A Halloween 5K, live theater and a circus under the big top at Orange Park Mall headline a packed community calendar in Orange Park and surrounding Clay County communities through early November.

The Clay County Chamber of Commerce kicks off the schedule Wednesday, Oct. 21, with its Mac and Cheese Bake Off at 4:30 p.m. at The Hilltop Club, 2030 Wells Road.

Chamber member chefs will compete to make the best macaroni and cheese, with proceeds benefiting Pace Center for Girls Clay. The event is supported by Anthony's Gourmet Catering, the Rolling Stoves Family Grill, The Hilltop Club, Event Divas and R & R Catering.

Advance tickets cost $10, or $15 cash at the door, according to the Clay County Chamber of Commerce.

Theater and Halloween festivities

The children's musical "Pete the Cat" takes the stage Thursday, Oct. 22, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Thrasher-Horne Center, 2900 Thrasher Horne Ave. Tickets start at $19, with group tickets available for $10 per person for groups of 10 or more through thcenter.org.

On Halloween morning, The Grove at Orange Park, 2525 Country Club Blvd., hosts the Chasing Spirits 5K from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The event includes a one-mile walk/run option, costumes, a post-race DJ, cocktails and mocktails, and an optional brunch.

Registration costs $35 through 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, and increases to $40 on race day. Brunch costs an additional $15. Registration details are available through the official race website.

The political comedy show "Capitol Fools," featuring former members of the Capitol Steps, performs Sunday, Nov. 1, at 2 p.m. at the Thrasher-Horn.