Let the fiesta begin 🎉

Hispanic Heritage Month Activities in Lakeland

A mariachi band takes the stage at sunset on the Frances Langford Promenade

Celebrate Lakeland’s different cultures at this year’s Hispanic Festival. | Photo by @flordlangeles

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) is a national celebration of the history and contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities.

With this commemoration in full swing, visit these events happening in and around Lakeland that honor and reflect Hispanic culture.

Café Con Leche Events | Tues., Oct. 4 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Polk State College, LAC 1133 | Free

Polk State College is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution hosting a wide array of activities this month that are open to the public. Hear from Polk State College President, Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti, and Polk State College District Board of Trustees Vice Chair, Teresa Martinez, at Café Con Leche.

Students of Polk State College jumping on the lawn in front of a school building — Lakeland’s Hispanic population has jumped 10% within the past decade.

Hispanic Heritage Month Fiesta Celebration | Thurs., Oct. 13 | 12 p.m. | Winter Haven Student Center (WST), 999 Ave. H NE | Free

Celebrate as Polk State College wraps up its Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations fiesta-style with Haines City Commissioner, Omar Arroyo.

Festival de Las Americas | Sat., Oct. 15 | 1-7 p.m. | Downtown Winter Haven | Free

Bring your family for a free festival hosted by the Winter Haven Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy food vendors, raffles, music, and activities for kids. Plus, end the night with a live outdoor concert (don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs).

A crowd gathers at Lake Mirror to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. — Hear live music from Bobby Valentin y Su Orquesta at this year’s Lakeland Hispanic Festival.

Lakeland Hispanic Festival | Sat., Oct. 22 | 1-10 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror | $20

Get ready for the 24th Annual Lakeland Hispanic Festival, hosted by Bebo Adames and Ivonne Rodriguez. Enjoy music from the Joey Hernandez tribute band and Deejay Frank while celebrating Hispanic culture.

What events are you attending to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? Send us your plans or add them to our events calendar so we can fiesta with you.

Click here to have your event featured.

Today

Chamber Music Celebration | Tues., Oct. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | Florida Southern College | Free | Hear chamber compositions performed by the students of Florida Southern College and Harrison School for the Arts. 🎻
Storytime | Tues., Oct. 4 | 10-10:30 a.m. | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Rd. | Free | Junior ACEs ages 2-5 can hear a story and take part in an interactive learning experience.
Yoga for a Better Life | Tues., Oct. 4 | 10:15-11:15 a.m. | Winter Haven Public Library, 325 Ave. A NW | Free | Relax with a guided yoga and meditation practice — bring your own mat. 🧘
Lunch Pop-Ups at Catapult: Our Noire Kitchen | Every Tuesday until Nov. 18 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult, 502 E. Main St. | Price of purchase | Enjoy a gourmet meal with bold flavors from Our Noire Kitchen at this fall lunch series.*

Wednesday

The Office Trivia Night w/ Smokin’ Chanchos | Wed., Oct. 5 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Whether you’re the world’s best boss or a hard-working beet farmer, test your knowledge on this classic sitcom while enjoying barbecue and craft beer.

Thursday

The Royal Treatment with the Little Mermaid | Thurs., Oct. 6 | 6-8 p.m. | Enchanted Fairytale Hollow, 214 Trader’s Alley | $30 | Kids can get a royal makeover, then sing + dance along at a meet and greet with the Little Mermaid. 👑

Friday

First Friday: Cookie Carnival | Fri., Oct. 7 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Sample cookies from Lakeland bakers, view classic cars, and shop from local vendors in the Makers Market at this month’s First Friday. 🍪

Saturday

Hamlet | Sat., Oct. 8 | 7:30 p.m. | Florida Southern College | $20 | Don’t question “to be or not to be” in the audience as this classic play is performed by Florida Southern College’s students. 🎭

Sunday

Corporate Worship service at Trinity Presbyterian Church | Sun., Oct. 9 - Sun., Sep. 29 | 8:45 a.m. | Trinity Presbyterian Church, 301 N. Florida Ave. | Free | Trinity’s worship service is available to attendees in-person at both 8:45 a.m. + 10:30 a.m., as well as virtually livestreamed on the Trinity Lakeland YouTube channel at 10:30 a.m., every Sunday.*

Plan Ahead

Welcome Wednesday Admissions Open House | Wed., Oct. 12 | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Lakeland Christian School, 1111 Forest Park St. | Free | Parents and prospective students are invited to tour the school, meet the LCS faculty, and get admissions information.*

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Meet the pillow made specifically for side sleepers ☁️

Brooklinen-Marlow-Pillow-A-Version-Sept-2022

Marlow’s sleep system is part of the Brooklinen family. | Photo provided by Marlow

Real talk: You’re an adult, and it’s time to say goodbye to those sad, flat pillows and invest in bedding that supports your neck and back.

