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
Culture
Celebrating our birthday at LALtoday
We’re looking back on five years of bringing you Lakeland’s top news and events.
August 15, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial shot of North Lakeland shows the Lakeland High School football and baseball fields
City
Tell us your wishlist for North Lakeland
South Lakeland has gotten a fair share of new businesses this year, but there’s plenty to be excited about on the north side of town.
August 11, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
An interior of a classroom with blue sky and cloud decorations. Paper lanterns and decorative hot air balloons hang from the ceiling.
Culture
Upgrade your gifts for teachers this school year
We asked Polk County teachers what was on their wishlist before the school year begins. Consider this a crash course in gift giving.
August 9, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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City
Changes coming to downtown Lakeland
From updates to Munn Park to shuttle services, pedestrian streets, parking and traffic changes, and lot development, we’re tracking downtown Lakeland’s evolution in one convenient place.
August 8, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Screen Shot 2019-10-14 at 2.32.05 PM
Culture
A guide to trivia nights in Lakeland
Show what you know at these weekly trivia events.
August 4, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An interior shot of Woodlund Salon
Live
Celebrate yourself with a stop at one of Lakeland’s wellness spots
We put together a list of local wellness spots that incorporate health + wellness into their practices and products. Now sit back, relax, and find your next go-to Lakeland establishment before booking yourself a well-deserved spa day.
August 1, 2023
 · 
Sydnie Roberts
Entrance to Sir Henry's Haunted Trail in Plant City, FL
Culture
Never fear, Halloween scare actor auditions are here
Let out your inner ghosts and ghouls as a scare actor at these Central Florida Halloween events.
July 28, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Aerial shot of downtown Lakeland and three lakes
City
Millions allocated for two new wellfields in Polk County
One of the wellfields will be right here in Lakeland.
July 27, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A group of young professionals laugh, talk, and drink beer at a long table outside. A sign reading "emerge" is visible in the background.
Small Business
Lakeland outings perfect for your corporate team
If you manage a team and want to facilitate some bonding or just have fun, here are some ideas in the Lakeland area for daytime excursions.
July 19, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Three men sit in a colorfully decorated room recording a podcast
Culture
Podcasts for Lakelanders to listen to + learn from
Put your headphones on and listen to one of these podcasts made by Lakelanders, for Lakelanders.
July 14, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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More from LALtoday
Children running towards a flagpole; an American flag waves in the wind
Culture
Observe Veterans Day at these Lakeland events
Keep reading for events that honor Lakeland’s veteran community.
November 4, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
marble arcade
City
What’s that Lakeland landmark named after?
We’ve all wondered about the names behind some of our local parks and places of interest. Pull back the curtain on the history behind their monikers.
November 1, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A white swan stands by a lake with the city skyline in the background
City
Swan saga: How Lakeland takes care of its swans
Learn what the City of Lakeland does to keep our royal flock healthy and safe, plus what you can do to help the swans thrive.
November 1, 2024
 · 
Staff
A photo of the exterior of Foster's Hollywood in Spain.
Food
Remembering Foster’s Hollywood, Lakeland’s taste of Tinseltown
While the restaurant only had a location in Lakeland for a little over a year, it made its mark on our readers + followers.
October 31, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
An artist paints an abstract design on a large canvas at Art Crawl. The artist wears a bandana, glasses, and lanyard.
Events
Brush up on Lakeland’s Art Crawl festival
Here’s everything you need to know about Art Crawl, Lakeland’s free outdoor art festival for the whole family.
October 31, 2024
 · 
Staff
Exterior view of The Joinery decorated with fake skeletons climbing the walls
Culture
Lakeland’s most haunting Halloween stories
Get into the Halloween spirit with these terrifying tales from around Central Florida.
October 30, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Food
Where to grab a late-night bite in Lakeland
Sometimes you get the munchies late at night, so we’re helping out with a list of spots that stay open late around Lakeland.
October 30, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Glow in the dark axes and targets at Ax Caliber
Culture
Six ways to spend an hour in Lakeland
Get active, learn something, or treat yourself — here’s how you can make the most of just one hour around Lakeland.
October 29, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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Real Estate
Meet the original owners of these historic homes
Did a noteworthy Lakelander once walk your halls? Learn more about the original owners of some of Lakeland’s historic homes, and send us your own home’s history if you know it.
October 29, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A letter sign outside Andrew's Coffee at night reading "Creepy doll fall, coming soon."
Food
Fall + Halloween seasonal menus have arrived in Lakeland
Cozy new food + drink options are warming up at eateries around Swan City. Try these seasonal menus before they’re gone.
October 28, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson