Oct. 4 Freedom Awards Banquet. The N.A.A.C.P’s annual
celebration of outstanding citizens takes place at the Hyatt; tickets $80. 355-2097.

Oct. 14 Sarasota Ballet "Meet Me at the Barre." A chance for ballet supporters to mingle, starting at 5 p.m. at the Historic Asolo Theater; tickets $30. 351-5361.

Oct. 18 Key to the Cure Kickoff Party. Saks Fifth Avenue hosts this event, themed "Key to the Cabaret—Don’t Dance Around Cancer," prior to its annual weekend of shopping in which a percentage of sales there benefits Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s Genetic Education Program. For more info, call 364-5304.

Oct. 20 UnGala Gala. Always expect the unexpected at this much-buzzed-about gala, a fund raiser for the Ringling Museum of Art. Now celebrating 22 years of "Un," with food, wine, entertainment and more in the museum courtyard. Tickets $250; 359-5700 or 351-1660.

Oct. 25 Sarasota-Manatee Moffitt Women’s Cancer Awareness Luncheon. Physicians Susan Hoover, Eleanor Harris and Paul Smith will discuss the latest in cancer research and treatments at this 10th annual luncheon at the Ritz. Boutique opens at 10 a.m.; luncheon begins at noon. Patron tickets $150; (813) 745-4327.

American Jewish Committee Civic Award Dinner. Ringling College president Dr. Larry Thompson is the honoree at this event at Michael’s On East. Tickets $175; 365-4955.

Beer, Boys & Boots. A kick-off event for next month’s Wine, Women & Shoes, benefiting Forty Carrots Family Center—but the gimmick there is that this one’s for men only. At the Gator Club; for more details call 365-7716.

Oct. 25-28 28th Annual Stone Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival. Celebrate the tang of the stone crab, the smoothness of the wines, and much more at this foodie event at The Colony on Longboat Key. Top chefs and vintners will be on hand for culinary demonstrations, a Tasting on the Beach Oct. 26 and the Chef’s Collaboration Gala Oct. 27. For ticket info call 383-6464 ext. 2854.

Oct. 26 Casino Royale. An evening of fun beginning at 6 p.m. to benefit the Hispanic-American Center, at Michael’s On East. Tickets $100; 955-3934.

Oct. 26-28 ALSO Out Youth 15th Anniversary Reunion Weekend. Events at Metro Coffee and Wine and Longboat Key Club and Resort; for more info call 951-2576.

Oct. 27 C.A.N. Dance. A ballroom championship dancing event to benefit the Community AIDS Network, taking place at the Chelsea Center. Tickets $200. 366-0461.

Oceanic Evening. Mote Marine’s splashy annual dinner-dance fills the aquarium courtyard; tickets $250.
388-4441.

Cool Caribbean Night. That’s what you’ll find in this evening of cocktails, dinner and an auction to benefit the Laurel Civic Association, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Sandra Sims Terry Community Center in Laurel. Tickets $75; 483-3338.

Oct. 29 Sarasota County Arts Council Awards Celebration. Arts grants will be awarded, arts leaders honored and Sarasota’s arts scene in general celebrated at the Asolo’s Mertz Theatre, from 5 to 7 p.m. Entertainment by the Asolo Rep and others, call 365-5118.

Frankenstein Ball. Get in the Halloween spirit with this party starting at 7 p.m. at the Players Theatre; for tickets ($25), call 365-2494.