Lakeland’s biggest May events | Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month.
Don’t rain on our Parade | Take a self-guided tour of these Lakeland homes today and tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to see what’s new in home design.
We want candy | ...and cakes, and cookies, and bonbons. When cravings hit, level up your dessert game at one of these local sweet shops in Lakeland.
Asked
Asked
How many students will graduate from a Lakeland college or university this spring?
Watermelon Festival | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Florida Children’s Museum | Free | Things will get juicy with hands-on, watermelon-themed activities on Bonnet Springs Park’s Family Lawn, plus pay-what-you-can entry to the museum.
Spring Fling Sunflower Maze | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Harvest Holler Corn Maze, Polk City | $14+ | Find your way through a maze of flowers, take a farm hayride, and pet cows from KT’s Mini Moos.
30th Annual Heritage Day Festival | 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | Central Park, Winter Haven | Free | Head to Central Park for a celebration of African American traditions themed “Unity in the Community.”
From Soul To Sip | 4-6 p.m. | The Wine Garden | Price of purchase | Drop in to enjoy a glass of wine, charcuterie, and connection with other aficionados.
Sunday, May 4
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Palm Beach Cardinals | 12 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $9+ | Upgrade your tickets to start the game with brunch in the ’34 Club, and end it with kids running the bases.
The Wedding Show | 12-4 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | $15+ | Bring your betrothed to meet local wedding vendors, and buy a VIP ticket to enter a venue rental giveaway.
LSO Cookie Concert | 1 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College | Free | Little ones can get an up-close look at instruments and enjoy a concert just for them — don’t miss the free cookies at the end.
Everything Is Possible | 4-6 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, Auburndale | $20+ | Be amazed by the stunts of internationally acclaimed aerialist Jen Bricker-Bauer and learn her story of “triumph over tragedy.”
Friday, May 9
Girls Night Out | 5-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Price of purchase | Gather your gal pals and pick up your passport to sip + shop your way around downtown.
Saturday, May 10
Mayfaire by-the-Lake | Saturday, May 10-Sunday, May 11 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Lake Morton | Free+ | Browse or shop the work of dozens of fine artists at booths lining the lake, and enjoy family activities + food trucks.
Today is National Fitness Day, celebrated each year on the first Saturday of May. Get your sweat one at one of these local gyms. If fitness isn’t your thing, it’s also one of our favorite holidays of the year — National Lumpy Rug Day.
Listen
Explore soundscapes around the world with this interactive map. The map features over 7,000 sounds from 130 countries and territories. The only Florida sounds are in Tampa, Orlando, and Miami, but we think some noise from Peterson Park deserves a spot.
Eat
Chicken + waffles are back at KFC. The popular combo hasn’t been on the menu in over five years — well, at least not at the fast food chain. We know quite a few local brunch spots where you can find the sweet and savory dish.
Read
It’s Free Comic Book Day. The celebration of the genre allows fans to grab free comic books, including titles from franchises like “Spider-Man,” “Archie,” and “Minecraft” at select locations. Use this map to find a participating spot, like Intergalactic Plastic.
Holiday
May the fourth be with you. Tomorrow, May 4, is “Star Wars” Day — a celebration of the beloved space opera. In addition to catching screenings at the Polk Theatre, you can avoid the Dark Side and be a force for good by performing a local random act of kindness.
City Guide
City Guide
🐾 Let the dog days begin
Bring your good boys + girls along with you to these places — they deserve it. | Photo by @attaboyanimalcare_lakeland
Paws right there, because Lakeland is a pet’s paradise. We’ve fetched 25+ of the top spots around Lakeland where you can do your favorite things with your four-legged friend.
Catch some rays
The city operates four dog parks around town, offering a place for dogs to run all around Lakeland. Check out its newest one, On Dog Time, near Lake Mirror.
Cuddle up
The Botany Cats mobile cat lounge brings adoptable cats to you. Find the bright green trailer at the Downtown Farmers Curb Market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. today to meet the cats inside.
Take a spa day Who doesn’t love a manicure? Bring your pet to Lucky Puppy Nail Specialists for nail shortening services for all breeds, temperaments, and sizes.
Go on a shopping spree
Stock up on pet food, supplies, toys, and specialty treats like ice cream + birthday cakes just for pets at Oh My Dog.
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