Connor here. 👋 I’ll be kicking off my weekend by grabbing some beads from the First Friday Mardi Gras party and then heading to Swan City Improv’s comedy shows at 7:30 and 9 p.m. on Friday. If you’ve gone to a show recently, keep in mind that this one will be in a new location: Rec Room, in the space that was home to Lkld Live.

Friday, Feb. 3

First Friday: Mardi Gras | Friday, Feb. 3 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Find vendors, a car show, and plenty of beads as downtown Lakeland transforms into the Big Easy.
19th Annual Rotary Twilight 5K 2023 | Friday, Feb. 3 | 7 p.m. | 929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland | $20-$35 | Join a sunset run around Lake Hollingsworth to benefit maintenance at Common Ground Playground.
Smoke on The Water BBQ Competition 2023 | Friday, Feb. 3-Saturday, Feb. 4 | 5-10 p.m., 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.| Boys And Girls Clubs of Polk County, George Jenkins Memorial Unit, 2400 Havendale Blvd. NW, Winter Haven | $2-$20 | Try barbecue dishes and vote for your favorite — proceeds support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County.

Saturday, Feb. 4

18th Annual VisteBall | Saturday, Feb. 4 | 6 p.m. | SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus, 4075 James C. Ray Dr., Lakeland | $75 | Play indoor golf to win prizes and benefit Volunteers in Service to the Elderly — tickets include dinner and drinks.
Exotic Car Show | Saturday, Feb. 4 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Head to Bonnet Springs Park for its first car show, featuring exotic and sports cars while supporting the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida.
Open House at Polk County Bully Project | Saturday, Feb. 4 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Polk County Bully Project, 5840 Brannen Rd. W., Lakeland | Free | Tour the Bully Project’s new facility to meet the staff, dogs, and vendors.
2023 Hunt for Sasquatch 10K, 5K, 1 Mile | Saturday, Feb. 4 | 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bone Valley ATV Park, 10427 County Rd. 630 W., Mulberry | $20-$65 | Join in races and fun runs through outdoor trails as you keep an eye out for the Sasquatch.

Sunday, Feb. 5

Lakeland Magic vs. Mexico City Capitanes | Sunday, Feb. 5 | 3 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $12-$158 | The Magic face off against the Mexico City Capitanes at home in this Hispanic Heritage game — the first 1,000 fans receive a replica jersey.
Sunday Funday & Mimosa Bar! | Sunday, Feb. 5 | 12-7 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | $1 | Pour your own mimosas with prosecco on tap for $1 per ounce and free mixers.
Spirit of the Buffalo Pow Wow and Native American Festival | Sunday, Feb. 5 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | International Market World, 1052 US Hwy. 92 W., Auburndale | $0-$5 | See dance competitions, historic village displays, craft vendors, and more at the second weekend of this festival.

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MORE EVENTS

EDITOR’S PICKS

Development

Not sure what “mixed-use development” or “conditional use permit” mean? Become an expert on development vocabulary with our handy guide and video, including local examples of each term. Bookmark these for the next time we share big development news. 🏗

Traffic

ICYMI, seven downtown intersections that previously had stoplights have been converted into four-way stops with stop signs. See the full list of affected intersections and take care when driving and walking downtown.

Today Is

Groundhog Day. If you were in your own version of the classic movie and could relive any day in Lakeland’s history over and over, which would it be? Let us know in our survey and we may share your response. 📆

GREAT ESCAPES

Our guide to Jacksonville, FL

Take a drive over the St. John’s on the Dames Point Bridge. | Photo by 6AM City

The River City has so much to explore as the largest city by landmass in the US. Whether you are looking for family fun with a day at the Jacksonville Zoo, a pro football game at TIAA Bank Field, or a relaxing beach day — here’s your guide to a few days in Jacksonville that will have you screaming DUUUVAL.

Try This: Run, don’t walk to register for the Gate River Run, which is the largest 15K in the US. Listen to the music at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival — one of the largest free Jazz Festivals. Take a swing at seeing some of the best golfers at THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass.
Sports: Watch a game with one of the home teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Jumbo Shrimp baseball team, Armada FC, or the Jacksonville Giants basketball team.
Vrbo: Condo on the beach (~$230/night)*

MORE RECOMMENDATIONS HERE

Bonus message from our partner: If you’re looking to book this trip, Going offers all the affordable flight hacks from your home airport. Sign up here.*

SHOP

Traffic

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. 🚦*

Travel

Dreaming of a tropical summer vacation? Us too. We’re eyeing this romantic villa with pristine views in Costa Rica and this charming beachfront cottage in St. Kitts. Or maybe we’ll splurge on a trip to Tahiti and stay in this beach house with a private pool. 🏝️ *

Wellness

Level up your sleep hygiene and wake up feeling well-rested with a little help from two top-rated products: this blackout sleep mask with ~9,000 five-star reviews and this sleek white noise machine complete with 31 different soothing sounds. 💤 *

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