Culture

A crowd sits in camping chairs watching fireworks over Lake Mirror during Red, White & Kaboom Lakeland event. Trees and street lights block part of the view.
Events
Don’t miss these top Lakeland events happening all year long
We’ve got the ultimate list of Lakeland events you don’t want to miss out on each year. Mark your calendar for these community celebrations.
January 16, 2026 01:47 PM
 · 
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
The interior of Black Swan tattoo shop is shown, featuring a reception desk, couches, and a gallery of art on the walls.
Culture
Get inked at these Lakeland tattoo shops
No matter what style of tattoo you prefer, check out one of these Swan City artists next time you’re looking to add some new ink.
July 15, 2024
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
Two iced matcha lattes — one with pink fruit and one with yellow fruit — sitting on a coral pink Adirondack chair
Food
Raise a glass — Drink Up Week is coming
We’ve got details and a map full of drink deals: We’ll be highlighting the vibrant beverage scene across Lakeland, FL from July 22 to July 26, 2024.
July 11, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
A group of roller derby skaters compete during a game. Two of the players are from Swan City Roller Derby, while the others are wearing white jerseys to represent other teams. There's also two referees in the background.
Sports
Lace up your skates with Swan City Roller Derby
What you need to know about Lakeland’s club roller derby league + how it’s working to change the face of contact sports.
July 11, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Screen Shot 2019-10-30 at 5.20.02 PM
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
Screen Shot 2019-07-22 at 3.15.29 PM
Business
The Polk Theatre’s star-studded history
We’re traveling back to the Golden Age to learn about Lakeland’s oldest indoor movie theater, and how it continues to be a place “where historic is cutting edge.”
July 9, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Screen Shot 2019-09-24 at 3.01.57 PM
Culture
Pick two options to create your Lakeland dream life
Choose wisely.
July 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A timelapse photo of the exterior of the Polk Theater at night. The marquee sign is lit with blinking lights, and car lights streak by the front door.
Culture
Enter LALtoday’s 2024 Picture of the Year contest
Hit us with your best shot.
July 3, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A girl sitting beside Lake Mirror looking at the lake and moon at night
City
The zodiac signs as Lakeland neighborhoods
It’s written in the stars... and the skyline.
July 2, 2024
 · 
Bella Rainey
City
Here’s what you can shop for during Florida’s tax holidays
From household supplies to park passes, grills, and more.
July 1, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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Twin modern homes on West 14th Street, Lakeland, FL, featuring angular roofs, black-and-white exteriors, and sleek design.
Real Estate
Tour Lakeland’s newest modern homes inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright
These unique, modern homes are hitting the market — just look for the butterfly roofs.
March 13, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior entrance of Reececliff Diner outlined with red neon lighting at night
Food
Celebrate Pi Day with Reececliff Diner, Lakeland’s longest-running restaurant
When visiting Reececliff Diner, you simply can’t forget the pie.
March 13, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A matcha cake with ruffled green frosting, held above purple flowers. Baked by Vegetation Cafe and Kitchen in Lakeland, FL.
Food
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Lakeland with these green food and drink items
From cakes to teas and everything in between, these bevs + bites will make your tummy green with envy.
March 12, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A rendering of the exterior of the new Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital. The building has several stories and a large glass wall facing the front entrance.
City
Orlando Health and Watson Clinic team up for Lakeland hospital
The healthcare organizations are collaborating to design the new south Lakeland hospital and plan its health services before it opens in 2026.
March 11, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A mini golf sign is lit up in the darkening sky.
Experience
Kid-friendly activities in Lakeland
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Lakeland, FL has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
March 10, 2025
 · 
Staff
The exterior of Sora Eatery in Lakeland International Airport.
Food
Sora Eatery is now boarding at Lakeland International Airport
The new restaurant at LAL is nearly ready to open its doors, and we got a sneak peek of what Lakelanders (and visitors) can expect.
March 10, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A hand holding up two boxes of Thin Mints and Samoas with a palm tree in the background.
Food
Where to find Girl Scout cookies in Lakeland
We’ve got you covered when it comes to Girl Scout cookie season — scout’s honor.
March 7, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A collage of four photos showing a mural with painted oranges and blue flowers, two boxes with pizza slices and garlic knots, a plate of sushi, and an iced latte topped with sprinkles
Culture
These bracket winners are the best of Lakeland
Readers have chosen their top mural, pizza, sushi, and coffee over the years — did your favorite win?
March 7, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a coffee cup in front of the Black & Brew Coffee House sign. The cup has "have a good day" written on the side.
Culture
Should Lakeland be the pioneer of “hanging coffee” in Polk County?
The tradition began as far back as 100 years ago in Naples, Italy — now we want to know where you’d like to see it incorporated in Lakeland.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Carol Jenkins Barnett poses with kindergartners for United Way of Central Florida's ReadingPals program.
Culture
12 Lakeland women who made and are making history
From aviatrixes to commissioners to non-profit leaders, read how these women are leading the way in Swan City.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms