Hear that? It’s the scintillating sound of Lakeland’s live music venues beckoning you to a performance you’ll never forget.
The concert scene is truly unmatched in our area — from Union Hall to the RP Funding Center, there’s a stage for any type of tune. To get to know them all, you must do three things:
Put your hands in the air, wave ‘em like you just don’t care, then lay your eyes (and ears) on our guide.
Big sound, big venues
Polk Theatre | Photo by @aschwenker6690
Polk Theatre | 121 S. Florida Ave.
Capacity: 1,400
This Mediterranean-themed theater has been around since 1928. While it’s known for showing films, you can also catch concerts or other live performances inside this piece of local history. Elvis Presley himself stopped by for a show in 1956.
RP Funding Center | 701 W. Lime St.
Capacity: 2,200-6,000
This venue has played host to music acts like U2, The Grateful Dead, and The Rolling Stones in its long history. Elvis also made a stop here — can we just call him a Lakeland regular? Check out the calendar for shows in the Jenkins Arena and Youkey Theatre.
Florida Southern College | 1085 Johnson Ave.
Capacity: 179-1,760
Catch a performance by music students and faculty in the large Branscomb Auditorium or the more intimate Anne MacGregor Jenkins Recital Hall. The school’s annual Festival of Fine Arts also draws big names to Lakeland.
Local acts take the stage
Music Ranch | Photo by @themusicranch
Music Ranch | 1920 Banana Rd.
This is the place to find Southern rock. BYOB and jam out with the rest of the regulars at an upcoming show. Tickets are generally $25 per person.
Union Hall | 1023 S. Florida Ave.
Live musicians, DJs, and open mics are regular happenings at this Dixieland spot. Not a professional? No worries. You can take the stage at karaoke on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. with the help of DJ Kep.
Leo’s Live | 5263 S. Florida Ave.
Entertainment is the name of the game here. Drop in for a full-service liquor bar, eight pool tables, and live music Tuesday through Saturday. Bring your dancing shoes to their upcoming shows.
Take it outside
Swan Brewing | Photo by @swanbrewing
Photo by @swanbrewing
Swan Brewing | 115 W. Pine St.
This brewery features 30+ taps of craft beer and food trucks every day, and you can often catch a local performer. With seating for 60 indoors and 150 on the patio, this place is family and pet-friendly. Check out the event lineup to make your plans.
The Yard On Mass | 802 N. Massachusetts Ave.
This entertainment venue features rotating food trucks, backyard games, and an assortment of beers on tap. Just think of it as Lakeland’s communal backyard.
Up close and personal
The Pink Piano | Photo by @ranemadepics
Photo by @ranemadepics
The Pink Piano | 1015 S. Florida Ave.
You can expect a live show at this intimate destination Wednesday through Saturday. Enjoy a variety of wine, beer, and cocktails while you listen, or join the open mic nights on Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m.
Lakeland Loft | 108 S. Tennessee Ave.
If you take a walk downtown on weekends, you might hear music wafting through the air from the second story. This upscale cigar lounge has a balcony overlooking Munn Park. Lovers of live jazz can swing through every Friday and Saturday night.
Hillcrest Coffee | 119 Hillcrest St.
This homey coffee shop was once a Dixieland historic district home. Visit for acoustic tunes, fresh coffee, and baked goods. Dates for upcoming live shows are posted online, and Jon Corneal & His Compadres perform weekly at 12 p.m. on Fridays.
