What’s the Swan City scoop? | We’ve got our eyes on these five ongoing projects geared toward supporting infrastructure, beautification + revitalization.
Small businesses, big flavors | What makes Lakeland’s small biz scene so sweet? Just ask our local restaurant owners, who are here with order recommendations for your first (or tenth) visit.
Lakeland small businesses, at your service | When you need a professional mentor, fresh manicure, or the perfect wedding florist, these small service businesses have you covered in Lakeland.
Asked
Asked
Around how many people attend Mayfaire by-the-Lake each year?
Moms, Meows & Mimosas | Saturday, May 10-Sunday, May 11 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | $20+ | Pop in for 30 minutes in the cat lounge and raise a toast to Mother’s Day with bottomless bubbly.
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
Mother’s Day Pop-Up | 11 a.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | Enjoy all the spring vibes at this outdoor shopping pop-up where moms get a drink on the house.
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.
“American Football: Live in Los Angeles” | 7 p.m. | Union Hall | $12 | Grab a drink and settle in to watch this concert film and documentary — Union Hall will be the only venue in Florida screening it.
Monday, May 12
Health Screening with BayCare | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Receive a complimentary blood pressure screening from BayCare, then take home educational materials.
Tuesday, May 13
Small Business Expo | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Ax-Caliber | Free | Small biz owners can network with fellow entrepreneurs while receiving support + resources in all aspects of business ownership.
Visa and Mastercard just unveiled an AI agent that can shop and buy on its user’s behalf. Sounds nice if you’re the kind of person who always forgets to get more toilet paper, but can it enjoy a sunny day at one of these local farmers markets? (TechCrunch)
The Word
Ailurophile. According to linguists, the word that means “cat lover” is one of the most beautiful in the English language. If you’re an Ailurophile yourself, check out adoptable cats at SPCA Florida. (Word Smarts)
Pets
Speaking of pets — Luna, Bella, and Max are the three most-popular dog names in Florida. We bet you’ll meet a few pups with those names while exploring dog-friendly patios in Lakeland. (U.S. News & World Report)
Look for “Tribute to the Volunteer Spirit” near Lake Mirror. | Photo by LALtoday
You know what they say, “if it’s free, it’s for me.”
Save this guide for 14 unique suggestions of things to do around Lakeland that are major fun without major funds.
Downtown Public Art Trail | Charge up your phone to take an interactive walking tour of 25+ public art pieces across landmarks like Barnett Park, Lake Mirror Park, Hollis Garden, and Lemon Street.
Lakeland History & Culture Center | Visit this center inside the Lakeland Public Library’s Main Branch to learn about our city’s past through interactive displays. Then, put on your investigative hat as you enter the Lakeland History Room, where you can research your own family’s past using city archives.
Polk County Citrus Label Tour | Polk County wasn’t once called the “Citrus Capital of the World” for nothing. Take a bite out of the citrus industry’s local history with a self-guided driving tour of label signs found around Polk County, including three sites in Lakeland alone.
With summer right around the corner, we’re stocking up on lightweight linen essentials made by small businesses and sold on Etsy. Two of our favorites include this New Jersey-made shirtdress and this relaxed fit tee available in 40+ colors.
It’s officially Mayfaire by-the-Lake weekend. If you’re planning to stop by, make sure to save our pocket guide of pro tips to make your visit a work of art — and don’t forget to cool off with the limited-edition Blueberry Hibiscus Lemonade from Black & Brew.
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