Mayfaire by-the-Lake — Lakeland’s largest fine arts festival — is back this Saturday, May 10 + Sunday, May 11. Hosted by the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, the festival has descended upon Swan City nearly every Mother’s Day weekend since 1971, transforming the shores of Lake Morton into an art lover’s paradise.
Whether it’s your first time or fiftieth time attending the festival, pocket these pro tips to make your visit a masterpiece.
Parking + getting around
Mayfaire is one of Lakeland’s most-attended events, so take it from us — skip searching for parking by the AGB unless you’re looking for accessible spaces. Instead, look for spots throughout Florida Southern’s campus and downtown Lakeland.
Mayfaire shuttles and The Squeeze will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. all weekend to transport people to and around the event, including accessible shuttles for those with mobility aids.
Must-dos + sees
Since its inception, Mayfaire has grown to showcase the work of more than 150 artists across different mediums, meaning there will be plenty of art to browse and buy.See samples of the artists’ work, then find where your faves will be using the map.
Young Picassos will have a dedicated Kids Zone for free activities by the First Methodist Church, including the Kids Collect tent, where aspiring art collectors can purchase pieces for a small fee.
Bites + bevs
In addition to nearby restaurants, guests can also find food trucks serving everything from crab cakes to ice cream. And in this weather, you’ll want the ice cream.
New this year, walk up to Black & Brew’s Lake Morton location to try the Mayfaire Blueberry Hibiscus Lemonade, a limited-time drink inspired by the festival. Pro tip: AGB members get 10% off at the Lake Morton Black & Brew year-round.
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.
Thursday Trivia | 7 p.m. | Barrel 239, Winter Haven | Free+ | Whether you like it neat or on the rocks, gather your crew to show off your general knowledge chops at this whiskey bar.
Friday, May 9
Bark in the Park 2025 | 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.
Mother’s Day Candle Experience | 6 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $55 | Sip on one of the farm’s blends while creating your own scent — to gift or to keep.
“A Night at the Movies” | Friday, May 9-Saturday, May 10 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre | Free | Members of the Out of the Box troupe will perform a show written by 8th-grade creative writing students.
Saturday, May 10
Mother’s Day Royal High Tea | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Enchanted Fairytale Hollow | $50+ | Parents and kids can experience a three-course tea party, complete with two surprise royal visitors.
AAPI Cultural Celebration | 6-9 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+ | Experience the cultures of Japan, Hawaii, India, New Zealand, and more through live dances, performances, food vendors, lawn games, and crafts.*
Sunday, May 11
Silent Book Club | 2-3:30 p.m. | Pour Bear Coffee | Free | Head to this coffee shop after hours to read in silence + connect with other book lovers.
LALtoday readers can get $15 off their first class at Strong Souls using the code LAL until Thursday, May 15. | Photo courtesy of Nicole Ash
We’ve always considered Lakeland to be a city that stands out from a crowd, and its small biz scene is no different.
This Small Business Week powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, we’re stepping outside of our regular routines and highlighting Lakeland small bizzes whose distinct offerings are worth exploring or experiencing.
Strong Souls
This first-of-its-kind fitness studio in Polk County encourages visitors to step outside of their comfort zone in a supportive, empowering environment with pole dancing classes for all levels.
Take Heart
Nowhere else in Lakeland can you find a store comprised of entirely fair trade products made in more than 40 countries. Purchases here directly support orphans and widows in Africa through education and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Wilderness at Heart Photography
Lakeland-based photographer Karen R. Schuenemann uses this biz to offer all-inclusive, boutique photography workshops around the world from places like White Sands National Park to Botswana and Zambia.
Our Small Business Week coverage is powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, where you’ll find better banking for your local business.
News Notes
News Notes
Traffic
Pave the way. The City of Lakeland will begin milling and repaving several streets on Monday, May 12. All work is scheduled to conclude by Monday, June 16, though delays for weather and equipment might be possible. See the full schedule to plan your commutes and coffee runs accordingly.
Number
4.3 million. That’s how many tests Watson Clinic’s six laboratory locations conducted last year alone. Two of those locations — the Main lab and Bella Vista Histology lab — have recently earned accreditation from the College of American Pathologists based on facility + quality control excellence.
Real Estate
Polk City might only have a population of ~3,000, but its real estate market is one of the hottest in the Lakeland-Winter Haven metro area, according to new data from RedFin. If you’re craving wide open spaces while being close to amenities, this home might just do the trick. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Lakelander
Meet Xander Allen, an upcoming 2025 graduate of Harrison School for the Arts + this year’s Betsye Kay Finch Performing Arts Foundation scholarship winner. Allen plans to apply the $3,500 scholarship toward his pursuit of a degree in musical theatre at the University of Central Florida this fall.
Holiday
Mother’s Day is just three days away, and two Lakeland businesses have you covered for those sweet last-minute gifts. Both Sweet Cup Cafe and Black & Brew are offering Mother’s Day coffee bouquets this year, featuring floral (or churro) arrangements, coffee, and a few extra goodies.
Eat
Talk about a lunch break upgrade. The Wine Garden is now serving up fresh sandwiches and salads, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m, Tuesday-Saturday. We’ve got our eyes on The Nick-ity Split — a fresh baguette layered with mortadella, Appalachian Tomme cheese, olive tapenade, arugula, and extra virgin olive oil.
Edu
WonderHere will host its annual Homeschool Conference on Friday, June 6 + Saturday, June 7 at Haus 820. Secure your spot to shop curriculum vendors, hear from expert speakers, and engage in interactive breakout sessions — tickets are BOGO through the end of today.
Biz
Grow your business savings with a MIDFLORIDA Business Money Market Account. Earn 4.25% APY on balances over $250,000 — a smart way to make your money work harder while you focus on growing your business.*
Need quick, convenient relief? Lakeland Regional Health’s fourth Urgent Care location is open at Lake Gibson. Located at 930 Marcum Rd., the friendly and expert Lake Gibson team can diagnose and treat non-emergency health needs like colds, the flu, sprains, and more — all in one place. Find an Urgent Care near you.*
Finance
You know that moment when a company goes from “never heard of” to “suddenly everywhere?” That’s RAD Intel — and you can still invest. Join their supporters like Adobe and Fidelity by end of day today, May 8.†‡*
Stat
$8,000+. That’s how much you could spend if your dog breaks a bone in a car crash, fall, or collision — from wound treatment and x-rays to emergency surgery and aftercare. Luckily,this pet insurance plan could reimburse you up to 90% of that cost.*
Shop
Shop
Feature your biz in our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide
Put your business in front of thousands of daily readers. | Graphic by 6AM City
This month, we launched our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide to showcase gifts that say I appreciate you to parents, grandparents, neighbors, mentors, and life-long friends.
While we’ve already filled all our slots ahead of Mother’s Day, we’ve opened up a few more for Father’s Day.
Whether your business offers a neat product, one-of-a-kind gift, or unique service that could be enjoyed by a father figure — we want to feature it. Secure your spot by Friday, May 23.
It’s easy to support small businesses across the globe when you shop unique + one-of-a-kind products on Etsy. One of our favorite things to browse is Etsy’s selection of custom artwork. These are five of our favorites:
It’s grand opening day for MooTown Scoops, just in time for Mayfaire by-the-Lake this weekend. I mean really, what can beat getting a scoop after a walk around the lake browsing the art? See what Connor and I tried when we stopped by.
‡This offering is made pursuant to Regulation A Round and involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The Company valuation is set by RAD Intel. Please review all offering materials before making an investment decision.
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