Support Us Button Widget

PlanAhead: May 2019 – Bike rides, hot pepper contests + an art festival

Bike-trail

Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve | Photo by @thehikerdad

Table of Contents

April showers bring May flowers 💐 – and an assortment of holidays we’re prepared to celebrate.

From Star War puns on the fourth and drinking margaritas on the fifth to buying out all the Mother’s Day bouquets and then having a patriotic potluck on Memorial Day – we’re diving into an epic month. And it would be wheelie bad if we didn’t mention that it’s also National Bike Month.

So we’ve compiled a list of #MustDos from the May #PlanAhead for you to keep on your radar as you get ready to celebrate this month to the fullest. ⬇️

LeRoy’s MTB Group Ride | May 2 | 6-9 p.m. | LeRoy’s Bikeworks, 6935 S. Carter Rd. Ste. 2 | Free | Ride out from the shop onto the trails with a group that fits your pace every Thursday evening. 🚴

Star Wars Day | May 4 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library, 1700 N. Florida Ave. | Free | May the fourth be with you as you meet characters from 501st Legion and participate in fun activities.

So Mucho Margaritas Weekend | May 4-5 | Various times | The Brass Tap | Come out for the craziest selection of $4 margaritas, a hot pepper eating contest, music, games + more. 🍸

Monday Night Spin | May 6 | 6-8 p.m. | LeRoy’s Bikeworks, 6935 S. Carter Rd. Suite 2 | Free | Ride around the neighborhood at a relaxed pace every Monday evening. Helmets are a must.

Mayfaire by-the-Lake | May 11-12 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library Lawn | Free | This annual event is one of the largest + oldest outdoor art festivals in Central Florida, ranked No. 45 among Sunshine Artist Magazine’s “200 Best Art Shows” in 2018, celebrating local artists in LAL with concerts, food, and even fireworks. Check out this visitors guide with more information.

Mother’s Day Paint Nite | May 12 | 2-4 p.m. | Brew Hub, 3900 Frontage Rd. | $35 | Celebrate the mother figure in your life and discover your inner artist. Instructions will be given by an expert host for the painting, “Flowers For My Deer,” and all materials are provided. 🎨

Memorial Day “Murph” | May 27 | 9-11 a.m. | Community Fitness, 1635 Shepherd Rd. | This workout of CrossFit, known as a Hero WOD, was created to honor the men and women that have fallen in the line of duty.

Find the rest of May’s #MustDos below. ⬇️

May #PlanAhead

Wednesday, May 1 - Sunday, May 5

Wednesday | May 1

Dish

Rockstar Lobster | 4-9 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St. | Free | Enjoy good brews, Maine-style lobster rolls, and other delicious eats. 🍺

Theatre

Assassins | May 1-2 | 7:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave. | $15 | The award-winning musical explores those who assassinated or attempted to assassinate the President.

TryThis

Pub Poll | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | The Brass Tap | Free | Play trivia at Pub Poll and get rewards for guessing the most popular answer. 🍻

Top Gun R/C Aircraft Competition | May 1-May 5 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Paradise Field, 4999 Air Show Rd. | $10 | Featuring 130+ pilots and their aircrafts compete for $25,000+ in prizes. ✈️

Learn

Rain Barrels in the Home Landscape | 12-1 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens | Free, RSVP | Get a hands-on DIY tutorial to help make your backyard looking more homely. 🌱

Thursday | May 2

Cause

Paint with a Twist Fundraiser | 7-9 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd. | $35 | The event benefits the Lakeland Eagles youth football team.

Theatre

Assassins | 7:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave. | $15 | The award-winning musical explores those who assassinated or attempted to assassinate the President.

Show

Connor Lockhart + Justin Bellamy | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Hillcrest Coffee | Free | Sip on local coffee and listen to local musicians. 🎶

TryThis

Top Gun R/C Aircraft Competition | Until May 5 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Paradise Field, 4999 Air Show Rd. | $10 | Featuring 130+ pilots and their aircrafts compete for $25,000+ in prizes. ✈️

Outdoors

LeRoy’s MTB Group Ride | 6-9 p.m. | LeRoy’s Bikeworks, 6935 S. Carter Rd. Ste. 2 | Free | Ride out from the shop onto the trails with a group that fits your pace. No one is left behind.

Friday | May 3

MustDo

First Friday | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | This month’s installment of the event, “It Starts Here”, celebrates National Public Works Week.

Drink

First Friday at Brew Hub | 4-11 p.m. | Brew Hub | Free | Food trucks, BOGO pints, live music, and giveaways.

Show

Imperial Symphony Orchestra West Side Story in Concert | 8-11 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $19+ | Enjoy the concert version of this iconic musical. 🎶

Theo Moon | 8-11 p.m. | The Poor Porker | Free | Live music and food from the beignet and taco trucks. 🌮

TryThis

Top Gun R/C Aircraft Competition | Until May 5 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Paradise Field, 4999 Air Show Rd. | $10 | Featuring 130+ pilots and their aircrafts compete for $25,000+ in prizes. ✈️

Saturday | May 4

MustDo

Kentucky Derby Day | 3-8 p.m. | Rocking H. Ranch, 2200 Ewell Rd. | $70+ | Enjoy an evening of mint juleps, fancy hats, and racing games. 🐎

Holiday

Cinco de Mayo Celebration | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Explorations V Children’s Museum | Free | Join a family-centered celebration of Mexico.

Drink

So Mucho Margaritas Weekend | Various times | The Brass Tap | Come out for the craziest selection of $4 margaritas, a hot pepper eating contest, music, games + more.

Outdoors

Grandparents’ Picnic | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | 1049 Parker Rd. | Free | Kid-friendly attractions include face painting, bingo, and a bounce house.

Lakeland Great Strides | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Munn Park Historic District | Free, RSVP | Help raise awareness and funds for those affected by cystic fibrosis. 🏃

Show

Bob Dylan Tribute Show | 8-10:30 p.m. | Lkld Live | $10-$15 | The event honors the music legend with his greatest hits. 🎵

Passing Thru | 8:30 p.m. | The Pink Piano, 1015 S. Florida Ave. | Free | Kick off the next day’s festivities with live music.

Fashion Show at the Bungalow | 1-3 p.m. | Bungalow Boutique & Gifts, 1026 S Florida Ave | Free | Live fashion show of the season’s hottest trends, refreshments + deals.

Arts

After Hours at the Museum | 5-8 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art | Join Dr. Alex RIch, Curator and Director of Galleries and Exhibitions, for an in-depth tour of the Museum galleries

TryThis

Top Gun R/C Aircraft Competition | Until May 5 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Paradise Field, 4999 Air Show Rd. | $10 | Featuring 130+ pilots and their aircrafts compete for $25,000+ in prizes. ✈️

ForKids

Star Wars Day | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library, 1700 N. Florida Ave. | Free | May the fourth be with you as you meet characters from 501st Legion and participate in fun activities.

Sunday | May 5

Show

DAMON Fowler’s Video Release Concert Cinco De Mayo | 6-10 p.m. | La La Land Liquor & Lounge, 3239 S. Florida Ave. | $10 | Blues guitarist Damon Fowler and his band play live in concert + celebrates the release of his new video “It Came Out of Nowhere,” filmed on location in Lakeland.

Dish

Cinco De Mayo Con Green Light Go | 4-8 p.m. | Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, 3950 S. Florida Ave. | Ring in Cinco De Mayo with a party.

TryThis

Top Gun R/C Aircraft Competition | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Paradise Field, 4999 Air Show Rd. | $10 | Featuring 130+ pilots and their aircrafts compete for $25,000+ in prizes. ✈️

Drink

So Mucho Margaritas Weekend | Various times | The Brass Tap | Come out for the craziest selection of $4 margaritas, a hot pepper eating contest, music, games + more.

Monday, May 6 - Sunday, May 12

Monday | May 6

WaterCooler

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Fire Frogs | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $4.50+

Drink

Happy Hour Therapy | 4-5 p.m. | Lakeland Elks Lodge, 4529 Harden Blvd. | Free | Share a round with friends to break the Monday blues.

Learn

Spring Mixer with Skin & Tonic | 5-8 p.m. | Ageless Aesthetics & Wellness, 4419 S. Florida Ave. | Free, RSVP | Have a glass of champagne while you learn about self care.

ForKids

Family Night | 6-9 p.m. | 2infinity, 6220 US Hwy. 98 N. | $45+ | Bounce around and take your Monday to new heights.

Outdoors

Monday Night Spin | 6-8 p.m. | LeRoy’s Bikeworks, 6935 S. Carter Rd. Ste. 2 | Free | Ride around the neighborhood at a relaxed pace. Helmets are a must.

Tuesday | May 7

WaterCooler

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Fire Frogs | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $4.50+

Network

New Business 101 | 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Lakeland Chamber, 35 Lake Morton Dr. | Free, RSVP | The event is geared toward entrepreneurs who are looking for business advice.

Talk

Books Sandwiched In | 12:15-1:30 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | The book being discussed at the event is ‘Brain on Fire’ by Susannah Cahalan. 📚

Arts

Paint with a Pro | 6-8:30 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free, RSVP | Get in touch with your inner Picasso and perfect your brush stroke. 🎨

Wednesday | May 8

Dish

Mother’s Day Luncheon | 12-2 p.m. | George Jenkins Field House, Florida Southern College | $50 | Celebrate the mother figure in your life at the event hosted by professional speaker Jeanne Robertson.

WaterCooler

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Fire Frogs | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $8.50

TryThis

Pub Poll | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | The Brass Tap | Free | Play trivia to guess the most popular answer, not always the right answer. 🍻

Show

Open Mic Night | 8 p.m. | Pink Piano, 1015 S. Florida Ave. | Free | You can sign up as a solo act or as a group. 🎤

Thursday | May 9

Dish

Food Truck Rally | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park Historic District | Free

Show

Beethoven V. Coldplay | 7:30-9 p.m. | The Polk Theatre | $50 | Fluent in both classical and popular repertoire, Steve Hackman’s cross-genre performance both intrigues and excites the audience. 🎶

Classic Albums Live Present Creedence Clearwater Revival Green River | 8-10 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $33-$44 | Enjoy a night of your favorite music. 🎤

Abbi Ellis + Bela Pierce | 6:30 p.m. | Hillcrest Coffee | Free | Come enjoy music from local artists.

Outdoors

LeRoy’s MTB Group Ride | 6-9 p.m. | LeRoy’s Bikeworks, 6935 S. Carter Rd. Ste. 2 | Free | Ride out from the shop onto the trails with a group that fits your pace. No one is left behind.

Friday | May 10

Workshop

Leading Healthy Teams | 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. | Polk State College, Lakeland Campus, 3425 Winter Lake Rd. | $65+ | Learn from industry leaders on how to nurture cohesive teams.

Dish

Mother’s Day Celebration | 6-9 p.m. | Dream Center of Lakeland, 635 W. 5th St. | $25+ | Bring the mother figure in your life for an evening of dinner and jazz with a twist.

Show

Florida Southern Children’s Chorus | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Florida Southern College, Room 201B | Free | Support young talent by attending this performance. 🎶

Division Opera 2019 | 6-10 p.m. | Ultimate Dance Center, 2980 Lakeland Highlands Rd. | $10 | An evening filled with art, music, fashion, food, and dance.

TryThis

Wright After Dark Tour | 7-8:30 p.m. Florida Southern College | $25, RSVP | See the beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright structures lit by artificial light. Everything looks different after dark.

Saturday | May 11

TheBuy

Vintage Extravaganza | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Decades Reclaimed Vintage Depot, 502 W. Brannen Rd. | Free | Vendors will feature hidden treasures at the second-hand market. 🛍️

MustDo

Mayfaire by-the-Lake | May 11-12 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library Lawn | Free | The annual event celebrates local artists in LAL with concerts, food, and even fireworks.

TryThis

Mother’s Day Glam Party | 4-8 p.m. | Just Dance Academy of Dance and Etiquette, 124 S. Kentucky Ave. | $5+ | Mothers and daughters will enjoy a night of pampering, food, and drinks to fully relax. 💅

WaterCooler

Lakeland Tarpons vs. Sarasota Bigcats | 7:05 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $12+ 🏈

Show

Blackbird Anthem | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Enjoy craft beer and a performance by this acoustic duo. 🎶

Sunday | May 12

Arts

Mayfaire by-the-Lake | May 11-12 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Free | The annual event celebrates local artists in LAL with concerts, food, and even fireworks.

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | May 12-June 9 | Various times | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Free 🖌️

Holiday

Mother’s Day Paint Nite | 2-4 p.m. | Brew Hub, 3900 Frontage Rd. | $35 | Celebrate the mother figure in your life and discover your inner artist. Instructions will be given by an expert host for the painting, “Flowers For My Deer,” and all materials are provided. 🎨

TryThis

Biker Sunday | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lakeland Harley-Davidson, 4202 Lakeland Hills Blvd. | Free | Meet other local motorcycle enthusiasts at this event hosted by the Christian Motorcyclists Association.

Monday, May 13 - Sunday, May 19

Monday | May 13

Network

Massages and Mimosas | 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Lake Morton Plaza | Free | This event is for seniors who are looking to expand their social circle. 🥂

Arts

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | Until June 9 | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr | Free 🖌️

Visual Arts Showcase | 7-10 p.m. | Rochelle SOTA, 1501 Martin L King Jr. Ave. | Free

Learn

Critique & Conversation | 6-8 p.m. | Panera Bread, 4159 US Hwy. 98 N. | Free | The event, hosted by Lakeland Writers, is open for those who want to better their writing skills. ✍️

Outdoors

Monday Night Spin | 6-8 p.m. | LeRoy’s Bikeworks, 6935 S. Carter Rd. Ste. 2 | Free | Ride around the neighborhood at a relaxed pace. Helmets are a must.

Tuesday | May 14

Community

Ribbon Cutting | 9-9:30 a.m. | 600 W Peachtree St. | Free | Celebrate the opening of the new Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine location.

Network

Job News Career Fair | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | RP Funding Center | Free, RSVP | Attendees can meet one-on-one with hiring managers and recruiters.

Talk

Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast | 7:30-9 a.m. | Lake Mirror Auditorium, 121 S. Lake Ave. | $45+ | This event is for business owners and residents who want to hear first-hand from the Polk legislative delegation. 🥞

Arts

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | Until June 9 | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr | Free 🖌️

Wednesday | May 15

Dish

Baked Potato Bar | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Lakeland Elks Lodge, 4529 Harden Blvd. | Create the baked potato of your delicious dreams.

Learn

Wellness Wednesdays | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 331 S. Florida Ave. | Free | May’s installment of the event features an art workshop led by Chelsea Young.

TryThis

Pub Poll | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | The Brass Tap | Free | Play trivia to guess the most popular answer, not always the right answer. 🍻

Arts

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | Until June 9 | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Free 🖌️

Outdoors

Wednesday Weed Warriors | 8:15 a.m.-12 p.m. | Circle B Bar Reserve, 4399 Winter Lake Rd. | Free | The event reduces the presence of invasive plant species to help native plants thrive. 🌱

Thursday | May 16

ForKids

The 100 Inch Hike | 4-9 p.m. | Lakeland Highlands Scrub, 6998 Lakeland Highlands Rd. | $30 | Take your kids on an adventure with naturalist training with a teeny, tiny twist. 🌱

Show

Justin Bellamy | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Hillcrest Coffee | Free | Sip some local coffee while listening to music from a local artist. 🎶

Arts

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | Until June 9 | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Free 🖌️

Outdoors

LeRoy’s MTB Group Ride | 6-9 p.m. | LeRoy’s Bikeworks, 6935 S. Carter Rd. Ste. 2 | Free | Ride out from the shop onto the trails with a group that fits your pace. No one is left behind.

Friday | May 17

WaterCooler

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Blue Jays | 6 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $8.50

Arts

Creative Yoga with Michelle Pugh | 12-1 p.m. | The Polk Museum of Art | $10 | Yoga and meditation focused on the current museum exhibit.

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | Until June 9 | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Free 🖌️

Saturday | May 18

Cause

Fallen Heroes Memorial 5k | 6-9 a.m. | Lakeland Family YMCA, 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd. | $30 | Benefit the Lakeland Police Foundation and the Retired Police K-9 Program. 🏃

WaterCooler

Lakeland Tarpons vs. Gulf Coast Fire | 4:05 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $12+ 🏈

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Blue Jays | 6 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $8.50

ForKids

Mother Daughter Picnic | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | 1230 Southern Ave. | Free | Alice and Wonderland themed picnic with lunch, crafts, bounce houses, and games.

Outdoors

Cowboy Up | 4-7:30 p.m. | Oak-K Farm, 1349 Cherry Ln. | $35+ | TiAnViCa Riding Academy is hosting their annual fundraiser. 🏇

National Public Gardens Day | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens | Free, RSVP | To celebrate the event, the gardens are offering visitors free admission for the day. 🌼

Arts

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | Until June 9 | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Free 🖌️

Sunday | May 19

TryThis

Florida Wedding and Bridal Expo | 1-5 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $10 | Learn more about wedding-related businesses and enter for giveaways and prizes. 👰

Show

“Abstract” | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Florida Dance Theatre, 305 W. Main St. | $10+ | The five-part series was inspired by “Tapestries Lakeland.”

