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.

Events

Friday, April 14

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.
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.
“The Sweet Delilah Swim Club” | Friday, Apr. 14 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $20-$26 | Watch this play about five Southern women who rely on their friendship to get through the challenges of life.

Saturday, April 15

Lakeland Cruiser Car Show | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lake Gibson Village, 771 Carpenters Way, Lakeland | Free | Attend this cruiser car show for a health and wellness fair, giveaways, and hotdogs — proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
Keel Farms Blueberry Festival | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free | Try unique food and drink, pick blueberries, and pet farm animals at this family-friendly festival.
Snapology Parents Night Out | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Sharkey’s Cuts For Kids, 4814 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $40 | Drop the kids off for a night of robotic builds, pizza, treats, games, free builds, and activities — children must be ages five and up.
Night at the Museum | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 7-10 p.m. | Florida Children’s Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | $55 | Enjoy an adults-only night at the museum with games, drinks, small plates, and music.

Sunday, April 16

A Sunflower Sunset | Sunday, Apr. 16 | 4-6 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | Celebrate the spring season by creating this floral painting with friends, refreshments, and guidance from professionals.
Ken Ludwig’s “Moon Over Buffalo” | Sunday, Apr. 16 | 2:30-4:30 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.
Gospel in the Park | Sunday, Apr. 16 | 7-9 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland | Free | Grammy-nominated Tim Bowman, Jr., Faith City Music, and local artist DAMES will perform gospel music.

100+ more events

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Editor’s Pick

Read

Roses are red, violets are blue, we loved talking with Orange Blossom Poems and you will too. Read our Q+A with Dr. Diana Álvarez-Hughes for insight into her poetry writing process, and read our interviews with more local creatives here.

Shop

If you’re like us, you rarely miss a chance to shop local at the Downtown Farmers Curb Market. Branch out with six more farmers markets in and around Polk County, most of which are open this weekend.

Pets

You sure do love your pets — and so do we. Meet our readers’ adorable pets and the dogs of downtown Lakeland we met at last week’s pet parade. Can we get a round of a-paws for our four-legged friends?

Great Escapes

Our guide to Savannah, GA

Great Escapes: Our guide to Savannah, GA

See Forsyth Park in person — it’s worth it. | Photo by RICtoday

Check out Savannah, Georgia — a staple of Southern hospitality. You’ll fall in love with the live oak trees and Spanish moss lining the sidewalks, the diverse cuisine, and the art around every corner.

Why go? There’s something for everyone in Savannah — and it’s easy to navigate through different neighborhoods. You can travel by foot, but there’s also a free trolley bus for popular sites in the Historic District.
Act like a local: Pick up something sweet + buzzworthy as a souvenir from Savannah Bee Company, and catch a show at Victory North in the Starland District to hear local tunes in an old ice factory.
Where to stay: Historic row home steps from Forsyth Park (~$262/night)

More recommendations

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.*

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Trending

How to make skincare more fun: The Marshmallow Whip Maker, which turns the cleanser you’re already using into a fluffy, marshmallow-like foam that feels rich and creamy on the skin. Keep the skincare gains going with a trusted SPF stick for face and body + a silk pillowcase for nighttime.

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.

Outdoors

Tomorrow is National Gardening Day. Treat yourself to a new gardening set — complete with five essential tools, gloves, a mister, and a durable tote bag. Don’t forget the seeds. This kit comes with vegetable, herb, and flower seeds. If space is tight, grab this vertical planter + some highly-rated potting mix.

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The Wrap

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