Have you ever said “I didn’t even know this was going on” after missing your favorite Lakeland event? Save this list and never miss out on our city’s biggest festivals, parades, and celebrations again.
Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy at the annual MLK Parade.
Photo by the City of Lakeland
Dream Megafest honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a week of service opportunities and community events across Lakeland. It typically happens around Martin Luther Jr. Day, which is the third Monday in January.
Get all the barbecue you desire at Joker Marchant Stadium.
Photo by @jessicakurbatov
We hope you’re hungry, because the Tiger BBQ is coming up on Tuesday, February 20. Head to Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium for the 77th annual barbecue, and get amped before the Detroit Tigers start spring training.
We’re berry excited for this year’s festival entertainment lineup.
Photo by @jkarr7
Celebrate all things sweet at the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City. The festival brings together entertainment, food, and fun in early March each year, right around peak strawberry season. This year’s festival is Thursday, Feb. 29-Sunday, March 10.
SUN ‘N FUN International Fly-In & Expo | Photo by Danika T.
Photo by @guelito_prspotter
Did you know that the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is the biggest annual convention in Florida, bringing in 200,000+ visitors? Catch aviation and aircraft fun Tuesday, April 9-Sunday, April 14 — there’s something for everyone in the family.
Fine art by Lake Morton — what more could you ask for?
Photo by Gregory Mills
Consider your Mother’s Day plans already made. Mayfaire by-the-Lake , a fine art festival, takes place on the shores of Lake Morton every Mother’s Day weekend. Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 11-Sunday, May 12.
Red, White & Kaboom is one of Lakeland’s most beloved annual events.
Photo by @lifechanges_klw
Red, White & Kaboom is the City of Lakeland’s Independence Day celebration, happening each year on July 3. Head to the Frances Langford Promenade for live entertainment leading up to a fireworks show over Lake Mirror.
Art Crawl welcomes artists of all mediums.
Photo provided by Art Crawl, Inc.
Let out your inner artist at Art Crawl in early November. Shop for a new piece to bring home, watch performances + contests, or even take part in a hands-on demonstration. Last year, this event took place at Swan Brewing for the first time.
You’ll catch Santa and Mrs. Claus at the end of every Christmas Parade.
Photo by LALtoday
Finally, you can already mark the first Thursday of December on your calendar — that’s when the Lakeland Christmas Parade takes place downtown each year. This event brings tens of thousands of people, so make a plan for setting out those chairs.