Monday, Jan. 16 marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday honoring the civil rights activist’s legacy. Lakeland will commemorate Dr. King’s impact with the 2023 Dream Megafest, a community-wide series of events. Here are seven to mark on your calendar:
- Leadership Forum: “Living, Learning and Leading Lakeland” | Friday, Jan. 13 | 2-5 p.m. | Lake Crago Park, 525 Lake Crago Dr., Lakeland | Free | Local business leaders will discuss equity, inclusion, recruiting, and more — arrive early for a free swag bag.
- School Daze: A Divine 9 & HBCU Alumni Mixer | Saturday, Jan. 14 | 7-11 p.m. | Lake Mirror Center, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | Mingle with other Florida HBCU alumni and Greek life members with music by a live DJ — attendees must be 21 or older.
- Day of Caring Children’s Festival | Saturday, Jan. 14 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Florida Children’s Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Enjoy free museum admission, live performances, and arts and crafts.
- MLK Digital Business Challenge 2023 | Tuesday, Jan. 17 | 5-7 p.m. | Catapult, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Young entrepreneurs ages 13-18 will pitch their businesses for a chance at $1,000.
- Swan City Jazz Fest | Friday, Jan. 20-Saturday, Jan. 21 | 3-9 p.m. | Munn Park | Free | Hear music from local acts, high school bands, and headliners Paula Atherton and Jazmin Ghent.
- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade | Saturday, Jan. 21 | 1–3 p.m. | Providence Road and 14th Street | Free | Take to the street with a parade down Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue — see the route here.
- MLK Car Showcase | Sunday, Jan. 22 | 12-6 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | Free | Browse cars competing for best interior, best stereo, and more top honors.
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Keep track of all these events with our interactive map. And that’s not all — see the full schedule for seven more can’t-miss events.