Marlow designed a pillow specifically for side sleepers with:

Three unique profiles (read: angles to support your neck)
Customizable firmness
Cooling technology

The reviews speak for themselves — according to buyers, Marlow’s pillow gave them their best night of sleep in years. Bonus: Marlow offers 365-day returns, and code 6AM saves you 10%, plus buy-more, save-more discounts up to 40%.*

SWEET DREAMS, LAL

Weather

84º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain
Forecasters are watching two systems in the the Atlantic. The National Hurricane Center has identified a tropical wave that could become a tropical depression, and a more eastern system that could also grow into a tropical depression. Check the National Hurricane Center’s latest updates, here. 🌀

Open

You’ve gotta risk it for the brisket. Blue Dog Craft Barbecue is opening today at The Joinery. The stall will be serving up barbecue plates Tues.-Sun., with Mondays coming soon. Stop by for pulled pork, ribs, and more today from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Edu

Polk County Public Schools will reopen today as power is restored throughout the county. Superintendent Frederick Heid asks parents to consider dropping students off at school this week as many bus drivers are still unavailable due to the storm. 🏫 (LkldNow)

Community

The Lakeland Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department is working to reopen its facilities following Hurricane Ian. Gandy Pool is set to open today and staff at the Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex is clearing debris while waiting for power.

Biz

Thanks to new landscaping and updated LED lighting, Reececliff Family Diner has been awarded the City of Lakeland’s Commercial Beautification Award. Celebrate this nearly 90 year old staple by stopping by for a slice of fresh-baked pie. 🥧

Cause

Volunteers are needed for InnerAct Alliance’s Red Ribbon Run on Sat., Oct. 29 at Lake Mirror. Sign up to help with the race, which supports the prevention of substance abuse and bullying. Volunteers of all ages are welcome at this event.

Feel Good

Ato Lakeland is on a roll. After donating 10% of this weekend’s sales to the American Red Cross, the sushi burrito stall found in The Joinery was able to raise over $6,200 for Hurricane Ian relief. 🍣

Outdoors

Some Bartow residents are finding creative ways to make the most of Peace River floods. Eric Cornell and his daughter have been fishing for catfish in their flooded front yard. Peace River water levels are still being monitored, with other residents being rescued via airboat. (WFTS)

Read

City Commissioner Stephanie Madden is celebrating the release of her new book. Grab your copy of “Amelia Margaret Merriweather: Let Me Introduce Myself” at a book signing at Pressed on Fri., Oct. 7 from 6-8 p.m. 📖

Seasonal

Calling all ghosts and ghouls. Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail is now open for the season. Buy your tickets in advance to scream your way through the outdoor haunted trails and new escape games this weekend. 👻

Eat

New Cookies of the Month have arrived at Twisted Sugar. Celebrate spooky season with the Monster Mash — a chocolate sugar cookie filled with Reese’s Pieces and peanut butter frosting — or keep it classic with the return of pumpkin chocolate chip.

Shop

Pumpkin spice lattes aren’t the only thing heating up this fall. Shop the hottest local fashion in our online retails store, all while supporting LALtoday. We’re talking cozy sweatshirts, comfortable caps, and fashionable bags. Snag your favorite LAL gear now.

Drink

We’re a beverage-loving kind of people (peep our guide to where to find tea), so allow us to level up your libations. Craft cold brew at home with this Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker and open wine with ease with this cordless electric wine opener. Did we mention each is rated over 4.5 stars? 🌟*

Home

With cooler temps ahead, now is a great time to upgrade your home’s AC unit. Pro tip: Payne Air is currently offering 0% interest for 36 months on new Carrier AC systems with approved credit. Learn more. 🌬️ *

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Well, this is awkward

In one word, networking may be described as... awkward. EMERGE Lakeland is leaning into the discomfort with the Most Awkward Networking Event on Thurs., Oct. 13 from 6-8 p.m. at Union Hall.

Take part in interactive experiences and hear from a surprise speaker while meeting other young professionals. Pro tip: Become an EMERGE member and save on tickets for this event.

Interested in more networking opportunities? Here are a few to try around Lakeland:

Catapult | Meet local entrepreneurs in this co-working space. Become a member for access to networking events, the maker space, commercial kitchen, private workspace, and more.

BRIDGE Local | Formerly known as Lakeland Business Leaders, BRIDGE Local exists as a hub of resources for local businesses, consumers, and the community.

Swan City Social | Take away the stress of networking by meeting up with other professionals at local restaurants or happy hour events while expanding your network.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Connor.

Editor’s pick: Know of more networking events that our readers should be a part of? Submit them to our Events page for consideration in future newsletters — and then start practicing your firm handshake.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Learn how to give back to Lakeland by giving blood, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Rilee Delgado, Connor Keith, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Kaylee Holland, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

ADVERTISE | SHOP | CAREERS | ETHICS

Did a friend forward this free newsletter to you?