• Community Brews | Thursday, March 28-Friday, March 29 | 12-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Drink up and give back — a portion of Swan Brewing’s sales will go towards United Way of Central Florida.
• Improv Acting for Teens | Thursday, March 28 | 3-4 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Teenagers can learn how to create scenes on the spot in this free class.
• Launch Pitch Night | Thursday, March 28 | 5:30 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | See local entrepreneurs pitch their businesses for a chance at up to $10,000 in microgrants.
• Trivia at Crave | Thursday, March 28 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ, 2250 Griffin Rd., Lakeland | Free entry | Don’t miss this event hosted by Dang Yo Trivia — prizes are on the line.

• Lakeland Cruisers Cruise Night | Friday, March 29 | 5-8:30 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | View modern and classic cars at this family-friendly car show.
• Swan City Improv | Friday, March 29 | 7 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $10 | This comedy group will use audience suggestions to create scenes on the spot.

• UthMpact’s 2024 Project Prom Shopping Days | Saturday, March 30 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 US Hwy. 98 N., Lakeland | Free | High schoolers can sign a pledge to celebrate prom safely and receive free formal wear.
• Spring Fest | Saturday, March 30 | 5-7 p.m. | Shepherd’s Community United Methodist Church, 6885 Chelsea Oaks Dr., Lakeland | Free entry | Shop vendors, play games, and grab food truck bites to support Medulla Elementary.

• Wellness care — routine checkups, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and more
• Sick visits — diagnosis and treatment for any unexpected ailments
• Dental cleanings and surgeries — advanced procedures for squeaky-clean teeth + optimal long-term health
• Puppy and kitten plans — smooth transitions for your newest (and fluffiest) family members
• Specialized services — cold laser therapy (to provide pain relief and faster healing for pets with arthritis) + surgical lasers (which promote a quicker overall recovery)

• Starting Sunday, March 31 at 7 p.m., City of Lakeland Wastewater crews will repair a broken sewer connection on South Florida Avenue, just south of Dixieland. Southbound travel lanes will merge into one overnight during the project. Normal traffic will resume by Tuesday, April 2.

• Get those hurricane kits ready. AccuWeather is predicting a potentially record-breaking hurricane season for 2024, with Florida at a heightened risk for direct impact. Head to our hurricane preparation guide to get the 411 on what you need to know. (News-Press)

• PCPS will begin Controlled Open Enrollment (COE) on Monday, April 1. The COE process gives students an opportunity to attend a school other than the one they’re zoned for. Applications must be received by Friday, April 26. Check out our schools guide for more info about Lakeland’s education options.

• $1.3 million. That’s how much the City of Winter Haven would need to invest over the next five years to save the historic Ritz Theatre from foreclosure. The city is in early discussions to purchase and restore the building alongside Theatre Winter Haven. (The Ledger)

• Grammy-nominated artist Jeremy Camp has rescheduled his performance at the Polk Theatre from tomorrow to Sunday, April 21 due to health issues. Previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new date. (The Ledger)

• Calling all comedians. We’re looking for your best, lighthearted, Lakeland-themed jokes. If you’ve got a one-liner that perfectly encapsulates Swan City silliness, send it to us. You just might find yourself featured in an upcoming newsletter.

• The Polaris Program Ghost Squadron will perform an aerial show in Lakeland to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The unique demonstration of precision formation flying will occur during SUN ‘n FUN’s evening air show on Saturday, April 13. (Space Explored)

• Nominations are now open for the Polk Visionary Leader of the Year Award from Polk Vision. Through April 15, individuals can nominate community members who are leading the charge in improving the quality of life in Polk County.

• Enjoy an evening of classical piano by Harrison School for the Arts students in the annual Spring Piano Concert on Thursday, April 4 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for students + older adults.

• Did you know alligators can bellow? One hiker found this out while videoing a massive alligator at Circle B on Sunday. According to Croc Encounters, it’s most common to hear them bellow during mating season, which typically starts in May. (WFLA)

• Out with the red, and in with the blue — blueberries, that is. Head over to Keel Farms on weekends from Saturday, March 30 to Sunday, April 21 for its annual Blueberry Festival. Looking to stay local? Check out U-pick options in Lakeland. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay + Lakeland Mom)

• What does it look like when living spaces are designed around self-care? See how this new apartment community used biophilic design, wellness-centered amenities, and a strong sense of community to cultivate a Lakeland sanctuary.*

• Therapy isn’t a luxury — it’s an essential tool for navigating life’s complexities. Invest in your wellbeing with 25% off your first month of BetterHelp.*

Activities for the family

• Join the City of Lakeland for a free Jellybean Jubilee tonight, 4-7 p.m at The Simpson Park Community Center. There will be fun for all ages with an egg hunt, arts + crafts, face painting, and more.

Brunch

• Stop in WACO Kitchen (3900 Don Emerson Dr.) 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for a special menu including sweet + savory favorites like lamb chops and brioche French toast.

Services

• If you’re looking for a service, check out Lakeland Chamber of Commerce’s list of local churches. Pro tip: Bok Tower Gardens will host its 98th annual sunrise service on Sunday, March 31 at 6:30 a.m.