Hillcrest might be your new favorite free concert spot. | Photo by @tylerdavidsongs
You don’t need major funds to have major fun in Lakeland; just look at these free activities.
We promise these free things to do are more than just an aimless walk in the park. Instead, we’re making sure you get well-researched, unique suggestions worth the trip.
Arts
Live music at Hillcrest Coffee | Every Thursday evening, this coffee shop transforms into one of Lakeland’s most intimate live music venues featuring local, regional, and touring musicians. All shows are free to attend, but 100% of donations go directly to the performers.
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | This Smithsonian affiliate is packed with rotating + permanent exhibits featuring a variety of mediums from paintings to pottery and beyond. Pro tip: Save the museum’scalendar for free guided tour opportunities and special Thursday evening programming.
You can’t go wrong with a sunset hike around Se7en Wetlands.
Circle B Bar Reserve | Start your adventure at the Polk Nature Discovery Center, where you’ll learn all about Central Florida’s ecosystem through interactive exhibits. Then, put your new knowledge to the test on the trails + see how many species you can spot.
Se7en Wetlands | Join a guided hike to explore this constructed wetland treatment system that was once a phosphate mine, or take on the challenge solo.
Cob & Pen isn’t the only spot you can find trivia in Lakeland — you could make it a whole tour.
Karaoke at Union Hall | The only cost here is 30 seconds of courage. Take the stage every second Wednesday to sing your heart out with professional sound + lighting, or support performers from the audience.
Trivia at Cob & Pen | Assemble your crew to show off your general knowledge know-how every Monday at this gastropub.
Family-Friendly Paint and Sip | 7-10 p.m. | Botanical Brewing Taproom | Price of purchase | Purchase a kava or elixir drink, then put your creativity to the test in a guided painting lesson.
Molly’s Musicians Showcase | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub | Free+ | Take the stage or support local musicians at this open mic night in downtown Lakeland.
Veterans Appreciation Happy Hour | 4-6 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | Active duty members and veterans can bring a military ID for a round on the house.
Thursday, May 8
Spring Dance Concert | Thursday, May 8-Friday, May 9 | 7 p.m. | Harrison School for the Arts | $9 | Students will perform dances ranging from classical to modern, including works choreographed by upperclassmen + faculty.
Friday, May 9
Bark in the Park | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Central Park, Winter Haven | Free+ | Have a paws-itively perfect time with your leashed dog as you meet pet-centric vendors and watch the Wiener Dog Race.
Operations have begun at Lakeland Electric’s McIntosh Reciprocal Engine Plant. The $185 million facility includes six reciprocating internal combustion engines that will supply 120 megawatts of energy, reducing the need to purchase as much power from another utility. (LkldNow)
Health
Lakeland Regional Health’s next expansion is on the horizon: the new Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children – South, planned for US Highway 98 South. The Barnett family kicked off the $50 million funding campaign with a lead gift, along with a donation from Bill and Kathy Pou.
Ranked
No. 10. That’s where Lakeland ranked on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the 25 safest places to live in the country, based on the number of crime reports per 100,000 people. That’s just one thing that makes it such a family-friendly city — check out 24 more.
Coming Soon
Tractor Supply has its sights set on the former Big Lots location in the Palm Center plaza on South Florida Avenue. The retailer purchased 17 other shuttered Big Lots spaces, including the one in Winter Haven. Opening dates are yet to be announced. (USA Today)
Edu
Graduation weekend was eventful, with Florida Southern College + Florida Polytechnic University celebrating the largest graduating classes in each school’s history. FSC’s commencement featured an address by Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend Rondé Barber, and Florida Poly’s grads lit up lightsabers for “Star Wars” Day. (WFLA)
Community
Polk County’s Parks and Recreation department is seeking teachers to bring new classes and workshops to its recreation facilities. Aspiring instructors can reach out to the department with their ideas. Want to keep it within city limits? The City of Lakeland is also looking for instructors.
Biz
Private aviation company FlyUSA has acquired Lakeland-based TRYP Air Charter, bringing its fleet to 28 total aircraft. FlyUSA will continue to offer private flights from Lakeland International Airport to airports around the world. Anyone else up for vacationing in style this summer?
Kids
UF/IFAS Extension is letting kids ages 9-12 go wild this summer at Circle B Bar Reserve’s Nature Explorers camp. Campers will participate in a variety of nature-themed activities + crafts, plus go on garden and nature explorations. Registration closes Monday, June 16.
Arts
Mayfaire by-the-Lake, one of the oldest arts festivals in Central Florida, returns Mother’s Day weekend. Plan your festival weekend to see why Mayfaire landed among Sunshine Artist Magazine’s “200 Best Art Shows” for a decade straight.*
Manifest your best summer yet: Score this rare ~$1,000 travel card bonus and plan your dream beach vacation in a hydrangea-enveloped coastal mansion worthy of a cameo in “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” (Swoons.)*
Category
Biz
💻 Support these small bizzes anywhere
Presented by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
Place an order online and these bizzes will bring the fun to you. | Photo courtesy of Card My Yard
Rainy days, sick days, and just-can’t-leave-the-couch days won’t stop our support of local small businesses. In honor of Small Business Week powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, check out these five bizzes that you can support without leaving home.
Amethyst Bliss Gifts
This biz takes the guesswork out of gift giving with customized, curated Bliss Boxes that are stacked with locally made items like soaking salts, hand-poured candles, and more.
Add to cart: Mother’s Day Bliss Box — get $5 off Bliss Boxes valued at $45+ with code LALTODAY5 through Saturday, May 10.
Card My Yard Lakeland
“Skip the card, stake the yard” is the motto of this mobile biz. From birthdays to homecomings to engagements, owner Amy Jones makes practically any celebration larger than life with customized signs.
Add to cart: Say anything sign — get $15 off a sign (excluding graduation) with promo code LALTODAY15.
Our Small Business Week coverage is powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, where you’ll find better banking for your local business.
The Buy
Support small businesses from across the globe with one-of-a-kind products from Etsy. We love this customizable burger stamp for leveling up summer grill outs. Bonus: The artisan seller also offers a custom ice stamp so you can elevate upcoming cocktail nights.
Last week, I spent some time in the Northeast visiting my family and let me tell you — while I never get tired of Lakeland life, coming back to this heat has been brutal. So, needless to say, I am incredibly excited for MooTown Scoops to open this Thursday. Stay tuned on our Instagram for a sneak peek.
Answered
Answered
Approximately how many students will graduate from a Lakeland college or university this spring?
Looks like this was a major challenge. The correct answer was ~2,845, guessed correctly by about 36% of respondents.
Tap the button below to study up on Lakeland’s higher ed scene.
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