#PlanAhead: March 2019

Plan Ahead
Table of Contents

Week of March 1

Friday | March 1

TryThis

Florida Strawberry Festival | Until Mar. 10 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | 303 Lemon St, Plant City | $10

WaterCooler

Detroit Tigers vs. New York Mets | 1:05 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $13+

Show

Willie Nelson Concert | 3:30 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival | $62+

Unpland Improv | 7-8 p.m. | Southeastern University Bolin Studio | $2

Shop

Vintage Women’s Home Show | Mar. 1-2 | 4-7 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $6+ | Vendors will sell goods like apparel, jewelry, and home decor.

Community

First Friday | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | free | This month’s edition of First Friday is being sponsored by SUN ‘n FUN.

MustDo
Lake Wales Mardi Gras | Mar. 1-2 | 6 p.m.-12 a.m. | free | Come celebrate Mardi Gras with food, live music, and a parade.

Saturday | March 2

Active

Promise Run | 7 a.m. | Lake Mirror Promenade | register | The Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center is hosting its 5th annual run to help raise funds and awareness for cancer research. 🏃

Dish

Downtown Farmers Curb Market | 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. | Downtown | free |

Shop

Vintage Women’s Home Show | 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $6 | Vendors will sell goods like apparel, jewelry, and home decor.

TryThis

Florida Strawberry Festival | Until Mar. 10 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | 303 Lemon St, Plant City | $10

MustDo
Lake Wales Mardi Gras | 10 a.m.-11 p.m. | free | Come celebrate Mardi Gras with food, live music, and a parade.

WaterCooler

Detroit Tigers vs. Atlanta Braves | 1:05 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $13+

Arts

Bloomin’ Art Festival | Mar. 2-3 | 100 Main St, Bartow | free | Attractions at the festival include caricature artists, food trucks, and live music. 🎨

Sunday | March 3

TryThis

Florida Strawberry Festival | Until Mar. 10 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | 303 Lemon St., Plant City | $10

Active

Orange Cup Regatta | 929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr | free | Bring friends and a picnic to watch the race.

Edu

Get to Know Colt Creek State Park | 12-4 p.m. | Colt Creek State Park 16000 FL-471 | $3 for single person, $4 for a carload | The event is to teach residents about the natural features of the state park.

WaterCooler

Lakeland Magic vs. Erie Bayhawks Game | 3 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $10+ 🏀

Week of March 4

Monday | March 4

TryThis

Florida Strawberry Festival | Until Mar. 10 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | 303 Lemon St, Plant City | $10

WaterCooler

Detroit Tigers vs. St. Louis Cardinals | 1:05 p.m. | Publix Field at Joe Marchant Stadium | $15+

Show

Martina McBride | 7:30 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival | $43+

Tuesday | March 5

TryThis

Florida Strawberry Festival | Until Mar. 10 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | 303 Lemon St, Plant City | $10

WaterCooler

Detroit Tigers vs. Toronto Blue Jays | 1:05 p.m. | Publix Field at Joe Marchant Stadium | $13+

Show

Needtobreathe | 7:30 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival | $53+ | The Christian rock band gained national recognition for their collaboration with Gavin Degraw in “Brother.”

Wednesday | March 6

Community

Mayor’s Breakfast | 7-9 a.m. | SUN ‘n FUN | 4175 Medulla Rd | $15+ | The annual SUN ‘n FUN Lakeland Mayor’s Breakfast, featuring Draken International

TryThis

Florida Strawberry Festival | Until Mar. 10 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | 303 Lemon St, Plant City | $10

Civic

Reva McClurg Medical Center Re-Opening | 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. | 5850 Brannen Road S | free | The SPCA is holding the event to celebrate the ribbon cutting for the Reva McClurg Medical Center. 🐶

Drink

Mixology & Tasting | 6:15-8 p.m. | Red Door Lakeland | 733 E Palmetto St | $30 | Learn more about Irish culture during the tasting which features whisky and scotch.

Show

Styx | 7:30 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival | $52+

Thursday | March 7

TryThis

Florida Strawberry Festival | Until Mar. 10 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | 303 Lemon St., Plant City | $10

WaterCooler
Detroit Tigers vs. Philadelphia Phillies | 1:05 p.m. | Publix Field at Joe Marchant Stadium | $13+

Show

For King & Country | 7:30 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival | $40+ | The Australian Christian pop duo is taking the stage at the annual festival.

PlanAhead

Library Olympics | Mar. 23 | 2:30-4 p.m. | eLibrary South Lakeland | 4740 Florida Ave S | register | Register by Mar. 13 to compete in challenges like cup stacking + more.

Friday | March 8

TryThis

Florida Strawberry Festival | Until Mar. 10 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | 303 Lemon St., Plant City | $10

Learn

Genealogy Club | 3-4 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | 100 Lake Morton Dr | free to register | This month’s focus is on the female links of your genealogical history.

Show

Bok After Dark | 5-8 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens | free with admission | The event includes live music, dinner, and shopping specials. 🎉

Drink

2019 Wine Festival of Central Florida | 5:30-9 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror | 501 E Main Street | $65 | With a collection of over 150 wines, spirits, and craft beers for sampling along with food from some of the best chefs and restaurants in Polk County 🍷

ForKids

Family Game Night | 6-8 p.m. | Lakeland Square Mall | 3800 US Hwy 98 N | free | End your week with board games and pizza with your family.

Saturday | March 9

Dish

Sugarbuzz Dessert Festival | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown | free | This special installment of the Downtown Farmers Curb Market will feature special guests and past vendors. 🍰

Arts

Spring Obsession | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Munn Park | 201 E Main St. | free 🌸

Cause

4-H Strawberry U-Pick | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | 3524 Futch Loop, Plant City | $.50 per quart | The event supports Hillsborough County 4-H and local food banks.

Community Tag Sale | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | 4141 Ashton Club Drive, Lake Wales | Proceeds from the event will be used to help veterans in need of the community.

TryThis

Florida Strawberry Festival | Until Mar. 10 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | 303 Lemon St., Plant City | $10

WaterCooler

Detroit Tigers vs. Atlanta Braves | 1:05 p.m. | Publix Field at Joe Marchant Stadium | $13+

Edu

Pivot | 6-11 p.m. | Florida Polytechnic University | 4700 Research Way | $150+ | The annual event is hosted to raise funds and support for student scholarships.

Show

Polk County Kings of Comedy | 8-11 p.m. | LKLD Live | $10+ 🎤

Sunday | March 10

TryThis

Florida Strawberry Festival | Until Mar. 10 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | 303 Lemon St., Plant City | $10

WaterCooler

Florida Tropics vs. St. Louis Ambush Game | 3:05 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $8+

Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees | 1:05 p.m. | Publix Field at Joe Marchant Stadium | $18+

Week of March 11

Monday | March 11

ForKids

Reading with Rescues | 6:30-7:30 | Hope Equine Rescue | 3805 High Street NE, Winter Haven | free to register | Students will read to a rescue horse, donkey, or mule of their choice as a form of therapy for the animals.

Show

An Evening with Mark Wood | Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College | $10 | The world-renowned electric violinist will be joined by students from local schools.

Tuesday | March 12

Festival

Renaissance Fair | 3:30-7 p.m. | Auburndale Public Library | 100 W Bridgers Ave | free | The event will feature attractions like needlework demonstrations, live music, and a petting zoo.

Workshop

Foxy Craft Night | 7-8:45 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | 100 Lake Morton Dr | register | Attendees of this month’s craft night will make terrariums with air plants.

Show

ISO Mendelssohn Italian Symphony | 7-9 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $19+ | The winner of the Young Artist Competition will be performing with the Symphony. 🎼

Wednesday | March 13

Active

Army PT | 4-5 p.m. | Military Recruiting Office | 4244 US Hwy 98 N | free to register | Work out with members of the armed forces.

Learn

CBD Wellness Seminar | 6-9 p.m. | St. Luke’s Health & Wellness Center | 6030 S Florida Ave | free to register | Learn more about the health benefits of CBD products that help people live a natural lifestyle.

