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
The entrance to a playground with children playing in the background
Culture
Our perfect Lakeland day for every budget
Check out our recommendations for food, activities, and more.
March 29, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A search bar saying "Meet Lakeland movers and shakers" over a scenic lake background
Culture
LALtoday Q+A series
We’ve loved sitting down with Lakeland’s movers and shakers — from noted artists and muralists to members of the LEDC and small business community. Find their full interviews linked below.
March 28, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A graphic that says "Lakeland Pizza Bracket"
Food
LALtoday pizza bracket
We’re looking for Lakeland’s favorite pizza place.
March 28, 2023
 · 
Katie Smith
rc04971
History
The rise and fall of the Tremont House Hotel in Lakeland, FL
We’re looking into some of Lakeland’s historic hotels.
March 24, 2023
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
Electric vehicle charging station in Lakeland, FL
Travel and Outdoors
Charge up at these electric vehicle charging stations
Never run out of juice again with these nine charging stations around Lakeland.
March 22, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The night sky with visible bands of the Milky Way.
Travel and Outdoors
Celebrate International Dark Sky Week
Protect the night by taking some simple actions Saturday, April 15-Saturday, April 22
March 22, 2023
 · 
Dayten Rose
Exterior view of the Polk County Government Center offices
City
Meet the Polk County Clerk of Courts
It’s more than jury duty — find out everything the Clerk’s office does to keep public records and funds safe.
March 20, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Hands clinking glasses over a table
Food
Everyone’s invited: Restaurants for large groups in Lakeland, FL
For those days when everyone needs to be at the table
March 15, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
ruth-elder-lakeland-fl
History
Meet Ruth Elder: Lakeland’s first aviatrix
This Lakeland pilot nearly made aviation history with a transatlantic flight.
March 15, 2023
 · 
Jessica Reyna
Add a heading (88)
Food
Irish pubs in Lakeland, Florida
Welcome to the Emerald Isle.
March 15, 2023
 · 
Staff
Load More
The Buy

Shop The Buy
Latest News
More from LALtoday
A lake at dusk in Lakeland with night lights illuminating and city buildings in the background.
Culture
Lakeland’s hottest trends for summer 2024
“brat summer” is unofficially over, so we’re looking back on what was really hot in Lakeland thanks to Google Trends search results.
September 6, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
LAL-lakeland-downtown-skyline
City
Answering the most common questions about Lakeland life
Learn who’s in charge of city decisions, how to grow your business, and how to get involved.
September 4, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Sunrise over palm trees and swimming lanes lined with blue and yellow pennant flags Gandy Pool in Lakeland, FL
Travel and Outdoors
Remembering Lakeland’s hottest day on record
Lakeland’s hottest day on record was June 4, 1985 when Swan City hit 105°.
September 3, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
The exterior of a white and black building on North Massachusetts Avenue in Lakeland. A sign reads "The Yard on Mass."
Real Estate
What should come next to the former Yard on Mass space?
The City of Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency is on the hunt for the next tenant to take over the space on North Massachusetts Avenue.
August 30, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
The exterior entrance of S&L Restaurant in Lakeland. Signs painted on the building read, "Warning! Our burgers are habit forming!"
Food
Eat down the street: Combee Road restaurants
Discover a hidden gem or try a local favorite restaurant for the first time in this series.
August 29, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of a coffee shop is shown. In the foreground, a cup is holding an iced latte.
Business
Drink coffee + support foster care at ECHO Coffee House in Winter Haven
Learn how this coffee shop is helping a Lakeland-based nonprofit in its mission to support children in foster care.
August 28, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A concert taking place at Bonnet Springs Park, seen from the rooftop bar
Culture
Lakelanders share their “random acts of kindness” stories
We already knew that Lakeland was one of the best places to live, but these stories just prove it even more.
August 28, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A swan swimming across Lake Morton at sunset
Culture
6 random acts of kindness to brighten up Lakeland’s community
Put a smile on your neighbor’s face with these random acts of kindness.
August 26, 2024
 · 
Kristen Templeton
The exterior of the former Sears store entrance. The Sears logo is faded into the building, and a "For Lease" sign is up.
Real Estate
What do you want to see in the former Sears building?
After plans for apartments fell to the back burner, owners are on the hunt for businesses interested in leasing the space.
August 23, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
i-rMncH9K-X2
City
Breaking down Lakeland’s 2024 Demographic Guide, by the numbers
Learn about the city’s demographic guide + why it’s a valuable resource for Lakelanders.
August 22, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms