Beat the heat with an indoor show. | Image via @gmpatton
You won’t find an official summer concert line-up in Lakeland this season, but it’s easy to curate your own with this list of July shows.
An Evening with Jodi and Delaney Benson | Saturday, July 5 | The Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven | Start with this mother-daughter duo featuring the original voice of Ariel in “The Little Mermaid.”
Candlelight Concerts | Saturday, July 12 | Lake Mirror Auditorium | Classical connoisseurs will enjoy a performance of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons,” and pop fans can come later for a mashup of Coldplay + Imagine Dragons hits.
BeatleBeat: Tribute To The Beatles | Sunday, July 13 | The Polk Theatre | “Let It Be” with a traveling tribute to the Fab Four’s greatest hits.
Red, White & Kaboom | 6-9:30 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror | Free+ | Gary Love and the Moonlighters bring the entertainment before a dazzling fireworks display over Lake Mirror at 9 p.m.
Picnic in Munn Park | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park | Price of purchase | Food trucks will line the park with bites + bevs to enjoy during Red, White & Kaboom.
Maker’s Market | 6-9 p.m. | Catapult | Price of purchase | Shop artisan goods from Kitchen, Makerspace, and Workspace members in Catapult’s parking lot.
Rockin’ Freedom Fest | 6 p.m. | Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Winter Haven | Free+ | The Cypress Gardens Ski Team + the Bay Kings Band will let sparks fly before a sundown fireworks show.
Friday, July 4
4th of July Celebration | 10 a.m.-12 a.m. | Family Fun Center | $4 | Buy attraction tickets online for exclusive Independence Day deals on mini golf and laser games.
Red, White & BOOM! | Friday, July 4-Saturday, July 5 | 10 a.m.-9 p.m. | Legoland Florida, Winter Haven | $79+ | Get in the patriotic spirit with themed activities, a dance party, and a brick-tastic fireworks display.
Billy D Trio w/ Top Dog Concessions | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Price of purchase | Chill out with hot dogs by Top Dog Concessions and deals on taproom drinks while Billy D Trio plays.
Saturday, July 5
Caffeine & Gasoline | 8-10 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+ | Scope out exotic, luxury, and classic cars — if you have a sweet ride, there’s no registration required to show it off.
Mud & Mental Health: Ceramics Workshop | Saturday, July 5-Sunday, July 6 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | AdventHealth Fieldhouse, Winter Haven | $95 | This two-day workshop will guide you through both ceramic building and overcoming negative self-talk.
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Dunedin Blue Jays | 6 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $12+ | Arrive early to taste and vote for your favorite sandwiches in El Festival del Sanguich — entry included with game tickets.
The Polk County History Center is stepping into the future. The historic building will reopen on Tuesday, July 15 after being closed for renovations since March. Be one of the first to see what’s new on the next Architectural Tour on Saturday, July 19 at 11 a.m.
Number
$6.1 million. That’s how much Polk State College received in the newly approved Florida state budget for renovations to its Lakeland Academic Center. The budget also includes $10 million for the school’s future Haines City-Davenport Campus, which will focus mainly on health sciences education.
Weather
Is it too late to call it Red, Wet & Kaboom? The National Hurricane Center expects showers through the weekend, which could mean watching fireworks through raindrops tonight. Red, White & Kaboom happens rain or shine, so check the City of Lakeland’s Facebook page for updates. (WFTS)
State
Florida’s former sales tax holiday on hurricane prep supplies has changed. Now, select items will be permanently tax-free, including certain batteries, portable generators, tarps, and sunscreen. We recommend stocking up on these items soon. (WKMG)
Cause
Paws for this cause. SPCA Florida hopes to raise $7,000 in donations and collect 7,000 pounds of pet food through its 7 Days of Giving campaign. Drop off food at Lakeland Fire Station 1 on Main Street or donate online from Monday, July 7 to Monday, July 14.
Drink
Happy hour has gotten even longer at Nineteen61, where you can now enjoy deals on drinks and bites from Monday to Friday, 3-6 p.m. Nothing beats a margarita + empanada combo on the patio for us, but there are also plenty more Lakeland happy hours to wet your whistle.
Finance
Even “1883" couldn’t script a gold run like this: An ounce of gold is expected to cost $4,000 in 2026. Diversify your portfolio with a gold IRA — no pickaxe required.†*
Older Adults
Your fifties + beyond is a great time to build wealth. Beyond basics like bulk shopping and retirement accounts, here are 14 financial benefits seniors are entitled to (but often forget to claim).*
Shop
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The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Tonight’s forecast had me considering skipping Red, White & Kaboom this year, but it’s such a fun event that I think I’ll still brave the storm. Hey, maybe I can get another use out of the overpriced poncho I bought at Disney World years ago. If you see me tonight, be sure to say hello.
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