For a colorful cottage in the historic district

For a Mid-Century Modern environment

Photo via VRBO

For a retro-inspired environment

For a rustic farm stay

• Lakeland Magic vs. Fort Wayne Mad Ants | Friday, Jan. 27 | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $12-$177 | The Magic go head-to-head against the Mad Ants at this Faith and Family Night game.
• Lakeland Pigfest | Friday, Jan. 27-Saturday, Jan. 28 | 5-10 p.m., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | SUN ‘n FUN, 4075 James C. Ray Dr., Lakeland | $5 | Taste barbecue from 150+ competing teams — exchange your cash at the entrance for Pig Bucks to try dishes.
• Cabana Dogs @ Lakeland | Friday, Jan. 27 | 7-11 p.m. | Duke’s Brewhouse, 4960 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | The Cabana Dogs will be at Duke’s Brewhouse tonight from 7-11 p.m. — stop by for fresh-poured drafts.

• Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Jan. 28 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.
• Camphor Heights Annual Neighborhood Yard Sale | Saturday, Jan. 28 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Camphor Heights, 514 Ariana St., Lakeland | Free | Shop from multiple yard sales in Lakeland’s picturesque Camphor Heights neighborhood.
• STEM in the Park | Saturday, Jan. 28 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Visit Bonnet Springs Park on the fourth Saturday of each month to explore topics in science, technology, engineering, and math.

• “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” | Sunday, Jan. 29 | 2 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $20-$26 | Laugh along at this comedic play featuring five bridesmaids hiding out from a wedding reception.
• Big and Little Chef: Exploring Grilled Cheese | Sunday, Jan. 29 | 10 a.m. | Publix Aprons Cooking School at Lake Miriam Square, 4730 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $80 | Examine the traditional grilled cheese sandwich and what other dishes pair with it — big chefs must be 18 or older, and little chefs may be aged 5-12.
• Winter Lunar Galaxy | Sunday, Jan. 29 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | Bring your favorite bottle of wine or beer and other food or snacks to this painting class for adults.

• 66º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain ☀️

• kidsPACK has nearly quadrupled the number of students it serves, from 1,100 in the 2018 school year to 4,000 in 2022. The nonprofit provides food-filled backpacks to students at 29 Lakeland schools. You can volunteer with the organization to support students experiencing homelessness and food insecurity — learn more here. 🎒 (LkldNow)

• Roy Ellison, a 1983 Lake Gibson High School graduate, was selected as the 2023 Super Bowl LVII umpire. Prior to his 2017 induction into the Central Florida Officials Association, Roy joined the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame in 1987. Roy also officiated in Super Bowls XLIII and LII. 🏈 (CBS Sports)

• Florida Southern College was recognized by U.S. News and World Report for its master’s programs in education and business administration. Both programs rose in the rankings, by 39 and 54 spots, respectively.

• Join the Lakeland Runners Club tomorrow morning for Brew Crew — a group run followed by a cup of coffee at Black & Brew’s Lakeland Public Library location. Runners can choose a start time of 5:30 a.m., 6 a.m., or 7 a.m. Register for the free event online. 👟

• Just when you thought Valentine’s Day couldn’t get more romantic. Up to 30 couples can tie the knot in Polk County’s 10th annual group wedding on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Interested couples can inquire when applying for a marriage license in person. View more details here. (The Ledger)

• Southeastern University is casting a line for members of the school’s new bass fishing team. Coach Weston Marsh, an SEU graduate, is looking for potential members around the country. Know of someone? Tell them about the scholarships and other perks — they might be the perfect catch. (Fox 13 News)

• March tours are already on the books for Cow Creek Farms. Register online to meet baby fluffy cows — spots fill up fast, we recommend getting a moo-v on. 🐮
• Victoria J. Saunders — a former Lakelander — is speaking at Bonnet Springs Park’s outdoor storytime on Saturday, Feb. 11. Storytime starts at 10 a.m. and is followed by an activity. Check out even more storytimes for littles here.

• Do you know a Girl Scout troop that is selling cookies this season? Let us know where we can snag your S’mores and we may feature your troop’s sale in an upcoming newsletter. 🍪

• New year, new you. Fuel your workday and rethink your lunch routine with a healthy (and delish) alternative. This tasty + easy-to-make Sweet Potato Kale Salad recipe hits the sweet spot. 🥗 *

• Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

• What we’re buying for our cars: Dash cams. The REDTIGER Dual Dash Camera captures both the front and rear of your car and can be a lifesaver when it comes to contesting traffic violations and recording evidence of collisions. Plus, it connects to your mobile device. 🚦*

• Bully4U w/ Tervone’s Kitchen | Friday, Jan. 27 | 7-10 p.m. | Bring your family, friends, and furry companions to Swan Brewing for live music and fresh eats.
• Dayglo Red w/ Jimmy’s Famous Seafood Express | Saturday, Jan. 28 | 2-5 p.m. | Enjoy fresh drafts and food with a view of Lake Wire while enjoying the musical stylings of Dayglo Red.
• Brett Foster Band w/ Jimmy’s Famous Seafood | Saturday, Jan. 28 | 7-10 p.m. | Brett Foster and Jimmy’s Famous Seafood are making appearances at Swan Brewing.
• The Wiley Collective w/ Our Noire Kitchen | Sunday, Jan. 29 | 2-5 p.m. | Kick off your week with music from a group of local artists and chef-inspired bites from Our Noire Kitchen.