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.