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, Dec. 1

Coffee and Carols | Friday, Dec. 1 | 7-9 p.m. | Pressed, 213 E. Bay St., Lakeland | Free entry | Raise your voice at a community singalong with Swan City Children’s Choir.
Southeastern University School of Music’s Christmas Concerts | Friday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec. 2 | 7 p.m. | Bush Chapel at Southeastern University, 1000 Longfellow Blvd., Lakeland | $5-$10 | The SEU orchestra, choir, jazz ensemble, and contemporary band will perform holiday music.
Swan City Improv Comedy Show! | Friday, Dec. 1 | Times vary | 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, Dec. 2

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Dec. 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.
Birding on the Boardwalk | Saturday, Dec. 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.
Complimentary Gift Wrapping | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Price of donation | Have your gifts wrapped in the breezeway near BD’s Mongolian Grill — optional donations will support clubs at George Jenkins High School.

Sunday, Dec. 3

Sunday Funday with Our Noire Kitchen | Sunday, Dec. 3 | 12-7 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Start your week with bites by Our Noire Kitchen and music by Andy Shreeve.
AFSP Polk County Out of the Darkness Walk | Sunday, Dec. 3 | 1-3 p.m. | Lake Parker Park, 820 E. Robson St., Lakeland | Free | Join this walk to raise awareness for mental health conditions.

100+ MORE EVENTS

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From the editor

Read

Looking for a local stocking stuffer? Get the reader in your life a book written by one of your neighbors. Find your pick using our list of 30+ books written by Lakelanders.

Pets

Is it just us, or are cat lounges + cafes popping up all over? We’re curious — will we ever get an equivalent for Lakeland pups? Nearby cities like St. Pete have off-leash dog park/restaurant hybrids. Let us know what you think and where you’d put one if you could.

Watch

We recently polled our Instagram followers on two potential reels. They voted for a Lake Mirror reel — the art of noticing — here’s out it turned out.

The Buy

Weekend The Buy 11.30.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A Pvolve equipment bundle, so you can try the Jennifer Aniston-endorsed fitness method right from home.

Watch

🎥 Meet “Project Downtown”

Have you seen the 1960 documentary about Munn Park’s revitalization? The project included the Munn Park fountain — otherwise known as the “Magic Fountain” — parking lot, new pavers, and more.

You can watch the full 15-minute film online for free.

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

Can you believe December starts tomorrow? Share your seasonal events with us — we’re filling our calendar with the final events of 2023 and it won’t be complete without yours.

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