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, Oct. 20

Lake Mirror Classic Concours & Car Show | Friday, Oct. 20-Sunday, Oct. 22 | Times vary | Frances Langford Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | See hot rods, classics, and historic cars on display in downtown Lakeland.
Resurrected: Haunted Jail | Friday, Oct. 20-Saturday, Oct. 21 | 6:30-10:30 p.m. | Polk County Jail, 455 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow | $5-$15 | Keep an eye out for ghosts and goblins as you make your way through the jail and enjoy a street carnival outside.
Concert Under the Stars: The Lubben Brothers | Friday, Oct. 20 | 7 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales | $35-$50 | Bring your own chair or blanket to hear bluegrass and folk music by these triplet musicians.

Saturday, Oct. 21

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 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.
Wings ‘n Things | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Aerospace Center for Excellence, 4075 James C Ray Dr., Lakeland | Free | Family members of all ages can enjoy hands-on aviation and aerospace activities — food trucks will be on-site.
BSP Birthday Bash | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 9 a.m.-9 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Party it up for Bonnet Springs Park’s one-year anniversary featuring free family activities, a movie on the lawn, and fireworks.
Pop Punk Emo Night | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 8 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $11 | PunkNites will host this “Halloween Grave Rave,” featuring a performance by Reckless Giants.

Sunday, Oct. 22

Eclectic Soul Food Sunday Brunch Pop Up | Sunday, Oct. 22 | 1-4 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Head to the Catapult Lakeland pop-up window and pick up brunch items like crab cake, shrimp and grits, peach cobbler, and more.
Andy Shreeve w/ Smokin Chanchos | Sunday, Oct. 22 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Head to Swan Brewing for food from Smokin Chanchos at 12 p.m. and live music by Andy Shreeve at 2 p.m.
Bach Festival of Central Florida | Sunday, Oct. 22 | 3-4:30 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland | Free | The 48th Bach Festival of Central Florida will feature compositions by Bach, Handel, and others — a free-will offering will be taken to support the festival.

100+ MORE EVENTS

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From the editor

Lakelander

What do the NBA, Broadway, the NFL, and Miss America have in common? They’ve all had at least one Lakelander among them. Check out our list of 20+ famous Lakelanders.

Biz

Ax-Caliber teased about something big coming soon to the downtown venue. Their hint? “It’s something you’re going to LOVE.” Tell us your guesses, and if you get it right, we’ll give you a shoutout in an upcoming newsletter.

Award

Ellen Chastain, Polk Museum of Art’s Education Manager, won the Rising Star Award at Tuesday’s Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance Hall of Fame Gala. In addition to her work at the museum, Chastain spearheads Art Crawl, Inc.

Asked

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A. Lakeland
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Puzzle

Consider this your mid-day brain break

Who doesn’t love a good puzzle? Speaking of famous Lakelanders, try your hand at this puzzle depicting Harrison School for the Arts graduate Karen Olivo in “Moulin Rouge.”

Shop

MKT Weekend Shop 10.19 (Affiliate)

Seasonal

Is it beanie weather yet? Get snug — without ever getting hat hair — with this satin-lined beanie we love.

Home

Never tangle with your plastic wrap, wax paper, or aluminum foil again thanks to this pre-labeled bamboo wrap organizer.

Tech

Meet the cutest charger we’ve ever seen: This mini portable iPhone charger that can save your battery when you’re on the go.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
LALtoday Team

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