Lucky you. You just found LALtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place in and around Lakeland each month.
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.
Get social
Sunday Latin Social | Sunday, Jan. 4 | 3-7 p.m. | Cob & Pen | $10 | Come ready for Latin dance classes by Uno Dos Tres Studio + cocktails by Cob & Pen.
Lakeland Senior Expo | Thursday, Jan. 15 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lake Mirror Auditorium | Free | Older adults can meet with experts in Medicare coverage, independent living, health insurance, and other topics that may be top of mind.
Crossing the Moat: A Dedication Day Celebration | Friday, Jan. 30 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales | $10+ | Take advantage of a rare opportunity to cross the historic moat around Bok Tower and get up close to its Great Brass Door.
Grand Citrus Social | Saturday, Jan. 31 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Central Park, Winter Haven | Free | Harken back to Polk’s citrus roots with themed food + drinks, agriculture history exhibits, and live entertainment.
VISTEBall | Saturday, Jan. 31 | 6-9:30 p.m. | SUN ‘n FUN | $50+ | Come in casual attire for a golf-themed evening to raise money for Volunteers in Service to the Elderly.
This will be the City of Lakeland’s 48th year holding the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade.
Photo by the City of Lakeland
Holiday events
MLK Week: Movies with Martin | Wednesday, Jan. 14 | 6 p.m. | Historic Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven | Free | Watch the movie “Marshall,” starring Chadwick Boseman as future US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.
MLK Week: Wreath Laying Ceremony | Thursday, Jan. 15 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Winter Haven | Free | The City of Winter Haven will hold a solemn ceremony to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of unity.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade | Saturday, Jan. 17 | 1 p.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue | Free | Wave to local organizations, churches, dancers, and bands as the 48th annual parade rolls through town.
The Polk Theater will also host a rock ‘n roll tribute night on Friday, Jan. 16.
Photo submitted by Reader Jasson P.
Arts + music
Peace into the New Year Concert with Paisley Craze | Saturday, Jan. 3-Sunday, Jan. 4 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales | $10+ | Paisley Craze will perform hits by the most iconic bands of the 1960s, from the Beatles to the Beach Boys.
Depot Walk - Welcome 2026 | Saturday, Jan. 3 | 6-9 p.m. | Depot Arts District | Free+ | Walk through this new arts hub to see what local artists are up to and buy your favorite pieces.
Symphony in Sneakers: Lakeland Symphony Orchestra Anniversary Celebration | Saturday, Jan. 17 | 7 p.m. | Private home | $250 | Celebrate 60 years of music history with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and intimate performances under the stars.
K-POP Warriors | Saturday, Jan. 31 | 4 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $20+ | Have a “Golden” night out at this concert featuring K-pop hits from around the world.
Meet your favorite stars dressed as your favorite character at CFCC.
Photo by @modern.merida
Markets + festivals
Lakeland Camellia Society 42nd Annual Camellia Show and Plant Sale | Saturday, Jan. 10 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland | Free | Bring home beautiful flowers grown by the Lakeland Camellia Society, or enter your own blooms for judging.
VegFest | Saturday, Jan. 17 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Juice Box | Price of purchase | Explore a plant-powered marketplace full of vegan eats, local art, and sustainable goods.
Central Florida Comic Con | Saturday, Jan. 17-Sunday, Jan. 18 | Times vary | RP Funding Center | $10+ | It’s okay to lean into your geeky side at this celebration of “all things nerdy” — expect celebrity guests, panels, and cosplay contests.
Lakeland PigFest | Friday, Jan. 23-Saturday, Jan. 24 | Times vary | SUN ‘n FUN | $5 | This festival is back for its 29th year, featuring 150+ competition teams serving up barbecue in exchange for Pig Bucks.
Tickets are limited for Lavender ‘n Lace’s Afternoon Tea, so don’t steep too long.
Photo by @lavendernlacefl
Food + drink
Sip & Sparkle Wine Walk | Friday, Jan. 9 | 5-9 p.m. | Downtown Bartow | $10+ | Visit downtown storefronts to find samples of wine + tasty tidbits as you shop.
