There’s more to the market than strawberry shortcake.
Photo by LALtoday
Parkesdale Market is hosting the Flower Power Garden Fest on Saturday, July 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. This is the place to plant shop this weekend, but if you’re like me with no green thumb to speak of, you should still visit for the crafts, Parkesdale’s summer menu, and food trucks (including my favorite, Smitty’s Corndogs).
Pro tip: This is your last chance to stock up on locally grown produce before the market closes for its summer break through Tuesday, Aug. 12.
Asked
Asked
How far in advance do you make plans?
A. Months — my fall calendar is already filling up B. A few weeks before an event C. The start of each week D. Make plans? I just wing it every day E. It depends on the event for me
Monday Fun Day: Everglades | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Experts from Se7en Wetlands will teach kids all about the Everglades through themed crafts and activities.
Monday Trivia | 7:30 p.m. | Cob & Pen | Free+ | Order a round of drinks and Ultimate Fries to fuel your trivia team for a win.
Tuesday, July 15
Annual Shark Tooth Dig Contest | 9-10 a.m. | Mulberry Phosphate Museum | Free | Adults + kids can register to dig in the fossil pile to find as many shark teeth as you can in one hour.
Painting with a Twist Book Club | 6-8 p.m. | Pressed | $65 | Tickets include a discussion of “The Art of Arranging Flowers” by Lynne Branard, a guided painting session, and any drink from the coffee bar.
Wednesday, July 16
Turn Up and Tone | 6-7 p.m. | Uno Dos Tres Studio | $15 | Turn up to this class and take your fitness to the next level with high-energy dance moves.
Thursday, July 17
July Night Workshop | 7 p.m. | Bloom Shakalaka | $125 | Create a mini flower arrangement in bold shades of pink, coral, and purple.
Friday, July 18
Meddlin’ Kids Presents: Toon Turn Up! | 7 p.m. | Union Hall | $15+ | Throw it back to the days of Saturday morning cartoons with nostalgic music, cereal-inspired cocktails, and a classic cartoon screening.
Talbot House Ministries is considering a move from North Kentucky Avenue to East Memorial Boulevard, across from Lakes Church. Pending Planning and Zoning Board approval, proposed concepts include a two-story building with an overnight shelter, a patio waiting area with restrooms, and clinic + program space. (The Ledger)
Travel
Holiday travel, here we come. Avelo Airlines has extended its travel schedule through Feb. 10, 2026, meaning you can start booking those winter vacations from Lakeland International Airport. Plus, seasonal flights to Concord/Charlotte, NC will resume on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
Family
Check this out. Each day, the Lakeland Public Library allows one family to check out a Culture Pass for free admission to the Florida Children’s Museum. Now, the Polk County Library Cooperative is expanding the program, offering Culture Passes at more local libraries. Here’s how it works.
Mansion Monday
Buying a new home this summer means you can be all moved in by the holidays. We can already picture this stately west Lakeland home wrapped in lights, and the sky-high ceilings mean room for the tree of your dreams. Just call it a Christmas in July gift.
Edu
Florida Polytechnic University has entered into an agreement with the Hungarian-American Fulbright Commission, inviting top scholars from Hungary to complete advanced STEM studies in Lakeland. The school is no stranger to the Fulbright Program — it was named a top producer of scholars this spring.
Biz
Lakeside Artisan Markets will return in September, and Lakeside Village is on the hunt for new vendors. Small businesses specializing in handcrafted items can apply for the next round of markets happening on the second + fourth Sunday of each month.
Plan Ahead
Think pink and go black tie for the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida’s Pink Ribbon Gala on Saturday, Oct. 4 at Bonnet Springs Park. Tickets are now available for the “Garden of Hope” event featuring fine dining, stories from breast cancer survivors, and live entertainment.
Arts
Late nights are heating up at After Party, a new live music pop-up coming soon to Dixieland Relics that could be Lakeland’s hotspot after dark. While dates are still under wraps, musicians and bands can submit their work to get on the performer list.
Restaurant Roundup
🍽️ Eat up these updates
Be one of the first in line at Crave at 11 a.m. on opening day for a free hot dog. | Photo by @cravetheshoppesonderita
Swan City’s food scene is always changing, meaning new restaurants to anticipate and old favorites to bid goodbye.
Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ
This restaurant returns under new ownership at the same location (2250 Griffin Rd.), featuring creative hot dogs, classic barbecue staples, craft beers on tap, and ax-throwing. Join the grand reopening on Friday, July 18.
Grievous Angel
Jeremy Brumley, owner of LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken, is branching out from hot chicken to smashburgers in this new honky-tonk bar + restaurant concept. It’s under construction now at the former Poor Porker site, where crews are adding a full kitchen and outdoor dining.
Ax-Caliber
Last week, the ax-throwing venue + coffee house announced that it would close its doors in downtown Lakeland this month. It clarified that its final day in operation will be Saturday, July 26 — swing by to swing axes and enjoy a meal.
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.
You won’t find strawberry shortcake at Parkesdale this weekend since Florida berry season is over, but the summer menu is just as sweet. Keep it classic with the pineapple Dole whip or a banana split, or go adventurous and order the corn milkshake — just make sure to send me your review.
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