City of Lakeland

Make this weekend a work of art 🎨
An artist paints an abstract design on a large canvas at Art Crawl. The artist wears a bandana, glasses, and lanyard.
What will you discover at this year’s festival? | Photo provided by Art Crawl, Inc.
Let us paint you a picture: Downtown Lakeland filled with art, music, and creativity — it must mean that Lakeland’s Art Crawl is back on Sat, Nov. 5. The annual event takes place at Munn Park from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., showcasing artists from all over Central Florida.

Two children view art from artist's table

Create your own art with interactive experiences.

Photo via @artcrawlfl


Interested in attending? Brush up on a few of the event highlights:
  • The festival is free to attend.
  • This year’s event will feature over 50 artists from 20+ Central Florida cities.
  • Participating artists will compete in Art Wars, where they’ll create large works of art with surprise tools.
  • Visitors can take part in art demonstrations and meet 13 supporting local organizations like the Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland Art Guild, and Art/ifact, to name a few.
  • Enjoy live performances by FrediDANCE Project and the Rose Dynasty Foundation from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. DJ Jenks will be on-site spinning beats from 2-4 p.m.
  • Shop your favorite pieces to add to your own art collection.
  • It’s going to be a busy day downtown. The Downtown Farmers Curb Market will also be open on Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Check out our guide to free downtown parking before your visit.
Paintings hanging on a booth at an art festival

See a piece you can’t leave without? Visit one of the artists selling their work.

Photo by @brannanlawson


This year, you can also espresso your creativity with the new Coffee Crawl. Stop by three local coffee shops to try art-inspired drinks: the Lemon Lime Pink Glitterade from Black & Brew, Hillcrest Coffee’s Green Octopus Matcha Latte, and a White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Latte from Mitchell’s Coffee House. An application will open this weekend to submit receipts from all three for a chance at a prize — just make sure those receipts are dated Nov. 4-6.

What has you running to Art Crawl this weekend? Let us know and maybe we’ll try your suggestions.
Lakeland Economic Development Council
EVENTS
 

Click here to have your event featured.

Thursday, Nov. 3
  • T-R-I-V-I-A | Thursday, Nov. 3-Thursday, Nov. 24 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Show what you know to win prizes while enjoying deals on beer, wine, and cocktails.
  • Harrison School for the Arts - Mary Poppins | Thursday, Nov. 3-Sunday, Nov. 6 | 7 p.m. | Harrison School For the Arts, 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland | $16-$18 | You won’t need a spoonful of sugar to sweeten this experience — watch the students of Harrison School for the Arts bring this classic musical to life.
  • Feel Good Chair Yoga | Thursday, Nov. 3 | 9:15-10:15 a.m. | Public Library, 325 Ave. A NW, Winter Haven | Free | Slow down in this guided chair yoga class perfect for individuals of all ages and levels.
Friday, Nov. 4
  • First Friday: Dancing Under the Stars | Friday, Nov. 4 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Join this salute to our armed forces with a live band and dancing in Munn Park, plus a maker’s market and car show.
  • Swan City Improv First Friday Show | Friday, Nov. 4 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Just Dance Academy, 124 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | $10-$15 | Laugh along with comedic scenes made up on the spot — shows start at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 5
  • 46th Lake to Lake 10K | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 7:30-10:30 a.m. | Lake Morton, Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | $45 | Run past three lakes and through the historic Lake Morton district in Polk County’s oldest annual race — proceeds benefit the YMCA of West Central Florida.
Sunday, Nov. 6
  • Bricks & Brews - A Family Friendly Brick Building Competition | Sunday, Nov. 6 | 2-4 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | $10 | Compete with your family to see who can build the best Lego design in two hours — the winners get to keep their build.
  • Kids Thanksgiving Cupcake Class | Sunday, Nov. 6 | 2-4 p.m. | What’s Cooking Lakeland, 6935 South Carter Rd., Ste. 6, Lakeland | $55 | Kids and teens can create cupcakes that look like corn on the cob and mini pies in this hands-on class.
Monday, Nov. 7
  • Sage-ing | Monday, Nov. 7 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Public Library, 325 Ave. A NW, Winter Haven | Free | Older adults can learn about personal fulfillment in this class meeting every Monday.
Wednesday, Nov. 9
  • Welcome Wednesday Admissions Open House | Wednesday, Nov. 9 | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Lakeland Christian School, 1111 Forest Park St., Lakeland | Free | Tour the school, meet their faculty, and get information about admissions for your student.*
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
GreenWise Market
NEWS NOTES
 

Weather
  • 85Âş | Partly cloudy | 20% chance of rain
Opening
  • We’re one day away from the Florida Children’s Museum’s grand opening weekend, starting with a ceremony tomorrow, Nov. 4 at 9 a.m. Go behind the scenes of the exhibits in this article from The Ledger and plan your first visit with the opening weekend schedule here. (The Ledger)
Civic
  • Polk County Commissioners have selected Hezedean A. Smith as the new Polk County Fire Rescue Chief. Hezedean brings 34 years of emergency services experience to the role, including nearly 25 years with the Orlando Fire Department. He’ll start in his new role on Mon., Nov. 7. đźš’ (The Ledger)
  • Michael Herr is set to become Bartow’s new city manager following a vote by commissioners later this week. Prior to this new role, Michael has served as Winter Haven’s city manager for five years and was also the manager of Polk County for seven years. (The Ledger)
Ranked
  • No. 16. That’s what the Lakeland-Winter Haven area ranked on WalletHub’s list of Best Winter Vacation Destinations for Warm-Weather Lovers. Now is the perfect time to bookmark our events calendar to keep your snowbird visitors entertained all winter long. ❄️ (WalletHub)
Number
  • 50,800+. That’s how many toys were distributed last year by Polk County Toys for Tots — the most in the nation according to the US Marine Corps. Due to inflation, the organization is expecting a higher need for donations. Learn more about how to donate or apply for assistance here. 🧸
  • $25,500. That’s how much was awarded in micro-grants to four businesses — Purple Panda, Fine Line Machine LLC, IR Aerials, and Vivoh — at Catapult’s Launch Pitch Night. The start-ups will use the grant money for everything from making ice cream to purchasing 3-D printers.
Cause
  • The “Hoops for Hunger” program is returning to Lakeland Magic games this season. For every three-point shot made by the Magic, The Mosaic Company donates $200 to local nonprofits KidsPACK and One More Child to fight child food insecurity. Since 2018, the partnership has raised $145,500. 🏀
  • For those looking to make a difference this holiday season, Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine could use your help. The nonprofit is seeking RNs, clinical assistants, food pantry volunteers, and more to help provide free medical care for Polk County residents in need.
Active
  • Can you believe it? Registration is now open for The Hunt for Sasquatch race series happening Feb. 4, 2023 in Mulberry’s Bone Valley ATV Park. Sign up for a 10K or 5K trail run, or join the one-mile color run — and keep an eye out for a Sasquatch sighting. đź‘ź
Drink
  • O Christmas tea, O Christmas tea. HTeaO (3920 S. Florida Ave.) has released its limited edition “Huge” 51-ounce Christmas cups. Pro tip: Grab one when you visit during happy hour today from 2-4 p.m. for half-off your favorite iced tea flavor.
Concert
  • Music star Taylor Swift is bringing “The Eras Tour” to Central Florida with a stop at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium on April 15, 2023. The tour will feature songs from several albums with tracks recorded at Sound House Studios in Lakeland. As for scoring tickets? You’re on your own, kid. (WFTS)
Health
  • Take heart — Lakeland Regional Health is hosting a Heart Smarts Class on Thurs., Nov. 10 from 12-1 p.m. Participants of this free virtual class will learn about risk factors, warning signs, and important lifestyle changes that actually make a difference (think: stress management, nutrition, physical activity + more). đź«€*
Finance
  • Between buying gifts for loved ones and those expensive flights home for the holidays, it’s not uncommon to get trapped living that paycheck-to-paycheck life — but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Learn how to break the cycle and start the new year feeling financially fresh. đź’¸ *
Shop
  • Celebrate the holiday season in the company of family, friends, and, of course, food. This southeast Etsy seller makes the perfect personalized tray, great for serving loved ones your favorite holiday treats. Bonus: Make it your own with a custom engraving.*
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Payne Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. c/o McQueen Marketing
DEVELOPMENT
 

A groundbreaking expansion đź–Ľ
Polk_Museum_of_Art_expansion_may_2023
The museum’s expansion will include an updated facade. | Rendering via Straughn Trout Architects
On Wed., Oct. 26, the Polk Museum of Art broke ground on a $6 million expansion and renovation project announced earlier this year. The project, which will add 13,000 sqft to the 34-year old building, is slated to wrap up in the spring of 2024.

The expansion will feature a gallery, classroom, and art laboratory. The main building will feature renovations to its facade, plus new flooring, updated galleries, classrooms, and spaces for offices.

Upon the completion of the renovations and expansion, the spot will triple its exhibition space, allowing more room for additional exhibits and collections.

On top of the cosmetic updates, the museum will offer opportunities for Florida Southern College students like internships, volunteer opportunities, and professional development assistance before graduation.

Want to enjoy the museum now? Visit upcoming events like After Hours at the Museum today from 4-8 p.m. or the next Gallery Concert Series performance on Thurs., Nov. 10 at 6 p.m.
6AM City In-house
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Connor.

Editor’s pick: Yesterday, we shared holiday toy drives to benefit to local kids, and reader Larissa D. sent in another way to give back. Through Be a Santa to a Senior, you can buy gifts from an older adult’s wish list. Find the wish lists at these locations and spread some holiday cheer.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Unwrap the details on donating to toy drives or applying for assistance, 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.

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