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 12

Dixieland Night Market | Friday, May 12 | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Shop from local artists and makers, grab a bite from a food truck, and enjoy live entertainment at Union Hall and The Pink Piano.
Bright Sunset | Friday, May 12 | 7-9 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | Paint a classic sunset-over-the-lake scene with refreshments and guided instruction.
Harrison School for the Arts Spring Dance Concert | Friday, May 12 | 7-9 p.m. | Harrison School for the Arts, 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland | $9-$12 | Watch guest artist Marion Tonner’s ballet, set to some of Gershwin’s most memorable work, in a World War II tribute to the sounds and innocence of prewar America.

Saturday, May 13

First Light Yoga | Saturday, May 13 | 8-9:30 a.m. | Hollis Garden, 702 E. Orange St, Lakeland | Free | Enjoy a morning of serenity and yoga — bring your own mat and wear comfortable clothing.
Hundred Acre Wood Fitness Scavenger Hunt | Saturday, May 13 | 8-10 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Teams of three to five members can work together to gather clues by completing fitness challenges — registration is recommended.
Citizens Bank & Trust Mayfaire by-the-Lake | Saturday, May 13-Sunday, May 14 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Shores of Lake Morton, near 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | Free | Citizens Bank & Trust Mayfaire by-the-Lake is a free, fine art festival held in Lakeland on May 13-14 where attendees can shop 150+ booths and enjoy a Kid Zone, food vendors, performances, and more.
Dixieland Relics Pop-up Market | Saturday, May 13 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Dixieland Relics & Austin’s Backyard Garden, 949 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Visit this pop-up to shop from a variety of vendors, enjoy live music and food, and create a terrarium.

Sunday, May 14

Second Sunday Artisan Market | Sunday, May 14 | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate Mother’s Day at Lakeside Village with an artisan market featuring live music, 70 local makers + more.
Mother’s Day Eclectic Soul Seafood Sunday Brunch | Sunday, May 14 | 12-2 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | $125 | This special four-course Mother’s Day celebration features a peach cobbler French toast, broiled lobster tail, and other dishes.
Mother’s Day Brunch in the ’34 Club | Sunday, May 14 | 1 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | $15-$55 | Treat a mother figure in your life to brunch while you watch the 2023 Junior College FCSAA Region 8 baseball championship.

More weekend events

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Editor’s Pick

Tech

We could be living in Florida’s next technology hub. With five tech industry developments planned or recently finished, the area around Florida Poly has resparked discussions of a Central Florida Innovation District. Learn more about the plans.

Travel

On the road again. Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week by visiting one of our favorite road trip destinations: Weeki Wachee State Park, Ybor City, Tampa, and Mount Dora. Pro tip: Make the most of your suitcase space by using these packing cubes.

Shop

In need of some retail therapy? The best cure is to shop small. Visit one of Lakeland’s locally owned boutiques or gift shops, hit the Downtown Farmers Curb Market on Saturday, or support another one of Swan City’s small businesses.

Great Escapes

Our guide to Birmingham, AL

Great Escapes: Our guide to Birmingham, AL

The Magic City is the most recognized nickname for Birmingham. | Photo by Chris Granger via the Alabama Tourism Department

If a flourishing food scene, thriving arts community, and family-friendly fun appeal to you, read on to see what’s so magical about the Magic City — Birmingham, Alabama.

Why go: Birmingham is a foodie’s paradise, having earned the nickname “Dinner Table of the South” with a roster of iconic restaurants, James Beard darlings, and culinary traditions.
Act like a local: Locals flock to Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Ruffner Mountain, and Moss Rock Preserve — all located within 15 miles of downtown — to be active and enjoy the great outdoors. No trip to Birmingham is complete without visiting Vulcan Park and Museum, home to the world’s largest cast iron statue.
Stay: This downtown loft is located in the heart of Magic City. (~$114/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.*

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.*

Number

33.7+ million. That’s how many bottles of Champagne the US consumed in 2022. Keep the bubbly flowing with our favorite vacuum insulated Champagne + wine chiller from S’well, plus the easiest Champagne stopper you’ll ever use.

Shop

Life hack: Order your paper towels online and avoid trekking home a giant pack from the store. This Bounty eight-pack is a best seller, or try the Amazon Basics twelve-pack.*

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The Wrap

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