PlanAhead

Library Olympics | Mar. 23 | 2:30-4 p.m. | eLibrary South Lakeland | 4740 Florida Ave S | register | Register by today to compete in challenges like cup stacking + more.

Thursday | March 14

WaterCooler

Detroit Tigers vs. Boston Red Sox | 1:05 p.m. | Publix Field at Joe Marchant Stadium | $18+

Dish

Lakeland Food Truck Rally | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park

TryThis

Original Sewing & Quilt Expo | Mar. 14-16 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $8+ | The event features shopping and classes for beginners.

Learn

Calligraphy Workshop | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Scout & Tag | 244 N Kentucky Ave | $95 | This is a workshop for beginners. Cupcakes included.

Friday | March 15

TryThis

Original Sewing & Quilt Expo | Until Mar. 16 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $8+ | The event features shopping and classes for beginners.

Community

2019 Spring Haus Mrkt | 5:30-9 p.m. | Haus 820 | 820 N Massachusetts Ave | Featuring local vendors of food + goods and live music

Dish

Bartow Friday Fest | 6-9 p.m. | 165 E Main Street, Bartow | free | This event features a classic car show and is family-friendly.

Show

Evening at the Symphony | 7:30 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College | $8

Corey Smith Live | 7-10 p.m. | Wild Greg’s Saloon | 4951 US Hwy 98 | $15 | The nationally-known country recording artist is bringing his sound to town. 🎵

Arts

Graphic Design Exhibition | Mar. 15-29 | 7:00 p.m. | Melvin & Burks Art Galleries | 1118 Johnson Ave | free | The event is to showcase the work of senior graphic design students at Florida Southern College.

Saturday | March 16

TryThis

13th Annual VW Classic | 6 a.m.-7 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $5 | Signature vintage cars and antiques for purchase 🚗

Active
Blarney Triathlon/5k | 6-11 a.m. | Bartow Civic Center | 2250 S Floral Ave | $15+

4 Lap Clover 5k | 7:30-10 a.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub | $35 | Take four laps around downtown and through the bar to take a shot of Guinness with each lap. 🏃

WaterCooler

Detroit Tigers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates | 1:05 p.m. | Publix Field at Joe Marchant Stadium | $13+

ForKids

Loop the Lake | 7-10 a.m. | Florida Southern College | 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | $15-$30 | Run a 5k for Heartland For Children and Prevent Child Abuse America.

Arts

Graphic Design Exhibition | Until Mar. 29 | Melvin & Burks Art Galleries | 1118 Johnson Ave | free | The event is to showcase the work of senior graphic design students at Florida Southern College.

Drink

Lakeland’s St. Patrick’s Day Block Party | 12 p.m.-12 a.m. | The Brass Tap – Lakeside Village | Come to the 6th annual block party with corn hole, giant jenga, a hot dog eating contest, a beer pong tournament, and local craft beer.

Sunday | March 17

Show

The Sound of Music | 5 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $45-$50 | Come see the classic film come to life in this production.

WaterCooler

Florida Tropics vs. Kansas City Comets Game | 3:05 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $8+

TryThis

13th Annual VW Classic | 6 a.m.-4 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $5 | Signature vintage cars and antiques for purchase 🚗

WaterCooler

Detroit Tigers vs. Atlanta Braves | 1:05 p.m. | Publix Field at Joe Marchant Stadium | $13+

Arts

Graphic Design Exhibition | Until Mar. 29 | Melvin & Burks Art Galleries | 1118 Johnson Ave | free | The event is to showcase the work of senior graphic design students at Florida Southern College.

Drink

Lakeland’s St. Patrick’s Day Block Party | 12 p.m.-12 a.m. | The Brass Tap – Lakeside Village | Come to the 6th annual block party with corn hole, giant jenga, a hot dog eating contest, a beer pong tournament, and local craft beer.

Week of March 18

Monday | March 18

WaterCooler

Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles | 1:05 p.m. | Publix Field at Joe Marchant Stadium | $10+

Arts

Graphic Design Exhibition | Until Mar. 29 | Melvin & Burks Art Galleries | 1118 Johnson Ave | free | The event is to showcase the work of senior graphic design students at Florida Southern College.

