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Cootertober
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The City of Inverness is proud to present an unforgettable month-long celebration that brings together the best of small-town charm and vibrant arts and culture. Get ready for an extravaganza of fun, excitement, and community spirit like you've never experienced before!
Embrace the fusion of small-town allure and dynamic arts and culture in a remarkable celebration that's set to redefine your October. Prepare to be dazzled by a lineup of sensational concerts, vibrant festivals, electrifying live entertainment, and much more. Cootertober is your passport to a world where small-town charm harmoniously blends with the dynamic pulse of arts and culture.
Scroll for more Cootertober details!
Cooter King & Queen Pageant
We're looking for the most Cooter-iffic King & Queen to help Emcee our Cooter Music Festival on October 7th and 8th. The Cooter King & Queen Pageant will take place on October 1st at 3 pm at the Valerie Theater. Bring your talent, your style, and your wit -- and compete against your peers for this coveted title.
Do you have what it takes to be crowned the 2023 Cooter King or Queen?
Rules & Information
Cooter King & Queen participants MUST BE over 18.
- Participants must present a talent. Talent must be family friendly; no foul language, nudity and/or sexually explicit content allowed. Talent must be between three to five(3-5) minutes, no more than six(6) minutes (with a three(3) minute set up allotted). Props must be (approved) safe; no open flames or dangerous equipment. No mess left is allowed on the stage. This includes but is not limited to confetti, water, sand, food, powder or anything sticky. You will be judged on time, creativity, and originality. Contestants must furnish their own music for all categories. Music must be properly labeled and emailed to: info@twistidartsinitiative.org no later than September 25th at 5 pm EST.
- Participants must present their best evening wear. The ensemble must be appropriate in nature.
- Participants must be prepared to answer interview questions on stage. Interview questions will be chosen by Twistid Arts Initiative. Language must be family friendly; free of sexual content and/or cursing. Contestants will have sixty(60) seconds to fully answer the question.
- No applications will be accepted on the day of the pageant. Applicants must have confirmed registration by September 25th.
- Judging will be based on a total accumulated point system. Twistid Arts Initiative will provide the score sheets.
- Contestants will be judged on four categories: interview, talent, evening wear, and overall presentation.
- Contestants must adhere to a family friendly performance/show basis. No sexual content or obscene language will be tolerated. Failure to adhere will cause for points deduction and/or disqualification.
- Contestants are responsible for their backstage helper and dancers. Only one helper will be admitted backstage in the dressing room with the contestant (unless otherwise approved).
- Twistid Arts Initiative and/or The City of Inverness has reserved the right to disqualify anyone who demeans, belittles and/or bullies any contestant and/or Twistid Arts Initiative or City member and/or the non-profit its self.
- Twistid Arts Initiative and/or The City of Inverness reserves the right to make any decision concerning any matter that may or may not be covered by these rules and regulations
- Twistid Arts Initiative and/or The City of Inverness reserves the right to tag and promote the winner at any time they deem necessary.
- Winners must attend the Cooter Music Festival on October 7th and 8th
Registration to compete is free. Entry to the event is also free, however, does require ticket registration due to limited seating. Information on reserving tickets will be available closer to the event.
To register, CLICK HERE.
Citrus County Sheriff's Office - National Night Out
Event Information
- Date: October 3rd at 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- Location: Depot Pavilion, 300 N. Apopka Ave, Inverness, FL 34450
Lewis & Young Entertainment Presents: Humorween
Get ready to experience a tantalizing blend of nostalgia and comedy that's sure to tickle your funny bone and leave you howling for more as Lewis & Young brings you bring you not one, not two, but three frightfully funny "Old Time Radio Shows" live (or perhaps, undead) on stage. As you settle into your seat, get ready to feast on candy for your ears – a delectable assortment of hilarious sound effects, witty banter, and ghostly chuckles that will have you grinning from ear to ear. Lewis & Young Entertainment is here to ensure that your Humorween experience is nothing short of spook-tacular.
Event Information
- Dates: October 6th at 7 p.m.
- Dates: October 7th at 2 p.m.
- Location: Valerie Theatre, 207 Courthouse Sq., Inverness, FL 34450
- Tickets: $15
Cooter Music Festival
Two days. Five Bands. ABSOLUTELY FREE. What better way to kick off Cootertober? Join the Twistid Arts Initiative and the City of Inverness, Florida Government on October 7th and 8th for two evenings of music in our beautiful Liberty Park. Featuring the Kyle Ingram Trio, Jeff Scott Soto of Journey/Trans Siberian Orchastra/Tailsman, Jason Bieler of Saigon Kick, Howie Day, and Vertical Horizon, there's a little bit of something for everyone!
Event Information
- Dates: October 7th at 6 p.m.
