Arts

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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.
December 12, 2025 04:36 PM
 · 
Staff
An artist paints an abstract design on a large canvas at Art Crawl. The artist wears a bandana, glasses, and lanyard.
Events
Brush up on Lakeland’s Art Crawl festival
Here’s everything you need to know about Art Crawl, Lakeland’s free outdoor art festival for the whole family.
October 31, 2024
 · 
Staff
The exterior of the RP Funding Center, viewed from in front of rose bushes.
Culture
Celebrating 50 years of the RP Funding Center
With this local event venue reaching the 50-year mark, we’re looking back on the biggest acts to visit the RP Funding Center.
October 16, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a smartphone showing a sculpture Lakeland's downtown public art trail. The real sculpture is seen in the background.
Culture
Virtual fun you can have at home
When stormy weather rolls in, the fun at home rolls out. Throw on your coziest digs and explore Lakeland from the comfort of your couch.
October 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a smartphone showing a sculpture Lakeland's downtown public art trail. The real sculpture is seen in the background.
Culture
Discover downtown Lakeland’s public art (from your phone)
Use this new digital resource from the City of Lakeland to find murals, sculptures, and more public art downtown.
September 12, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Street art on a small dumpster painted mustard yellow with folk-inspired plant and animal paintings.
Culture
Where does Lakeland need street art?
Think outside the canvas and tell us if Lakeland should add more street art, similar to Plant City’s Trash Can-vas Project.
August 13, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A construction site at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art.
City
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art’s $8 million expansion + renovation
What you need to know about the monumental project that’s set to be completed in the fall of 2024.
August 6, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
The sun setting over a baseball field.
Events
Summer bucket list: Check these off before the end of the season
As summer draws to a close, here are the events we wouldn’t miss around Lakeland.
August 1, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Dancers perform on a stage in front of a crowd at Art Crawl
New to Lakeland
Arts and culture guide for Lakeland
From comedy shows and Broadway tours to local organizations supporting Lakeland’s arts community, we’ve rounded up 19 places to get your arts and culture fix around Swan City.
July 19, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Performers pose on a stage at Lakeland Community Theatre
Culture
Support the arts with these local performances
Could your neighbor be the next big star?
July 17, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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City
Celebrate Lakeland’s first ever Arts and Health Week
Celebrate the role that the arts play in overall health + wellness with Lakeland’s inaugural Arts and Health Week, happening July 22 to July 27, 2024.
July 11, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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A photo collage showing Health Buddies volunteers and clients: a large group of people smiling, and volunteers with older women
Wellness
How Health Buddies are transforming life for lonely Lakelanders
Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay connects volunteers and clients with chronic health conditions for Health Buddies, a 12-week telephone call program. Learn how it works and how you can sign up.
October 13, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The Joinery food hall lit up at night, with a view of downtown Lakeland and a long-exposure shot of the street in the background
Food
Eat it all at these Polk County food halls
Deciding where to eat is hard — these local food halls are making it easier with plenty of options all in the same place.
October 10, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Front entrance of a house decorated for Halloween, featuring a large wooden door framed by two stone columns with giant black spiders hanging from them. A skeleton stands to the left of the doorway, and piles of colorful pumpkins — orange, white, and green — are arranged on both sides of the brick walkway. A festive wreath and smaller Halloween decorations complete the spooky, autumn-themed display under a cloudy sky.
Business
Trending this fall: Porch pumpkins
Skip the pumpkin patch and hire these Central Florida businesses to spruce up your landscaping with a seasonal touch.
October 10, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Cars line a street in downtown Lakeland, leaves are on the ground.
Culture
How to spend a fall day like the “Gilmore Girls” in Lakeland
Who says you have to go to New England to have an autumn worthy of the “Gilmore Girls”?
October 6, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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City
Create your voting plan with these Lakeland election dates
Lakeland’s municipal election is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 4. These are the dates, positions, and resources you need to know before you vote.
October 2, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A colorful mural by Gillian Fazio featuring two swans forming a heart shape, surrounded by Florida oranges and blossoms.
Culture
Choose the names for these Lakeland newcomers
Before you go to the polls in November, submit your ideas to help choose the names for three new creatures — both real and artistic.
October 2, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Three people judge archery results at the Polk Senior Games. They stand around a large target pointing at the arrows around the bullseye.
Experience
20+ activities for retired locals to stay active in Lakeland
If you recently retired and are looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of your newfound time in Lakeland.
October 1, 2025
 · 
Staff
A wrestling photo where AEW star Big Bill (right) delivers a high kick to Juice Robinson (left) as a referee watches.
Sports
6 boot-stomping questions with AEW star Big Bill
All Elite Wrestling will bring AEW Collision to Lakeland’s RP Funding Center for the first time on Thursday, Oct. 2. We sat down with AEW star Big Bill to learn what you can expect if you’re new to the sport or a lifelong fan.
September 30, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view of the Lakeland International Airport terminal and parking lots
Travel and Outdoors
Parking fees loom at Lakeland International Airport
Starting Oct. 13, daily parking will cost you if you’re flying out of LAL. Here’s what you need to know.
September 29, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A decorative wooden frame covered with a variety of orange, white, and gray pumpkins, with a sign reading "FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE."
Culture
Fall fun around Lakeland: Corn mazes, pumpkin patches + haunted houses
Ring in the season with a trip to one of these fall-exclusive spots for the whole family.
September 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson