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
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Connor Jacobson
LALtoday Lakeland Symphony Orchestra 11.29.23
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LALtoday Holiday Picks: Lakeland Symphony Orchestra
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Experience
The history of Publix’s Cake Tower
The hydrocake has been a roadside attraction for generations of Lakelanders. Do you know its history?
November 27, 2023
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Intern
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Small Business
Shop local Cyber Monday deals in Lakeland, FL
Shop from these 14 local retailers for online discounts in observance of Cyber Monday.
November 24, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A pecan pie sits on a red kitchen towel.
Culture
What Lakelanders are thankful for this year
What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving? We’re sharing what our readers are giving thanks for, plus a few of our own favorite things.
November 21, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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Events
Raise your glass and support local kids during this holiday season at the 2023 Lakeland Margarita Ball
Bring an unwrapped toy for Polk County children and enjoy an evening of entertainment and philanthropy on Lake Mirror.
November 14, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A lemon mocktail.
Food
The latest data on non-alcoholic beverages and where to drink them in Lakeland
Learn what it means to be sober curious, the current popularity of non-alcoholic beverages, and where you can enjoy a mocktail in Lakeland.
November 14, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
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
A concert taking place on an outdoor stage at Bonnet Springs Park
Culture
Our readers plan their dream Lakeland music festival
If Lakeland hosted your dream music festival, what would it be like? Our readers put on their event producer hats and share their ideal scenarios.
November 9, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Downtown Lakeland filled with vendors and shoppers at the farmers market
Retail
Lakeland farmers market routes for every zodiac sign
Not sure where to shop this weekend? Let the fates decide at Saturday’s farmers market.
November 8, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Metallic watercolor presents and stars with the text "unwrap carefully curated gift guides this season"
Retail
2023 Holiday Gift Guide: 39 gifts you can buy right now
Shop the most popular gifts of the 2023 holiday season, plus gifts that support small businesses and the best holiday wrapping paper to tie it all up in.
November 2, 2023
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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
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Staff
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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
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Amelia Grooms
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
Shoppers at vendor tents set up on downtown street
Business
Become a vendor at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market
Want to set up shop at the farmers curb market? Read these tips before submitting your application.
December 9, 2024
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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
The exterior of the Catapult building in Lakeland.
Business
10 things you might not know about Catapult, Lakeland’s business incubator
In honor of Catapult’s 10-year anniversary, we’re spilling the tea on what goes on behind the scenes. How many of these facts did you know?
December 6, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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
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Real Estate
Remember when these buildings were Publix supermarkets?
Publix has made its mark on Lakeland, from its economy to its architecture. Find out what these former buildings are today.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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
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Staff