- Dates: October 8th at 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Liberty Park, 268 N. Apopka Ave, Inverness, FL 34450
- Admission: Free
Cooter Carnival
Join us for a day of family-friendly carnival fun! Featuring strolling acrobats, free face painting, food trucks, a pumpkin design competition, and tons of carnival games provided by local Citrus County businesses, this event embodies Inverness's motto of "Small Town Done Right."
Event Information
- Date: October 8th - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Location: Liberty Park, 268 N. Apopka Ave, Inverness, FL 34450
- Admission: Free
Pumpkin Design Competition
For more information including rules and registration, click HERE. Version OptionsCootertoberHeadline
Cycle Lacoochee Bike Ride
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience as Cycle-Lacoochee sets forth on a remarkable journey. Rain or shine, this cycling event promises an exhilarating adventure through some of Florida's most breathtaking landscapes. Details and registration are available at fotwst.org.
Event Information
- Date: October 8th at 7 a.m.
For more details and registration information, click HERE!
Citrus County Chamber of Commerce - Fire Up Citrus!
Fire Up Citrus! provides a unique platform for individuals to present their visionary concepts, free from restrictions, as long as they avoid negativity, criticism, or belittlement. Presenters and attendees alike enjoy a wonderful evening of big ideas, incredible energy, and inspiration.
Event Information
- Date: October 12th at 6 p.m.
- Location: Valerie Theatre, 207 Courthouse Sq, Inverness, FL 34450
- Tickets: $10
For more information on becoming a presenter or attending as an audience member, click HERE!
Magic at the Valerie!
Back by popular demand, the Comedy Magic and Illusions Show is making a triumphant return to the Valerie Theatre for a special Cootertober edition. Professional magician Cesar Domico will leave you awestruck with objects appearing and disappearing before your very eyes. Prepare to be dazzled as Cesar weaves comedy, illusions, lights, music, and mystery into an entertainment extravaganza. Mark your calendars for Friday, October 13th, and choose from two performances at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. This night of wonder promises an unforgettable fusion of laughter and mystique, all set against the historic charm of the Valerie Theatre.
Event Information
- Date: October 13th
- Location: Valerie Theatre, 207 Courthouse Sq., Inverness, FL 34450
- Performance Times: 6 & 8 PM
- Tickets: $15 (plus fees)
Cootertober Concert Weekend
Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience
Get ready to rock as Cootertober presents: Zoso live at Liberty Park on October 14th! Since the mid 90's, Zoso has performed over 4500 shows recreating the sound and feel of a live Led Zeppelin concert. Rolling Stone Magazine has called Zoso the most authentic Led Zeppelin tribute in the world!
Event Information
- Date: October 14th, 7 to 9 PM
- Location: Liberty Park, 268 N. Apopka Ave, Inverness, FL 34450
- Tickets: $15 (plus fees)
The Frontmen of Country
THE FRONTMEN – comprised of 3 former lead singers, Larry Stewart (Restless Heart), Richie McDonald (Lonestar) and Tim Rushlow (Little Texas) – is country music's hottest new supergroup. The men have already mastered the stage, succeeded on radio and nightly take sold-out audiences on a rollercoaster of 90’s nostalgic smash hits then transcend their past hit parade with fresh new & original songs that are unmistakably THE FRONTMEN today!
Event Information
- Date: October 15th, 6 to 10 PM
- Location: Liberty Park, 268 N. Apopka Ave, Inverness, FL 34450
- Tickets: $25-50
Cooter Comedy
Our very first headliner from our very first Comedy Night at the Valerie, Paul Jensen, returns to celebrate on the third anniversary of Cooter Comedy Night! Paul has performed internationally at clubs, resorts and theaters and his comedy special "Daddy with Issues" is scheduled for release later this year. His online videos have received millions of views, as he is widely regarded as one of the funniest and most relatable comedians in the business.
Both of our feature comedians Michael Jochims and Tarus Josey are based out of Tampa and are busy working the comedy circuit around the state. Both headline shows regularly. We are thrilled to have them in for their very first performances at The Valerie.
Event Information
- Date: October 14th @ 7 pm
- Location: 207 Courthouse Sq., Inverness FL, 34450
- Tickets: $20
ROCCS Casino Night
Join us for a night of Casino gambling, live music, craft brews and great food, prize raffles and silent auctions.
ROCCS (Rowing Organization of Citrus County students)is a 501(c)(3) all volunteer led Non-Profit organization. Casino Night is the most crucial fundraiser for ROCCS. Each year, ROCCS hosts a Casino party to raise money to support and promote the sport of rowing to students and adults in Citrus County.
Event Information
- Date: October 14th, 6 to 11 PM
- Location: Depot Pavilion, 300 N. Apopka Ave, Inverness, FL 34450
- Tickets: $25 - $100
Zombie Prom
What's Cooterpocalypse without a Zombie Prom?
Join us for an evening of dancing, socializing, and zombifying with this traditional prom concept at the Depot at Liberty Park. Featuring DJ Trae for entertainment, a zombie-makeup station, a zombie selfie spot, food trucks, and more, this event is sure to be so fun, it'll wake the dead. And, what's a prom without a Prom King and Queen? We'll be crowning the best zombies at the end of the evening so be sure to come in your best zombie prom outfit!
Tickets are $25 per person and are available in a limited quantity. This event WILL sell out - so be sure to grab your tickets now. Click HERE Version OptionsCootertoberHeadline to purchase.
Event Information
- Date: October 20th at 6-10 p.m.
- Location: Depot Pavilion, 300 N. Apopka Ave. Inverness, FL 34450
- Admission: $25
Zombie Run
Back by popular demand - the Zombie Run is the perfect way to celebrate this spooky season! Spanning through the Downtown Inverness area, our zombie run features four interactive zombie zones and gives you the opportunity to participate as either a Zombie or a Survivor (aka a runner). Make sure to have your zombie athletic wear ready and lace up those shoes!
Will you survive the zombie cooterpocalypse?
Hydration stations provided by XFINITY. Zombie Run facilitated by DRC Sports.
Event Information
- Date: October 21st at 8 am.
- Location: Liberty Park, 268 N. Apopka Ave, Inverness, FL 34450
- Registration Fee: $15
To register, CLICK HERE.
Zombie Scavenger Hunt
CALLING ALL KIDS! The zombies have Sunny Cooter, and we need YOU to help us find him! Grab your parents and join us on October 22nd at 12 pm at The Depot at Liberty Park for an outdoor digital scavenger hunt. Once you've located all the clues, meet us back at the Depot for a mini dance party featuring DJ TRAE, zombie-themed selfie spots, and to get your award! Best part? This event is TOTALLY FREE.
Event Information
- Date: October 22nd at 12 pm
- Location: Depot Pavilion, 300 N Apopka Ave, Inverness FL 34450
- Free event!
Zombie Pub Crawl
Join our zombie hosts as we shuffle our way through downtown Inverness, sampling drinks from our favorite local bars! Drinks are included in the ticket price (tips are not included, so be sure to tip your waitstaff!). Must be 21+ to register. ID will be checked at the event. Zombie attire encouraged but not required (but, c'mon, lets have some fun!).
Participating bars include The Sidebar, Pine Street Pub, Nine State Brewery, and the Twysted Vyne.
DRINK MENU:
- The SideBar: Zombie Punch, an orange creamsicle vodka drink with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and floating eyeballs
- Pine Street Pub: Witches Brew
- Twysted Vyne: Twysted Zombie
- Nine State Brewery: Beer options/Red Sangria
Event Information
- Date: October 21st at 6-9 pm
- Tickets: $35
War of the Worlds Radio Show
Join Under Siege Enterprises as we celebrate the 85th anniversary of the original radio broadcast of this amazing alien invasion story.
We're bringing you our very own adaptation of the classic tale, changed to happen...here and now. Professor Pierson is now affiliated with UF, we've brought the alien crash to Liberty Park, the aliens ultimately take over the theme parks, and more!!!
Although modified, we kept most of Orson Welles' original words!
Event Information
- Dates: October 27th @ 7:30 pm
- Dates: October 28th @ 4:30 pm & 8:30 pm
- Location: Valerie Theatre, 207 Courthouse Sq, Inverness, FL 34450
- Tickets: $5
Historic Haunt by Twistid Arts Initiative
Sponsored by Raymond Frankart Roofing and the Citrus County Historic Courthouse, the Twistid Arts Initiative's Historic Haunt is a fully immersive experience. The Historic Haunt will feature an interactive element in which visitors can search for items through the haunt and return to our website to submit the answers. Correct answers will be entered to win a $100 VISA gift card.
The Historic Haunt is suitable for ages 15 and up. It will contain fog, strobe lighting effects, disturbing scents, and jump scares. You should not enter if you are pregnant, are sensitive to strobe lights, or have a heart condition.
Ghostbusters R&D and America's Angels will be providing a "Containment Area" around the Haunt. This will include an interactive kids zone with licensed professional child care for parents looking to enter the Historic Haunt.
$5 Entry. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.
Event Information
- Date: October 27-28th at 6-10 p.m.
- Location: Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL 34450, USA
- Admission: $5
Click HERE to purchase tickets.
Historic Haunt: Sensory Friendly
On October 29th from 12-4 pm, the Historic Haunt will be offering a sensory-friendly lights-on version! We'll be turning off all sounds and lighting effects, turning on the house lights, and removing all the jump scares, scents, and air effects. The sensory-friendly version of the Historic Haunt is an opportunity for everyone to check out the haunt safely and comfortably.
Click HERE to purchase tickets to the sensory friendly haunt.
Haunting on Pine
Come join Fit Full Force for their 4th annual haunted house in Downtown Inverness! Oct. 27th & 28th 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM! This is a free event.
Visit www.hauntingonpine.com for complete information!