Plus, Lakeside Village restaurant update.
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Where to go for dinner + a show

A timelapse photo of the exterior of the Polk Theater at night. The marquee sign is lit with blinking lights, and car lights streak by the front door.
Popcorn is our favorite post-dinner snack. | Photo submitted by Reader Jasson P.
Ready to shake up your week? Allow us to plan it for you, guiding you to this week’s top entertainment and our favorite nearby restaurants.

Monday, April 6

The Polk Theater is showing the satirical Western “Blazing Saddles” at 6:30 p.m. Grab a burger before the movie at Grievous Angel, a honky tonk-inspired joint that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
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Lugo’s spring cocktail menu is filled with refreshing sips to enjoy while you laugh.

Photo via Lugo’s Craft Distillery

Thursday, April 9

Fly over to Sora Eatery at Lakeland International Airport to share Asian-fusion small bites, only available 5-8 p.m. Then, head up the street to Lugo’s Craft Distillery for cocktails and a Lakeland Comedy show at 8 p.m.

Saturday, April 11

Stop by Mister Fish for seafood baskets before seeing “The Shark Is Broken” at Lakeland Community Theatre. This play is about the making of “Jaws” in the 1970s — Mister Fish was already open when that movie hit theaters, so it’s the best place for a bite.
Southeastern University

Events

Monday, April 6

Easy Bridge | 1-3 p.m. | Lake Crago Park | Free+

Monday Trivia | 7:30 p.m. | Cob & Pen | Price of purchase

Tuesday, April 7

“Through the Looking Glass: Falling Down the Digital Rabbit Hole” | 6-8 p.m. | D’Ann Brown Conference Room at Southeastern University | Free

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Daytona Tortugas | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $12+

Wednesday, April 8

Fleet Feet Run Club | 5:30-8 p.m. | The Joinery | Free

Thursday, April 9

Gallery Concert Series | 6-8 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | $60

Friday, April 10

AdventHealth Polk Foundation Paddles for a Purpose Pickleball Classic | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Private home, Polk City | $200

Yacht Rock Nite | 8 p.m. | Union Hall | $20+

Saturday, April 11

All American Show Ski Tournament | Saturday, April 11-Sunday, April 12 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Winter Haven | Free

Bloom at BSP | Saturday, April 11-Sunday, April 12 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

Asked

Our SUN ‘n FUN guide is coming soon — what do you want to know most?


A. Tickets + parking
B. Things to do
C. Food options
D. Shows not to miss
E. Something else
Send us your questions

News Notes

Mansion Monday

7,499 sqft. 10-ft ceilings. 7 bathrooms. 6 bedrooms. 2 theater rooms. We’ve hit you with the numbers, but the photos of this Lakeland Highlands property are worth more than 1,000 words.

Biz

Gaskins BBQ & Lobster at Lakeside Village is now under new ownership, and a few changes are on the way. Next month, the restaurant will change from counter-service to full-service and expand its menu.

Number

187. That’s how many works you’ll find in the AGB Museum of Art’s Scholastic Art and Writing Awards exhibition. What makes this one different? It’s the museum’s largest-ever exhibition of art by local students. It’s on view through Sunday, April 26. (The Ledger)

Cause

April is National Volunteer Month, a celebration of those who give back to their communities. In Lakeland, it’s the perfect time to start volunteering (or take your service to the next level) with 50+ opportunities to get involved across town.

Kids

T-ball is so last year. Falcon Youth Rugby is bringing a new sport to Lakeland, and registration is now open. The team practices on Tuesday + Thursday evenings at Lakeland High School.

Sports

The 90th edition of the Masters will return on Thursday, April 9. Considered by many to be the best week of golf each year, the traditions at Augusta National are legendary. Make a few of your own traditions on a local course (yes, mini golf at Family Fun Center counts).

Read

Where do you want to see a Little Free Library in Lakeland? This Reddit post in r/ShowerThoughts suggests that one of the best locations may be in an airport. We’d love to see one outside of LAL, but until then, here’s where to find one near you.

Try This

If “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” hitting theaters last week stirs up gaming nostalgia, head to a local arcade. Rec Room powers up the experience with nostalgic games and all-day happy hour on Mondays — no cheat codes necessary.

Jobs

The process is super easy and far more cost-effective than using a recruiter.” That’s what one business owner said about hiring through our Job Board. See for yourself — post your open positions for free.

Environment

Did you know dumping used cooking oil down the drain can seriously damage our city’s sewer system? The City of Lakeland’s Cooking Oil Recycling Effort (C.O.R.E.) offers free cooking oil recycling jugs and eight collection centers throughout the city for you to save, seal + deliver used oil.*

Number

90. That’s how many years Payne Air has been serving Central Florida, since 1936. As a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, Payne Air dispatches NATE-certified technicians for expert repairs and installations done right the first time. Get a quote + be prepared for summer weather.*

The Buy

Popular warm-weather essentials to buy before they sell out:

🪭 Stay cool with this portable rechargeable fan that’s small enough to fit in your pocket.
🍔 Become the grillmaster of the neighborhood with this top-rated burger press that’s dishwasher safe.
🩴 Instead of flat sandals that make your feet ache, opt for these arch support flip flops with added support and cushioning.
🎒 Get this 4.9-star rated cooler backpack with a large, leak-proof interior, dedicated dry pocket, built-in bottle opener, and mesh side pockets.
👚 Beat the heat with this casual cap sleeve tee that’s available in 10+ colors.
More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Your loggia stories just keep coming. Joan R. heard there was once a strip-mall-style shopping center down there, and Elsa N.'s family has a tall tale about Roman gladiator fights. Another reader shared that they attended a wedding in front of the gates — you can book those rentals through the City of Lakeland.
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