Tuesday | March 19

Learn

Meditation Session | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens | 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales | $22 | Use the eastern practices of meditation and crystal healing to reduce stress.

Community

Family Movie Night | 5:30-7 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | 1700 N Florida Ave | free | The movie of the month is “Space Jam.”

WaterCooler

Lakeland Magic vs. Windy City Bulls Game | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $2+ 🏀

Arts

Graphic Design Exhibition | Until Mar. 29 | Melvin & Burks Art Galleries | 1118 Johnson Ave | free | The event is to showcase the work of senior graphic design students at Florida Southern College.

Wednesday | March 20

Network

Job Fair | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | RP Funding Center | register | Use this event to build your professional connections and meet with recruiters.

5th Annual Suit-Up | 2-5 p.m. | Polk State College LTB Building | 3425 Winter Lake Rd | pricing information here | This networking event is free for students to discover local career opportunities.

Arts

Graphic Design Exhibition | Until Mar. 29 | Melvin & Burks Art Galleries | 1118 Johnson Ave | free | The event is to showcase the work of senior graphic design students at Florida Southern College.

Thursday | March 21

Show

Florida Soul: From Ray Charles to K.C. and the Sunshine Band | 7 p.m. | Hollis Room at Florida Southern College | free 🎷

Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $25+ | The musical duo has been touring North America for over 16 years.

WaterCooler

Detroit Tigers vs. Houston Astros | 1:05 p.m. | Publix Field at Joe Marchant Stadium | $15+

TryThis

Lets Get Fired Up! | 6-9 p.m. | Swan Brewing | $54 | A night full of good food, drinks, and making crafts out of clay.

Arts

Graphic Design Exhibition | Until Mar. 29 | Melvin & Burks Art Galleries | 1118 Johnson Ave | free | The event is to showcase the work of senior graphic design students at Florida Southern College.

Friday | March 22

WaterCooler

Lakeland Magic vs. Raptors 905 Game | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $10+ 🏀

Arts

International Carillon Festival | Until Mar. 24 | Bok Tower Gardens | This is the 90th anniversary of the festival.

Learn

Lunch & Learn | 12-1 p.m. | Lakeland Electric | 900 501 E Lemon St | free to register | Help preserve your landscape by planting for native wildlife.

Arts

Graphic Design Exhibition | Until Mar. 29 | Melvin & Burks Art Galleries | 1118 Johnson Ave | free | The event is to showcase the work of senior graphic design students at Florida Southern College.

Saturday | March 23

Drink

Polk Pride Happy Hour | 1-4 p.m. | Swan Brewing 🏳️‍🌈

Arts

The Art of Film | 6-8:30 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art | 800 E Palmetto St | free | The museum is hosting its monthly screening with the featured film being A Woman, A Part. 🎥

Graphic Design Exhibition | Until Mar. 29 | Melvin & Burks Art Galleries | 1118 Johnson Ave | free | The event is to showcase the work of senior graphic design students at Florida Southern College.

Show

FSC Dance: Then & Now | 7:30 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College | $18

WaterCooler

Lakeland Magic vs. Raptors 905 Game | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $10+ 🏀

Detroit Tigers vs. Tampa Bay Rays | 1:05 p.m. | Publix Field at Joe Marchant Stadium | $13+

Learn

La Francophonie Celebration Day | 12-4 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art | 800 E Palmetto St | free | The event celebrates French language + culture.

Sunday | March 24

MustDo

Punk Rock Flea Market | 12-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Shop collections of records/cd’s, art, handmade goods, buttons/pins, retro toys, skateboards, clothes + more.

WaterCooler

Detroit Tigers vs. Toronto Blue Jays | 1:05 p.m. | Publix Field at Joe Marchant Stadium | $15+

Show

FSC Dance: Then & Now | 7:30 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College | $18

Arts

International Carillon Festival | Until Mar. 24 | Bok Tower Gardens | Enjoy four of the world’s top carillonneurs at the 90th anniversary of the festival.

Graphic Design Exhibition | Until Mar. 29 | Melvin & Burks Art Galleries | 1118 Johnson Ave | free | The event is to showcase the work of senior graphic design students at Florida Southern College.

Week of March 25

Monday | March 25

WaterCooler

Tigers Futures | 1:05 p.m. | Publix Field at Joe Marchant Stadium | $8+ | Up-and-coming players in the minor league will play.

Arts

Graphic Design Exhibition | Until Mar. 29 | Melvin & Burks Art Galleries | 1118 Johnson Ave | free | The event is to showcase the work of senior graphic design students at Florida Southern College.

Tuesday | March 26

TryThis

Netflix and Spill | 6:15-7:15 p.m. | eLibrary South Lakeland | 4740 Florida Ave S | free | Attend the digital age’s version of the book club with this open discussion of Netflix titles.

Show

An Evening with the Hollingsworth Trio | 7:30 p.m. | Anne McGregor Jenkins Hall, Florida Southern College | free | Embrace the classic music combination of violin, cello, and piano.

Arts

Graphic Design Exhibition | Until Mar. 29 | Melvin & Burks Art Galleries | 1118 Johnson Ave | free | The event is to showcase the work of senior graphic design students at Florida Southern College.

Wednesday | March 27

ForKids

Insect Jungle | 12-1 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens | 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales | Included in admission | Learn about the impact of insects on the ecosystem within your backyard.

Show

Mickey Gilley | 7:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $20+ | The singer brings his 17 No. 1 hits to the stage for a night of country music. 🎤

Arts

Graphic Design Exhibition | Until Mar. 29 | Melvin & Burks Art Galleries | 1118 Johnson Ave | free | The event is to showcase the work of senior graphic design students at Florida Southern College.

Thursday | March 28

Show

Jazz Extraordinaire | 7:30 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College | $4+ | The Florida Southern Jazz Ensemble will showcase their musical talent.

Arts

Graphic Design Exhibition | Until Mar. 29 | Melvin & Burks Art Galleries | 1118 Johnson Ave | free | The event is to showcase the work of senior graphic design students at Florida Southern College.

Friday | March 29

Arts

Graphic Design Exhibition | Until Mar. 29 | Melvin & Burks Art Galleries | 1118 Johnson Ave | free | The event is to showcase the work of senior graphic design students at Florida Southern College.

Health

Central Florida Health Expo | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | International Flea Market | 1052 US 92, Auburndale | free | Learn about medical resources and health options in the Central Florida Area.

Learn

Mixed Media Art | 7-9 p.m. | Art Centric Studio | 1035 Florida Ave S | $35 | An instructor will walk students through the creation of a piece within the theme of “Paradise.”

Workshop

Tools to Quit | 3-5 p.m. | Watson Clinic | 1730 Lakeland Hills Blvd | register | The non-profit organization is hosting the events for residents who wish to quit smoking.

Saturday | March 30

Show

Sensory Friendly Films | 10 a.m. | Cobb Lakeside 18 Theatre & IMAX | 1650 Town Center Dr | check ticket prices | The event allows families of varied ability to enjoy the live-action “Dumbo” with their children.

ForKids

Hammock Hollow Fairy Fest | Bok Tower Gardens | 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales | $10+ | Activities will include fairly crowns, face painting, story time + more.

Edu

FLPolyCon 2019 | 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. | Florida Polytechnic University | 4700 Resource Way | $10 | Entertainment for all interests, like anime, comic books, horror, sci-fi+ video games.

WaterCooler

Florida Tropics vs. Kansas City Comets Game | 7:05 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $8+

TryThis

Smash the Lakes | Studio B @ LKLD Live | 202 N Massachusetts Ave | $25 | Meet other LAL gamers and see if you have what it takes to win.

Drink

Wine Walk | 2-3 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens | 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales | $35 | Sip + stroll while enjoying urated wines from around the world.

Sunday | March 31

Show

Great Scott!– A Joplin Celebration | 2-3 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | 100 Lake Morton Dr | free | Solo pianist Richard Dowling will perform ragtime piano works.

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