Plus, try Thanksgiving in the Keys.
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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, Nov. 10
  • ESPORTS Parent’s Night Out | Friday, Nov. 10 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | XP League Lakeland, 3201 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $40 | Drop the kids off to play esports while you enjoy a night off.
  • Salvation Army Kettle Kick Off & Tree Lighting | Friday, Nov. 10 | 6-7 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | Bring the whole family for live music, an address from Sheriff Grady Judd, stilt walkers, and the inaugural tree lighting by Santa Claus himself.
  • Bandtastic! | Friday, Nov. 10 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $5-$10 | The FSC Symphony Band and Jazz Ensembles will perform a fast-paced evening of classical, jazz, rock, and pop music.
Saturday, Nov. 11
  • Live Green Lakeland Eco-Fest | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Munn Park, 201 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Learn how you can help the environment with local vendors, kids’ crafts, and entertainment.
  • Dixieland Art & Alley Fest | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Dixieland Village, 1035 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate all things art, food, and music — you may even see Santa getting a head start on Christmas shopping.
  • The Joinery Trading Post | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Shop this local makers market for art, jewelry, home decor, and craft cocktails.
  • Strength through Stability | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 1-4 p.m. | Satya Life Yoga, 4684 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland | $50-$55 | Build stability through this yoga workshop — join in-person or on Zoom.
  • A Proper Night of Comedy... and Music | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 8-11 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $20-$25 | Comedian Sean Finnerty will start the night with a comedy set, followed by dancing and live music by Proper Wednesday.
Sunday, Nov. 12
100+ more events
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From the editor
Holiday
  • Veterans Day is Saturday, Nov. 11, and there are plenty of events happening to honor Polk County’s 60,000+ events. Pro tip: The Polk County Clerk’s office is offering free passport photos to veterans and active-duty military personnel throughout November.
Travel
  • You won’t need a passport for these trips — or even a full tank of gas. We’re using reader recommendations to plan day trips to cities near Lakeland, starting with Winter Haven and Bartow. Visit one this weekend with our guides to what to do, see, eat, and drink.
Shop
  • Ready for Small Business Saturday? Support five businesses at once at a Holiday Open House hosted by Little Bus Books and The Nectary at 1047 E. Main St. Swan City Chandlery, Mucho Boba, and Botany Cats will be on-site on Saturday, Nov. 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Great Escapes

Our guide to Key West, FL

Great Escapes: Our guide to Key West, FL
Sunset over the Gulf of Mexico seen from Mallory Square in Key West, FL
Don’t miss watching the sunset from Mallory Square. | Photo by LALtoday
When my family moved to Key West a few years ago, it became my favorite place to vacation. We even spent Thanksgiving there, eating seafood at a beachfront restaurant instead of turkey at the dinner table. Here are my pro tips for visiting.
  • Why go? Key West is the southernmost point of the continental US (read: It gets pretty hot). Visit in the fall or winter to avoid summer crowds and temperatures.
  • Act like a local: Visiting for Thanksgiving like I did? Take a trip north through the rest of the Keys to Islamorada to eat dinner at Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar. It’s a bit of a drive, but trust me, it’s worth it for a sunset Thanksgiving meal like no other.
  • Where to stay: Charming cottage with a pool (~$225/night)*
More of my Key West pro tips
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.*
 
Puzzle

✏️ (Cross)word up
A crossword puzzle with Lakeland news answers
Test your knowledge with this crossword. | Screenshot via Crossword Labs
Have you been keeping up with Lakeland updates through our newsletter? We’re putting you to the ultimate test with this crossword puzzle. Click the button below to complete it. Your prize? A virtual pat on the back from us. Priceless.

Here are a few clues to get you started:
  • 1 Down: Park that recently celebrated one year
  • 5 Across: 26% of these readers come from Michigan
  • 7 Down: Community facility undergoing a $21 million renovation
Complete the crossword
The Buy

Weekend The Buy 11.09.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
It’s here — Oprah’s Favorite Things list, just in time for the holidays. We’re seeing: luxury flaky sea salt, all-weather boots, fleece robes, and a baked brie board.
Let us know what you think about LALweekend, a product of LALtoday, by answering a few quick questions.
The Wrap
 
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