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Cars line a street in downtown Lakeland, leaves are on the ground.
Culture
How to spend a fall day like the “Gilmore Girls” in Lakeland
Who says you have to go to New England to have an autumn worthy of the “Gilmore Girls”?
October 06, 2025 12:38 PM
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Two costumed performers on stilts, one dressed as a scarecrow and the other as a candy corn witch, holding trick-or-treat bags.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Lakeland
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
September 24, 2025
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Staff
A graphic with the text "Party on Us Giveaway: Enter to win a $1000 DJ package for your next event" on black background, with one man spinning records on a DJ booth and looking at the camera and another standing next to him in with a CO2 cannon. Both men are dressed in formal attire.
Sponsored
Enter to win our Party on Us Giveaway with Graingertainment
Score a $1,000 DJ package to bring the party to your next big event.
Sponsored by
A colorful sign reading "I love Mi Pueblo" in the foreground with flea market buildings in the background
Experience
Shop, swap, sell, and save in Lakeland
Here’s the deal — the thrift and vintage shopping scene is stellar in Swan City.
June 10, 2025
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Staff
The exterior of the RP Funding Center, viewed from in front of rose bushes.
Experience
15+ upcoming concerts headed to Lakeland
AC/DC tribute? Check. Marshall Tucker Band? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
May 12, 2025
Vendor tents line a downtown street filled with pedestrians at First Friday.
Experience
14 of the top free things to do in Lakeland
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in Lakeland, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
May 5, 2025
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Staff
A large pink trumpet tree blooms across a yard and street in Lakeland.
Culture
How to spend a spring day like “The Golden Girls” in Lakeland
Forget hot girl summer — it’s time for a “Golden Girls” spring.
April 9, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A father and his two kids stand outside the entrance of Legoland Florida.
Travel and Outdoors
3 developments coming soon to Legoland Florida
From places to stay to things to do, here are three developments we’re watching at Legoland Florida in Winter Haven.
March 26, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
L.J. Cason (#2) fights off another player for the ball during a basketball game.
Sports
Meet the Polk County natives playing in March Madness 2025
This year’s March Madness NCAA Tournament will feature four players from Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Lake Wales.
March 18, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Cobb Theater in Lakeland, FL, glowing with neon lights at dusk, featuring an IMAX sign and a vibrant, colorful entrance.
Culture
These Lakeland spots are ‘where our lore began’
Hop on the trend and share your local lore — the pivotal moments that made you feel like a true Lakelander.
March 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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
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More from LALtoday
Three people judge archery results at the Polk Senior Games. They stand around a large target pointing at the arrows around the bullseye.
Experience
20+ activities for retired locals to stay active in Lakeland
If you recently retired and are looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of your newfound time in Lakeland.
October 1, 2025
 · 
Staff
A wrestling photo where AEW star Big Bill (right) delivers a high kick to Juice Robinson (left) as a referee watches.
Sports
6 boot-stomping questions with AEW star Big Bill
All Elite Wrestling will bring AEW Collision to Lakeland’s RP Funding Center for the first time on Thursday, Oct. 2. We sat down with AEW star Big Bill to learn what you can expect if you’re new to the sport or a lifelong fan.
September 30, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-Mister-Fish-laltoday
City
Top Clicks: Here’s what you loved in LALtoday last month
We keep an eye on your clicks to make sure LALtoday is always filled with content you love.
September 30, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
An aerial view of the Lakeland International Airport terminal and parking lots
Travel and Outdoors
Parking fees loom at Lakeland International Airport
Starting Oct. 13, daily parking will cost you if you’re flying out of LAL. Here’s what you need to know.
September 29, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A decorative wooden frame covered with a variety of orange, white, and gray pumpkins, with a sign reading "FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE."
Culture
Fall fun around Lakeland: Corn mazes, pumpkin patches + haunted houses
Ring in the season with a trip to one of these fall-exclusive spots for the whole family.
September 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A statue of the headless horseman on a black horse in front of the entrance to a "Legends of Halloween" haunted hayride.
Events
Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail returns to Plant City
Halloween lovers and scaredy-cats alike will find something to enjoy at this popular Plant City attraction.
September 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The one-story warehouse-style building with a white exterior, multiple large garage doors, and a parking lot that will be Baseline pickleball
Business
Baseline pickleball + dining concept coming to Lakeland’s East Main District
Hit the courts and grab a bite at this development, helmed by local entrepreneurs and pickleball fanatics.
September 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The downtown Lakeland viewed from across Lake Mirror. Clouds in the sky cast shadows over the lake and the mix of high and medium-rise buildings, including the Lakeland Electric building.
City
By the numbers: Lakeland’s 2026 fiscal year budget
The City of Lakeland has finalized its 2026 budget before the next fiscal year begins — let’s take a look at the $815 million bottom line.
September 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A swan glides near lily pads on a lake in Lakeland, Florida, with city buildings and trees visible in the background.
Culture
What we “unfortunately do love” in Lakeland
From guilty pleasures to unexpected favorites, the “unfortunately do love” social media trend is taking over the internet — and we want your input.
September 18, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
Two pumpkin spice lattes in mugs on table with a pumpkin muffin
Food
Where to find all things pumpkin spice in Lakeland
From coffee to baked goods to cocktails, there’s a pumpkin spice or fall-flavored treat for everyone in Lakeland to enjoy this fall.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson