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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.
November 06, 2025 01:28 PM
 · 
Staff
St. Augustine - Great Escapes 2
Experience
The ultimate road trip to St. Augustine
Hit the road and head to St. Augustine — we’re sharing all the details about what to do and eat, plus where to stay.
December 11, 2024
 · 
Staff
A painting of cows drinking from a small body of water in the impressionist art style, a painting of a bridge and buildings in the winter and a digital rendering of a building.
Sponsored
All is calm, all is bright at the AGB
Escape to the peaceful halls of this art museum and explore new worlds of Dutch Impressionism, contemporary art movements, and more.
Sponsored by
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Culture
Lakelanders’ goals for 2025
Looking to make the most of Lakeland life in 2025? Check out the goals our readers + followers have set, plus some recommendations of our own.
December 10, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A dark theatre with the orchestra brightly lit upon the stage.
Sponsored
🎶 ‘Tis the season of tunes and toasts
Sponsored by
A postcard of the former "New Community Tourist Center Building in Lakeland, Fla." held in front of the current Magnolia Building
City
Read what this Lakeland visitor had to say in 1953
We found a postcard from more than 70 years ago — it turns out, not much has changed.
December 9, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A side-by-side image showing an old lakeshore view of Lake Morton next to a current one.
City
How Lakeland has changed: Then and now in photos
We dug through Florida’s archived photos and postcards to see how much Lakeland has changed since it was first founded in 1885 — you might be surprised.
December 9, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A Christmas mug with a lit Christmas tree in the background
Culture
Fill in the blanks to create a Lakeland-inspired holiday film
If your holiday season isn’t complete without a cheesy Hallmark movie, then this activity is for you.
December 6, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A Christmas ornament with two swans forming a pink heart shape
Culture
Trim the tree with these Lakeland-themed ornaments
Decking the halls has never been easier — or more swan-filled.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A string of Christmas lights with a large lit display in the background
New to Lakeland
Winter events happening in and around Lakeland
Check out winter and holiday events happening in and around Lakeland in this seasonal guide.
December 4, 2024
 · 
Staff
A Christmas parade float is decorated with red and white glitter, realistic looking reindeer, and a sleigh. Santa and Mrs. Claus sit in the sleigh, waving to guests above and below the float.
Events
Our Lakeland Christmas Parade pro tips
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Check out what you can expect for the annual parade taking place Thursday, Dec. 5.
December 3, 2024
 · 
Staff
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More from LALtoday
A swan glides near lily pads on a lake in Lakeland, Florida, with city buildings and trees visible in the background.
Culture
Catch Phrase: Our readers’ Lakeland-isms
We’re calling on our readers to tell us the phrases they say as a Lakelander that others simply don’t get.
May 1, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Hand holding a rose-patterned Dubai chocolate bar from Rogue Coffee, partially unwrapped with a green filling inside.
Food
Trending treats: Where to try Dubai chocolate in Lakeland
These filled chocolate bars have taken over our social media feeds — now they’re taking on Swan City. Here’s where you can find Dubai chocolate bars + inspired treats around Lakeland.
April 30, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A painted rendering of a plaza at night with a fountain in the center of a large walkway surrounded by four-story buildings
City
5 Lakeland projects we’ve got our eyes on
As Lakeland continues to grow, these five major revitalization + improvement projects are staying top of mind.
April 29, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
LAL-FSC-college-calgolden-AUG2022.jpeg
Culture
We’re tossing our caps for these college graduations around Lakeland
How to prepare + plan for your weekends as Lakeland celebrates graduates from four of its five colleges around town.
April 29, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Family posing with colorful car wheels at an outdoor Infinite Matterz powder coating booth, with trees and buildings in the background.
Sponsored
Small Business Week powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union has arrived in Lakeland
Join us at LALtoday in celebrating small businesses from Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10, presented by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.
Sponsored by
Assorted cookies and baked goods on display at Bandidas Bake Shop, including PB miso cookies, vegan ranger cookies, and galettes.
Food
Follow the breadcrumbs on this Lakeland bakery crawl
Lakeland has a book crawl, but isn’t it time bakeries have their time to shine? Let’s roll to each bakery for croissants, cake, and cookies galore.
April 28, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Modern single-story house with palm trees, stone driveway, and sunset sky in the background.
Real Estate
Meet the Lakeland estates featured in the Spring Parade of Homes
Take a self-guided tour of these new construction homes Saturday, April 26-Sunday, April 27 + Saturday, May 3-Sunday, May 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
April 25, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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
 · 
Staff
A path through Hollis Garden with trees on either side
Culture
Explore the City of Lakeland’s Urban Forest
Branch out to learn about Lakeland’s flowering and fruit trees with a GPS-enabled tour of the 56,000 trees in the city’s Urban Forest.
April 24, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lakeland, Florida, USA
Travel and Outdoors
Celebrating Earth Day in Lakeland
From volunteer opportunities to special events, here’s how you can celebrate the planet around Swan City.
April 21, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms