We’re excited to announce that the LALtoday Holiday Gift Guide will return this November. Want first dibs on a feature? Lock in your spot now + get 20% off with code EARLYBIRD20. Hurry — this offer ends Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Plan Ahead
🍂 We’re falling for this event line-up
Both tricks and treats await around Lakeland this October. | Photo by @shoplakesidevillage
Dust off your costumes and pop a pumpkin on your porch, because we’re gearing up for a month full of scary-good seasonal fun.
Fall Family Festival | Saturday, Oct. 4 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | Get in the fall spirit with a scavenger hunt through the galleries.
The 2025 Swantoberfest | Friday, Oct. 17-Sunday, Oct. 19 | Times vary | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Enjoy German beers, live music, and bites by a different food truck each day.
Lakeland Horror Film Festival | Saturday, Oct. 25 | 9 a.m.-11:55 p.m. | CMX Lakeside Village 18 & IMAX | $15+ | Watch 27 independent films and see which ones win the “Oscares” awards.
Australia’s Thunder from Down Under | Saturday, Oct. 25 | 7:30 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $45+ | Things will get wild on the male revue’s “Temptation Tour.”
Pooch O Ween | Sunday, Oct. 26 | 2-4 p.m. | Lakeside Village | $10 | Strut your stuff in a pet parade to win Woof Gang gift cards.
Backed by research, this skincare restores skin vitality. | Photo by Timeline
As we age, skin loses the firmness and elasticity that gives it a youthful appearance. A key reason? Skin cells lose energy, hindering essential functions like collagen production.
Enter: Mito-Biotic™ Skincare from Timeline, clinically proven to energize skin cells and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by up to 15%.‡
See benefits in as little as 15 days and save 20%while supplies last.
Nordstrom Rack will officially open at Lakeside Village on Thursday, Oct. 23 — but not before a pre-opening shopping party. RSVP for a time slot on Tuesday, Oct. 21 to get a sneak peek inside the store and snack while you shop.
Edu
Florida Southern College secured spots on four of U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of national colleges. It ranked No. 11 for Regional Universities in the South, No. 12 for both Most Innovative Schools and Undergraduate Teaching, and No. 24 among Best Value Schools.
Drink
Speaking of FSC, its student entrepreneur-run coffee cart, Morning Grind, is back for the semester. Stop by the Becker Business Building during a campus architecture tour or a Lake Hollingsworth walk to try the new fall menu, starting next week.
Stat
20.8%. That’s the percentage of Polk County children facing food insecurity. Find support by visiting one of these local food pantries, or donate your time to organizations like kidsPACK to keep kids fed over weekends. (LkldNow)
Wellness
Hit the reset button. The Juice Box Cafe is hosting Wellness Wednesdays every other week in October, offering chances to reset, stretch, create, and shop with local businesses. Check the schedule to see what awaits starting Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Asked
Are you finding fall produce, baked goods, or other home items from a local farmstand? Reader Ashley B. recommended The Sunny Side at Logan’s Animal Ranch, and now we’re farming for more suggestions — leave yours.
Seasonal
The application window for the Lakeland Christmas Parade will soon close faster than you can sing “Jingle Bells.” Plan a float to match this year’s “Rockin’ Around Lakeland” theme, and apply by Tuesday, Sept. 30. Just watching this year? The parade is on Thursday, Dec. 4.
Jobs
Whether you’re a small business looking to grow your team or a large company filling a key role, LALtoday Job Board can connect you with engaged, qualified locals who are ready to work. Post your open roles for free + watch the applications roll in.
Cause
Join the 10th Annual Puttin’ On The Pink happening Friday, Oct. 10, 5:30-10 p.m. at Winter Haven Moose Lodge 1023. Enjoy a prime rib dinner or a reserved table, or come free for the silent auction, live music, fashion show, and games. Learn more + snag tickets.*
Edu
Discover your creative potential with Inward & Artward School of Creativity’s online classes this fall. Engage in courses like Creativity & Personal Mythology and Writers Accountability Groups to build resilience and sustain inspiration. Plus, apply for the 2026 hybrid Creative Facilitator Training for a unique learning journey. Enroll.*
A HEPA air purifier that’s 60% off for a limited time. We love that style is not compromised for function — it features a sleek exterior + eliminates 99.97% of air particles so you can have an odor and dust-free environment.
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.
We’re going to need a lot of energy to get through all the events coming up next month. Get a head start with Black & Brew’s 14th Annual Pumpkin Latte Giveaway. Tomorrow, you can donate $1 or more to United Way of Central Florida and get a free latte as a thank you. It lasts all day at all three cafes.
Here’s your sign to give back with your next cup of coffee.
Photo by LALtoday
‡Mito-Biotic™ Skincare from Timeline disclaimer: Based on an 8-week randomized controlled clinical trial of 36 healthy women aged 40 to 65 years.
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