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
Images of two businesses are shown side by side. On the left, an exterior shot of Lakeland Public Library, and on the right, a shot of the sign for BookaReaderville. They are separated by a green divider line.
Business
Old + new in Lakeland: 10 options for 5 types of businesses
Explore some of Swan City’s oldest establishments alongside new additions to the business + restaurant scene.
July 1, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A path through Hollis Garden with trees on either side
Culture
Spend a day like a Bridgerton in Lakeland
If the newest season of “Bridgerton” has you wishing for a bygone era, allow us to impart wisdom on how to recreate a Regency-inspired day in Swan City.
June 25, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A gray and reddish egret lifts its wings as it steps through shallow water.
Culture
See “Wings, Wonders & Wonderscapes” at this Lakeland photographer’s exhibit
Photographer Andy Glogower will showcase his works in his first gallery exhibit at the Mulberry Cultural Center.
June 24, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A sunset over Lake Mirror with the downtown Lakeland skyline in the background
City
Here’s what AI has to say about Lakeland
With AI on the rise, we decided to put it to the test + pick its brain about all things Swan City — read on for the full conversation.
June 21, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A selection of books are shown on tables and bookshelves in a local bookstore.
Culture
Summer reads with ties to Lakeland
Make your summer reading list Lakeland-themed with these newly released reads by local authors.
June 17, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A flag commemorating Juneteenth flies in the wind.
Events
Commemorating Juneteenth around Lakeland
Commemorate the end of slavery in the US with these five events happening around Lakeland.
June 13, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
FB6A4CE3-8973-4700-AB00-93EF62BF073F
History
Defunct theme parks around Central Florida
We’re reminiscing on some literal blasts from the past — from live shows to roller coasters and other attractions.
June 11, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
LAL-Polk-museum-of-art-classes-SEPT2022.jpeg
Culture
Be a lifelong learner with these classes for adults
Relive the camp days of your youth by learning something new at one of these local classes or workshops just for grownups.
June 10, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A swan glides near lily pads on a lake in Lakeland, Florida, with city buildings and trees visible in the background.
Culture
Answered: Your Lakeland life hacks
We recently took to Instagram to ask our followers their best “hacks” for life in Lakeland — here’s what they came up with.
June 7, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A pianist playing a grand piano onstage at a church at the Swan City Piano Festival
Events
Your guide to the Swan City Piano Festival
We’ve got the keys to everything you need to know about this annual piano festival with free events.
June 6, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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Fabric Warehouse's sign next to a painted swan statue holding a swath of fabric
Business
Create something amazing with these Lakeland-area craft stores
Go on, get crafty — these locally owned shops are here to help with supplies + materials.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A gif showing five screen captures from episodes of "Greater Lakeland"
Culture
See Lakeland on screen at WEDU PBS’ “Greater Lakeland” premiere
Swan City will join the walk of fame for a night as all five “Greater Lakeland” episodes are screened at the Silver Moon Drive-In.
March 5, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Nashville's skyline with Bridgestone Arena, Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown, and the AT&T building (known locally as the Batman Building) all in view.
Travel and Outdoors
A Lakelander’s travel guide to Nashville, TN
Find out what to do and where to stay in one of the next destinations Avelo Airlines will fly to from Lakeland.
March 4, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A photo of the Lakeside Village courtyard, showing palm trees, umbrellas, and people playing on the green.
Business
More new bizzes on the way for Lakeside Village
Learn about the upcoming retailers that will soon call this Lakeland shopping center home.
March 4, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
An exterior photo of Lakeland Linder International Airport with three flags and palm trees blowing in the wind.
City
Parking upgrades approved for Lakeland International Airport
City officials gave the greenlight to several new parking lot changes. The biggest? Parking will soon no longer be free.
March 3, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Vendor tents line a downtown street filled with pedestrians at First Friday.
Events
Celebrate Mardi Gras with these Lakeland events
If you’ve got the need for beads, here’s where to find them around Swan City.
March 3, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An exterior shot of Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, right outside of the BayCare Box Office.
City
How Joker Marchant Stadium became a staple in Lakeland’s sports scene
We’re climbing out of the dugout and onto the diamond as we uncover the history of this iconic sports complex.
February 28, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A small indoor booth at a festival with a flower bar and a neon sign reading "The Petal Co."
Events
Find Lakeland’s local vendors at the Florida Strawberry Festival
Support local or try something new from out of town at this festival running Feb. 27-March 9 in Plant City.
February 27, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Florida Polytechnic University's Innovation, Science, and Technological Building in Lakeland, FL.
New to Lakeland
See why Lakeland is a hub for smart, talented people
With five local colleges calling Lakeland home, it’s no surprise this city is a smart place to live.
February 27, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holds out an iced coffee cup filled with coffee. In the background is a coffee shop.
Business
The RISE Institute: Where young entrepreneurs rule the school
Learn how this experiential learning program inside Lakeland Christian School is empowering middle and high school students to discover their passions in a safe + supportive environment.
February 26, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms