Thanksgiving Day activities

Restaurants

Noteworthy closures

• Molly’s Musicians Showcase @ Molly McHugh’s | Tuesday, Nov. 22 | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland | Free | Support local musicians at this free open mic night.

• Trivia Night - General Knowledge with Nick w/ The Arepazo Grill | Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St, Lakeland | Free| Bring the whole family to test your general trivia knowledge together.
• New Yoga | Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Dr., Lakeland | $5 | Bring your mat and some water to this yoga class for all levels focusing on breath, alignment, balance, and strength — must be 16 or older.

• Thanksgiving Music w/ Jim Thomas | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 6-9 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St, Lakeland | Free | Stop by for live music and a round of beers after your Thanksgiving dinner.

• Damon Fowler | Friday, Nov. 25 | 7 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland | $15 | Hear this Central Florida singer, guitar player, and songwriter play tunes from his newest release, “Alafia Moon.”
• Lakeland Magic vs Mexico City Capitanes | Friday, Nov. 25 | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W Lime St, Lakeland | $12-$33 | Catch the Magic as they face off against the Mexico City Capitanes at home — the first 1,000 fans receive a mystery foam finger.

• Artsgiving and the Small Business Saturday Night Market | Saturday, Nov. 26 | 6-11 p.m. | Historic Dixieland, 1023 S Florida Ave, Lakeland | Free | Support small businesses by shopping from local makers, bakers, and more — find live music at The Pink Piano and Union Hall.

• A Christmas Carol | Sunday, Nov. 27 | 6 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $37-$50 | See this classic holiday tale brought to life onstage with a new twist.

• Catapult Member Market at the Lakeland Christmas Parade | Thu., Dec. 1 | 5-9 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland Parking Lot, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Stop by the Catapult Member Market during the annual Lakeland Christmas Parade where Catapult entrepreneurs will be selling food + goods for all to enjoy.*

• 77º | Showers | 60% chance of rain
• Travelers beware — a rainy week leading up to Thanksgiving may affect holiday travel plans for Floridians. If you’re planning a road trip or flight, keep your eye on forecasts and itineraries for updates. As for Turkey Day itself, you can expect a mostly-dry day, with a few stray showers possible. 🌦 (The Ledger)

• After a one-year hiatus, the Silver Garlands award is back up and running for Polk County high school seniors. Administered by Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing, the award has encompassed 13 categories — including aerospace, citizenship, foreign language, and more — since it began celebrating community service in 1977. 🏆 (The Ledger)

• The Lakeland Public Library, Larry R. Jackson branch (1700 N. Florida Ave.) is holding a watercolor bookmark workshop today, Nov. 22 from 3-4:30 p.m. The library will supply all required materials, and no registration is necessary.

• Ever wonder what we sound like after reading our newsletters every morning? Tune into Downtown Dish on Talk Radio 96.7 tonight at 5 p.m. to hear from LALtoday City Editors, Connor and Rilee, with host Julie Townsend. Let us know if you listen so we can thank you. 🎧

• LKLD SantaCon is taking over downtown Lakeland on Saturday, Dec. 10. Pick up your $15 passport at the kickoff party from 5-7 p.m. at Swan Brewing before embarking on a self-guided pub crawl. For more on the festivities, prizes, and benefitting KidsPack, click here. 🎅

• First Presbyterian Church volunteers are lending a hand to individuals doing laundry at the Laundry Spot. The “Laundry Love” church group aims to support families in need in light of rising laundry costs through the monthly program. Next month, the group will also hand out Christmas groceries. (Fox 13 News)

• Lavender ‘n Lace Tearoom is hosting a Winter Afternoon Tea event on Friday, Dec. 16 from 4-6 p.m. Register online to attend the private event, featuring pastries, petits fours, and gourmet sandwiches. 🫖

• Why wait to start shopping this holiday season? Check out our gift guides featured on our online shop Six & Main. Shop for the pet lover, party host, and foodie in your life. There’s something special for everyone. Let the shopping begin. 🛍️

• 4.5 million. The number of Americans who will need a blood transfusion this year. Blood is critically needed for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses + traumatic injuries. Ensure your loved one has blood when they need it by donating blood at Lakeland Regional Health’s OneBlood Drive on Tuesday, Nov. 29. Schedule your time slot.*

• Looking to get more involved in the community? Lakelanders (both individuals + groups) can volunteer at Bonnet Springs Park to participate in one-time opportunities or ongoing projects that make a big difference.*

• Unbox the best holiday gift of all: a smile you’re proud of. SmileDirectClub is the easiest way to straighten your teeth in as little as 60 days — for 60% less than Invisalign or braces. 👀 *

• If you’re into (or even sort of into) sports: The GIST is a must-subscribe newsletter that provides a refreshing female voice and perspective on sports four times a week. Read: If ‘do the thing and score the points’ is your baseline understanding, you might enjoy this to uplevel your knowledge. *

• The Top Buttons Wearing Confidence Program distributes clothing to those who are searching for careers.

• The Salvation Army accepts car donations and offers furniture pickups.

• One More Child accepts cooking + baking supplies that are underused or can be reused.

• The Dream Center of Lakeland accepts childcare supplies and clothing to provide resources to parents in need.

• Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County uses donated equipment + furniture to build homes.

• Don’t have much to get rid of this year? OneBlood is always in need of blood if you are able to donate.