Arts

Entrance to Munn Park with trees, benches, and signage
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Lakeland
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
February 25, 2026 02:30 PM
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Staff
Shoppers browse fine art at an outdoor art festival. Each artist is set up in a small white tent with a domed top set up in the grass by a road.
Events
Headed to Mayfaire by-the-Lake? Save these pro tips.
From where to park to must-do activities, here are the top things you need to know if you’re planning to attend the Mayfaire by-the-Lake art festival.
May 7, 2025
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Amelia Grooms
A photographer takes a photo of a mother and child in front of a Mother's Day photo backdrop at Lakeside Village
Events
A Mother’s Day event for every type of mom in Lakeland
No matter what type of moms we have, they deserve to be celebrated this Mother’s Day. Check out these nine events and deals around Lakeland just for mother figures.
May 6, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Vendor tents line a downtown street filled with pedestrians at First Friday.
Experience
14 of the top free things to do in Lakeland
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in Lakeland, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
May 5, 2025
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Staff
A colorful mural with "We love Lakeland" and cartoon pictures of fast food
Experience
30+ murals around Lakeland
Check out our guide to the many meaningful murals you can find around our city.
April 24, 2025
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Staff
1: A row of pop up tents with people walking by on a lake shore, 2-5: People looking at art displays and art for sale in pop up tents, including pottery, paintings, and woodworking.
Sponsored
53 years of fine art at Mayfaire by-the-Lake
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art’s annual festival returns to Lake Morton this month.
Sponsored by
Vinyl records categorized by genre at Jesse Carl Vinyl in Lakeland, FL
Business
Celebrate Record Store Day with Jesse Carl Vinyl
Owner Jessi Zilka shared how you can support this local shop during the international Record Store Day event.
April 9, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Colorful butterfly sculpture with activity icons outside a brick building on a grassy area with trees.
City
What’s the deal with Lakeland’s butterfly sculptures?
Flutter through the history of these iconic art pieces displayed around Lakeland.
April 7, 2025
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Amelia Grooms
Muralist Samara Ash spray paints a large mural featuring the profile of a Florida panther on a wall using a lift.
Culture
Wild new mural to be unveiled at the RP Funding Center
The mural is a collaboration between the Lakeland CRA and the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation.
April 4, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
rotation of 5 images: 1. Giant oak tree enveloped by a colorful floral art installation, wrapped around the trunk. 2. A smiling child with her face painted like a butterfly. 3. A flowing floral arrangement of pink flowers and greenery. 4. A man singing on a mic. 5. A concrete statue in the gardens of Bonnet Springs Park.
Sponsored
🌷 Lakeland’s first annual flower festival blooms this April
Sponsored by
LAL_mayfaire_by_the_lake_featured_artist_poster_MAR2025
Culture
Meet Mayfaire by-the-Lake’s swan-sational featured artist
The annual fine arts festival will take place around Lake Morton Saturday, May 10-Sunday, May 11, and this year’s featured artist is bringing Lakeland’s beloved bird to the forefront.
March 20, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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A wide-angle shot of the white marble Duomo di Milano cathedral under a cloudy blue sky in the bustling Piazza del Duomo.
Sports
Celebrate the 2026 Winter Olympics, Lakeland style
We may not have snow, but there are plenty of gold medal-worthy ways to pretend you’re at the Milan-Cortina Games.
February 11, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A couple leans in for a kiss outside Mitchell's Coffee House
Experience
Where to meet someone new in Lakeland
Whether you’re seeking a whirlwind romance or a fresh friendship, our readers share where they would go to meet someone new in Swan City.
February 10, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A map showing points around Florida on the America250FL road trip guide, including three points in Polk County and historic facts.
Take a historic road trip around Florida with America250FL’s map
This state organization invites you to visit 100+ historic Florida places in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
February 9, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A concert taking place on an outdoor stage at Bonnet Springs Park
Culture
Readers share their Lakeland concert memories
Do you remember your first Lakeland concert? Did your favorite musician make a major impact? Share your concert memories with us for a chance to be featured.
February 9, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An ultra-luxury white marble bathroom with a large freestanding soaking tub centered under a crystal chandelier.
Real Estate
Mansion Monday: Is this Lakeland’s best bathroom?
This listing on New Jersey Road shows that your bathroom truly can be an oasis at home.
February 5, 2026
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Connor Jacobson
Maurkice Pouncey (No. 53), right, blocks another player during a game against the Cleveland Browns.
Sports
Lakeland’s impact on the NFL
Get to know the all-star NFL athletes who once called Lakeland home.
February 5, 2026
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Amelia Grooms
Two women smile and hold up a Michelob Ultra bottle and a Wilson football.
Sports
How to throw the best Super Bowl watch party in Lakeland
Whether you’re hosting at home or bringing your team to a sports bar, we’ve got a game plan that will have your guests naming you the MVP.
February 3, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A smiling young man and woman stand together at an outdoor "Cupid's Flower Bar," holding a fresh bouquet of roses.
Events
Top Valentine’s Day events in Lakeland
Grab your boo or your bestie to celebrate love, friendship, and everything in between at these Valentine’s Day events around Swan City.
February 2, 2026
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Three people judge archery results at the Polk Senior Games. They stand around a large target pointing at the arrows around the bullseye.
Sports
Bowl, dance, run, and volunteer at the Polk Senior Games
The Polk Senior Games will draw 2,000 competitors and 700 volunteers to this year’s events. Learn how you can compete, help, or cheer people on.
January 29, 2026
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Connor Jacobson
snow
City
Look back on winter in Lakeland’s photo archives
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive winter memories from years gone by.
January 29, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson