Sponsored Content
Food

Get fired up for Pitmasters in Paradise

April 6, 2026 • 
Julia Pizzuto
Sponsored by
A juicy rack of ribs sits on a wooden cutting board atop a picnic table, with classic bbq fixin's to the side like coleslaw and fresh veggies.

Taste BBQ from top chefs as they vie for bragging rights as the winner of Florida’s Triple Crown of BBQ.

Photo provided by Visit Central Florida

An island-inspired BBQ showdown is coming to Central Florida: Pitmasters in Paradise takes place Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25.

This family-friendly festival gathers pitmasters and BBQ fans for a weekend of:

  • Slow-smoked flavor
  • Live bands
  • Lawn games
  • Local makers
  • and sun-soaked memories

Hosted at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale and presented by Visit Central Florida and Whiskey Bent BBQ Supply, Pitmasters in Paradise is also the third (and final) leg of the 2026 Triple Crown of BBQ.

Finger-lickin’ fun

More from LALtoday
The Lakeland Flying Tigers mascot, Southpaw, leans against a railing looking out at a baseball field during a game.
Sports
Lakeland Flying Tigers share 2026 promotion schedule
The only thing better than a baseball game is when it comes with extra perks.
April 8, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A vibrant stage performance of "& Juliet" features a diverse cast in colorful costumes under bright purple spotlights.
Culture
Where to catch a Broadway show in Central Florida
See top performers on stage when they stop in Tampa + Orlando on Broadway national tours.
April 7, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view and three ground-level photos show the Crystal Lake boardwalk in a state of severe disrepair and damage.
City
Updates coming to the Crystal Lake neighborhood
Polk County plans to reconstruct the boardwalk over the lake and add a stoplight at a busy intersection near Southeastern University.
April 7, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Fireworks explode in the night sky over several parked fighter jets at the SUN 'n FUN Aerospace expo.
Events
SUN ‘n FUN is flying back in to Lakeland
This annual festival celebrates all things aviation. Save this guide to admission, activities, and aviation fun.
April 6, 2026
 · 
Staff
A white Starship delivery robot with six wheels sits on a campus sidewalk in front of a modern, ribbed white building.
City
Robots now delivering meals on Florida Polytechnic University’s campus
Students can now order food online, and an AI-powered food delivery robot will bring it directly to their location. Would you like to see this tech in another part of Lakeland?
April 6, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A timelapse photo of the exterior of the Polk Theater at night. The marquee sign is lit with blinking lights, and car lights streak by the front door.
Food
Enjoy dinner and a show around Lakeland this week
Let us plan your nightly entertainment with movies, live music, and stage shows, plus the perfect places to grab a bite.
April 2, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An in-ground water meter painted with a water conservation message
City
What’s new under Polk County’s latest “extreme” water restrictions
In response to a statewide water shortage, the Southwest Florida Water Management District is enacting water restrictions for Polk County and surrounding areas.
April 2, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An architectural rendering of the Barnett Family JA Discovery Center, featuring a modern exterior and an American flag.
City
Barnett Family Discovery Center bringing real-world learning to Lakeland
Polk County Public Schools just broke ground on Junior Achievement’s innovative new Discovery Center where students will get hands-on business experience.
April 1, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A person in black gloves sprays whipped cream onto a blueberry shortcake in a clear plastic container at a festival.
Events
Feast at these food festivals happening near Lakeland
When it comes to hyperspecific food festival themes, Central Florida has the recipe down pat.
March 31, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A large crowd gathers under a white festival tent decorated with blue and white bunting at Keel Farms Blueberry Festival.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Lakeland
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
March 30, 2026
 · 
Staff