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 28

Swan Derby | Friday, Apr. 28 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade, Lakeland | Free | Wear your best derby hat for swan boat races and live entertainment — don’t forget to stay for the fireworks show.
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Palm Beach Cardinals | Friday, Apr. 28 | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | $7-$50 | The first 300 fans at this game will receive a grab bag giveaway item from the Flying Tigers.
Harrison School for the Arts Spring Jazz Concert | Friday, Apr. 28 | 7-9 p.m. | Harrison School For the Arts, 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland | $9-$12 | Hear jazz standards spanning four decades of musical history, including hits like “Round Midnight,” “Spain,” “How High the Moon,” and others.

Saturday, April 29

First Light Yoga at Hollis Garden | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 8:30-10 a.m. | Hollis Garden, 702 E. Orange St., Lakeland | Free | Get your morning flow on with an outdoor yoga class led by Yoga Pointe.
Keel Farms Blueberry Festival | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 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.
Kids Museum Day | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Florida Air Museum, 4075 James C. Ray Dr., Lakeland | Free | Young aviation fans can enjoy bounce houses, a local author’s corner, and refreshments before getting free museum entrance from 1-4 p.m.
International Tai Chi Day Celebration | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 1-2:30 p.m. | Satya Life Yoga, 112 E. Pine St., Lakeland | $25 | Celebrate Tai Chi Day with a workshop to learn movement, breath work, and self-healing forms.
Live, Love, Dance | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Florida Children’s Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | $10-$20 | Florida Dance Theatre’s professional dancers will perform a collection of works celebrating the human experience.

Sunday, April 30

Sunday Funday & Mimosa Bar! | Sunday, Apr. 30 | 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.
Family Class — Glowing Jellyfish | Sunday, Apr. 30 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $29 | Bring the family to paint this glowing neon dancer of the sea.

Even more weekend events

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Editor’s Pick

Active

Did you know that you can actually hike in Lakeland? Despite our lack of mountains, there are plenty of trails in our area, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. Check out one of these 13 nearby trails and get moving this weekend.

Read

Don’t miss the final days of the Lakeland Book Crawl. Friday’s stops include The Unbound Bookery and Little Bus Books, and several local book sellers will hold events on Saturday to celebrate National Independent Bookstore Day.

Watch

They said Wes Anderson could never film a movie in Lakeland, so we had to prove them wrong. Come along with us for a Swan City day inspired by the great director’s signature quirky style. Yes, the swans were paid actors.

Great Escapes

Our guide to Ogunquit, ME

Great Escapes: Our guide to Ogunquit, ME

We sea Ogunquit Beach. | Photo via SDtoday

Few places capture that idyllic New England charm like Ogunquit, ME — with its miles of beaches, thriving arts scene, and taste for seafood. It’s no wonder that this destination has been lauded as one of the best beach towns you’ve never heard of.

Why go? Ogunquit wouldn’t be a beach town without its three miles of beaches, whether you wave hello to Main, Footbridge, or North beaches. Come prepared to spend the day with family — Ogunquit has been named one of New England’s best family beaches.
Act like a local: Seafood is a must, and you butter get some lobster — Ogunquit Beach Lobster House is always a great option.
Where to stay: Bring the family to this Cottage Street home and stay at this 3 BD, 1 BA home in the heart of Ogunquit Center that’s a 12-minute walk to the beach. (~$399/night)*

More reco-Maine-dations

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

Itching to take a vacation? We’re always in support of time off + self care — so we’ve rounded up five drool-worthy vacation spots to help you plan. This romantic chateau in Nova Scotia is one of our favorites on the list. See the rest.

Kids

Two words: Free bowling. Sign up for Kids Bowl Free to connect with local bowling alleys where kids can receive two free games of bowling everyday this summer. Plus, grab a Family Pass + up to four adults can join in on the fun.

Drink

An electric wine opener is one of those inexpensive kitchen gadgets that you don’t know how you lived without once you get one. We especially love this one for its sleek design and ergonomic grip. To upgrade your wine even further, this set includes an automatic wine aerator and reusable vacuum stopper.

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The Wrap

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