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, June 9

LKLD Shuffle | Friday, June 9 | 6-8 p.m. | Lakeland Shuffleboard Club, 820 E. Robson St., Lakeland | $5-$10 | Head to Lake Parker Park for a night of shuffleboard under the lights — equipment will be provided.
Dixieland Night Market | Friday, June 9 | 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.
The Composer’s Perspective with Erica Porter | Friday, June 9 | 6:15-6:45 p.m. | Harrison School For the Arts, 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland | Free | Hear composition samples and a discussion from the Swan City Piano Festival’s Composer-in-Residence.

Saturday, June 10

28th Summer Sunrise Watermelon 5K | Saturday, June 10 | 7-9 a.m. | Lake Hollingsworth Park, 929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland | $20-$55 | Join the first in this series of summer 5K races that benefit scholarships for local students.
Family Fun Day | Saturday, June 10 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Early Learning Coalition of Polk County, 115 S. Missouri Ave., Lakeland | Free | Kids can enjoy free food, face painting, and entertainment, plus a treasure to take home from this pirate-themed community event.
Polk Pride 2023: Pride on Tap | Saturday, June 10 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Kick off a week of Polk Pride events with locally brewed beers and networking.
Moxie Le Femme Presents: Block Party | Saturday, June 10 | 7-11 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $15-$20 | This cabaret and burlesque variety show will premiere its latest performance.

Sunday, June 11

Sunday Funday & Mimosa Bar! | Sunday, June 11 | 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.
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Tampa Tarpons | Sunday, Jun. 11 | 1 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | $6-$32 | Enjoy an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet and let the kids run the bases following the game.
Swan City Piano Festival Presents Sun-A Park | Sunday, Jun. 11 | 3-5 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland | Free | Sun-A Park will close the festival with a program of unforgettable classical piano music.

100+ more local events

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From the editor

Arts

Don’t miss the Swan City Piano Festival, starting today and running all weekend long. Piano pros will take to the stage in locations around Lakeland. Pro tip: All performances are free of charge.

Kids

Still looking for an educational summer camp for your kids to enjoy? Registration ends tomorrow for Summer Camp: Out in the Sunshine at the Florida Children’s Museum. This camp for kids ages 10-12 runs from Monday, June 12-Friday, June 16.

Try This

If you need inspiration for weekend activities, we’ve got plenty. Check out the sights and sounds of the Downtown Farmers Curb Market before a Saturday shopping trip, or try more of our favorite summer activities.

Great Escapes

Our guide to Miami, FL

Great Escapes: Our guide to Miami, FL

Party in the city where the heat is on. | Photo via Unsplash

Magic City has so much to explore. Whether you’re looking to circle the turquoise waters going breakneck speeds on a jet ski, watch a pro football game at Hard Rock Stadium, or even head indoors for the day at the Miami Seaquarium — here’s your guide to a few days in Miami that will have you screaming dalé.

Why go? Miami is well known for its nightlife scene. The Magic City has over 85 fun venues + spots to go out. Run, don’t walk to Basement, LIV, E11EVEN, and Space for a top-notch, non-stop, and often celebrity-studded club outing.
Act like a local: Spend some time in the Florida sun at Biscayne National Park, snap some pics of the exotic Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, swim in the historic grottoes of the Venetian Pool, or surf along Miami’s No. 1 beach — South Beach.
Where to stay: South Beach Apartment with Pool (~$116/night)*

More Miami must-do's

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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Drink

Summer is here, which means so too is aperol spritz season. Enjoy as many as you’d like (without regretting it the next day) when you make yours with Ritual Zero Proof’s aperitif alternative — an alcohol-free take on the Italian classic. Bonus: Use it to make the summery aperitif sour.*

Travel

It’s time to plan that last summer hurrah for Labor Day weekend. May we suggest a coastal getaway to the Outer Banks? Or maybe your dream destination is a rustic treehouse in the Adirondack Mountains. Wanna splurge? This modern farmhouse in Napa Valley is sure to be unforgettable.*

Wellness

Level up your sleep hygiene and wake up feeling well-rested with a little help from two top-rated products: This blackout sleep mask with ~9,000 five-star reviews and this sleek white noise machine complete with 31 different soothing sounds. *

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
LALtoday Team

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