Expect everything from invigorating performances to thought-provoking exhibits at the City of Lakeland’s annual Black History Festival. | Photo via City of Lakeland
Honor + celebrate all month long (and even a little bit before) by getting involved in one of these Lakeland-area events.
Not Black Enough: A One “Black” Man Show | Friday, Jan. 31 | Times vary | Union Hall | $10 | Join Nate Fleming, the founder of Swan City Improv, for his one-man show that explores cultural identity with a comedic twist.
Cemetery Tour | Saturday, Feb. 1 | 9-10 a.m. | Evergreen & Palm Historic Cemetery, Bartow | Free | Learn the legacies of Polk County’s Black pioneers in this guided tour.
The Evelyn Bryant Cultural Festival | Saturday, Feb. 1 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Badcock Commons Park, Mulberry | Free+ | Join the town of Mulberry in a Black History Month celebration featuring live entertainment and a contest for artists + crafters.
Shawn Rahn | 6-9 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Take in a set from this local musician while enjoying barbecue from The Cultivated Pig + BOGO brews.
Florida Lecture Series | 7 p.m. | Florida Southern College | Free | FSC professor Keith Huneycutt will share about “The Storm” by Ellen Brown Anderson, one of Florida’s first female fiction writers.
“Anastasia” | Thursday, Jan. 30-Sunday, Feb. 16 | Times vary | Theatre Winter Haven, Winter Haven | $36 | Take a “journey to the past” as local actors perform this musical based on the beloved film.
Friday, Jan. 31
Movie on the Lawn: “Sing” | 6-9 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing — head to the Allen & Company Lawn for a night of crafts and animal interactions, followed by a free showing of “Sing.”
Charcuterie Workshop | 6:30 p.m. | Graze Craze | $65 | A ticket to this event includes a hands-on lesson for making your own board, a complimentary glass of wine, and a prize for the best charcuterie creation.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Dumb Coffee + Crash Bookshop Pop-Up | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Somos Church | Free+ | Pick up your next read while sipping on a coffee at this dual small-biz collab.
Lunar New Year | 2 p.m. | The Joinery | Free+ | Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Zukku Sushi with lion and dragon dances + food specials — register in advance to receive a free red envelope of prizes and discounts.
Swan City Improv | Times vary | Quinteassence | $10 | This local comedy team will make you laugh in back-to-back shows in the intimate Barter Box performance space.
Sunday, Feb. 2
Valentine’s Day Photo Shoot | 2-4 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Sign up in advance to get two professional photos taken with your significant other.
This one’s for you, north Lakelanders. Local entrepreneur Mikaela Booth is launching a new monthly farmers market this spring at Heritage Park. The Heritage Harvest Farmers Market will feature farm-grown fruits + veggies, as well as handmade and artisanal goods. Mark your calendars for opening day on Sunday, April 6.
Community
The City of Lakeland and Polk County’s Solid Waste Divisions are hosting a free disposal event focused on household hazardous waste and electronics. See the full list of what will be accepted at the city’s Solid Waste Division office from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8.
Traffic
If you’re anything like us, there’s nothing worse than when your commute (or traveling to your favorite coffee shop) gets derailed by unexpected roadwork. Plan your driving routes accordingly with these upcoming lane closures around Lakeland, from Kathleen to Lakeland Highlands Roads.
Biz
Do you think your business is a great place to work? Polk County biz owners are invited to join CareerSource Polk on Wednesday, March 19 in Winter Haven for an informational session on applying for the Best Places to Work designation. Applications for the award open Tuesday, April 1.
Award
Florida Southern alum Dylan Travis is adding another piece of hardware to his collection. USA Basketball has named Travis the 2024 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year for his exceptional performance this season. Learn more about how Lakeland shaped his athletic journey in our interview.
Trending
“You’re so funny.” This trend popping up around social media is recognizing the — let’s call them unique — life experiences that shape people’s personalities, and you know we had to get in on the fun. At least we can pass the time with these local playlists.
Kids
Calling all young Picassos — registration is open for Spring Break Art Camp at the AGB happening Monday, March 17-Friday, March 21. Students ages 8-14 will master their skills in a week-long course focused on mediums from fiber art to world building. Save a spot before Sunday, March 2.
Try This
We’re breaking out the birthday candles, because Bok Tower Gardens is turning 96 this year. Study up on the attraction’s history before “crossing the moat” to celebrate its dedication day Saturday, Feb. 1-Sunday, Feb. 2 with a close-up of the Singing Tower and its Great Brass Door.
Community
You’re invited to Lakeland Regional Health’s Positive Health Wellness Symposium on Friday, Feb. 7 at 9:30 a.m. This event features giveaways and a chance to learn about the science of happiness + positive psychology with wellness expert Dr. Liana Lianov (plus, a chance to snag free signed copies of her books). RSVP.*
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. This one even offers 5% cash back on your purchases, helping you save even more while you pay down your debt.*
Wellness
Simplify healthy living for your whole family. Thrive Market brings groceries free from 1,000+ harmful ingredients right to your doorstep. Sign up to get 30% off your first order, plus a free gift valued at $60.*
Health
Ready to feel better about your weight-loss goals? Through Hims & Hers, you’ll get the cheapest 12-month GLP-1 plan†, plus expert care and personalized support. From custom medications to snack ideas in the app, it’s all designed just for you. Start your free assessment.*
†Please note: Comparison based on 12-month plan prices for compounded semaglutide from 12 leading competitors as of December 2024.
Category
Eat
🥂 It’s brunch o’clock somewhere
We’re already counting down the days until Meraki brings back its pumpkin spice pastries. | Photo by LALtoday
Whether you’re on the hunt for fluffy eggs, fried chicken and waffles, or mind-blowing bloody marys, the options can get as overwhelming as the lines at times.
Luckily, you have us to scout things out. Plan your weekend and pour those mimosas with these go-to brunch spots.
Market on Kentucky | Tuesday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Grab a pastry from Meraki Bakehouse’s stall + pair it with a house-made coffee, tea, or smoothie for the perfect brunch bite.
Mary’s Bagel Café | Tuesday-Sunday, 6 a.m.-2 p.m. | Pick up a bagel or breakfast sandwich with names inspired by New York City, like the Bronx with bacon and egg or the Grand Central egg sandwich.
Charlie’s Family Restaurant | Daily, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. | This family-style diner has been serving up Southern comfort foods for more than 25 years.
When it comes to brunch, one of my go-to recommendations has to be the red velvet chicken and waffles from Food + Beer. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and savory, especially when paired with an espresso martini.
Answered
Answered
Where can we find the best soup in Lakeland?
After stewing over the responses, here are the spots that came out on top.
The Purple Onion Deli & Grill: Multiple readers praised this local spot for its wide variety of flavors — it has at least five different homemade soups on the menu daily.
Dena’s Place: If you’re craving a bowl that will transport you to grandma’s kitchen, the soups at this spot earned love from readers for their homemade quality.
My Ramen: Is ramen a soup? Our readers think so, with reader Noah M. even going so far as to say this spot has “the tastiest ramen in town.”
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