SunSmart Summer | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Join this community picnic to learn all about sun + water safety, plus have fun with bubbles, water toys, and a mermaid meet and greet.
Ladies Coffee & Book Exchange | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Haven Coffee Roasters, Winter Haven | $20+ | Grab your favorite book and exchange it with someone new at this coffee meet-up.
The Write Spot | 2-3:30 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Join fellow writers for fun prompts, encouragement, and prizes.
Lindy Ball at Union Hall: Anniversary Edition | 7 p.m. | Union Hall | $25 | Celebrate a year of dancing with a red carpet entrance, free swing dance lessons, and live jazz + blues music.
Sunday, June 1
Dixieland Mid-Day Market | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | Start your week off on the right foot by shopping from local makers + bakers, then heading inside for a themed brunch and entertainment.
40th Annual Dollhouse & Miniatures Show and Sale | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Springhill Suites by Marriott | $10+ | Bring a tiny shopping bag to fill with miniatures, and don’t miss the display from four decades of club projects.
License to Chill Pool Party | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, Auburndale | $125 | This all-inclusive, adults-only pool party will bring the island vibes with a live DJ and unlimited bites and beverages.
Friday, June 6
Sangria Night | 5-10 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Price of purchase | Energy, flavor, and fun await at this event featuring Latin music, sangria flights, and dancing.
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Daytona Tortugas | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $12+ | Buy a “pup pass” to bring your furry friend with you to this Bark in the Park game.
When folks in Florida search for travel tips, there’s one country that’s trending on Google — Japan. Maybe they’re planning a trip to one of our sister cities, Imabari.
Kids
$139. That’s the starting cost for a single-day ticket to Universal’s new Epic Universe, which the public can begin using on Sunday, June 1. Food for thought: The same amount of money could get you a year-long Family Membership to the Florida Children’s Museum. (USA Today)
History
The US Treasury Department has placed its last order for penny blanks and announced plans to stop making the one-cent coin. Production is expected to end in early 2026 for the coin first minted in 1793, making the penny older than the city of Lakeland. (Newsweek)
Eat
As May — aka National Burger Month — comes to a close, DoorDash has released data on the most popular burger in each state. Turns out, Florida is flipping out over chicken burgers. If this sparked a craving, LoveBird + The Chop Shop come highly recommended by local diners. (Food & Wine)
Number
4.5 million. That’s how many people start their day with 1440, your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. Psst — It takes five minutes to read. Subscribe free.*
City Guide
City Guide
We’re freefalling for free fun
Meet community organizations and join free activities at every First Friday event. | Photo by LALtoday
With school out and schedules open, you don’t need full pockets to fill your calendar in Lakeland; just look at these free activities.
Circle B Bar Reserve | Start your adventure with interactive exhibits at the Polk Nature Discovery Center, then put your new knowledge to the test on the hiking trails.
Bonnet Springs Park | There’s a reason this spot was voted Best City Park in the US. BSP brings the free fun for all ages, from its interactive play structures to its Nature Center and History Gallery.
Downtown Public Art Trail | Charge up your phone to take an interactive walking tour of 25+ public art pieces across landmarks like Hollis Garden and the Lemon Street promenade.
First Friday | Downtown Lakeland kicks off each month with a bang at this event with local vendors, food trucks, and live music. Catch the next one on Friday, June 6, 6-9 p.m.
⚡ These tapered linen pants are newly marked down and great if you don’t love a wide-leg style.
⚡ Grab a pair of Zella everyday joggers for a lightweight pant perfect for casual summer days.
⚡ This men’s pocket t-shirt is made from 100% cotton and on sale for under $20.
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