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, Aug. 11

Robin Brooke & Titos Latin Cuisine | Friday, Aug. 11 | 5-10 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Grab a bite from Tito’s from 5 to 9 p.m. and enjoy live acoustic music by Robin Brooke from 7 to 10 p.m.
LKLD Shuffle | Friday, Aug. 11 | 6-8 p.m. | Lakeland Shuffleboard Club in Lake Parker Park, 820 E. Robson St., Lakeland | $5-$10 | Head to Lake Parker Park for a night of shuffleboard under the lights — equipment will be provided.
Summer Nights w/ DJ Barca | Friday, Aug. 11 | 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, Aug. 12

Nuts About Nature | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Visit the park for a nature-themed craft, play, and learning opportunity for all ages.
Battle of the Badges — PCSO vs. LPD | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 3:45 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | $6-$10 | The Polk County Sheriff’s Office will face off against the Lakeland Police Department in this charity softball game.
Cruel Curses, The Paperback Whale, Hoss, Alvin Joseph | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 7 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $10-$13 | Hear punk, alternative, and rock music from four local acts.
Stand-Up Comedy Carnival | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 8-10 p.m. | The Pink Piano, 1015 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $10 | Local up-and-coming comedians will have you laughing out loud at this comedy showcase.

Sunday, Aug. 13

90’s Brunch | Sunday, Aug. 13 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | $35-$50 | Enjoy 1990s music, mimosas, and more at this four-course brunch — select entree at the time of ticket purchase.
Brian Jones w/ Hi Lumpia FL | Sunday, Aug. 13 | 12-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Enjoy live music and food truck eats — bring your pet and post a photo together for a BOGO offer in the taproom.
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Dunedin Blue Jays | Sunday, Aug. 13 | 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.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Click here to have your event featured.

From the editor

Try This

Head to happyfastdelicious (3601 S. Florida Ave.) on Saturday, Aug. 12, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for a back-to-school mini market with Meraki Bakehouse, Four Brothers Popcorn Co., and Twin Moon Elements. A professional photographer will take free family photos. Don’t forget to grab your favorite drink.

Lakelander

Bond, James Bond. That’s the name of one of this month’s winners of the City of Lakeland’s Residential Beautification Award. James and Judith Bond of 2703 Cleveland Heights Blvd. were awarded for their Florida-friendly landscaping. Check it out.

Watch

In case you missed it, we shared a relatable moment on Instagram — all in good fun, of course. With ~1,700 likes, it’s safe to say our followers have experienced something similar on South Florida Avenue.

Great Escapes

Our guide to Franklin, IN

Great Escapes: Our guide to Franklin, IN

The Johnson County courthouse located at the heart of downtown Franklin was built between 1879 -1881. | Photo by @carleygirl123

Planning a getaway? Check out Franklin, IN for a small-town feel that blends tradition with innovation just ~40 minutes from downtown Indianapolis.

Why go? Plan your trip around these upcoming events: Ethos Celebration of the Arts on Saturday, Oct. 1 or the Winter Market + Holiday Lighting on Saturday, Dec. 3.
Act like a local: Main & Madison Market Cafe is the perfect stop for a caffeine break or a boozy beverage to kick off the weekend. Check out the fall-inspired brunch cocktails. If a sports bar is more your scene, BoJak’s Bar & Grille is iconic in Franklin. Fair warning, you may run into some college students there.
Where to stay: Beautiful Franklin Home — This 3 BR, 2 BA home is just two miles from downtown Franklin, and features a spacious family room, covered porch, and beautiful gardens (complete with a Koi pond). (~$252/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.*

Shop

Read

The latest Kindle model — the Kindle Paperwhite — boasts a glare-free display, warm light options for night, and is waterproof from the beach to the bath.

The Buy

Our new must-have for concerts and baseball games this summer: this clear, stadium-approved backpack. Psst — it’s also great for football games in the fall.

Award

The 2023 Etsy Design Award Winners are here. Check out extraordinary, imaginative items including cactus leather bags, whimsical dandelion lamps, and donut mugs.

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

If you head to Union Hall this weekend for Stand-Up Comedy Carnival, there’s a two-drink minimum — choose from $4 ciders, $3 Budlights, or $5 sangria.

Missed our previous newsletter?

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY