Sponsored Content
Food

Pig out, LAL: Pigfest returns Jan. 26-27

January 16, 2024 • 
Visit Central Florida
Sponsored by
LAL-TBAY.Visit Central Florida Pigfest-1.18.24.jpg

Pigfest is both Florida’s oldest barbecue competition and Florida’s biggest KCBS-sanctioned event.

Photo provided by Visit Central Florida

Get ready to grub, LAL.

Some of the nation’s top barbecue chefs will soon descend on Lakeland for the 27th annual Pigfest, happening Friday, Jan. 26-Saturday, Jan. 27 at the SUN n’ FUN Expo Campus.

Florida’s largest Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) sanctioned event invites Lakelanders to:

  • Chow down on world-class cookout competition eats from 150+ professional BBQ teams
  • Enjoy live music + a kids contest
  • Help raise money for local charities

Bonus: Pigfest is part of the Florida Triple Crown of BBQ.

Have a grilliant time

More from LALtoday
A large yellow alligator playground with white traffic cones for teeth.
Culture
A guide to Lakeland’s best giftable experiences
Some gifts don’t fit under the tree — make a lasting impact by giving your loved ones a giftable experience instead of a physical present.
December 18, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A collage features a dumpling, a flower-lined boardwalk, an orange cocktail, and architectural building models.
Culture
2025 in review: Our favorite things we tried in Lakeland
What were the top things you ate, drank, and did in 2025? We’re sharing editor and reader picks for you to try in the new year.
December 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An old fashioned airplane in bright blue sits outside the airport.
City
Look back on LALtoday’s top stories of 2025
From airport news to real estate, these are the top stories our readers loved most this year.
December 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-lake-mirror-holiday-christmas-lights-NOV2023.png
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.
December 12, 2025
 · 
Staff
Ducks and birds on grass in foreground with Lake Mirror and Lakeland skyline
New to Lakeland
What’s new and coming soon to Lakeland
As Lakeland continues to grow, we’re keeping an eye on upcoming developments and recently opened businesses.
December 11, 2025
 · 
Staff
A contemporary five-story mixed-use building with ground-floor retail space on a downtown street corner, amidst other mid-rise buildings.
Real Estate
Live steps from your favorite spots in this downtown Lakeland condo
Your favorite hangouts can be just a hop, skip, and a jump away from this rare condo listing in downtown Lakeland.
December 11, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lake Parker at sunset with clouds and trees reflecting on the water
City
What’s going on with Polk County water?
Short answer: quite a bit. Get the quick updates you need to know about Polk County’s burn ban, water shortage, and an alternative supply project grant.
December 9, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A green historical marker from the State of Florida detailing the history of the Acton Community on a grass lawn
City
Here’s your sign: Learn about Lakeland’s historical markers
Dive into how nearly a century and a half of history is kept alive with historical markers around town.
December 9, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A dark theatre with the orchestra brightly lit upon the stage.
Culture
Two Lakeland arts organizations celebrate major milestones
Celebrate Lakeland Community Theatre and the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra, which have reached 40 and 60 years in the local arts scene, respectively.
December 8, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A man in a black tank top and shorts with a race bib runs in the BMW Berlin Marathon, with spectators and a large billboard behind him.
Sports
Lakeland Runners Club member takes on the OUC Orlando Half Marathon
Jonathan Mott has qualified for three Olympic trials, coached hundreds of local runners, and competed all over the world. Here’s how you can follow in his fast footsteps.
December 4, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson