Happy last Thursday in November, Lakeland — City Editor Rilee here. We’re rounding out the month with events you can look forward to, videos you can’t miss, and an invitation for you to contribute to our December events calendar. Happy reading.
Lakeside Village Cruise-In Nights | Friday, Nov. 17 | 5-8:30 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free entry | Head to the parking lot near Gaskins Barbecue and Lobster to view classic + modern cars, meet other car enthusiasts, and rev up your weekend.
Plant City Pig Jam | Friday, Nov. 17-Saturday, Nov. 18 | Times vary | Gordon Food Service, 1401 Gordon Food Service Dr., Plant City | Free | Try food from amateur and professional teams competing to be the best barbecuers — bring $10 cash for parking.
Mickenzie Peisher Duo & Brazilian Fun Foods | Friday, Nov. 17 | 5-10 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Start the weekend off with live music and food truck eats at the Yard.
Saturday, Nov. 18
Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Nov. 18 | 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.
Vet Fest | Saturday, Nov. 18 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Veterans are invited to learn about available resources and receive on-site support from the Department of Veterans Affairs and other service organizations — parking and admission are free.
5th Annual Holiday Tree Decorating Contest Kick-Off | Saturday, Nov. 18 | 2-4 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | Free | See which tree wins at this fundraiser for United Way of Central Florida — trees will be on display through Dec. 31.
Kid’s Fishing Clinic | Saturday, Nov. 18 | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Bring young anglers to learn about and try fishing — all kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Sunday, Nov. 19
A Bright Winter Sunset | Sunday, Nov. 19 | 4-6 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | This bright winter scene could be your next masterpiece — sign up for a guided painting class where you can sip your favorite refreshments.
Swan City Jazz Jamz | Sunday, Nov. 19 | 5 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $10 | Enjoy live jazz at this donation-based musical event — a recommended donation is $10.
Did you know you can search our events calendar for certain keywords? Check out upcoming events filtered for the word “holiday” or “market” to find your next excursion.
We recently rounded up four historic buildings in downtown Lakeland and gave our readers clues to see if they could guess them correctly. Take the quiz below to learn about Lakeland’s oldest commercial building, the last-standing railroad hotel, and more.
...was built by one of Lakeland’s former mayors in 1903. Throughout the years, it has housed dry goods businesses, a cigar company, a sporting goods store, salons, and more.
You’ll recognize this Richardsonian Romanesque-style building by its arched windows and round tower.
Lindsey H and her patio-lovin’ pup, Winston | Photo via @lindsey.harrison
Sometimes you just can’t stand the thought of leaving your fur-baby at home. Thankfully, Lakeland has plenty of patios where you + your pup can dine together.
To help you figure out some of the best pro-puppy places around town, we connected with BringFido – the ultimate pet-friendly resource— and compiled a few recommendations.
“I’ve brought my 2 Beagles twice, and have been more than pleased! Excellent food and service and my dogs were treated very well. They brought water for them and kept coming to pet them! Love this place!!” — Debi
“We love Cob & Pen and had to take Ragnar here for his first real outing. The lawn and patio area is great for pets! You simply place your order inside at the bar and waitstaff will deliver your food and drinks to your table outside.” — Aubreigh
Heads up — you won’t see an LALweekend newsletter next Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. Worry not, your regularly scheduled LALtoday newsletters will still hit your inbox every weekday at 6 a.m., and LALweekend will return on Thursday, Nov. 30.
* This content is paid advertising, or contains links to our Six & Main marketplace, or affiliate partners which we may receive a commission from. ^ This content is created by our content studio.