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 16

Noche De San Juan | Friday, June 16 | 6-9 p.m. | COhatch Lakeland, 211 E. Main St., Lakeland | $15 | Wear all white to this festive networking event presented by the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Polk County.
Disney’s “Finding Nemo Jr.” | Friday, June 16-Sunday, June 18 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $12-$15 | Just keep swimming to this musical adaptation of the Pixar movie performed by local young actors.
Polk Pride 2023: Pride Weekend Kickoff | Friday, June 16 | 9 p.m. | The Parrot, 1030 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Kick off Pride weekend with drinks, dancing, and drag performances.

Saturday, June 17

Mind, Body, Movement: Sound Bath Meditation | Saturday, June 17 | 9-10 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Bring a yoga mat or chair for this relaxing meditation experience led by Amy Under the Oak.
Architectural Tour at Polk County History Center | Saturday, June 17 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Polk County History Center, 100 E. Main St., Bartow | Free | Join this tour of the History Center to discover its neoclassical architectural elements, ongoing restoration, and historic preservation resources.
Juneteenth Program | Saturday, June 17 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin L. King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | Free | Join the City of Lakeland for this annual program commemorating Juneteenth — a suggested $10 donation is requested.
Taylor Swift Night Lakeland | Saturday, June 17 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $12-$15 | Hop in your getaway car and head to Union Hall for four gorgeous hours of Taylor Swift favorites and deep cuts — Shelby Mason will also perform live covers.

Sunday, June 18

You’re a Great POP! | Sunday, June 18 | 12-3 p.m. | Little Lake Play, 111 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $15-$25 | Parents can enjoy popcorn, pretzels, root beer floats, and beer while kids play and create a Father’s Day craft.
Bricks & Brews — Father’s Day Edition | Sunday, June 18 | 2-4 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | $10 | Compete with your family to see who can build the best Lego creation.
“Search Party” Premiere Watch Party | Sunday, June 18 | 7-10 p.m. | Downtown Bartow, 260 E. Main St., Bartow | Free | Watch an outdoor premiere of the new Weather Channel show “Search Party,” starring Bartow’s Brandon Jordan, with food trucks and a boat show.

100+ MORE EVENTS

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From the editor

Outdoors

No pool? No problem. Check out our guide to cooling off in Swan City for all you need to know about Lakeland’s public pools and even private pool rentals. Or, treat yourself to one of these inflatable backyard pools taking social media by storm.

Civic

The City of Winter Haven recently appointed a new deputy city manager — Michael “M.J.” Carnevale. Prior to this role, Michael worked for the city for 11 years, most recently as the public works director. We’re curious — if you could learn about one of Lakeland’s city employees, who’d it be? (The Ledger)

Holiday

Juneteenth, a federal holiday to remember the emancipation of enslaved individuals, is on Monday, June 19. Lakeland will commemorate the holiday with events from Saturday, June 17-Saturday, July 1. Events are also being held in nearby cities like Winter Haven and Bartow. (LkldNow + The Ledger)

Great Escapes

Our guide to Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks

Great Escapes: Our guide to Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks

An orange, pink, and purple sunset over the water photographed from the edge of a dock.

Get a front row seat on the dock when the sun starts setting. | Photo by 6AM City

You might best know the Lake of the Ozarks as the muse of Netflix’s original show “Ozark.” Strip away the drama, the cameras, and all the other stuff, and you have a premier boating community and tourist hotspot.

Why go? Cap off your summer with the largest unsanctioned charity boat race in the US — the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout (Saturday, Aug. 26-Sunday, Aug. 27). The race raises money for a range of local charitable organizations each year + you can watch the show on and off of the water.
Act like a local: Ha Ha Tonka State Park features miles of trails, caves, bluffs, a natural bridge, and Missouri’s 12th-largest spring. The park’s most notable feature is the Ha Ha Tonka ruins, a 20th-century stone mansion modeled after 16th-century European castles.
Where to stay: A cozy lake pad, newly-renovated + pool on the water (~$212/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.*

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Holiday

Reminder: Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 18. Give Dad a listening upgrade with the second generation AirPods Pro. Or help ease muscle soreness with the Theragun Mini 2.0. Plus, this portable neck fan will make everyone laugh — but catch Dad using it the very next day.*

Trending

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Travel

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The Wrap

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