Ready to see Lakeland in bloom? From live music and holiday celebrations to berry picking and community festivals, spring is when Swan City thrives.
Get ready to experience the natural beauty of Lakeland and all spring has to offer with this guide featuring 34 events and things to do happening between March and May.
Festivals, fairs, and expos
Florida Strawberry Festival, 303 BerryFest Pl., Plant City
Through Sunday, March 10, you can make the ~30-minute trek to Plant City for this annual festival. Be sure to check out our Strawberry Festival guide before you go.
Hello Spring Market, RP Funding Center
Shop from 80+ local women-owned businesses and enjoy music, food, and free parking this Sunday, March 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lakeland City Commission SUN ‘n FUN Breakfast, Skylight Hangar, SUN ‘n FUN
Ok, ok, technically this isn’t a festival, but it does relate to the upcoming SUN ‘n FUN Expo. Enjoy breakfast, enter to win door prizes, and hear from guest speakers on Wednesday, March 6 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Tickets cost $28.
Original Sewing & Quilt Expo, RP Funding Center
Join sewing classes, workshops, demos, and fashion shows Thursday, March 14 through Saturday, March 16. Tickets start at $8, and parking costs $10.
Bartow’s Unparade, Nye Jordan Park
On Friday, March 15 from 5:30 to 6 p.m., get wacky and watch a wild parade from the park to Friday Fest in downtown Bartow.
Black History Festival, Jackson Park
Head to the rescheduled Black History Festival on Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event will feature artisan vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities, and live entertainment.
SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, 4075 James C. Ray Dr.
Take in a variety of airshows, family-friendly activities, and more at this annual aircraft expo taking place Tuesday, April 9 through Sunday, April 14. Adult weekend tickets start at $45.
Lakeland KidFest and Camp Fair, RP Funding Center
On Sunday, April 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., get to know Lakeland’s resources + summer camps for kids at this free, family-friendly event — note that parking is $10.
Central Florida Business Expo, RP Funding Center
Business owners can learn from experts and network with fellow entrepreneurs at this expo on Wednesday, April 24. Tickets start at $59.
Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine Swan Derby, Lake Mirror
This derby-style event will feature ten hand-crafted swan paddle boats racing to the finish line on Lake Mirror on Friday, April 26. The free event begins at 5:30 p.m. and will also feature food trucks, live music, and a derby hat contest.
Mayfaire by-the-Lake, Lake Morton
This Mother’s Day weekend, visit one of Florida’s largest and most celebrated annual outdoor art festivals. The event will feature 150+ artist booths, ranging from jewelers and clay artists to painters and photographers.
Concerts, live music, and the arts
St. Patrick’s Day Concert, Branscomb Auditorium
It’s your lucky day. Watch as the Lakeland Concert Band puts on a free show on Sunday, March 10 starting at 1:45 p.m.
“Our American Cousin,” Lakeland Community Theatre
On the evenings of Wednesday, March 20 and Thursday, March 21, local actors will perform the final play Abraham Lincoln ever saw. Tickets cost $15.
FSC | Dance: Perpetual Motion 2024, Branscomb Auditorium
This annual spring dance performance will take place Friday, March 22 through Sunday, March 24. Tickets cost $10 for children, $20 for adults.
Bully for You and Gary Love, Union Hall
Lakelanders 18+ can head to Union Hall on Saturday, March 23 at 7 p.m. for a free show featuring Bully For You and Gary Love.
A Tribute to Women in Rock, Union Hall
On Saturday, March 30, Brenda James & The Smokin 45s will pay homage to women who have shaped the rock music scene. The concert will begin at 7 p.m., and general admission tickets cost $10.
“Tick, Tick, Boom!,” Lakeland Community Theatre
Local actors will perform this autobiographical musical about composer Jonathan Larson, who is famous for writing the musical “Rent.” The show will run from Friday, April 12 through Sunday, April 21, with tickets starting at $28.
“Radium Girls,” Lakeland Community Theatre
See this fast-paced play based on a true story from New Jersey in 1926 on Wednesday, May 15 or Thursday, May 16 starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15.
Tasty Tuesday + Tunes, Munn Park
On the third Tuesday of each month, enjoy live music in Munn Park from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Grab a $25 ticket to get food samples from 10 participating downtown businesses that you can enjoy while listening.
Friday Night Live, Munn Park
This spring music series is back, happening monthly through April. The next event will take place on Friday, March 22 starting at 6 p.m. — BYO-lawn chairs or blankets.
There’s nothing quite like fresh-picked berries.
Photo via @haleyjilll
Berry picking
Berry Sweet Acres, 5621 W. US Hwy. 92, Plant City
Through April, visitors can pick their own fresh strawberries from the farm starting at $4 per pound. You can reserve your U-pick time online, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Whitehead’s Blueberry Farm, 1024 Macon Rd., Winter Haven
Head to this Winter Haven farm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays starting March 30 to pick your own blueberries and support 30+ local vendors and food trucks.
Ridge Island Groves, 6000 Polk City Rd., Haines City
This popular Polk City farm offers U-pick options for oranges, strawberries, and more. Stay updated on U-pick offerings via Facebook. Pro tip: Try a glass of orange juice during your visit.
Outdoor or active events
2024 Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center Promise Run, Lake Mirror Promenade
On Saturday, March 2, run around Lakes Mirror, Morton, and Hollingsworth in a 5K or 10K race. Registration starts at $40.
Spring Obsession Plant Sale, Munn Park
Head to the park on Saturday, March 9 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Lakeland Rotary Club’s annual springtime event featuring plants, garden art, food, and more.
4 Lap Clover 5K, Swan Brewing
Wear your greenest outfit for this 7:30 a.m. run around Lake Wire on Saturday, March 9, then celebrate with a free pint at Swan Brewing. Registration is $35.
2024 Sun ‘n Run 5K, Lakeland Linder International Airport
Get a 7 a.m. start on Saturday, April 13 with this race around Lakeland Linder International Airport’s terminal ramps and taxiways. Registration is $35.
45th Mayfaire 5K Road Race & Walk, Lake Morton
On Saturday, May 11, enjoy an evening run through the downtown and Lake Morton districts from 7 to 9 p.m. Registration starts at $20.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with green beer at Molly McHughes Irish Pub.
Photo via @mollymchughsirishpub
Holidays
28th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Street Party, Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub
Don your best green getup and head to the pub for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 16. Take in a live band, drink green beer, and join in the street party at 9 p.m.
Meet the Easter Bunny, Lakeside Village
From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, you can take free photos with the Easter Bunny. Make an appointment online before hopping over.
Spring Fest 2024, Shepherd’s Community UMC
This free, family-friendly event taking place on Saturday, March 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. will feature vendors and food trucks from across Central Florida, an Easter egg hunt, and games. Ticket prices for snacks and games will benefit Medulla Elementary.
Community Seder, Temple Emanuel
Enjoy a traditional community Seder with matzah, wine, and a catered dinner on Tuesday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m. Child prices start at $25, and adult prices start at $60. RSVP by Monday, April 1.
First Friday: Tres De Mayo, Munn Park
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo two days early at this event on Friday, May 3. Enjoy a makers market, dance lessons, food trucks, and downtown businesses open late.
