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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. 29
  • “Unnecessary Farce” | Friday, Sept. 29-Sunday, Oct. 8 | Times vary | Buckner Theatre at Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $10-$20 | Florida Southern College students will kick off the Festival of Fine Arts with this comedic mystery play.
  • Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail | Friday, Sept. 29-Saturday, Nov. 4 | Times vary | Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail, 2837 S. Frontage Rd., Plant City | $27-$57 | Celebrate this attraction’s 10th season with three outdoor haunted trails, a new haunted hayride, escape games, and axe throwing.
  • Joinery After Dark | Friday, Sept. 29 | 8-11 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Dance the night away on The Joinery patio with music by DJ Barca.
Saturday, Sept. 30
  • Mind, Body, Movement: Tai-Chi | Saturday, Sept. 30 | 8-9 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Take part in a gentle movement meditation led by Satya Life Yoga.
  • Homebrews For Hope — A Charity Beer Tasting Event | Saturday, Sept. 30 | 12-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | $20 | Taste beers by local brewers and get a free pint from Swan Brewing — proceeds benefit local causes.
  • 2023 Annual Hispanic Festival of Lakeland | Saturday, Sept. 30 | 1-9 p.m. | Lake Mirror, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $15 | Celebrate Hispanic heritage with music and dancing on the Frances Langford Promenade.
  • Mossy Hollow Market | Saturday, Sept. 30 | 2-8 p.m. | Metals and Nature, 1501 W. State Rd. 60, Plant City | Free entry | This enchanted forest-themed market will include a potions bar, stargazing tent, and wishing cauldron — costumes are encouraged.
  • Cookin’ for Kids (Benefitting Academy Prep Center of Lakeland) | Saturday, Sept. 30 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park Event Center, 900 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | $50 | Taste signature dishes created by community leader chefs and vote for your favorite.
Sunday, Oct. 1
  • Harvest Holler Corn Maze | Friday, Sept. 29-Sunday, Nov. 12 | Times vary | Harvest Holler Corn Maze, 950 Tavares Rd., Polk City | $12-$15 | Explore a corn maze and pumpkin patch, or take a hayride through this fall farm.
  • All Hallows Eve Exhibition | Sunday, Oct. 1 | 6-8 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Local artists will display their creepiest art through Nov. 6, starting with this reception.
100+ more events
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From the editor
Number
  • $746,962,838. That’s the City of Lakeland’s newly approved budget for the 2024 fiscal year, starting Oct. 1. Become a budget expert with our by-the-numbers breakdown of what’s being funded this year.
Opening
  • The Oakbridge Center Publix has been closed for renovations since September of last year. After being demolished and rebuilt from the ground up, the supermarket is tentatively set to reopen on Thursday, Nov. 9. We can’t wait to see its new look.
Drink
  • Friday, Sept. 29 is National Coffee Day — and if that’s not enough reason to celebrate, it’s followed by International Coffee Day on Sunday, Oct. 1. Raise a mug on both days at one of Lakeland’s many locally owned coffee shops.
Sports

20 tailgating essentials for a winning season
The weber grill is neatly folded up and wheeled along by a person in hiking boots.
Wheel a Weber portable gas grill to any cookout destination. | Photo via Amazon
From the best tailgating grill to a condiment caddy, shop all things game day grub:
Our full tailgating guide
Great Escapes

Our guide to Scottsdale, AZ

Great Escapes: Our guide to Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ desert sunset.jpg
There’s nothing quite like a desert sunset. | Photo by Emily Herron
Scottsdale, Arizona has made a name for itself not only for being a hot spot for outdoor enthusiasts, but also for those looking for food, fun and endless shopping.
  • Why go? Scottsdale has something for everyone, even the kids. From golf courses, to high-end shopping and spas, to the Arizona Boardwalk, it’s simply impossible to run out of things to do. If you’re not quite ready to book the trip, maybe wait until 2024 when Mattel’s Adventure Park is set to open. Hop in, Ken.
  • Act like a local: It may be an unpopular opinion, but say no to Camelback Mountain and climb Piestewa Peak instead (pro tip: If desert plants don’t quite do it for you, the AZ wildflowers typically bloom late February and into March).
  • Where to stay: This Boho Arcadia Gem is a short walk to one of our favorite breakfast spots (order the Commuter with turkey, and add cheese + avocado) and this must-try dinner spot. (~$125/night)*
See more Scottsdale suggestions
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.*
 
Games

🎃 Try your hand at this haunted puzzle
A video of a digital puzzle featuring Sir Henry's Haunted Trail

How fast can you solve this jigsaw puzzle?

|

Photo by @loshtv, puzzle by Jigsaw Planet

The Halloween season is quickly approaching, and with it comes plenty of fall fun. Get a head start with this digital puzzle featuring Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail. How fast can you put all the pieces together?
Puzzlers this way
Shop

MKT Weekend Shop 9.28 (Affiliate)
Award
  • It’s here — Allure’s 2023 Best of Beauty Award Winners list. Shop Best of Skin winners and Best of Hair winners to discover today’s breakthrough beauty technology.
Drink
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