Arts

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | Until June 9 | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Free 🖌️

Monday, May 20 - Sunday, May 26

Monday | May 20

WaterCooler

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Cardinals | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $4.50+

Arts

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | Until June 9 | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Free 🖌️

Learn

Conservation Science Special Topic | May 20-22 | 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Circle B Bar Reserve, 4399 Winter Lake Rd. | $140+ | The event is hosted by the UF IFAS program to teach attendees about local biodiversity.

Network

FlipSavage | 7-9 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 331 S. Florida Ave. | Free | This event is open to those interested in learning more about the real estate industry.

Outdoors

Monday Night Spin | 6-8 p.m. | LeRoy’s Bikeworks, 6935 S. Carter Rd. Ste. 2 | Free | Ride around the neighborhood at a relaxed pace. Helmets are a must.

Tuesday | May 21

TheBuy

Farmer’s Market | 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. | Woodbrook Estates Mobile Home Park, 1510 Ariana St. | Free | Stop by and shop for some fresh produce.

Dish

Taco Tuesday | 6:30-8 p.m. | Brew Hub, 3900 Frontage Rd. S. | $30 | Two tasty worlds collide at this Fuzzy’s Tacos & Beer pairing dinner.

WaterCooler

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Cardinals | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $4.50+

Show

Tribute Tuesday | 5 & 8 p.m. | Theatre Winter Haven, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven | Tickets | Enjoy a musical tribute to James Taylor. 🎶

Arts

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | Until June 9 | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr | Free 🖌️

Wednesday | May 22

Talk

Good Morning, Lakeland! Tourism | 7:30-9 a.m. | Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center, 3525 Lakeland Hills Blvd | Chow down on a hot breakfast + hear from experts on tourism in Lakeland.

TheBuy

Moonlight Market | 6-9 p.m. | Grove Roots Brewing Co., 302 3rd St. SW., Winter Haven | Free | Shop from local vendors coming in from across Central Florida.

Show

Luke Combs | 6-9 p.m. | Wild Greg’s Saloon, 4951 US Hwy. 98 | Free

WaterCooler

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Cardinals | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $8.50

TryThis

Pub Poll | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | The Brass Tap | Free | Play trivia to guess the most popular answer, not always the right answer. 🍻

Arts

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | Until June 9 | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Free 🖌️

Thursday | May 23

Learn

Retirement Educational Workshop | 6-7:30 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free, RSVP | This event is great for all the Lakelandians entering a new step in their lives.

Network

Lunch & Learn | 12-1:30 p.m. | Autumn Terwilliger Mortgage Banker, 708 S. Florida Ave. | Free | Speakers will give attendees tools and skills in marketing to help grow their businesses.

TryThis

Car Meet | 6-9 p.m. | Miller’s Ale House, 5650 S. Florida Ave. | Free | Car enthusiasts can mingle over appetizers and burgers specials.

Outdoors

LeRoy’s MTB Group Ride | 6-9 p.m. | LeRoy’s Bikeworks, 6935 S. Carter Rd. Ste. 2 | Free | Ride out from the shop onto the trails with a group that fits your pace. No one is left behind.

Arts

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | Until June 9 | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Free 🖌️

Friday | May 24

Learn

Growing Happy Houseplants | 12-1 p.m. | Lakeland Electric, 501 E. Lemon St. | Free, RSVP | Join a lunch and learn workshop on how to care for your houseplants from the best lighting to tips on watering, fertilizing + more. 🌱

Arts

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | Until June 9 | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Free 🖌️

TryThis

Salsa Dance Lesson | 7:30-9 p.m. | Masons Live, 5501 S. Florida Ave. | Free | Learn Latin dance styles like salsa, bachata, merengue + more.

Drink

Bartow Wine Stable | 9 p.m. | The Wine Stable Bartow, 150 S. Broadway Ave. | Free | Listen to live music while enjoying a cold drink.

Saturday | May 25

Show

Celtic Conundrum | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Celtic music, food trucks, and beer.

Cause

A Run to Remember | 8-11 a.m. | Holloway Park, 2402 Holloway Park Dr. | $10+ | Honor the service members in your life with a 5k on Memorial Day.

ForKids

Children’s Theatre | 2-2:30 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | An event where your kids could be the stars and shape the show. 🎭

Arts

The Art of Film | 6-8:30 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art | Free | This month’s film is “Burden of Dreams” by Les Blank. 🎬

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | Until June 9 | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Free 🖌️

Sunday | May 26

Arts

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | Until June 9 | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Free 🖌️

ForKids

Sensational Sunday | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Family Fun Center, 4825 S. Florida Ave. | $5+ | This sensory-friendly event is for children of different abilities to play in a safe environment.

Monday, May 27 - Friday, May 31

Monday | May 27

ForKids

Only One You Summer Art Camp | May 27- May 31 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Art Centric Studio, 1035 Florida Ave. S. Unit #180 | $160 | The program is ideal for kids ages 4-8, and you can enroll up to three children. 🎨

Arts

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | Until June 9 | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr | Free 🖌️

TryThis

Memorial Day “Murph” | 9-11 a.m. | Community Fitness, 1635 Shepherd Rd. | This workout of CrossFit, known as a Hero WOD, was created to honor the men and women that have fallen in the line of duty.

Outdoors

Monday Night Spin | 6-8 p.m. | LeRoy’s Bikeworks, 6935 S. Carter Rd. Ste. 2 | Free | Ride around the neighborhood at a relaxed pace. Helmets are a must.

Tuesday | May 28

ForKids

Only One You Summer Art Camp | Until May 31 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Art Centric Studio, 1035 Florida Ave. S. Unit #180 | $160 | The program is ideal for kids ages 4-8, and you can enroll up to three children. 🎨

Arts

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | Until June 9 | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Free 🖌️

TryThis

Dart Clinic | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Lakeland Elks Lodge, 4529 Harden Blvd. | Free | Work on your aim and play the classic bar game.

Wednesday | May 29

ForKids

Only One You Summer Art Camp | Until May 31 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Art Centric Studio, 1035 Florida Ave. S. Unit #180 | $160 | The program is ideal for kids ages 4-8, and you can enroll up to three children. 🎨

TryThis

Pub Poll | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | The Brass Tap | Free | Play trivia to guess the most popular answer, not always the right answer. 🍻

Arts

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | Until June 9 | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Free 🖌️

Workshop

Woman, Rock! | 12:30-3 p.m. | Just Cares Inc., 124 S. Kentucky Ave. | $15-$25 | This edition of the series is all about self-care.

Thursday | May 30

ForKids

Only One You Summer Art Camp | Until May 31 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Art Centric Studio, 1035 Florida Ave. S. Unit #180 | $160 | The program is ideal for kids ages 4-8, and you can enroll up to three children. 🎨

Arts

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | Until June 9 | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Free 🖌️

Show

Absolute Queen: The Tribute Experience | 7:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $5.55+ | Rock out to this realistic Queen tribute concert. 🤘

Outdoors

LeRoy’s MTB Group Ride | 6-9 p.m. | LeRoy’s Bikeworks, 6935 S. Carter Rd. Ste. 2 | Free | Ride out from the shop onto the trails with a group that fits your pace. No one is left behind.

Learn

Cookie Decorating Class | 6:30-8:30 | Scout & Tag, 1214 S. Florida Ave. | $60 | Learn how to do a delicious kind of art, on cookies!

Friday | May 31

ForKids

Only One You Summer Art Camp | Until May 31 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Art Centric Studio, 1035 Florida Ave S. Unit #180 | $160 | The program is ideal for kids ages 4-8, and you can enroll up to three children. 🎨

WaterCooler

Lakeland Flying Tigers | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $4.50+

Arts

Annual Lakeland Art Guild Spring Exhibition | Until June 9 | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Free 🖌️

Drink

Night Market | 6-9 p.m. | Brew Hub, 3900 Frontage Rd. S. | Free | The family-friendly event features food trucks, drinks, and makers selling their goods.

Show

School’s Out! | 8-11 p.m. | Lkld Live, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave. | $10 | Celebrate the end of the school year with a comedy special. 🎤

More from LALtoday
These events bring together your favorite vendors on the same day each month in nearby downtown areas and historic districts.
We keep an eye on your clicks to make sure LALtoday is always filled with content you love.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Just like each dog breed has its own personality, each community in Lakeland shines with unique characteristics. Which breed sounds most like you?
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
Ready for your lunch break? Check out these 30+ lunches from hearty salads to diner-style bites.
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive the dog days of summer from years gone by.
Both are known for a good turn of phrase, but can you decipher which quotes came from Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz or Grammy winner Taylor Swift? Put your skills to the test.
Explore the leading economic drivers in Lakeland — from exciting, new technology to top leaders in growing and distributing delicious eats.
Sure, you could take an hour drive to your favorite chain restaurants — but wouldn’t it be better if they were right down the road?