Taste of Winter Haven | Thursday, Jan. 22 | 6-9 p.m. | Venue 650, Winter Haven | $55 | Indulge in a food and drink showcase to try bites from the Chain of Lakes City’s best chefs.
Afternoon Tea | Friday, Jan. 30 | 4-6 p.m. | Lavender ‘n Lace Tearoom, Lake Alfred | $72 | Snag tickets to this luxurious tea party before they sell out to enjoy a handcrafted menu of food and teas.
Pitch your tent and cast a line at Camp BSP.
Photo by @wakeupsunshinephotography
Family fun
Grand Opening Celebration | Saturday, Jan. 3 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Little Gym | Free | Try free mini gymnastics classes for children up to 12 years old, and get opening day membership specials.
67 Skate | Tuesday, Jan. 6 | 12-4 p.m. | Skate World | $6+ | You don’t have to know what this trend means to enjoy an afternoon at the skating rink.
MLK Day of Caring | Saturday, Jan. 10 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Florida Children’s Museum | Free | The museum will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy with a day of free play for all children.
Camp BSP | Friday, Jan. 16-Saturday, Jan. 17 | Bonnet Springs Park | $50 | Families will have a rare opportunity to camp overnight in tents at the park — knot-tying, fishing, and bonfires are also on the agenda.
Starry, Starry Night: A Celebration of Art and Science | Saturday, Jan. 24 | 5-9:30 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales | $10+ | Look to the skies — local astronomers and NASA ambassadors will take you on a far-out space journey.
Active + sports
Resolution Run & Recovery | Saturday, Jan. 3 | 8 a.m.-11 p.m. | Adrenaline Body Works | $20 | Following a 5K run with Fleet Feet, recover with cold plunges, saunas, massages, and breakfast.
Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour | Friday, Jan. 9 | 7-9:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $46+ | Basketball meets entertainment at this family-friendly game — you won’t want to miss the ticketed pre-show events either.
Pure Barre Lake Hollingsworth Pop-Up | Saturday, Jan. 10 | 9 a.m. | Thomas B. Mack Park | Free | Bring a mat and join a 50-minute barre workout in the sunshine.
Freakin’ Freezin’ 5K | Saturday, Jan. 24 | 9 a.m. | Thomas B. Mack Park | $30+ | Test your grit with a chilly morning race around Lake Hollingsworth.
New Year’s Eve parties
Noon Year’s Eve | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Family Fun Center | $24.99 | Go wild with unlimited attractions, face painting, and a balloon drop at 12 p.m.
New Year’s Jammin Eve | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Florida Children’s Museum | $16+ | Kids can party in their pajamas and celebrate with a ball drop at 12 p.m.
Kids’ New Year’s Eve | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Legoland Florida, Winter Haven | $79 | End the year with a bang, all without missing bedtime — special events are included in park admission.
Noon Year’s Eve Party | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Countdown to a midday New Year’s celebration with crafts and a dance party for kids 2-10.
New Year’s Eve Dinner & Celebration at The Terrace Grille | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 4 p.m. | Terrace Grille Lakeland | $50+ | Ring in the new year in style with fine dining, a Champagne toast, and a popping dance floor.
New Year’s Eve Prix Fixe Dinner | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 7-8:30 p.m. | The Wine Garden | $200 | Reserve a spot at this seven-course dinner, and add on a bottle from the bar’s wine selections.
2nd Annual Plant City Strawberry Drop | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. | Downtown Plant City | Free | Have a berry unforgettable time watching a giant strawberry descend from the sky at midnight.
New Year’s Eve with Sofa Kings | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 8 p.m. | Union Hall | $20+ | Local musicians will rock you into the new year with an all-night dance party.
Have an event of your own you want to share with us? Follow these easy steps to add your events to our calendar:
- Go to our Events page.
- Click “Add Event” in the top right-hand corner.
- Make sure to include a link and fill out important information like the date, time, location, and price of your event.
- Click “Submit,” and you’ve just added an event to our website calendar.