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Vendor tents line a downtown street filled with pedestrians at First Friday.
Events
Stack your calendar with monthly events around Lakeland
These events bring together your favorite vendors on the same day each month in nearby downtown areas and historic districts.
August 28, 2025 03:13 PM
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A glass of beer on a wooden bar at Swan Brewing. In the background are beer taps and customers.
Culture
Local libations: A round-up of Lakeland-centric craft beers
A turn of phrase here, a recognizable Lakeland nod there — these craft beers found around Swan City take local pride seriously.
July 22, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Craft cocktails on a bar with different glasses
Food
Toast of the town: Drink Up Week has arrived
This week — Monday, July 22-Friday, July 26, 2024 — we’re shining a spotlight on the vibrant drink scene in Lakeland.
July 19, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
The interior of Black Swan tattoo shop is shown, featuring a reception desk, couches, and a gallery of art on the walls.
Culture
Get inked at these Lakeland tattoo shops
No matter what style of tattoo you prefer, check out one of these Swan City artists next time you’re looking to add some new ink.
July 15, 2024
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
Two iced matcha lattes — one with pink fruit and one with yellow fruit — sitting on a coral pink Adirondack chair
Food
Raise a glass — Drink Up Week is coming
We’ve got details and a map full of drink deals: We’ll be highlighting the vibrant beverage scene across Lakeland, FL from July 22 to July 26, 2024.
July 11, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
A rough drawing of a cat teaching a child to work on a small robot.
Sponsored
⚙️ Dive into robotics with this new all-ages STEM boot camp
The recently launched Robotic Academy wants to help Lakelanders understand the core principles of programming + kinematics.
Sponsored by
Images of two businesses are shown side by side. On the left, an exterior shot of Lakeland Public Library, and on the right, a shot of the sign for BookaReaderville. They are separated by a green divider line.
Business
Old + new in Lakeland: 10 options for 5 types of businesses
Explore some of Swan City’s oldest establishments alongside new additions to the business + restaurant scene.
July 1, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Guy Fieri raises a glass at his restaurant in Harrahs Cherokee Casino
Food
Answered: Where you’d film a Lakeland episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”
Swan City isn’t yet a part of the Triple D Nation — so we cast our own episode using your recommendations. If you’re reading this Food Network, you’re welcome.
June 27, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
LALtoday Local GEICO Office
Sponsored
👀 When’s the last time you reviewed your insurance?
Sponsored by
A path through Hollis Garden with trees on either side
Culture
Spend a day like a Bridgerton in Lakeland
If the newest season of “Bridgerton” has you wishing for a bygone era, allow us to impart wisdom on how to recreate a Regency-inspired day in Swan City.
June 25, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Two shoppers purchasing goods from a market vendor's tent. The table is covered with stationery and tote bags.
Business
5 top markets to shop in Lakeland
Find handmade goods, tasty food and drink, or a unique piece of art at these community markets.
June 10, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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Culture
What is the Junior League of Greater Lakeland?
Learn how this organization is impacting Lakeland through its educational and charity work.
May 15, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A commercial building under construction with yellow sheathing and a Rodda banner on the sidewalk.
City
The latest on Lakeland Family YMCA’s $21 million renovation project
The project is roughly halfway complete, with all phases expected to conclude by 2027.
May 15, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
LAL_BOB_ADAMS_FAMILY_COMMUNITY_YMCA_march_2023
City
Lakeland Family YMCA to undergo $21 million renovation
Meet the Bob Adams Family Community YMCA.
May 15, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Brick condo building with large windows, gabled roof, surrounded by palm and oak trees, located near Lake Morton.
Real Estate
See inside 3 condos coming soon by Lake Morton
The couple behind this new condominium building are looking for the perfect buyer + neighbor to fill the final floor in Lake Morton Place.
May 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of a Publix supermarket features a green, lit sign, outdoor seating area, and a sunset sky in the background
Business
How would Lakelanders make Publix shopping better?
We’re giving Lakelanders the reins to dream up their own store features and items that would make shopping at Publix more of a pleasure.
May 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An exterior view of the Lakeland Amtrak train station
Travel and Outdoors
Pro tips for riding an Amtrak train from Lakeland
Get our best tips to navigating the Amtrak station, finding routes, and buying tickets.
May 13, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the Lakeland Fishing Outfitters Tackle Shop which was the original location of Red Lobster, viewed from the parking lot.
Business
How Red Lobster got its start in Lakeland
As the seafood chain announces plans to close restaurants nationwide, take a look back at how Red Lobster first started in Lakeland, FL.
May 13, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
New Publix store under construction at Lake Miriam Square, with wood framing, concrete walls, parked vehicles, and equipment.
Business
Lakeland’s ‘prototype’ Publix: What’s coming to Lake Miriam Square
See what’s planned for Publix’s newly rebuilt store that could give us a glimpse into the future of grocery shopping.
May 12, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the RP Funding Center, viewed from in front of rose bushes.
Experience
15+ upcoming concerts headed to Lakeland
AC/DC tribute? Check. Marshall Tucker Band? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
May 12, 2025
LAL-Mister-Fish-laltoday
Food
Get a taste of the sea at these Lakeland area restaurants
Whether you’re making dinner plans and craving lobster rolls or looking for your local fish market, check out this list of seafood eateries and distributors in and around Lakeland.
May 9, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado