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Lights surrounding Lake Mirror at night time in Lakeland, FL
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.
October 30, 2025 02:37 PM
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Staff
A hand holding an iPhone showing a Spotify playlist called "Lake Morton swan stroll Sunday evening"
Culture
Listen to these Lakeland-inspired playlists
See what playlists Lakelanders are listening to when they’re driving, strolling, and shopping around town.
May 23, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Two people stand in front of an outdoor art stand featuring realistic landscape paintings.
Sponsored
Mayfaire by-the-Lake unveils this year’s stork-tacular Feature Poster
Lakeland’s largest outdoor fine art fest chose a bird-focused Feature Poster for its 52nd celebration — and no, it’s not a swan.
Sponsored by
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Culture
Give these Lakeland live music venues a listen
We’ve made a concerted effort to orchestrate this roadmap, so you can focus on finding the artists you adore.
April 30, 2024
 · 
Ben McBee
Entrance to Munn Park with trees, benches, and signage
Experience
Spring events happening in and around Lakeland
Check out spring and flower-themed events happening in and around Swan City in this seasonal guide.
February 29, 2024
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Brianna Williams
Actor and wrestler John Cena is seen on set of a commercial being filmed in Lakeland. He wears a blue bathrobe, white shirt, dark pants, and holds a coffee mug. Production workers stand around him behind a short hedge, and they're surrounded by lighting rigging.
Culture
John Cena visits Lakeland for a commercial shoot
The actor and wrestler stopped by a Swan City staple to fuel up before heading to work.
February 7, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Annie Pfeiffer Chapel
History
A brief history of Frank Lloyd Wright’s relationship with Florida Southern College
You probably recognize some of these silhouettes from Lakeland tea towels and keychains, but do you know the history of how they came to be?
January 4, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A sunset over Lake Bonny in Lakeland, FL with a palm tree silhouette in the foreground
Culture
Try this: LALtoday’s Picture of the Year contest
We’re commemorating 2023 the best way we know how — highlighting local photos through our LALtoday Picture of the Year contest.
January 2, 2024
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
A sunset over Lake Mirror with the downtown Lakeland skyline in the background
Culture
That’s a wrap: LALtoday’s top stories of 2023
We’ve brought you Lakeland’s top stories all year long, but which articles were you most interested in? See what took the top spot in categories like development, food + drink, real estate, and more.
December 21, 2023
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Connor Jacobson
Dixieland
Real Estate
Neighborhood guide: Dixieland in Lakeland, FL
From historic homes to a flourishing small business scene, there’s something for residents and visitors alike to explore in Dixieland.
November 15, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A portrait of artist Ahmad H. Taylor
Culture
10 questions with artist Ahmad H. Taylor
We sat down with Ahmad to learn about his local roots, latest ventures, and what he would do to spark Lakeland’s arts scene.
November 13, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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More from LALtoday
An interior shot of a wedding in Haus820
Experience
Rentable venues in Lakeland
Check out this list of local spots to host your next party, reunion, or reception.
August 13, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A group of five cartoon animals — an alligator, an otter, a butterfly, a turtle, and a swan — and the "Learning Lakeland" logo.
City
Learning Lakeland is here to make civic education fun
The new program by the City of Lakeland offers activities for kids ages 4-11 that will teach them all about how life in Lakeland works.
August 12, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A black-and-white photo of two people moving into Florida Southern College by a car with the trunk and passenger door open.
City
Lakeland college move-in dates to know
Whether you’re a student, a family member, or just a driver looking to avoid traffic, keep these college move-in dates in mind.
August 12, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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City
Here’s what you need to have in your hurricane kit
It’s important to be prepared — here’s our list of hurricane season essentials.
August 11, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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City
Want to reach Lakeland locals? Here’s the easiest way to advertise right now
Reach your local community with our help.
August 8, 2025
 · 
Staff
A sleek white motor yacht sails on calm green water under a partly cloudy blue sky. The boat features a wooden deck and modern design.
Travel and Outdoors
Rent a private boat in Lakeland
No boat? No problem. Rent one Airbnb-style and start enjoying our local waterways.
August 5, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
A new lit sign for Southwest Middle School sits in front of its newly built, two-story administrative building. A US flag pole sits a few feet away from the sign.
City
Dates to know for PCPS’ 2025/2026 school year
Whether you have students at Polk County Public Schools or you’re just planning around school breaks, keep these dates in mind.
July 31, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A colorful waterslide twists into a large resort pool at River Ranch’s water park, with umbrellas, palm trees, and blue skies.
Travel and Outdoors
Giddy up: Polk County’s newest water park is open
Head east to the newly opened River Country Water Park for fun in the sun at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo.
July 29, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog cover reading "Honor Bilt Modern Homes"
Real Estate
Do you own a Sears Modern Home in Lakeland?
Your home could have been built by a Lakelander of the past — and ordered from a catalog.
July 28, 2025
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
Snow falls around a lit Christmas tree at Lakeside Village
Events
Celebrate the holidays early with these Christmas in July events
Pro tip: Leave the ugly sweater at home and opt for flip flops instead.
July 24, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson