The rules + details:

• Winter Haven First Friday | Friday, July 5 | 5-9 p.m. | Downtown Winter Haven | Free entry | Enjoy live music, extended shopping hours, and local eats from downtown businesses.
• Swan City Improv Comedy Show! | Friday, July 5 | Times vary | Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $10-$15 | Laugh along with this improvised comedy team’s family friendly and 21+ shows.
• Walking Owl, Marrison, Movie Props, Highway Advisory Radio | Friday, July 5 | 8 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $6-$10 | Rock out to an evening of music by local artists.

• Mind, Body, Movement: HIIT with Earn Your Stripes Fitness | Saturday, July 6 | 8-9 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Boost strength, stamina, and mental focus by blending short bursts of exercise with recovery periods.
• Kidz Night Out - “GLOW” | Saturday, July 6 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Art Centric Studio, 1035 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 180, Lakeland | $30 | Kids ages 6 and older will enjoy a night of pizza, glow painting, and games — no parents allowed.
• Blake Free Band w/ Tito’s Latin Cuisine | Saturday, July 6 | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | End the week with live music on the Swan Stage and craft beer on the patio.

• Paradise Market | Sunday, July 7 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, 361 Denton Ave., Auburndale | Price of purchase | Peruse goods from local entrepreneurs at this lively indoor market.
• Cosmic Owl | Sunday, July 7 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | Bring your own refreshments to paint a colorful owl that glows under a blacklight.
• Moss Mirror Workshop | Sunday, July 7 | 4-6 p.m. | Keel & Curley Winery, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | $75 | Learn principles of botanical art + design by making your own preserved moss mirror.

• Nonprofit Lakeland Senior Hub, Inc. requested $300,000 in the city’s 2025 budget to help create a senior center. The group hopes to lease a space and staff the center by April through a public-private partnership. (The Ledger)

• St. Louis-based developer Summit Real Estate Group broke ground last week on the Hamilton Logistics Center in southwest Lakeland. The 318,000-sqft industrial park will include two buildings with space for small and mid-size logistics tenants. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

• Go Mocs. Florida Southern College was one of 17 Florida schools included on Money’s list of the Best Colleges in America. FSC made the list based on factors like graduation rates, costs, and post-grad earnings.

• Prepare for the next school year with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Back to School Bashes. Lakeland events are happening at the Northwest District Office on Saturday, July 13 and at the Southwest District Office on Saturday, July 27.

• Philately. That’s the study of postage stamps. Did you know children can join the Lakeland Stamp Club with the supervision of an adult? Join the free meetings on the first + third Tuesday of each month in the Peggy Brown Building.

• Now that the Fourth of July has passed, the Halloween fans can officially start planning for fall. Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail has released its 2024 dates, beginning Friday, Sept. 27. Tickets go on sale soon.

• Need a new preschool? Alta Schoolhouse is holding an open house on Saturday, July 13, 9 -11:30 a.m. with guided tours and playground time. Check out more preschools our readers recommend.

• Even the Hollywood elite love traveling to Polk County. Actor Harrison Ford recently visited to get a certification to fly his amphibious plane, and his trainer flew him over Lake Wales for this view of Bok Tower Gardens.

• Know any deserving non-profits in need of a boost? Nominate them for Lakeland Electric’s Community Giving Grant, open now through Sunday, August 18. Organizations that make a difference can receive up to $1,000. Apply now, or send this to someone who deserves it.*