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• Spring Pop-Up Series: Baking Brewer | Wednesday, Apr. 12 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Treat yourself to savory brunch items like breakfast sandwiches infused with craft beer.
• Publix Trivia Night | Wednesday, Apr. 12 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Join this fundraiser event to answer questions about the Lakeland-based supermarket chain.

• Magnify Student Art Exhibit Opening Night Reception | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 5:30-7 p.m. | COhatch Lakeland, 211 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate the opening of this exhibit featuring the artwork of Florida Southern College students, on view from April 13-17.
• LSO Gallery Concert Series: String Quartet: “Seen/Unseen” | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 7-8 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | $49 | Hear the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra perform string music inspired by the photography of Imogen Cunningham.

• Dixieland Night Market | Friday, Apr. 14 | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Shop from local artisans, artists, and makers while enjoying live music at Union Hall and The Pink Piano.
• Caribbean Casino Night | Friday, Apr. 14 | 6 p.m. | Lake Mirror Center, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $75-$200 | Enjoy food, drinks, and casino games at the Lakeland Kiwanis Club’s fundraiser for the Bethany Center for Grieving Children.

• Teacher Professional Development Workshop | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | $5 | Teachers can get certified in Project WILD to teach their students about ecology, ethics, and more — Project WILD is aligned with Florida Science Standards.
• Ken Ludwig’s “Moon Over Buffalo” | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Buckner Theatre, Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $10-$20 | Entertainment Weekly celebrates this 1995 comedic play as “Broadway’s funniest, most enjoyable lighthearted play” — see it performed live by Florida Southern College students.

• Fresh Picked Flowers | Sunday, Apr. 16 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | You don’t have to wait until May for flowers — paint your own bunch at this guided class with friends and refreshments.
• Spring Open House Free Tasting Event | Sunday, Apr. 16 | 2 p.m. | Publix Aprons Cooking School, 4730 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Mingle with Publix Aprons chefs and try samples at this free open house — registration is free but suggested.

• Around 2,000 kindergarten students are learning water safety thanks to the YMCA Kindergarten Learn to Swim program, featuring classroom education and swimming lessons. Pro tip: The whole family can visit Aquafest on Saturday, April 29 at Gandy Pool (404 Imperial Blvd.) to sign up for swimming lessons.

• The Collection Media’s next documentary, “Welcome Home[less],” offers an inside look at the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Lakeland. The film, produced in partnership with Gospel Inc., will premiere on Nov. 2 at the Polk Theatre — watch the trailer here.

• Peterson Park’s boardwalk and fishing pier will be closed for an extended amount of time to be replaced. The recently refurbished foot bridge connecting the park to Three Parks Trail will remain open.

• Friday, April 14 is National Donate a Book Day. Celebrate by giving to Little Bus Books’ No Covers: Free Mobile Bookshop. Stop by the storefront (1047 E. Main St.) from Thursday-Saturday to make a donation and shop for a new read.

• Retired Sergeant Edgar Pickett Jr., one of the Lakeland Police Department’s first Black officers, died on April 6 at the age of 95. Edgar joined the force in 1954 and was later recognized as a fingerprint expert — LPD’s Fingerprinting Lab is now named after him. (LkldNow)

• 100,000. That’s how many spay/neuter surgeries TLC PetSnip, Inc. has performed in less than 10 years of operation. The nonprofit offers affordable veterinary care, including spaying, neutering, wellness appointments, and vaccinations.

• Patina. That’s the blue-green film that covers metal statues due to oxidation (think: The Statue of Liberty). When Oleg and Irina Kazakov noticed patina on the Lakeland Fire Department’s firefighter statue, they used their monument restoration knowledge to make it shine again. (The Ledger)

• Get a first look at the Polk Museum of Art’s new exhibit with the artist himself. Steven Kenny will host a free Gallery Perspectives tour of “In the Eye of the Mind: The Fantastic Realities of Steven Kenny” on Friday, April 14 at 12 p.m.
• Music, film, theater — Harrison School for the Arts students do it all. Mark your calendar for their Spring Piano Concert on Thursday, April 13 at 7 p.m., the Spring Orchestra Concert on Thursday, April 20 at 7 p.m., and more upcoming concerts and showcases.

• Polk County Director of Waste and Recycling Ana Wood-Rogers has retired. Ana first started leading Polk’s waste management department in 1998, then worked a stint in Jacksonville before returning to Polk. Susan Peltz will be interim director while a replacement is found. (The Ledger)

• Winter Haven nine-year-old Kathleen and her mom Crystal Horrocks saved a man from drowning in their apartment complex pool. When Kathleen noticed the man sinking, Crystal pulled him out and performed CPR. The man was fine when first responders arrived, thanks to the family’s quick actions. (WTSP)

• Want to go to Key West (without leaving Lakeland)? Be transported to the southernmost point of the continental US by taking a Key West Wine Dinner demonstration-style cooking class on Friday, April 21. On the menu: Key West Frito Misto, Seared Snapper, wine pairings, and more. See details + register.*

• Looking for a place to host your next team meeting or conference? Whether booking for two or 200, Catapult’s meeting + conference rooms have everything you need included (plus some pretty great views of Lake Mirror). Peep the options.*

• We’re firm believers in spoiling the ones we love — especially our pets. That’s why we’re adding these two things to our shopping carts: This customizable velvet collar and this durable bed that features a removable slipcover. Don’t forget the treats. We love these soft chews for doggos and these freeze-dried snacks for cats.