Lakeland FL Events and Attractions - Things To Do Throughout The Year!

Lakeland FL Events and Attractions - Things To Do Throughout The Year!

Gaining new appreciation for Lakeland as a diverse city for families to raise their children, for retirees to relax and enjoy the sunshine.  The City of Lakeland and its citizens are working hard to provide planned events throughout the year for the whole family to enjoy.  To appreciate the good things that Lakeland has to offer, I would like to invite you to take part in some of the events that are treasured from folks in and around Polk County and the entire State of Florida.

Annual Pig Fest at Tiger Town - Held in January, Lakeland’s annual and best barbecue, besides my husband’s barbecue, is the place for some great competition in various categories, from ribs, pork, chicken, beef, and sauce.  The Junior League of Greater Lakeland became in 2005 the lead organizer for this great event and they do an outstanding job providing volunteers to see that this event is run smoothly. The event in itself is free, such as the concerts - as you walk towards the gate, let me suggest you buy "Pig Dollars" near the entrance for food and drinks and also some for your kids, since I'm sure they want to take part in arts & crafts, climbing and jumping. Don't worry if you run out of the "Pig Dollars or "Pig Bucks", there are various locations throughout the area for you to buy more. Besides the scrumptious barbecue and sauces, they also offer some great desserts, such as strawberry shortcakes - Folks, if you haven't noticed yet - here in Florida we are in Strawberry season!

Downtown Farmer’s Curb Market - The Downtown Farmers Curb Market in Lakeland, Fl is located on 200 N. Kentucky Avenue in front of the Peterson Building.  It has become one of the premier thing-to-do.  It is open throughout the year (50 weeks) every Saturday between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Wednesdays between 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  You will find so many products from organic fruits and vegetables that are grown locally to oils, soaps, flowers and a lot more from our local vendors. On selected Saturdays you will here live music, festivals, and other activities on regular basis.

First Fridays - The name says it all. First Friday is held on the first Friday of every month in downtown Lakeland near and around Munn Park from 6 p.m to 9 p.m.  Each month the Downtown Lakeland Partnership comes up with a different theme to enjoy.  Filled with activities for the whole family to enjoy from face painting,  arts and crafts, live music, and the classic car show. Downtown shops and restaurants stay open late for your enjoyment.

Strawberry Festival in Plant City - held annually in March, the Strawberry Festival opens its gates for folks all over the country and the world to enjoy entertainment, food, livestock, arts, and much more...not to forget Parkesdale Farm’s famous home grown strawberry and the scrumptious strawberry shortcake. Plant City is just down the street from Lakeland off Interstate 4 and each year the organizers wow us with top-rated entertainers and local artists.

Lakeland’s Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In - Move over Tampa and Orlando airports. For one week, Lakeland’s Linder Airport has aviation at it’s best as it becomes the busiest airport in North America.  This event has been staged since 1974 on 850 acre footprint of the Lakeland Linder Airport engaging all levels of aviation enthusiast, professional pilots, aviation students and kids of dreaming to fly an airplane, as well as folks who design, build and fly their own airplane. It is also known as the Spring Break for pilots here in the U.S. and around the world.

Spring Training with Detroit Tigers - Lakeland has been host to the Detroit Tigers since 1934 for Major League’s Baseball spring training and has been recognized the longest in spring training history. Since 1966 games hosted by Detroit Tigers are played at Joker Marchant Stadium, which was recently renovated in 2004 and has a capacity of 8,500. During game day, the gates open approximately two hours before first pitch.  The mediterranean style club house is down the right field line where MLB players will sign autographs for fans in the box seats between and their dugout before and after the game.

Mayfaire-by-the-Lake at Lake Morton - What’s not to love about this event that is held every Mother’s Day weekend in front of the Lakeland’s Public Library’s Lawn. The festival kicks off with Mayfaire Classic 5k race and fireworks at 9 p.m. at the neighboring Lake Mirror.  Artists showing off their crafts which includes everything from jewelry, paintings, sculptures and much more for show and sale that almost encompasses around Lake Morton. A family event indeed with an art tent to let your child’s imagination and creativity come to live. A kids zone for children of all abilities to enjoy in the Polk Museum of Art’s parking lot. Vendors will have a variety of assortment of drinks from water, sodas, smoothies, to funnel cakes, kettle corn and much more. Live entertainment by local musicians and dancers. This event offers free parking for all and shuttles

Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival - The annual Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival - a free community event - held in October takes place around Lake Mirror and in the Downtown Lakeland.   Since 1999 this auto festival has drawn top collector cars from the United States and is considered as one of the premier regional automobile shows in the southeastern United States.  This is one of my favorite events drawing a crowd of about 35,000 people wandering around Lake Mirror viewing a field of about 600 vehicles. It is considered as one of the best shows in the Southeast. There is no doubt in my mind that visiting Lake Mirror Classic will mesmerize car enthusiasts around Lakeland and the country.This fun-filled charity event raises money for Lakeland’s area non-profit groups, such as the Junior Achievement, Boy Scouts, the First Tee, Historic Lakeland, and Lakeland Regional Cancer. More than $250,000.00 has been raised or donated helping them raise needed funds through the sale of food and beverage at the event.  

The Lakeland Center - At the Lakeland Center you will find entertainment and shows galore. Throughout the entire year, world renowned entertainers have wowed their fans and patrons. From Phil Collins, Michael Flatley and his exciting dancers, Sarah Brightman, Merle Haggard, Michael Bolton.  Shows like Disney on Ice to bands such as the United States Air Force and our own local symphony orchestra, the Imperial Symphony Orchestra and their concert series makes the Lakeland Center the hub for entertainment year around.