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. 18

Lakeland Learn & Grow: Growing & Cooking with Herbs | Friday, Aug. 18 | 12-1 p.m. | The Peggy Brown Building, 215 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | Join UF/IFAS Extension Polk County to learn about herbs that grow well in Central Florida and get tips on how to use them in meals.
Haus Gets Bloomed | Friday, Aug. 18 | 4-7 p.m. | Haus 820, 820 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free | Bring your camera to capture content with florals by Bloom Shakalaka at this drop in-style event.
Darra Raquel & Best Dressed Eggs | Friday, Aug. 18 | 5-10 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | You don’t have to dress up to enjoy food truck bites from 5 to 9 p.m. and live music from 7 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 19

Plantae Palooza | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free entry | Shop from local plant and flower vendors at this plant-filled event.
Fine Art at the Magnolia: Fine Art Show & Rising Star Scholarship | Saturday, Aug. 19-Sunday, Aug. 20 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Magnolia Building, 702 E. Orange St., Lakeland | Free | Attend this indoor art show to see works by 19 artists, including featured artist Beth Garcia.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice of Lakeland Grand Opening | Saturday, Aug. 19-Sunday, Aug. 20 | 12-10 p.m. | Jeremiah’s Italian Ice of Lakeland, 2117 E. County Rd. 540A, Lakeland | Free entry | Visit Lakeland’s newest Italian ice spot for its grand opening — free samples, deals, and prizes are up for grabs.
Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 5 p.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 199 Lake Silver Dr., Winter Haven | Free | Bring a lawn chair or blanket to watch astounding stunts by this team that’s been water skiing for over 100 years.

Sunday, Aug. 20

Shoreline Sunday w/ John Frinzi & Umami Smoke | Sunday, Aug. 20 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Enjoy an afternoon on the shores of Lake Wire with live music, drinks, and food truck eats.
Stand-Up Sunday | Sunday, Aug. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $10 | Laugh along with five Central Florida comics — there will be a two drink minimum and food truck on site.

100+ more events

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From the editor

Biz

It was announced yesterday that Aldi would buy out Winn-Dixie and Harvey’s Supermarkets. There are currently three Winn-Dixie and two Harvey’s locations in Lakeland. What do you think about these stores possibly changing into new Aldi locations? Share your thoughts. (The Ledger)

Drink

Before Dissent Craft Brewing closes its downtown Lakeland location, you can still take part in one last Sea Shanty Sunday. Head to 125 S. Kentucky Ave. this Sunday, Aug. 20 at 5:30 p.m. for group singalongs and drinks.

Try This

The 2024 Fun Card deal is now live at Busch Gardens. By paying for one-day admission, you can get unlimited entry to the theme park through the end of 2024. Pro tip: You can also add on admission to the Adventure Island water park. (WTSP)

Great Escapes

Our guide to Ann Arbor, Michigan

Great Escapes: Our guide to Ann Arbor, Michigan

Take a visit through the city, or get off the grid with Ann Arbor’s scenic nature views. | Photo via @annarbor

This week we’re looking far north and sharing a guide to Ann Arbor. Beyond its well-known sports fields is a city full of local restaurants, scenic views of nature, and a great shopping scene.

Why go? Plan your trip during the fall for a college football game at the University of Michigan, then stick around to explore the school. Visit the Museum of Art to find art created by students, or walk through campus to find 100+ year old buildings, like the Michigan Union which was built in 1917.
Act like a local: Sometimes after a long day of traveling, settling into a movie is the perfect way to end the day. We recommend basking in the glow of the marquee at the historic Michigan & State Theaters.
Where to stay: Artist’s loft in the heart of downtown (~$291 per night)

More Ann Arbor activities

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

Award

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

Eat

Sous vide, air fry, and steam your way to dinner with the Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker + Air Fryer. Psst — it can even be used as a food dehydrator.

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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