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, May 5

Improv Comedy Show! | Friday, May 5 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Rec Room, 202 Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $10-$15 | Laugh along at these improvised comedy shows — all ages are welcome to the 7:30 p.m. show and the 9:30 p.m. show is 21+.
First Friday: Cinco de Mayo | Friday, May 5 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 117 N. Kentucky Ave. | Price of purchase | Eat, drink, shop, and through downtown Lakeland to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Sangria Night at Keel Farms | Friday, May 5 | 5-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Price of purchase | Sip sangria, shop from local vendors, and enjoy Latin music on the patio.

Saturday, May 6

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, May 6 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.
Kentucky Derby Social | Saturday, May 6 | 12-11:59 p.m. | The Brass Tap, 1515 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | Grab a mint julep and cheer on the horses racing in the Kentucky Derby.
Watermelon Festival | Saturday, May 6 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Florida Children’s Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Prices vary | Pay what you can to enter the museum and enjoy watermelon slices and themed children’s activities.
Yoga in the Gardens | Saturday, May 6 | 9-10 a.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales | $10-$17 | All levels are welcome to this yoga class for a morning of bending, breathing, and relaxing in the great outdoors.

Sunday, May 7

Mom’s Brunch + Boutiques | Sunday, May 7 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Back Nine Downtown, 124 S. Tennessee Ave., Lakeland | Free | Treat mom to brunch, bottomless mimosas, and shopping from local vendors.
Burgers with the Bullies — an Open Play Yard Event | Sunday, May 7 | 12-4 p.m. | Polk County Bully Project, 5840 Brannen Rd. W., Lakeland | Free | Play with adoptable dogs and grab a burger from the Spontaneous Combustion food truck.
Sunday Funday & Mimosa Bar! | Sunday, May 7 | 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.

100+ MORE EVENTS

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Editor’s Pick

Biz

When we posted about Red Door’s closure, we couldn’t help but notice one comment from @mattrwade24, the owner of J. Burns’ Pizza: “good things are coming that way.” Tell us what you think is coming to the former gastro-pub or let us know what you’d like to see.

Watch

Did you catch the viral Wes Anderson trend that was circling on social media in April? We tried it out for ourselves and our followers spotted a unique telephone booth Little Free Library.

Holiday

Looking for your Cinco de Mayo plans? The Back Nine downtown is offering $2 tacos and margarita flights. Velazquez Cigar Company is celebrating two years in the biz with live music, cigars, margaritas, and more.

Great Escapes

Our Guide to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

Great Escapes: Our Guide to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

This charming beach town is the perfect summer getaway. | Photo by @through.elanas.lens

This two-stoplight town on the coast of North Carolina is filled with colorful shops, towering live oak trees, and friendly people.

In the summertime, it bustles with locals and visitors alike on their way to walk The Loop, grab a beer at the beach bars, or catch a wave.

Why go? WB is a small community with a lot of character. It’s a great spot for riding bikes through the neighborhood, beachcombing for seaglass and shark teeth, and taking a boat ride on the Intracoastal.
Act like a local: Your trip is not complete without Trolly Stop. Grab a Carolina dog with lemonade for lunch. Make dinner reservations at Seabird in Wilmington and order the smoked yellowfish tuna + tomatoes.
Vrbo: Soundfront condo, this top-floor condo features waterfront views and a boat slip perfect for a quiet coastal getaway (~$424/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

Holiday

How to win Mother’s Day? Send the mother figure in your life iconic meals and desserts from across the country with Goldbelly. Think: Ina Garten’s coconut cake, a New York bagel brunch kit, and a chef’s steak dinner for four. Yup, it’s all on Goldbelly.

Drink

Ditch the hangover without having to ditch your favorite cocktail with Ritual Zero Proof Spirits. The award-winning brand makes non-alcoholic rum, tequila, gin, and whiskey so you can enjoy the ritual of having a drink without feeling icky the following day. Psst — check out Ritual’s collection of cocktail recipes.

Number

$241. That’s the real price of a roundtrip ticket from Boston to Barcelona sold this year via Going — a travel membership that alerts you when flight prices drop. Sign up for a free membership or try an Elite membership for free if you’re interested in business and first class tickets, too.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
LALtoday Team

Did you catch our Mother’s Day gift guide? Don’t forget to shop for mom.

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