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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.
Entertainment
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 downtown Lakeland street lined with tents selling farmers market goods. Trees hang over the street.
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.
August 27, 2025
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Staff
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Connor Jacobson
Pumpkins and plants on sidewalk outside of Scout & Tag storefront
Business
We’re celebrating Small Business Week — here’s how to join us
Join us at LALtoday in celebrating the heart of our community: small businesses.
February 24, 2025
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Kristen Templeton
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More from LALtoday
Vendor tents line a downtown street filled with pedestrians at First Friday.
Events
Stack your calendar with monthly events around Lakeland
These events bring together your favorite vendors on the same day each month in nearby downtown areas and historic districts.
August 28, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
A photo of the sun setting over Lake Hollingsworth, with the sky and water glowing in shades of orange and yellow.
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.
August 28, 2025
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Danielle Johnson
A large and small dog walk around the Frances Langford Promenade on Lake Mirror in Lakeland
Real Estate
Which dog breed are you based on your Lakeland neighborhood?
Just like each dog breed has its own personality, each community in Lakeland shines with unique characteristics. Which breed sounds most like you?
August 25, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
Screen Shot 2019-10-03 at 3.03.27 PM
New to Lakeland
Your guide to Lakeland’s coffee shops
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
August 22, 2025
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Staff
Two baskets of tacos with green salsa and lime on the side
Experience
Where to find lunch for $12 or less around Lakeland
Ready for your lunch break? Check out these 30+ lunches from hearty salads to diner-style bites.
August 22, 2025
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Staff
A black-and-white photo of the Francis Beach Pavilion, a large two-story wooden building on stilts in a lake.
Culture
Look back on summer in Lakeland’s photo archives
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive the dog days of summer from years gone by.
August 21, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
A photo illustration of Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz, smiling in a red and blue plaid jacket, next to a photo of Taylor Swift.
Culture
Who said it: Mayor Bill Mutz or Taylor Swift?
Both are known for a good turn of phrase, but can you decipher which quotes came from Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz or Grammy winner Taylor Swift? Put your skills to the test.
August 21, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
The downtown Lakeland skyline and businesses as seen from East Main Street
Work
The who’s who and what’s what of Lakeland’s economy: Meet the top employers and industries
Explore the leading economic drivers in Lakeland — from exciting, new technology to top leaders in growing and distributing delicious eats.
August 20, 2025
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Staff
A person holds up an iced coffee drink with a Dutch Bros logo, next to a blue drive-thru menu board.
Food
So close, but so far: Chains readers wish were in Lakeland
Sure, you could take an hour drive to your favorite chain restaurants — but wouldn’t it be better if they were right down the road?
August 19, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
Women work out in an outdoors yoga class.
New to Lakeland
Get your sweat on at these gyms around Lakeland
From lifting weights and personal training to dance fitness and spin classes — we’ve rounded up 25+ gyms and fitness offerings around Swan City.
August 19, 2025
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Staff