Summer’s here and LAL is so ready. From live music and Independence Day celebrations to family fun and festivals, summer is where Swan City thrives.
Get ready to get outside with this guide featuring 33 summer events happening between the official start of summer on June 21 and the end of August.
Festivals and markets
Stamp Fest | Friday, June 23-Sunday, June 25 | Times vary | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $15 | Attend this rubber stamp and scrapbooking show to add to your collection — admission includes parking and is valid all weekend.
Watermelon Weekend | Saturday, June 24-Sunday, June 25 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free entry | Celebrate the watermelon harvest with water slides, watermelon eating contests, vendors, live music, and the release of Keel and Curley watermelon wine, lager, and cider.
First Friday: Bike Night | Friday, July 7 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 117 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate the start of a new month by browsing a motorcycle show, shopping from downtown vendors, and enjoying entertainment.
The Aquarian Market | Thursday, July 20 | 6-10 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free | Visit this monthly, pet and family-friendly night market for vegan food and drinks.
Christmas in July | Saturday, July 22 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free entry | Get into the Christmas spirit with unique vendors, food and drink specials, farm animals, and family fun.
First Friday: Back to School | Friday, Aug. 4 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 117 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Prepare for another school year with this family-friendly event featuring a car show, food, and downtown shopping.
End of Summer: A Sorting Hat Celebration | Saturday, Aug. 5 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Bartow Civic Center, 2250 S. Floral Ave., Bartow | $10 | Head to this end-of-summer event for a sorting hat ceremony, magic show, food trucks, and other magical activities fit for the wizarding world.
Keel and Curley 20 Year Celebration | Saturday, Aug. 5 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free entry | Celebrate 20 years of this local winery with a blueberry wine release, local artists and businesses, and more.
Central Florida Collectorfest | Saturday, Aug. 12-Sunday, Aug. 13 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | Free entry | Peruse 15,000 sqft of collectible toys, games, comic books, and art — parking is free.
The Aquarian Market: Classical Night | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 6-10 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Wear your formal wear to the blue carpet for vegan eats and performances by Golden Swan Strings at this Aquarian Market.
Plantae Palooza | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free | Shop from local plant and flower vendors at this plant-filled event.
Celebrate your favorite artists, from Taylor Swift to Led Zeppelin.
Photo by @skobza33
Concerts, live music, and art
Rock for Paws - Back to the 80s Night! | Saturday, June 24 | 7-10 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park Event Center, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | $20 | Support dogs and cats in need at this 1980s-themed event featuring live music by Smokepoint, food trucks, a bar, and dancing.
The Eras Party: Taylor Night | Saturday, June 24 | 9-11 p.m. | Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $7 | Come out for a Taylor-made dance party, Swift-inspired cocktails, and a night you’ll remember all too well.
Union Hall Presents: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac | Friday, July 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $12-$15 | Local artists Anisette Mayer, Noan Partly, Robin Brooke, and Shelby Mason will perform the album “Rumours” and more favorite songs by this legendary band.
“Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville” | Friday, July 14-Sunday, July 23 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $20-$26 | This musical comedy will have you singing along to Jimmy Buffett’s greatest hits.
Classic Albums Live: Supertramp, “Breakfast in America” | Sunday, July 16 | 7:30-10 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $44-$52 | Hear hits from this 1979 album performed just like the original.
Symphony Story Time: The Emperor and the Nightingale | Saturday, Aug. 5 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales | $10-$22 | Families will enjoy a live music storytime performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.
Fine Art at the Magnolia: Fine Art Show & Rising Star Scholarship | Saturday, Aug. 19-Sunday, Aug. 20 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Magnolia Building, 702 E. Orange St., Lakeland | Free | Attend this indoor art show to see works by 19 artists, including featured artist Beth Garcia.
Classic Albums Live: Led Zeppelin, “Physical Graffiti” | Sunday, Aug. 27 | 7:30-10 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $44-$52 | Rock out to your favorite songs from this best-selling album performed note for note, cut for cut.
Holidays
Juneteenth Talent Competition & Art Contest | Friday, June 23 | 6 p.m. | Polk State College Lakeland Campus, 3425 Winter Lake Rd., Lakeland | $10-$20 | Cheer on competing high school performers and browse works by local artists.
Juneteenth Wave of Freedom | Saturday, June 24 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Jackson Park, 1130 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | Free | Head to Jackson Park for free music, food, contests, and more in observance of Juneteenth.
Juneteenth Corvette Car Show | Saturday, June 24 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Lake Mirror Promenade, 121 Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | Head to Lake Mirror to peruse Corvettes, enter raffles, and eat food from local vendors.
Juneteenth: A Salute to African American Scholars Brunch | Saturday, June 24 | 1 p.m. | Polk State College Lakeland Campus, 3425 Winter Lake Rd., Lakeland | $15-$30 | Attend this brunch to honor local Black students, sororities, and fraternities.
