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.

Rilee here. 👋 The Florida Strawberry Festival wraps up this weekend, but you still have plenty of time to stop by for unique foods, free entertainment, and headlining performers. Get your tickets to For King & Country, Train, and more online.

🗓️ EVENTS 🗓️

Friday, March 10

Community Senior Adult Health & Resource Fair | Friday, Mar. 10 | 12-3 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland | Free | Swing through to get free health and wellness screenings, win door prizes, and meet more than 50 exhibitors.
Live Music — Adrienne Richards | Friday, Mar. 10 | 7-10 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | Free | Pour your own beers and enjoy live music by Adrienne Richards.
“The Wizard of Oz” | Friday, Mar. 10-Saturday, Mar. 11 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $15-$25 | Follow the yellow brick road to see this original dance production of the beloved story.

Saturday, March 11

Antique Fair Along Main Street | Saturday, Mar. 11 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Bartow | Free | Search for a treasure among antiques, collectibles, and vintage items.
Spring Obsession | Saturday, Mar. 11 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Munn Park, 201 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate the start of spring with 60+ plant and garden art vendors and family activities to benefit The Lakeland Rotary.
Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Mar. 11 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.
Spring Handmade Market | Saturday, Mar. 11 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Decades Reclaimed Vintage Depot, 502 W. Brannen Rd., Lakeland | Free | Shop handmade goods, including candles, resin art, embroidery, and more.

Sunday, March 12

Sunday Funday & Mimosa Bar! | Sunday, Mar. 12 | 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.
Paint Your Pet! (Ages 10+!) | Sunday, Mar. 12 | 4-6 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $46 | Send in a photo of your pet before this class to have an artist create a sketch for you to paint — seats are limited.
Lynyrd Skynyrd | Sunday, Mar. 12 | 7:30 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, 303 N. Lemon St., Plant City | $60 | Fly like a “Free Bird” to see this legendary band turn Plant City into “Sweet Home Alabama.”

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.

Click here to have your event featured.

100+ MORE EVENTS

EDITOR’S PICKS

Development

We recently shared about the $21 million renovations coming to Lakeland’s YMCA, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Lakeland developments. Check out our guide to what’s new and what’s coming soon to Swan City — from hospitals to restaurants and everything in between. 🏗

Sports

They shoot, you score. The Lakeland Magic’s March promotional schedule includes fan freebies like replica jerseys, bobbleheads, and bags. Head to RP Funding Center today at 10:30 a.m. for the team’s School Day Game versus the Wisconsin Herd.

Deal

Florida Children’s Museum members now have a new perk to enjoy: 20% off their total purchase at Rita’s Italian Ice. And that’s just the beginning — check out our guide to local memberships to see what deals you could score by becoming a member around town. 💸

✈️ GREAT ESCAPES ✈️

Our guide to Albuquerque, NM

Great Escapes: Our guide to Albuquerque, NM

The Sandia Mountains with a cloud resting on top.

There’s a reason they call it the “Land of Enchantment.” | Photo by Raychel Sanner

New Mexico is often overlooked when it comes to tourism, so let us show you why it’s worth a visit.

Here’s what The Duke City has in store for you:

Why go? Albuquerque is flanked on the city’s east side by The Sandia Mountains, which rise to more than 10,600 feet in elevation. Albuquerque sunsets are famous for their watermelon pink color in front of the soft purple-colored mountains.
Act like a local: When you order at a restaurant and the server asks you “Red or green?” you might already know they are referring to chile. If you respond with “Christmas,” you’ll get both.
Act like a local: Take a trip to the ABQ BioPark — a triad consisting of the city zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden.
Where to stay: This Spanish Casita with a rooftop deck is just minutes from downtown and old town. (~$90/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 🛍️

Wellness

Our go-to product to relieve tension and decrease under eye puffiness: an ice roller. Not to mention, it’s the perfect way to cool off your face after an intense workout or morning run. These ice globes are also a great skincare addition to help soothe and depuff. *

Travel

Did you know? Going, the travel membership that saves you money on flights, offers veterans, teachers, and healthcare professionals special discounts. Get 25% off a premium membership and take that well-earned vacation with discounted flights to Spain, Mexico, Ireland, and more.*

Hey, how did you like this email? LALweekend is a new offering from LALtoday, and we want to make sure we’re getting it just right.

Let us know what you think by answering a few quick questions.

👋 THE WRAP 👋

Today’s Edition By:
LALtoday Team

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY