Friday

• Swan Brewing boasts live music, local beer, rotating food trucks, and the best views of Lake Wire around.
• Venture just beyond the city limits for live music at Keel Farms. Pro tip: Enjoy some locally brewed beer, cider, wine, or sangria while you listen.

• Celebrate downtown Lakeland’s newest addition: Unfiltered Lakeland.
• Stop by one of Lakeland’s bars, breweries, or restaurants for happy hour deals.
• Tea, coffee, kava, and more — enjoy a zero-proof bev at one of these establishments serving mocktails.

Saturday

• Explore Lakeland on two wheels via the Lake-to-Lake Bikeway or one of these biking trails.
• Check out eight things you can’t miss at Bonnet Springs Park.
• Find your new favorite Swan City spot when you take one of these tours — from urban forests to Lakeland’s history and waterways, there’s much to see.

• Try your hand at pickleball at one of Lakeland’s courts. Need a refresher? Check out this quick how-to.
• Book an introductory class or consultation at one of Lakeland’s gyms.
• DYK Lakeland has 70+ public parks? Go for a walk, let the kids run wild, or play fetch with Fido at one near you.

Sunday

• What’s Sunday without brunch? Order up your favorite plate at one of Lakeland’s best brunch spots.
• Beat the heat with a scoop (or two) from one of these Swan City ice cream shops.
• No “Sunday scaries” for you — burn the late-night oil at one of these local eateries open after dark.

• Spend a day at the Polk Museum of Art — learn more about the current exhibits online.
• Looking to see a live performance? Check out our guide to Lakeland’s arts and culture scene for venues where you can catch the next show.

• Black Artisan Market and Movie on the Lawn | Friday, Feb. 24 | 5-9 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Shop from Black-owned businesses at the Handmade & Homegrown artisan market and watch an outdoor showing of “Black Panther.”
• Live Music 7-10pm — Nathan Allen | Friday, Feb. 24 | 7-10 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | Free | Nathan Allen is playing live tunes while you pour your own taps at Union Taproom.

• Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.
• Book Signing with Local Teen Author: Autumn McMahan | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 4-6 p.m. | Pressed Lakeland, 213 E. Bay St., Lakeland | Free | Grab a signed copy of “Stellar Dreams,” the first book by local high school student Autumn McMahan.
• Strawberry Bash | Saturday, Feb. 25-Sunday, Feb. 26 | Times vary | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free | Celebrate all things strawberries with food vendors, kids’ activities, live entertainment, and more.
• 25th Annual Mustangs & Mustangs ... Legends Havin’ Fun 2023 Car Show | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | Bring the family for an afternoon of car gazing + shopping as you cruise through the years when Imperial Mustangs of Polk County presents a generation of one of America’s ultimate sports cars.*

• Florida Tropics SC vs. Tacoma Stars | Sunday, Feb. 26 | 3:05 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $7-$23 | Cheer the Tropics onto a win over the Stars at this home game.
• Sunday Funday & Mimosa Bar! | Sunday, Feb. 26 | 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.
• Baby Goat Yoga on the Farm! | Sunday, Feb. 26 | 1-2 p.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm, 6170 Robbins Rd., Lakeland | $5-$25 | We’re not kidding around — try this beginner-friendly, 45-minute goat yoga class.

• 86º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain ⛅️

• 118%. That’s the increase in Lakeland entrepreneurs in 2020-2021 compared to 2018-2019. Looking to join their ranks? Check out our guide to starting your own business. (WFLA)

• 7 million. That’s how many people are facing food insecurity in the southeast. Publix Super Markets is hoping to help with its Feeding More Together campaign. The supermarket chain is donating $5 million in fresh produce to Feeding America food banks — customers can also donate through Sunday, March 5. 🥬 (Bay News 9)

• You already know that Unfiltered Lakeland is opening its doors tomorrow morning, but did you know musicians Claire Vandiver and Daniel Pepin will be playing live? Stop by at 11 a.m. to welcome the new biz to downtown Lakeland — Our Noire Kitchen is serving up fresh plates, too. 🎉 (The Ledger)

• Hey, art history fans: Head to the Polk Museum of Art to learn about the fascinating history behind Edward Hopper and Guy Pène du Bois — two realist painters who went from New York School of Art classmates to close friends. Their works are on display through Sunday, March 26. (LkldNow)

• The 2023-2024 Polk County Public Schools calendar is live. The first day of school for all PCPS students will be Friday, Aug. 11. 🗓

• Head to Revival for this week’s featured drink: The King Cake Cobbler. The Mardi Gras-themed beverage features Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, butterfly pea tea, king cake syrup, dry curacao, praline liqueur, and lemon juice.

• The Lakeland Community Theater has announced its summer theater camps for elementary students and teenagers. That’s not all — the season 38 lineup includes musicals like “Tick Tick Boom,” “Big,” and more. 🎭

• Did you know Bonnet Springs Park hosts a Family Nature Walk on the first Saturday of every month? Head outside for family time with a guided walk along the boardwalks that surround the Blanton Family Lagoon. The next walk: March 4 at 9:30 a.m.*

• The best way to perk up your grocery run? Get rewarded for it. Publix GreenWise Market’s Rewards program offers shopping perks that are worth getting excited about. Think: Personalized deals, a birthday treat, and $5 off a $10 purchase just for signing up. 🛒 *

• Way to go (green), MCO. Orlando International Airport (MCO) was recognized twice over at the US Green Building Council (USGBC) Central Florida Chapter Leadership Awards for its innovation in sustainability practices. See the two awards MCO received (and why it matters). ✈️ *

• Here’s some good news for LAL cardiac patients: Watson Clinic offers the Siemens Biograph Vision™️, a next-generation PET/CT scanner that produces cardiac imaging with unparalleled accuracy. Pro tip: This is the only facility in the area offering this technology. Find out how the imaging system results in better treatment outcomes. 🫀*

• This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement — and its free tool can match you with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area who can help you work towards financial freedom. Try it out for yourself.*

• 55°. That’s the optimal temperature for storing wine. So unless you enjoy keeping your humble abode chilled year round, we recommend buying a wine fridge to foster favorable conditions for long-term aging. Our pick: this sleek wine fridge with touch-panel control and capacity for 24 bottles. Cheers. 🍷 *

• Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County uses donated equipment and furniture to build homes — whether you have leftovers from a project you didn’t complete or can reuse supplies from a remodel. It will also pick up pre-approved car donations.

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

• Neighbor offers storage options listed by locals. Rent anything from an attic, a shed, a spare bedroom, and a garage to store your stuff. Bonus: You can also rent parking spots.