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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.
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 a classic flick on the silver screen 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 salsa + 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
- Polk Museum of Art | Catch the latest exhibit, listen to an art history lecture, or take a tour with the curator to learn more about the art in this museum.
- 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 Nov. 5 at Swan Brewing.
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.
