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 7.

After the 90-minute tour, repair to Playalinda’s Hardware Store, 305 S. Washington Ave., Titusville, for a well-deserved beer.

Tickets are $40 per person, $30 if you have your own kayak.

To book, see on.flatoday.com/2zzkclt.

Sweet blessings

For anyone with a soft spot for the critters, the Blessing of the Animals is dear indeed. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church will host a blessing for all creatures great and small at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, at Myrt Tharpe Square Gazebo in Cocoa Village.

A $5 donation to Florida Wildlife Hospital will get you a special souvenir photo. Bring the entire family for sweet blessings.

Tails at the Barkery, which is hosting the event, has also arranged for a “Meet the Breeds” presentation by Brevard Kennel Club.

All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier and be current on vaccinations.

For more information, call 321-305-4584.

Fate of El Faro

Three years ago, the container ship El Faro sank off the Bahamas. The disaster is considered the most unique in U.S. history. Why? Find out the reason during a  presentation by retired U.S. Merchant Marine Captain Andy Petruska at 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 6, at Friendship Fellowship at Pineda, 3115 Friendship Place, Rockledge. For more information, call 321-806-5948.

Run for the chocolate

Zonta Club of Melbourne’s Will Run for Chocolate, Won’t Stand for Violence 5K run/walk takes off at 8 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 6, at Field of Dreams, 3053 Fell Road, West Melbourne.

The run supports the club’s scholarships for Brevard women and its efforts to bring awareness of violence against women. One in four women will be a victim of domestic violence during her lifetime.  In Florida, approximately 20 percent of homicides are the direct result of domestic violence.  

Register at secure.runningzone.com or zontaspacecoast.org.

Homespun

The costumed docents of Pritchard House Museum invite you to afternoon tea from 2 to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 6, at the 1891 home, 424 S. Washington Ave., Titusville, where you will enjoy a three-course tea and a tour of the house and its current “Homespun” exhibition.

Cost is $30 per guest. Call 321-607-0203 to reserve a seat at the table.

Email toastofthecoastfloridatoday@gmail.com.