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, July 7

First Friday: Bike Night | Friday, July 7 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 117 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate the start of a new month by browsing a motorcycle show, shopping from downtown vendors, and enjoying entertainment.
Improv Comedy Show! | Friday, July 7 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Rec Room, 202 N. 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+.
Union Hall Presents: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac | Friday, July 7 | 7:30-11:55 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $12-$15 | Local artists Anisette Mayer, Noan Partly, Robin Brooke, and Shelby Mason will perform the album “Rumours” and more favorite songs by this legendary band.
Summer Nights w/ DJ Barca | Friday, July 7 | 8-11 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate summer by dancing to a live DJ on The Joinery’s front patio.

Saturday, July 8

28th Summer Sunrise Watermelon 5K | Saturday, July 8 | 7 a.m.-9 p.m. | Lake Hollingsworth Park, 929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland | $20 | Join the second in this series of summer 5K races that benefit scholarships for local students.
Wings ‘n Waffles | Saturday, July 8 | 9-10 a.m. | Florida Air Museum, 4075 James C. Ray Dr., Lakeland | $5-$10 | Enjoy a breakfast of chicken and waffles while you hear from speakers in the aviation and military fields.
Adult and Teen Game Day | Saturday, July 8 | 2-4 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, Larry R. Jackson Branch, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | You bring your favorite games and friends, the library will bring the junk food and classic games.

Sunday, July 9

Andy Shreeve w/ Billy’s Roadside Grill | Sunday, July 9 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Hang out with live music, food truck eats, and a drink from the taproom.
TJTrainwreck, The Kutoffs, Daspiens, AEmaru | Sunday, July 9 | 7 p.m.-12 a.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $10-$13 | Doors open at 7 p.m. for this live concert featuring local punk rock bands.
Side Hustle Sunday | Sunday, July 9 | 9-10:30 p.m. | Sun Kava, 5711 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Dive into the vibrant world of entrepreneurship by getting business insights, investment tips, and networking with Lakeland’s emerging entrepreneurs.

100+ more events

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From the editor

Stat

40%. That’s how many of Lakeland Regional Health’s inaugural residency students hail from Florida cities. The remainder are from other corners of the country, and even the world, with some joining us from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Jordan. The program aims to have 200+ residents in roughly five years. (The Ledger)

Seasonal

Calling all beach bums. We’ve got the perfect items to rep your Lakeland pride, even when you’re seaside. Add these to your beach bag to bring the 863 wherever you go.

Plan Ahead

Don’t miss the top events happening around town this month. Check out our guide to Swan City’s can’t-miss festivals, markets, concerts, and more for the entire family to enjoy all summer long.

Great Escapes

Our guide to Honolulu, HI

Great Escapes: Our guide to Honolulu, HI

Let’s take to paradise. | Photo by SJtoday staff

Planning a getaway? Check out Honolulu, HI, a booming center for nightlife, beaches, and great food — all on the sunny island of Oahu. We know that this city is a tourism hot spot, but we’re here to give you some insiders on local gems that some guides may have missed.

Why go? Along with having perfect weather conditions all year round, Honolulu offers amazing cuisine, beautiful scenery, and an aloha vibe that will make you feel welcome anywhere you go.
Act like a local: You’ve gotta try the famous chili plate from Rainbow Drive-In, garlic chicken from Side Street Inn, malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery, any flavor of shave ice (with azuki beans and condensed milk) from Waiola’s Shave Ice, coco puffs from Liliha Bakery, and last, but certainly not least, the fresh poke from Tanioka’s Seafoods and Catering.
Where to stay: Deluxe condo with an ocean view (~$219/night)*

More Honolulu must-do's

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Outdoors

The perfect waterproof Bluetooth speaker does exist and it’s the JBL Flip 5. Bonus: It offers up to 12 hours of play + comes with a hardshell case.*

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
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