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
Feet out of car window driving on road trip
Tourism and Hospitality
Local trips and travel tips for venturing beyond Lakeland
We’ve got everything from the road map to the shopping list — where will you go first?
May 8, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Slideshow of photographs and paintings by Imogen Cunningham and Steven Kenny
Sponsored
👀 Inside two new exhibitions coming to the Polk Museum of Art this spring + summer
Lakelanders can see the stunning works of Imogen Cunningham now through July 15 and Steven Kenny now through August 6.
Sponsored by
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Culture
Happy Cinco de Mayo, Lakeland: Events where you can celebrate in Swan City
Grab your favorite local tacos or head to one of these special events.
May 2, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A group in Star Wars costumes posing with R2-D2
Events
May the Fourth be with you at these local events
Here’s where to celebrate your love of “Star Wars” this week.
May 1, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
ritual.jpeg
Food
Recipe: a zero-proof Moscow mule
Use Ritual Zero Proof’s alcohol-free liquor to create a sip-worthy summer cocktail.
May 1, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
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Culture
Where to see May flowers in Lakeland
May 1, 2023
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
PolkMuseumofArt_LAL_5.2.23.jpeg
Sponsored
Mayfaire by-the-Lake is back
The free, two-day festival is a staple of the Florida art scene and has ranked among Sunshine Artist Magazine’s “200 Best Art Shows” for ten years running.
Sponsored by
Hands holding bowls of food in front of a line of customers and pink menu signs behind the counter.
Food
What we tried at Fresh Kitchen’s new Lakeland location
The fast casual restaurant opens Tuesday, April 18 at 4520 S. Florida Ave.
April 18, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Interior of Lakeland City Hall Commission Chamber
City
What you need to know about attending a Lakeland City Commission meeting
From where to park to finding the agenda online
April 14, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A swan swimming across Lake Morton at sunset
Volunteer
Volunteer, clean up, or donate: Good deeds you can do in Lakeland
Reach out to help and support your local Lakeland community with these upcoming service opportunities.
April 14, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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Lightning in dark cloudy sky over trees and streetlights on a rainy day in Lakeland, FL
City
Last minute tips to make sure you’re hurricane ready
Don’t forget these steps on your hurricane prep checklist.
October 7, 2024
 · 
Staff
Lakeland entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses pitch their big ideas at Catapult's Launch Pitch Night for the chance to win up to $10,000 in funding.
Business
Meet the finalists for Launch Pitch Night at Catapult
These five entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses for the chance to secure up to $10,000 in micro-grant funding.
October 3, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A view of Back Bay and the Boston Public Library at sunset.
Travel and Outdoors
A Lakelander’s travel guide to Boston, MA
Find out what to do and where to stay in one of the top new destinations Avelo Airlines will fly to from Lakeland.
October 1, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
The entrance to the Silver Moon Drive-In with two neon signs and movie time signage.
Events
Silver screen scares: Catch the Silver Moon Drive-In’s Halloween movie marathon
This fall tradition returns with a fresh slate of movies both new and old.
September 30, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The cast of Disney on Ice's "Encanto" pose in costume on the ice in front of a colorful house backdrop.
Events
Meet a performer before Disney on Ice comes to Lakeland
We sat down with one of the show’s ice skaters to learn what it’s like to be part of the magic as the cast rehearses in Lakeland at the RP Funding Center.
September 30, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A historic black and white photo of a group of men standing in front of a grocery store and post office in the historic Kathleen area.
City
5 things you might not know about Lakeland’s Kathleen area
Get to know the history behind the unincorporated communities that make up a significant portion of the north Lakeland area.
September 26, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A Polk County Waste & Recycling truck drives on a one-lane road surrounded by grass and trees
City
Polk County will end curbside recycling pickup service in October
Get your recycling questions answered, from what will change to how you can still get your recyclables picked up.
September 24, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A photo of a boutique wall. It has "The Modern Pearl" on a black and clear sign, and then has three bags hanging on the wall next to it with different sayings.
Business
Shop ‘til you drop at these new Lakeland boutiques
Restaurants + real estate aren’t the only developments that have been popping up around Swan City. Next time you’re out on the town, here are three boutiques worth popping your head into.
September 23, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Three rattan and leather bags from the small business boutique Monkee's of Lakeland
Business
Small business, big style: Boutiques and gift shops in Lakeland
Find a new outfit or the perfect gift for a friend at these locally owned small businesses.
September 23, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A large tree covered in jack-o-lanterns and lit with red lighting.
Experience
Fall fun in and around Lakeland
Check out fall and Halloween-themed events happening in and around Lakeland in this seasonal guide.
September 20, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson