Plus, a vacation that's no small potatoes
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Today’s Note

Hey Lakeland, Connor here. It’s a relatively quiet weekend as the city comes back from a busy holiday season. I wouldn’t miss the very first First Friday of the year, and there are also a few comedy shows that you could hit after you walk through downtown. Here’s more to try out during the first weekend of 2024.
 
Connor here. 👋 Today marks the start of the 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival (the perfect weekend activity, in my opinion). Don’t miss the opening weekend’s entertainment, rides, and — most importantly — all the strawberry shortcake you can eat. Here are 10 more events happening this weekend that are just as sweet.
🗓️ EVENTS 🗓️

Friday, March 3
  • First Friday: Foodie Fest | Friday, Mar. 3 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Kick off March with small bites from local food makers, shopping at downtown stores, and a Makers Market.
  • Swan City Improv First Friday Show | Friday, Mar. 3 | 7:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. | Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $10-$15 | Laugh along at these comedy shows with a new format — all ages are welcome to the 7:30 show and the 9:30 show is 21+.
  • “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” | Friday, Mar. 3 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $20-$26 | Take flight at this musical based on the beloved children’s movie.
Saturday, March 4
  • Promise Run 2023 | Saturday, Mar. 4 | 6-10 a.m. | Frances Langford Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $40-$50 | Participate in the annual Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center Promise Run at Lake Mirror — 5K, 10K, and children’s run options are available.
  • Bloomin’ Arts Festival | Saturday, Mar. 4-Sunday, Mar. 5 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Downtown Bartow | Free | Browse displays of fine art, quilts, student art, and classic cars — don’t miss the Bloomin’ Bike Ride on Saturday morning.
  • Black Diamond Ball presented by Ashley Barnett | Saturday, Mar. 4 | 6-11 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | $50-$150 | The third annual ball will include jazz, custom cocktails, casino games, and entertainment — proceeds support children from Polk County.
  • Anne Jenkins Memorial Symphony Series: Currents | Saturday, Mar. 4 | 7-8:10 p.m. | Polk Theatre, 121 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $21-$49 | The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra’s Anne Jenkins Memorial Symphony Series will feature “Savannah River Holiday,” “The Moldau,” and other selections.
Sunday, March 5

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

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100+ MORE EVENTS
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EDITOR’S PICKS
Try This
  • Looking for even more ways to spend a Swan City weekend? We’ve planned out what we would do each day, including live music performances, happy hours, brunches, and outdoor activities. Break out your agenda now. 🗓
Civic
  • You can make an impact on local life by joining a local board or committee. There are five boards currently looking for new members — find out what it takes to join and apply online.
Drink
  • If you’re thirsty, you’re in luck. Planet Smoothie is set to open at Lakeside Village on Friday, March 13. We also recently learned that a new drive-thru coffee shop called happyfastdelicious is heading for the former Gelati Joe’s location on South Florida Avenue. 🥤
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✈️ GREAT ESCAPES ✈️

Venturing out to Boise, Idaho

Great Escapes: Venturing out to Boise, Idaho
A view from Lucky Peak State Park in Boise, ID
Parks, rivers, mountains — Boise’s got it all. | Photo by Lauren Benner
Planning a getaway? Check out Boise, ID, a lively town with spectacular scenery and lots of activities for adventuring types. The taters live up to the hype, too.
  • Why go? The Treefort Music Fest (Wednesday, March 22-Sunday, March 26, 2023) is one of the city’s biggest annual events — a five-day indie extravaganza featuring 185 artists, including Ani DiFranco, Lady Wray, Built to Spill, and more.
  • Act like a local: If you’re up for a drive, there are many natural hot springs in the area that should melt your stress away.
  • Where to stay: North End couple’s getaway walking distance to downtown (~$82/night)*
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 🛍️
Travel
  • What’s your vacation vibe — cozy, luxurious, or chic? For a cozy stay, look no further than this snug and cheerful getaway on beachy St. Simons Island, Georgia. For luxury, book this lush Hawaiian resort on the island of Kaua’i. And for the chicest of stays, peep this renovated house in downtown Charleston.*
Listen
  • Calling all bibliophiles. Level up your reading routine with an Audible Membership. Why we love it: We can listen to our favorite books and discover new titles while doing everyday tasks like commuting, walking the dog, cooking, and cleaning. Sign up for your first 30 days free. 📚*
Wellness
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