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, Sept. 1

The Legendary Jon Corneal and His Compadres Live | Friday, Sept. 1 | 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.
First Friday: College Night | Friday, Sept. 1 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 117 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate the start of September with activities like a rock wall, mechanical bull, food trucks, and discounts for college students.
Swan City Improv Comedy Show! | Friday, Sept. 1 | 7:30-10:30 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+.

Saturday, Sept. 2

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Sept. 2 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 210 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.
Yoga in the Vines | Saturday, Sept. 2 | 9-10 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | $10 | Start your day with an hour-long stretch in the Keel Farms vineyard and stay to visit the tasting room or restaurant.
Birding on the Boardwalk | Saturday, Sept. 2 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Hone your birding and wildlife sighting skills at the Blanton Family Lagoon during this monthly event — binoculars and birding guides are provided.
Pokémon Go in the Park | Saturday, Sept. 2 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Bring your smartphone to catch virtual Pokémon with other gamers.

Sunday, Sept. 3

We’re Not Going Anywhere Party | Sunday, Sept. 3 | 1-6 p.m. | Dissent Craft Brewing Company, 125 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate Dissent Brewing staying in its downtown location with a potluck bash.
Jim & Judy Duo w/ Hi Lumpia FL | Sunday, Sept. 3 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Start the week off with drinks, live music, and Hawaiian cuisine on the patio.
Paint Pour! | Sunday, Sept. 3 | 4-5:30 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $45 | No brushes are needed in this art class — just pour your paint to create a unique piece.

100+ more events

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From the editor

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Voting is still open for the America’s Farmers Market Celebration, and the Lakeland Curb Market is still sitting at No. 3 in Florida. Cast your vote, then make plans to attend each of Lakeland’s different markets.

Trivia

Which Lakeland park is bigger in size than Disney World’s Magic Kingdom? If you said Bonnet Springs Park, you’re correct. Head there tonight for its first monthly trivia night in the rooftop bar from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Asked

We’re putting together day trip guides to nearby cities (think: Winter Haven, Auburndale, Plant City) and we want your expertise. Tell us your favorite town to visit and what you recommend guests see, do, and eat while they’re there. We may share your suggestions in our guides.

Great Escapes

Our guide to the Hudson Valley

Great Escapes: Our guide to the Hudson Valley

One of the many epic sculptures at Storm King Art Center. | Photo by @i_am_snowangel

The picturesque, riverside communities that comprise the 150-mile stretch of the Hudson Valley are the perfect place for travelers to experience some of New York’s finest history, natural beauty, culture, and food — without ever stepping foot in the big city. From apple orchards and great hiking trails to historic mansions, there’s a little something for everyone.

Why go? Every September, the annual Basilica Soundscape highlights innovative and genre-bending visual arts, musicians, and writers — and there’s also plenty of harvest festivals such as the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival and Warwick Applefest.
Act like a local: Spend a day roaming Storm King Art Center, a 500-acre outdoor art museum brimming with large-scale sculptures and world-renowned landscape architecture.
Where to stay: Sunset Cottage in Hudson (~$308/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.*

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MKT Weekend Shop 8.31 (Affiliate)

Home

The piece of furniture we’re drooling over: this Poly & Bark leather ottoman pouf in cognac brown. Hello, soft leather and beautiful living room.

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.

Active

Socks mysteriously eaten by your washing machine again? Yeah, us too. Try these women’s no-show socks — a bestselling sock with 50,000+ five-star reviews.

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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