Buena Summer Nights | Monday, July 3 | 5-9 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Shop from over 50 local vendors selling handmade goods, food, beverages, and art near the Red, White & Kaboom event.
Red, White & Kaboom | Monday, July 3 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade, Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate Independence Day with food trucks and live music, plus a fireworks show beginning at 9 p.m.
Lakeland Flying Tigers Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza | Tuesday, July 4 | 5 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | $7-$60 | Cheer on the Flying Tigers as they face the St. Lucie Mets, then stay for a fireworks show and live entertainment after the game.
Plant City Fourth of July Celebration | Tuesday, July 4 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Plant City Stadium & Randy Larson Softball Four-Plex, 1810 E. Park Rd., Plant City | Free entry | This family-style celebration will include a military salute, face painting, corn hole, inflatables, a rock wall, vendors, and fireworks — parking is $5.
Beat the heat with a discounted day at the movies.
Photo by kindredsparks
For the family
Summer Movie FunFest | Tuesday, June 13-Thursday, Aug. 3 | 10 a.m. | CMX Lakeside Village 18 & IMAX, 1650 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | $1.99 | See a new discounted family movie Tuesday-Thursday every week — tickets are only available at the box office.
Disney’s “Finding Nemo Jr.” | Friday, June 23-Sunday, June 25 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $12-$15 | Just keep swimming to this musical adaptation of the Pixar movie performed by local young actors.
2023 Wawa Summer Fun Day | Thursday, June 29-Friday, Aug. 25 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales | Free entry | Visit the gardens with complimentary admission from Wawa on the final Thursday and Friday of each month — online registration is required.
Cookies ‘n Convos | Thursday, July 6, Thursday, Aug. 3 | 6-7 p.m. | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland | $0-$5 | Kids in grades 2-5 and their parents can learn about aviation careers from a new speaker each month.
Wings ‘n Waffles | Saturday, July 8, Saturday, Aug. 12 | 9-10 a.m. | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland | $5-$10 | Enjoy a breakfast of chicken and waffles while you hear from speakers in the aviation and military fields.
Harry Potter’s Birthday Celebration | Saturday, July 29 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | Join this magical event celebrating Harry Potter’s birthday with activity stations, games, character meets, and train rides.
End-of-Summer Ice Cream Party | Saturday, Aug. 5 | 2-4 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, Larry R. Jackson Branch, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Say goodbye to summer and hello to the new school year with games, crafts, activities, and free ice cream for all ages — dairy-free options are available upon request.
Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 5 p.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 199 Lake Silver Dr., Winter Haven | Free | Bring a lawn chair or blanket to watch astounding stunts by this team that’s been water skiing for over 100 years.
Active
International Day of Yoga with Yoga Pointe | Wednesday, June 21 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate the International Day of Yoga with a sunset session — bring your own mat, towel, and water.
Yoga in the Vines | Saturday, July 1, Saturday, Aug. 5 | 9-10 a.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | $10 | Start your day with an hour-long stretch in the Keel Farms vineyard, then visit the tasting room or restaurant.
2023 Red, White & Brew 5K | Tuesday, July 4 | 7:04-11 a.m. | Fleet Feet at Lakeside Village, 1523 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | $15-$40 | Register for this annual Lakeside Village 5K where every 100th runner to finish will win a pair of shoes — pancake breakfast and awards presentation to follow.
Relay for Life of Polk County | Friday, July 7 | 6-9 p.m. | Lake Mirror Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Raise funds for the American Cancer Society — a luminaria ceremony will commence at 8:30 p.m.
28th Summer Sunrise Watermelon 5K | Saturday, July 8, Saturday, Aug. 12 | 7-9 a.m. | Lake Hollingsworth Park, 929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland | $20 | Join this series of summer 5K races that benefit scholarships for local students.
LKLD Shuffle | Friday, July 14, Friday, Aug. 11 | 6-8 p.m. | Lakeland Shuffleboard Club, 820 E. Robson St., Lakeland | $5-$10 | Head to Lake Parker Park for a night of shuffleboard under the lights — equipment and instructions will be provided.
Mind, Body, Movement: Rucking with Willpower Fitness | Saturday, Aug. 5 | 7-9 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Bring a backpack filled to your weight preference and wear comfortable walking shoes for this 1.7-mile ruck march with optional fitness challenges along the way.
American Pickleball Tour Winter Haven | Friday, Aug. 11-Sunday, Aug. 13 | Times vary | AdventHealth Fieldhouse, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven | $45-$60 | Players of all levels are invited to this Round Robin-style doubles tournament.
Roller Derby Exhibition Double Header | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Haus 820, 820 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $12-$22 | Watch Swan City Roller Derby skaters compete in midtown Lakeland.