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 21

Delirium Tap Takeover | Friday, July 21 | 4-8 p.m. | Publix GreenWise Market, 4747 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Try beers by Delirium with pint deals, charcuterie boards, and giveaways.
Star of Khorala, Torchmouth, Dagger, Human Error | Friday, July 21 | 7-11:55 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $10-$13 | Doors open at 7 p.m. for this live concert featuring four Central Florida rock bands.
Summer Nights w/ DJ Barca | Friday, July 21 | 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 22

STEM in the Park | Saturday, July 22 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Visit the Nature Center for hands-on activities to inspire an appreciation for nature and science.
Back to School Bash | Saturday, July 22 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Bartow Ford, 2800 US Hwy. 98 N., Bartow | Free | Children can receive backpacks filled with school supplies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and enjoy food trucks and games.
Christmas in July | Saturday, July 22 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free entry | Get in the Christmas spirit with unique vendors, food and drink specials, farm animals, and family fun.
Adult and Teen Summer Movie | Saturday, July 22 | 2-4 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, Larry R. Jackson Branch, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Enjoy a free screening of Wes Anderson’s movie “Isle of Dogs” — attendees will earn an entry ticket for the library’s summer prize packs.
Maestro Ilaiyaraaja Live In Concert | Saturday, July 22 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $55-$500 | This acclaimed composer from India will lead some of the 8,500+ songs he’s composed in his career.

Sunday, July 23

“Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville” | Friday, July 21-Sunday, July 23 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $20-$26 | This musical comedy will have you singing along to Jimmy Buffett’s greatest hits.
Side Hustle Sunday | Sunday, July 23 | 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.

More weekend events

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From the editor

Arts

A few of Lakeland’s fiberglass swans will soon return to their “nests.” Artist Meredith Pope has been restoring the x-ray swan found outside Radiology and Imaging Specialists, and Gillian Fazio recently completed a colorful redesign of another.

Wellness

Qualified patients can get a free 3D mammogram when the mobile mammogram bus visits Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine on Wednesday, July 26. See if you qualify.

Feel Good

Haines City’s city hall staff helped resident Veronica Bermudes locate her brother’s burial site after 50 years. Using decades-old family photos, the staff were able to find his unmarked grave, which Veronica plans to finally mark with a permanent headstone. (Fox 13 News)

Great Escapes

Our guide to Denver, CO

Great Escapes: Our guide to Denver, CO

A pedestrian bridge leading to buildings and construction cranes.

The Highlands neighborhood is connected to the Downtown Denver area via pedestrian bridges. | Photo via Vrbo

Whether you’re looking for a mountain getaway or a hang in the city, Denver, Colorado has a little bit of everything for everyone.

Why go? The Mile High City is nestled near the Rocky Mountains and has perfect access to skiing + hiking as well as a bustling arts and culture scene. Catch a Broncos game at the Empower Field at Mile High, which also hosts big acts like Ed Sheeran and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Act like a local: Denver takes its breakfast burritos seriously — every October, they celebrate “Breakfast Burrito Day” — so plan on enjoying potato-stuffed Illegal Pete’s burritos every morning during your visit. Pro tip: Order it “Colorado style” and get chorizo, hatch green chilis, and queso.

Where to stay: Luxury in Lodo, an apartment within walking distance of the historic and bustling Union Station. (~$127/night)*

More to do in Denver

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

Seasonal

Your new favorite summer essential? The Hero Cooling Towel, an ultra-soft microfiber towel that offers 30 to 60 minutes of instant cooling relief.

Wellness

Four Sigmatic’s organic protein powder is the ultimate smoothie booster with 18 grams of protein and 1500 milligrams of adaptogens per serving — nourishing your mind + body.

Let us know what you think about LALweekend, a product of LALtoday, by answering a few quick questions.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
LALtoday Team

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