I have a feeling the festival is Van Gogh-ing to be great.
Photo provided by Art Crawl, Inc.
Art Crawl, one of my favorite events of the year, is happening Sunday, Nov. 9 at Swan Brewing. The festival is seeking artists of all kinds to apply by this Sunday, Aug. 24 to be included.
If you’re not much of an artist, you can brush up at the AGB Museum of Art’s next round of classes, starting in September. There are traditional painting + drawing courses, but it’s “Behind the Screams: A Beginner’s Guide to Practical Horror Makeup” that caught my eye.
Events
Events
Monday, Aug. 18
Let’s Go Flamingo Paint Party | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Palace Pizza, Highland City | $20 | Grab a slice and pick up a brush to create a unique canvas with guidance from an artist.
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, Aug. 19
My Eye, My Life | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Local photographer Rick Runion will present on “How Photography Can Tell the Story of Your Life for Future Generations” and teach camera techniques.
Wednesday, Aug. 20
Launch & Learn | 12-1 p.m. | Catapult | Free | Bring your own lunch to this info session and Q+A about the Launch Micro-Grant program.
Thursday, Aug. 21
August Night Workshop | 7 p.m. | Bloom Shakalaka | $125 | Create a mini flower arrangement in bright shades of yellow, orange, and pink.
Friday, Aug. 22
Classic Albums Live: Bob Marley - “Legend” | 7:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $39.75+ | Hear the best of Bob Marley and The Wailers performed note for note, just as it was recorded.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Great Southeast Pollinator Census | 8-10 a.m. | Se7en Wetlands | Free | Drop in to join this state-spanning effort to count insects like bees + butterflies.
Want to reach Lakeland locals? Here’s the easiest way to advertise right now
Graphic by 6AM City
Let’s be honest: advertising can feel like a lot.
Back-and-forth meetings and a whole lot of waiting just to get your advertising efforts started. That’s exactly why we built the 6AM City Self-Service Ad Portal: a refreshingly simple way to get your brand in front of thousands of engaged Lakeland readers — on your time, your terms, and without the usual slowdown.
Whether you’re a small business looking for a quick awareness boost or a growing brand ready to dive into a new market, our portal is here to help you connect with the community, minus the fuss.
Downtown will be on island time soon — the Lakeland Island Breeze Tiki Bar is now set to open in the spring. Owner Soloman Wassef says development was paused due to a family emergency, but updates are now in progress. See our roundup of more local food + drink news. (LkldNow)
Arts
Six influential inductees will join the Polk Arts and Culture Hall of Fame this October, including three Lakelanders. New members include Florida Highwayman Robert Butler, arts educator + Mayfaire by-the-Lake Founder Joe Mitchell, and Lakeland Community Theatre Artistic Managing Director Alan Reynolds. (The Ledger)
Cause
The Polk County ReadingPals program connects adults with young readers to improve literacy, and it’s seeking 246 volunteers to serve at elementary schools countywide. Register as a volunteer + agree to a background check to reach the goal of helping 492 students this year. (LkldNow)
Drink
Save the date, pumpkin spice latte people — the beloved beverage will return to Starbucks on Tuesday, Aug. 26. Need something to sip in the meantime? Try a seasonal drink at one of Lakeland’s local coffee shops. Market on Kentucky is already serving pumpkin drink specials.
Eat
When it comes to sweet treats, key lime pie takes the cake in Florida, according to a new list of the most iconic desserts in the US by state. Hungry for a bite? We recommend this beauty from Mel’s Desserts and Delights. (Condé Nast Traveler)
Pets
Talk about a golden opportunity — auditions are now open for “Air Bud Returns,” the latest installment in the beloved movie series. You can sign up your golden retriever by submitting a video of their best skills, but camera-shy dogs can still get movie star treatment in Lakeland.
Stat
73% of the corn crop across the US is in good to excellent condition — a 5% increase from this time last year, thanks to the abundant rainfall. Excited to try the cream of the crop? We recommend a corn milkshake from Parkesdale Market, which just reopened after summer break. (AgWeb)
Giveaway
Have you entered our ultimate wellness giveaway in partnership with Hack Your Health? There are still two days left to grab your chance to win two VIP tickets to the conference, happening Nov. 14-16. Enter on our Instagram.*
You’ve probably heard of HELOCs, but what about Equity Sharing Home Loans? Hint: These can offer significantly lower monthly payments for homeowners. See how low your payment could go.*
Read
Sick of political drama in the news? Tangle skips the theatrics + delivers independent, non-partisan reporting on major political stories. Subscribe to the newsletter for free.*
Tray ceilings that high and plenty of natural light? We’re moving in. | Photos provided by Elizabeth Willers, Serhant
Did the release of “Happy Gilmore 2" inspire you to work on your swing? Turn afternoons on the links into a lifestyle with this 2,904-sqft Lakeland home in the Grasslands Golf & Country Club community.
Tucked in the quiet Sanctuary neighborhood, it’s packed with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and details we love, like:
Contemporary features (see those huge glass doors?)
Open floor plan with private spaces
Flexible dining space to fit everyone around the table
A Florida kitchen + screened-in outdoor entertainment space — bye bye bugs, hello friends
A luxurious primary bathroom that could have you canceling your spa membership
A three-car garage with golf cart space — hop in for a quick drive to your tee time
Contact Elizabeth Willers at Serhant for a showing.
The treat yourself organization staples you need to celebrate back-to-school season in style. No kids? No problem:
🗃️ This best-selling clear plastic drawer organizer set comes with 25 pieces — split them up around the house, or create the most organized office + desk system there ever was.
🌈 These legging organizers (yup, that product exists) save space in your closet and allow you to rainbow-fy your workout clothes.
🗂️ Speaking of rainbow-fy… grab a chic acrylic paper tray and a collection of rainbow file folders for a polished desktop look.
🗒️ Always writing to-do lists? You’ll probably love this one.
🖊️ Snag an instant mood-boosting purchase: rainbow felt-tip pens by Papermate.
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.
Could you use a little help around the office? Post your open positions to our jobs board. It’s 100% free to list them online, plus you could get the added bonus of an LALtoday reader as a new coworker. Informed, well-read, and loves a good pun? Check, check, and check.
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