Connor here. 👋 From Dream Megafest to a comic convention, this is shaping up to be a busy weekend in Lakeland. Since I also love exploring the area around Swan City, I’ll be heading to Plant City on Saturday to see who gets crowned as the next Strawberry Queen, a tradition going back since 1930. Here are 10 more events you can’t miss this weekend.
EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
Friday, Jan. 20
Swan City Jazz Festival | Friday, Jan. 20 | 3-9 p.m. | Munn Park, 201 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Hear live jazz performances from headliners Paula Atherton and Jazmin Ghent, plus groups like Lakeland High School Jazz Band, The Franchise Players, Let’s Ride Brass Band, and more.
Fayuca with Jakob Nowell | Friday, Jan. 20 | 6 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $15-$60 | Reggae-rock band Fayuca brings the Winter Vacation Tour to Lakeland with guests Jakob Nowell and Firelight — VIP packages are available.
“Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” | Friday, Jan. 20 | 7:30 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.
Saturday, Jan. 21
LRC Running Festival 2023 | Saturday, Jan. 21 | 7 a.m.-1 p.m. | George Jenkins High School, 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland | $5-$10 | Celebrate 50 years of the Lakeland Runners Club with group runs, entertainment, and races — including a T. rex run.
MLK Annual Parade | Saturday, Jan. 21 | 1 p.m. | Providence Road and 14th Street, Lakeland | Free | Celebrate the dream of Martin Luther King Jr. at this free community parade — the parade starts at Providence Road and West 14th Street and ends at Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and 2nd Street.
Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Jan. 21 | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.
Lunar New Year Celebration | Saturday, Jan. 21 | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate the start of the Lunar New Year with a dragon dance, lion dance, drum performances, and lucky envelope giveaways.
Dixieland Night Market | Saturday, Jan. 21 | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Shop from local artists, makers, food vendors, and horticulturists while enjoying live entertainment.
Sunday, Jan. 22
MLK Car Showcase | Sunday, Jan. 22 | 12-6 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | Free | Come out to see Lakeland’s most fashionable cars — prizes will be given for best interior, best paint, best stereo, and more.
Central Florida Comic Con | Sunday, Jan. 22 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $8-$99 | Get your best cosplay ready for this convention featuring expert panels, celebrity meet and greets, and a costume contest.
A playground, dog park, music stage — what do you want to see in Munn Park? The City of Lakeland is still seeking feedback on the future of the park. See renderings of proposed ideas and submit your ideas online by Friday, Jan. 27.
Eat
Whether you’re saying “goodbye”to gluten or “adios”to alcohol, there’s no shortage of spots in Swan City offering gluten-free bites and zero-proof mocktails. Check out our guides for our readers’ recs — and see even more rolling in through our Instagram comments.
Asked
Will a new Publix location open in Lakeland? Maybe another Hollywood movie will shoot on location at the Southgate sign. We want to know what you think we should add to our 2023 Lakeland BINGO card. Don’t forget to send in your suggestionsB-4 we finalize the card.
GREAT ESCAPES
Our guide to Marietta, GA
Great Escapes: Our guide to Marietta, GA
“Marietta” by Craig Stanley | Photo by 6AM City
While a weekend inside the perimeter of Atlanta, GA has its allure, we invite you to venture outside the perimeter to Marietta, GA — a town steeped in history and charm.
Drink: Sip on a “Can I Get a Witness” Belgian wit beer at Glover Park Brewery, which topped Eater Atlanta’s list of 35 Atlanta Breweries and Brewpubs to Grab a Pint Today. If you see owners Hank or Sam, tell them I say hello.
Watch: Catch a play, musical, or concert at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, which got its start as a major motion picture house in 1935.
Bonus message from our partner: If you’re looking to book this trip, Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) offers all the affordable flight hacks from your home airport. Sign up here.*
SHOP
Seasonal
If you’ve got sticker shock from your winter energy bills, it’s time to break out the space heater. Solve chilly mornings the energy efficient way with the Dr. Infrared Heater that warms objects, not the air. Hello, cozy legs. Bonus: Heat your patio with infrared, too. 🔥*
Wellness
Looking to relieve muscle soreness without dropping $150+ a month on a deep tissue massage? Enter: the RENPHO massage gun. It has 19,000+ five-star reviews and is on sale for $89 (down from $249) for a limited time.*
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