Pictures: Travel events in Florida in August

This annual festival celebrates the finest in anime and Japanese culture entertainment with costume contests, gaming, karaoke, art show, dance party, game shows and merchandise.Wyndham Orlando Resort, 8001 International Drive; single-day passes start at $35 and a standard 4-day pass starts at $45; animefestivalorlando.com

See historical lighthouse exhibits, play games and make your own lighthouse pennant at the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. Adults $6.95; children ages 2-11 $1.95. 4931 South Peninsula Drive. 386-761-1821. ponceinlet.org/calendar.cfm

Grab your pup and head to Bell Tower Shops for Yappy Hour, held on the second Friday of each month. You can meet adoptable dogs, enjoy an outdoor bar and listen to live music. Finish the night at one of the eight pet-friendly restaurants in the center. Proceeds benefit the Gulf Coast Humane Society. 6 to 8 p.m. Free. The Bell Tower Shops, 13499 U.S. 41 SE. www.thebelltowershops.com

The Morean Arts Center invites dessert fans to indulge as bakers compete to earn the title of St. Pete’s best cupcake. Taste up to 100 delicious cupcakes made from professional and novice bakers. Noon to 3 p.m. $5. Morean Center for Clay, 420 22nd St. 727-822-7872. www.moreanartscenter.org/calendar/cupcake-contest/

The special event at Magic Kingdom will be held on select dates on 36 nights. The event again will include the “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks display, Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade and Halloween-themed stage show in front of Cinderella Castle. 7 p.m.-midnight; 1180 Seven Seas Drive in Lake Buena Vista; $79-$135 ($74-$130 for ages 3-9); 407-824-4321; disneyworld.com/halloween

The annual food and wine lover’s paradise offers beverages from close to 30 global marketplaces. Also on tap are celebrity chef demonstrations and rock star performances during the Eat to the Beat concert series. Festival comes with Epcot admission and plates range in price. 407-939-5277. disneyworld.com/foodandwine