Saturday, Feb. 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month. Honor + celebrate all month long (and even a little bit before) by getting involved in one of these Lakeland-area events.
- Not Black Enough: A One “Black” Man Show | Friday, Jan. 31 | 7 p.m. | Union Hall | $10 | Join Nate Fleming, the founder of Swan City Improv, for his one-man show that explores cultural identity with a comedic twist.
- Cemetery Tour | Saturday, Feb. 1 | 9-10 a.m. | Evergreen & Palm Historic Cemetery, Bartow | Free | Learn the legacies of Polk County’s Black pioneers in this guided tour.
- The Evelyn Bryant Cultural Festival | Saturday, Feb. 1 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Badcock Commons Park, Mulberry | Free+ | Join the town of Mulberry in a Black History Month celebration featuring live entertainment and a contest for artists + crafters.
- Black History Festival | Saturday, Feb. 15 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Jackson Park | Free+ | Entertainers, vendors, and activities await at this family-friendly festival — don’t miss educational exhibits inside the Coleman-Bush Building.
- From the Archives: African-American Roots in Florida | Thursday, Feb. 20 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Guest lecturer Shedriek Battle will share about resources on African American history available through Central Florida library systems.
- Caribbean Carnival | Saturday, Feb. 22 | 5-9 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+ | You’re on island time at this festival with a pop-up market of Black and Caribbean-owned businesses, plus more food vendors + performers.
Is there an event that we missed? Let us know so we can add it to our free community events calendar.