Reading is fundamental — and these local programs are putting an emphasis on “fun.” Connect with others over a good book or let your little one fall in love with reading at these book clubs and storytimes around Lakeland.
Book Clubs
The Reserve | First Thursday | 6:15 p.m. | Kelly Branch Library
Upcoming read: “The Berry Pickers” by Amanda Peters
Books Sandwiched In | Second Tuesday | 12:15 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library
Upcoming reads: “Killers of the Flower Moon”by David Grann + “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek” by Kim Michele Richardson
Bistro Book Babes | First, third, and fifth Sunday | 3 p.m. | Virtual
Upcoming reads: “Servant of Earth” by Sarah Hawley + “The Serpent and the Wolf” by Rebecca Robinson
Little readers can laugh, sing, and read along with colorful books.
Turkey Handprint | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | $25+ | Walk in + get your hands dirty in this interactive art experience.
Life in a Phosphate Town | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Richard Fifer will present his personal account of growing up in a Florida phosphate mining town.
Night Market | 6-9 p.m. | Union Taproom, Winter Haven | Free+ | Visit this monthly night market to shop local vendors while you pour your own drinks.
Fall Jazz Ensemble Concert | 7-8 p.m. | Southeastern University Bush Chapel | Free | Enjoy a night of smooth tunes “and all that jazz” from SEU’s School of Music students.
Friday, Nov. 8
15th Annual Salute to Veterans Breakfast | 7 a.m. | Heritage Baptist Church | Free+ | Join the Rotary Clubs of Lakeland and guest speaker Alison Fredrickson to honor our military vets with a buffet breakfast from Mission BBQ.
“Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical” | Friday, Nov. 8-Sunday, Nov. 17 | Times vary | Lake Mirror | $24+ | Local actors will perform this musical based on the classic story that’s sure to be twice the fun.
Saturday, Nov. 9
Bark & Brunch | 9-11 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+ | It’s all about the dogs at this event featuring pooch-focused vendors, therapy pups, and paw portraits — just to name a few.
Wings ‘n Things | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | SUN ‘n FUN | Free | Explore the wonders of aerospace through hands-on activities fit for all ages.
Sunday, Nov. 10
Big C New Me Power Crew | 9:45 a.m.-2 p.m. | Clique Salon and Med Spa | Free | Cancer survivors can apply to find community while getting makeovers, taking professional photos, and meeting with experts.
Patriotic Concert | 1:45 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium at Florida College Southern | Free | Join the Lakeland Concert Band for an afternoon of patriotic music + performances by the Ultimate Dance Center.
City staff will host a public meeting next Tuesday, Nov. 12, to share progress + plans for restoring wetlands, removing excess sediments, and improving the conveyance system in the Lake Bonnet Drainage Basin. Attend in-person at The Well, 6-8 p.m., or register to watch the meeting virtually.
Number
Up to $2.5 billion. That’s how much the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services estimates farmers lost in potential revenue due to Hurricane Milton, equating to about 20% of their revenue. Help support local growers by stopping by one of these farm stands around Lakeland. (Bay News 9)
Outdoors
The 44th Annual Swan Roundup concluded yesterday, with the city’s beloved birds receiving a mostlyclean bill of health. Veterinarians shared that the flock has slimmed down, likely due to stress from the recent storms + educational campaigns on proper swan diet. Several birds are also healing from eye injuries. (The Ledger)
Edu
Start practicing your cap toss. PCPS has announced its graduation dates for the class of 2025. Graduation season will commence (no pun intended) on Saturday, May 10 and end Friday, May 23, with most ceremonies being held at the RP Funding Center.
Feel Good
While voters cast their ballots on Tuesday, students at Edgar L. Padgett Elementary in Lakeland were submitting their votes as well — albeit for slightly different topics. What do you think is the chance we could get more recess or no homework on our next ballot? Asking for a friend. (WFTV)
Seasonal
The 43rd Annual Lakeland Christmas Parade is coming up in just 28 days, and we must have been nice, because Santa himself is coming to town for it. If you’re new to Swan City or haven’t made it to the parade before, check this list twice before the big night on Thursday, Dec. 5.
Cause
Speaking of the holiday season — if you’re looking for ways to spread cheer this year, consider “adopting” an older adult in Lakeland with the Be a Santa to a Senior Program. Keep an eye on the organization’s Facebook page for wish tree locations, or check out its Amazon wishlist.
Health
What’s better than dinner, raffles, games, live music + a crowd-favorite fashion show (featuring the fun-loving men of the Brotherhood of Pinkness)? All that, plus raising money for breast cancer patients at Lakeland Regional Health’s Hollis Cancer Center. Register for Puttin’ on The Pink for Breast Cancer, happening Friday, Nov. 15.*
Plan Ahead
Gotta go-ourd fast. The 2nd annual Pumpkin Dash 5K returns to SUN ‘n FUN on Saturday, Nov. 16. All runners will receive a dri-fit tech t-shirt + custom bib, plus free entry to family-friendly Flightoberfest later that day. Join the fall fun.*
Category
Try This
🌙 This one’s for the night owls
If you’re working late ‘cause you’re a singer, these spots in Lakeland will have your back for late night fun. | Photo via @jbonilla72
If there’s one thing our readers + followers tell us they’d change about Lakeland life, it’s that there are minimal options for late night activities.
While it’s true that a good portion of Lakeland shuts its doors by 10 p.m., we’ve rounded up some ideas for how night owls can thrive in our city. Spoiler alert — there might be more than you think.
Cut loose, footloose at a line dancing lesson at Union Hall — the party usually keeps rocking until 11:45 p.m. on Wednesdays. Or show off your vocal chops at La La Land’s weekly open mic, Sundays until 11 p.m.
This might be the last Wrap you see from me with this last name — starting tomorrow, I’ll be handing over my share of the LAL reins to City Editors Connor + Michael for the week while I celebrate my wedding. I’ll be back in your inbox with the same face and a new name on Nov. 19. Miss you already, LALtoday fam.
