Don’t miss our favorite part: the daily airshows. | Photo by LALtoday
The LALtoday team is taking on SUN ‘n FUN this week, and we’re bringing you pro tips + must-dos galore. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re a seasoned pro, take our advice if you’re heading to the expo through Sunday, April 6 before it flies away until next year.
First off, this event is huge, covering 1,000+ acres. Drop a pin on your GPS app to save your parking location and wear comfortable shoes (but maybe not those new Hokas — our shoes got pretty dirty after just a few hours on the grounds). There are also trams available.
If the name didn’t give it away, be aware that most of the event is outdoors. With sun in this week’s forecast, sunscreen is a must, and we’d advise bringing a small umbrella for shade.
Hop on the flightline tour for $5 — proceeds benefit Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 797.
Photo by LALtoday
The daily airshows are a big draw. Performers start flying at 1 p.m., and a night show is planne for Saturday, April 5 at 7 p.m. Reserved seating is available, but the free seating areas in Warbird Country offer great views too. Bring a blanket or chairs and sit wherever you’d like — we set up under the shady tail of a plane.
Airshows aren’t the only fun to be had. Hop on a flightline tour near the entrance to Warbird Country to get a tour of thousands of planes. Plus, the Florida Air Museum is free to enter with expo admission, and you can see what’s new in aviation at the Future ‘n Flight Plaza.
Grab a cup of freshly squeezed lemonade or fizzy limeade from this stand in the west food court.
Photo by LALtoday
Hungry? There are plenty of food vendors on site, including local eateries like Fat Maggie’s and Family Kettle. Don’t forget to stay hydrated — a refreshing Lime Fizz from the food court near Hangar A hit the spot for us. There are also indoor restrooms nearby, a welcome respite from the plethora of portable restrooms.
AGB Thursdays | 4-8 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | The museum is staying open late every Thursday with extra time to explore and special weekly programming — this week, enjoy a concert by pianist Julián Pernett Castilla.
The Bash | 6:30-9 p.m. | SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus | $175 | The Bash is the premiere fundraising event during the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, benefiting the Aerospace Center for Excellence’s STEM, Education, and Scholarship Programs for the local community.*
Friday, April 4
Pitties and Kitties Spay and Neuter Day | 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | SPCA Florida Veterinary Clinic | $55+ | Income-qualified Lakelanders can bring their pets for reduced-cost spay + neuter services — appointments required.
Rockin’ on the Chain | Friday, April 4-Sunday, April 6 | Times vary | Tanner’s Lakeside, Winter Haven | Free+ | Rock out for a cause — proceeds from this music festival will go toward programs for individuals with autism.
Saturday, April 5
Cat-titude and Cardio | 10-11 a.m. | Purrology Cat Cafe | $15 | Work up a sweat in a beginner-level dance fitness class, then enjoy 30 minutes cooling down in the cat room.
Blueberry Festival | Saturday, April 5-Sunday, April 27 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | Don’t be blue — this festival will include blueberry U-pick, shortcake eating contests, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
Van Plating | 7-9 p.m. | Hillcrest Coffee | Free+ | Grab a latte before this alternative country singer-songwriter’s performance with Jeremy Thrush.
Monday, June 9
Southern Scholars Summer Camp | Monday, June 9-Friday, June 13 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Florida Southern College | $500 | Register your rising 9th or 10th grader now to secure a spot to explore health sciences, business, education, and STEM through hands-on learning with FSC faculty at Southern Scholars Summer Camp.*
🌷 Lakeland’s first annual flower festival blooms this April
Presented by Bonnet Springs Park
Beauty blossoms at this first annual flower festival. | Photos by Bonnet Springs Park
Spring enthusiasts, green thumbs, and park lovers of all ages: Meet Bloom at BSP, Lakeland’s first annual, free flower festival + celebration of nature happening this Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6.
39. That’s the average age of new residents in Polk County, which topped StorageCafe’s list of Florida counties with the highest net migration in 2023. Of these newcomers, most were millennials, and 52% owned a home within one year of moving to Polk.
Development
With Lakeland International Airport getting busier by the year, the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is planning an expansion of its own. LAL plans to add a new runway in the next 10 years, so the expo will shift south + refresh its entry plaza, campground, and education facilities. (WFTS)
Edu
Florida Poly president Dr. Devin Stephenson is adding another accolade to his growing list: correspondent academician of the Royal European Academy of Doctors, a global research institution. He’ll be honored with an inauguration in Spain next month.
Traffic
A plane lands at LAL every minute during SUN ‘n FUN, but the skies aren’t the only place you’ll find busier traffic this week. Expect slowdowns around southwest Lakeland, especially this weekend — and maybe visit these hidden gems to avoid long wait times at restaurants. (WFLA)
Transit
GOGO Charters is expanding its daily bus service network in Florida, including a new route between St. Petersburg and Orlando. The route will stop midway in Lakeland at the SpringHill Suites near the RP Funding Center. It’s set to begin late this year.
Kids
Local students ages 5-13 can get a taste of collegiate life with Polk State’s Kids at College. Sessions will be offered in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Lake Wales in June + July, with classes ranging from Ninja Warriors to Balloon Twisting to Rocketry. Registration opens Thursday, May 1.
Weather
The National Hurricane Center has released its final report on Hurricane Milton. Due to its high winds and low pressure, it will now go down in history as one of the most powerful Atlantic storms. Hurricane season begins June 1, but it’s never too early to start preparations. (WFLA)
Giveaway
Your next night out could be on the house: The Terrace’s Annual Giveaway Week returns on Monday, April 28. Follow both the Hotel + Grille Instagram accounts (linked above and below) for a full week of exclusive daily prizes.*
Number
$10,000. If you owe this much in personal debt, this company can reach out to credit card companies + potentially reduce it. See how it works.*
Tech
Invest in award-winning AI-powered marketing technology. With 12+ years of research behind them, RAD Intel is backed by Adobe and Fidelity and trusted by Hasbro, Skechers, and Sweetgreen. Join 6,000+ investors and get $0.55 per share (before prices change next Thursday, April 10).†*
Don’t waste time bouncing between dealerships when shopping for a car. With CarGurus, you can browse millions of cars + compare dealer ratings all in one place. Shop smarter.*
The Buy
The Buy
Chic drawstring denim pants. The roomy, straight-leg design keeps these jeans comfortable and casual, while the drawstring cinch ensures they fit snugly around your waist. Bonus: Shop this Madewell version.
Have you ever dreamed of flying with the Blue Angels? Stacy Campbell-Domineck, CEO of CareerSource Polk, was chosen as a Hometown Hero to fly with the US Navy’s elite squadron. We were there yesterday to see her take off on this once-in-a-lifetime flight, and her husband told me he wasn’t jealous of her — just proud she got to do something so amazing.
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