Arts and culture guide for Lakeland

To us, all of Lakeland is a work of art. But if a stage or museum is more your scene, we’ve got you covered with a list of places where you can enjoy, participate in, or support the local arts community.

Photo courtesy of Lakeland Community Theatre

For those with a flair for the dramatic

• Lakeland Community Theatre | See a hit musical or play put on by your Lakeland neighbors of all ages.
• Polk Theatre | Film fans can catch classic flicks on the silver screen + pro performances at this historic theater in the heart of downtown.
• RP Funding Center | This is Lakeland’s hub for Broadway tours, comedy shows, and dance performances.
• Swan City Improv | Get a little comedic relief from this group that comes up with its scenes on the spot using audience suggestions.
• Florida Dance Theatre | Watch top dancers in performances from Polk County’s only professional dance company.

For those who hit all the right notes

• Lakeland Symphony Orchestra | Enjoy an immersive performance at various Polk County venues when you attend symphonic concerts and an annual opera.
• Union Hall | Catch local music acts at this venue or take the stage yourself with karaoke + line dancing lessons on select nights.
• Hillcrest Coffee | Grab a latte and hear the latest tunes from local singer-songwriters on Thursday nights at this coffeehouse.

For the visual learners

• Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Known as the Polk Museum of Art until July 2024, this is the place to catch the latest exhibit, listen to an art history lecture, or take a tour with the curator to learn more about art.
• Mayfaire by-the-Lake | Stroll around Lake Morton to enjoy paintings, photography, and handcrafted goods in this annual outdoor springtime art festival.
• Art Crawl | Emerging contemporary artists can show their work at this art festival taking place each fall.

Photo by @artifact_studios

For those looking to organize

Get involved by joining one of these groups yourself or visiting their events.

• Platform Art | This nonprofit aims to enrich the public arts scene through visual arts, film, fashion, music, and performance.
• Mayor’s Council on the Arts | Formed by the Lakeland City Commission, this council promotes Lakeland’s arts community + creative economy.
• Lakeland Art Guild | This group of artists works to encourage other visual artists and beautify the community.
• ART/ifact | Visit pop-up events from the artist collective at this art gallery space.

For the ones who aren’t too cool for school

Support students by catching a theatre, orchestra, dance, or vocal performance from local schools, including Harrison School for the Arts, Florida Southern College, Southeastern University, or Polk State College.