Festivals and markets

Concerts, live music, and art

For the family

• Summer Movie FunFest: “Sonic the Hedgehog 2" | Wednesday, Aug. 2-Thursday, Aug. 3 | 10 a.m. | CMX Lakeside Village 18 & IMAX, 1650 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | $1.99 | See a new discounted family movie every week — tickets are only available at the box office.
• Knit One, Crochet Too! | Wednesday, Aug. 2 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, Larry R. Jackson Branch, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Bring your current knitting or crocheting project to share tips and tricks with other crafters.

• Yogadance | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 4-5 p.m. | Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex, 525 Lake Crago Dr., Lakeland | $5 | Dance to music from around the world in this uplifting exercise class for all levels.
• Trivia Thursdays! | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 7:30-10 p.m. | The Back Nine, 124 S. Tennessee Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Play themed or general trivia to win prizes while enjoying food and drinks.

• 2023 Parent-Community Conference | Friday, Aug. 4-Saturday, Aug. 5 | Times vary | Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Ave., Lakeland | Free | Learn about the importance of stakeholder involvement in a student’s education at this free conference.
• Swan City Improv Comedy Show! | Friday, Aug. 4 | 7:30 p.m., 9:30 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+.

• Bidding goodbye to the Bay? Lakeland is one of the most popular cities that Tampa Bay movers are relocating to — following Miami and Sarasota — according to a new report from Zillow. Learn more about where your new neighbors are moving from. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

• Landowners can now nominate their properties to be acquired through the Polk County Environmental Lands program. Nominated sites will be reviewed by an advisory committee for land preservation + recreation opportunities. Past acquired lands include Circle B Bar Reserve. (The Ledger)

• The Homeless Coalition of Polk County is seeking 100+ volunteers to help in the 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) count in January. Sign up to canvas Polk County and record the number of individuals experiencing homelessness on one night. Volunteers will be trained and paired with experienced service providers.

• Sleepy Hill middle schoolers Grayson Abbott, Jacklyn Murphy, and Mason Simmonds recently won the bronze medal at the SkillsUSA Championships. The trio competed in a Team Engineering Challenge, which required them to develop a working solution to a given problem, present a sales pitch, and answer interview questions.

• Looking for something to do in retirement? You could follow in new Lakelander Skip Stevenson’s steps and spend your time delivering meals to children in need with kidsPACK. Whether you’re planning for retirement or just have free time, learn more about volunteering with kidsPACK and 37 other local organizations. (Bay News 9)

• The Back Nine is back with its August Cocktail for Charity. Stop by this month to try the Paws-itively Pineapple, and $1 from each drink sold will be donated to SPCA Florida. Learn the story behind Cocktails for Charity — and get a drink recipe.

• Mini market, big fun. Head to Unfiltered Lakeland (801 E. Main St.) on Saturday, Aug. 26, 6-9 p.m. for a Mini Market. Shop from local vendors, grab a bite, and enjoy live music by Dust to Dust.

• Wawa has announced that it will build its first Florida drive-thru store in Largo. After seeing the success of Lakeland eateries adding drive-thru lanes — here’s looking at you, Black & Brew — we’re curious which others you wish had a drive-thru. Let us know. (WFLA)

• 12,000. That’s how many books were distributed to community members last year (along with 4,500 clothing items) thanks to community partners like TASSEL, One More Child, Parker Street Ministries, and Tenoroc High School. Learn how else The Junior League of Greater Lakeland impacts our community.*

• Looking for a new eye specialist? Trust the team that has vision. Watson Clinic’s Ophthalmology and Optometry departments provide comprehensive eye exams, vision tests, treatments for common eye disorders (like glaucoma and cataracts), and much more. Learn more + schedule an appointment online or by calling (863) 680-7486.*

• At-home summer happy hour here you come — whether planning for the weekend or pretending it’s already here, these refreshing Watermelon Freedom and Hammock Sipper cocktail recipes will make unwinding a breeze.*

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

• Searching for the perfect luggage set that’s both lightweight + durable? We love this set for its polycarbonate shell and quiet double spinner wheels.

• Slice and serve your favorite meats + cheeses on this sleek yet durable maple wood cutting board. Bonus: It’s preconditioned with beeswax, linseed, and lemon oil.

• It’s time to treat your fur baby with a product worth barking about. Check out the Martingale Collar in peach + gold from Major Darling.