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. 25

The Legendary Jon Corneal and His Compadres Live | Friday, Aug. 25 | 12-2:30 p.m. | Hillcrest Coffee, 119 Hillcrest St., Lakeland | Free entry | Grab a coffee and enjoy live music by country musician Jon Corneal and his band every Friday.
Sips N’ Succulents | Friday, Aug. 25 | 7-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | $60 | Plant a succulent garden with guidance from The Blooming Container — tickets include dinner.
Summer Nights w/ DJ Barca | Friday, Aug. 25 | 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. 26

International Dog Day: Bark & Brunch | Saturday, Aug. 26 | 9-11 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free entry | Bring your pup to the park to enjoy brunch by Our Noire Kitchen and meet dog-centric vendors.
Cars + Coffee | Saturday, Aug. 26 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Grab a cup of joe and show off your ride or browse other cars.
Mini-Market | Saturday, Aug. 26 | 6-9 p.m. | Unfiltered Lakeland, 801 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Shop from vendors and enjoy food, drinks, and live music.

Sunday, Aug. 27

Happy Hydrangeas | Sunday, Aug. 27 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39-$49 | Paint these blooms in mason jars while enjoying your favorite refreshments.
Eclectic Soul Food Sunday Lunch Pop Up | Sunday, Aug. 27 | 1-4 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Pick up honey bourbon shrimp, crab cakes, and more soul food favorites from the Catapult pop-up window.
Classic Albums Live: Led Zeppelin, “Physical Graffiti” | Sunday, Aug. 27 | 7:30-10 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $34-$52 | Hear this best-selling album performed “note for note, cut for cut,” just like the original — parking is $10.

100+ MORE EVENTS

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From the editor

Cause

Animal lovers and runners are invited to Peterson Park for SPCA Florida’s Run For Their Lives 5K on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 7:30 a.m. The race is suited for dogs, walkers, families, and experienced runners alike. A complimentary breakfast will follow the race — learn more and register online.

Answered

We recently polled our readers to ask what they’d like to see go head-to-head in a future LALtoday bracket (similar to our pizza bracket from earlier this year). Nearly 42% voted for sushi, with Cuban sandwiches and coffee trailing behind. Other reader-submitted suggestions included barbecue, bakeries, and burgers.

Open

Parkesdale Market has reopened after its annual summer break. Stop by Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. to enjoy summer menu favorites like tangerine ice cream and other seasonal items.

Great Escapes

Our guide to Pawleys Island, SC

Great Escapes: Our guide to Pawleys Island, SC

The sun rising over the coastline in Pawleys Island, SC.

Find a prettier view for a beach sunset than Huntington Beach, we’ll wait. | Photo by GVLtoday

While summer may be winding down, the fall is the perfect time to head to the Carolina coast. Fall is one of the best seasons to visit this spot with miles of preserved coastline (Read: Dunes as far as the eye can see without a home or high-rise in sight).

Why go? Plan your trip around these upcoming events: Halloween on the Marshwalk (Tuesday, Oct. 31) + Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens (Saturday, Nov. 25-Sunday, Dec. 31)
Act like a local: Brown Fox Coffee Box — located in the parking lot of Creek Ratz at the Marshwalk — is the perfect spot to grab a cup of coffee (or two) and walk the Marshwalk without the crowds and live music.
Where to stay: Pawleys Island House — This pet-friendly property boasts a rooftop deck and is steps away from the beach and the creek. ($224/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

Seasonal

Pro tip: Use a propane-powered fire pit for an easy, smokeless burn. This Amazon Basics gas fire pit makes a great home patio addition or camping buddy.

Travel

It’s Going’s biggest sale of the year. Buy an Elite membership and finally get notified when first + business class flights are 40-90% off. The sale ends Thursday, Aug. 31.

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.

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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