60 upcoming events near Lakeland — concerts, theater, markets, library programs and more. Free to browse; each links to the source.
Theater & film
June 12 to 21, 2026
Lakeland Community Theatre · Lakeland, FL
Lakeland Community Theatre
Catch the bubbly musical Legally Blonde Jr. on stage at Lakeland Community Theatre over two June weekends.
Outdoors & nature
Saturday, June 6, 2026
9 to 11 a.m.
Bonnet Springs Park, GiveWell Community Foundation Nature Center · Lakeland, FL
Bonnet Springs Park, GiveWell Community Foundation Nature Center
Discover the gopher tortoises and other organisms that hold Florida's ecosystems together at this morning nature program.
Theater & film
Sunday, June 28, 2026
4 p.m.
Polk Theatre · Lakeland, FL
Polk Theatre
Phone home with Spielberg's E.T. at this Sunday-afternoon family film at the Polk Theatre.
Music & concerts
Saturday, June 13, 2026
6 to 9 p.m.
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art · Lakeland, FL
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
Hear jazz pianist Per Danielsson perform free amid the galleries as part of the Swan City Piano Festival.
Outdoors & nature
Saturday, June 13, 2026
9 to 11 a.m.
Bonnet Springs Park, GiveWell Community Foundation Nature Center · Lakeland, FL
Bonnet Springs Park, GiveWell Community Foundation Nature Center
Learn what makes Florida's large mammals unique at this Saturday-morning naturalist session in the park.
Classes & arts
Weekly, ongoing
Kelly Recreation Complex · Lakeland, FL
Kelly Recreation Complex
Join the quilting group and the American Sewing Guild for regular crafting meetups at the Kelly Recreation Complex.
Classes & arts
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Lakeland Public Library, The Commons · Lakeland, FL
Lakeland Public Library, The Commons
Turn your old mementos and photos into a one-of-a-kind keepsake journal at this hands-on adult craft workshop.
Outdoors & nature
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Lake Silver, Winter Haven · Lakeland, FL
Lake Silver, Winter Haven
Watch the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team put on a free monthly show-ski performance on the lake just east of Lakeland.
Dance & fitness
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Bonnet Springs Park · Lakeland, FL
Bonnet Springs Park
Greet the summer solstice with a gentle sunrise yoga session paired with a sound-bath meditation in the park.
Dance & fitness
Thursday, June 18, 2026 (also July 23, Aug 20)
Bonnet Springs Park · Lakeland, FL
Bonnet Springs Park
Dance the evening away one Thursday a month all summer at the park's third annual Sunset Dance Series with Lakeland Regional Health.
Theater & film
Thursday, June 25, 2026
6:30 p.m.
Polk Theatre · Lakeland, FL
Polk Theatre
Catch the sci-fi classic Blade Runner as the Polk Theatre's summer series rolls on.
Classes & arts
Wednesdays
5 to 6:55 p.m.
Larry R. Jackson Branch Library · Lakeland, FL
Larry R. Jackson Branch Library
Bring your current yarn project and chat with fellow knitters and crocheters at this weekly fiber-arts club.
Theater & film
Saturday, August 29, 2026
7 p.m.
Polk Theatre · Lakeland, FL
Polk Theatre
Laugh the night away at a comedy show presented by Brickhouse Comedy Productions at the historic Polk Theatre.
Theater & film
Monday, June 8, 2026
6:30 p.m.
Polk Theatre · Lakeland, FL
Polk Theatre
See the action classic Speed on the big screen of the historic 1928 Polk Theatre downtown.
Lifelong learning
Seasonal, free public series
Florida Southern College, Branscomb Auditorium · Lakeland, FL
Florida Southern College, Branscomb Auditorium
Florida Southern's free public lecture series brings speakers to campus to explore Florida life and history for lifelong learners.
Community & civic
Saturday, June 20, 2026
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Munn Park, Downtown Lakeland · Lakeland, FL
Munn Park, Downtown Lakeland
Polk Pride's biggest day of the year fills Munn Park with all-ages entertainment, community groups, and vendors.
Lifelong learning
Second Tuesday each month
12:15 to 1:30 p.m.
Larry R. Jackson Branch Library · Lakeland, FL
Larry R. Jackson Branch Library
Bring a lunch and talk books with the group on the second Tuesday of each month at the Jackson Branch.
Dance & fitness
Saturday, June 13, 2026
7 a.m.
Lake Hollingsworth Park · Lakeland, FL
Lake Hollingsworth Park
Walk or jog a sunrise 5K around Lake Hollingsworth with the Lakeland Runners Club's long-running summer series.
Classes & arts
Summer 2026, ongoing
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art · Lakeland, FL
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
The museum has brought back hands-on adult acrylic painting and figure-drawing workshops this summer, designed for all skill levels.
Music & concerts
Saturday, June 20, 2026
5:30 p.m.
RP Funding Center · Lakeland, FL
RP Funding Center
Saxophonist Jazz Hamilton kicks off his patriotic symphonic tour with a theatrical performance at the RP Funding Center.
Theater & film
Sunday, June 14, 2026
4 p.m.
Polk Theatre · Lakeland, FL
Polk Theatre
Revisit the 1984 favorite The Karate Kid at this Sunday-afternoon classic film screening downtown.
Theater & film
Thursday, June 18, 2026
6:30 p.m.
Polk Theatre · Lakeland, FL
Polk Theatre
Enjoy the comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall as part of the Polk Theatre's summer film lineup.
Dance & fitness
Seasonal summer schedule
Gandy Pool · Lakeland, FL
Gandy Pool
Take a low-impact water workout like Splashersize or Aqua Spin at the city's Gandy Pool through the summer.
Classes & arts
Thursday, July 2, 2026
4 to 8 p.m.
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art · Lakeland, FL
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
Bring a partner or a friend for the museum's first Date Night, an after-hours evening among the galleries.
Classes & arts
Saturday, August 22, 2026
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art · Lakeland, FL
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
Celebrate the student artists in the Heart for Art show at this open reception in the museum galleries.
Music & concerts
Sunday, June 14, 2026
3 to 5 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland · Lakeland, FL
First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland
A free Sunday-afternoon piano recital by Victor Santiago Asuncion in a beautiful church setting.
Lifelong learning
Friday, June 12, 2026
12 to 1 p.m.
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art · Lakeland, FL
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
Guest curator Dr. Kristen Carter leads an in-depth lunchtime discussion of the current Here and Now student exhibition in the galleries.
Theater & film
Monday, June 15, 2026
6:30 p.m.
Polk Theatre · Lakeland, FL
Polk Theatre
Watch Christopher Nolan's twisty thriller Memento on the big screen at the historic Polk Theatre.
Senior programs
Weekly, ongoing
Coleman-Bush Building · Lakeland, FL
Coleman-Bush Building
Play horseshoes or shuffleboard and join low-impact fitness with the seniors' group at the Coleman-Bush Building.
Theater & film
Friday, June 19, 2026
7:30 p.m.
Polk Theatre · Lakeland, FL
Polk Theatre
Quote along to the beloved fairy tale The Princess Bride at the historic Polk Theatre.
Lifelong learning
Thursday, June 11, 2026
6 to 7:15 p.m.
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art · Lakeland, FL
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
Sip a drink while Dr. Daryl Ward gives you a sneak peek into the museum's upcoming season at this relaxed evening talk.
Food festivals
Second Thursday each month
6 to 9 p.m.
Munn Park, Downtown Lakeland · Lakeland, FL
Munn Park, Downtown Lakeland
Graze your way through 15-plus food trucks in Munn Park on the second Thursday of every month, a free and dog-friendly evening downtown.
Theater & film
Sunday, June 21, 2026
4 p.m.
Polk Theatre · Lakeland, FL
Polk Theatre
Bring the grandkids for Disney's animated Cinderella at this Sunday-afternoon family screening.
Lifelong learning
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
2 to 3 p.m.
Lakeland Public Library (online) · Lakeland, FL
Lakeland Public Library (online)
Join a free online talk with a Smithsonian curator on the history of craft at state fairs, from blue-ribbon quilts to butter cows.
Outdoors & nature
Saturday, June 6, 2026
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales · Lakeland, FL
Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
Wander the gardens for a whimsical fairy-themed festival day at the historic Bok Tower Gardens south of Lakeland.
Community & civic
Friday, June 5, 2026
6 to 9 p.m.
Downtown Lakeland, Kentucky Avenue · Lakeland, FL
Downtown Lakeland, Kentucky Avenue
Kentucky Avenue closes to traffic for a five-block Makers Market, a classy car show, and late-night shopping and dining, with a carnival-food theme this month.
Community & civic
First Thursday of December
7 p.m.
Lakeland, FL
The city's Christmas parade runs through downtown in early December, with floats, marching bands, and a fireworks display over Lake Mirror to start the night. It pairs with the season's swan and light traditions around the lakes.
Theater & film
Monday, June 22, 2026
6:30 p.m.
Polk Theatre · Lakeland, FL
Polk Theatre
See Oliver Stone's war drama Platoon on the big screen at the historic Polk Theatre.
Senior programs
Thursdays, ongoing
4 to 8 p.m.
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art · Lakeland, FL
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
Every Thursday the museum stays open late so you can wander all the galleries and linger with a friendly art-loving crowd, and admission is always free.
Outdoors & nature
Saturdays (group schedule)
Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve · Lakeland, FL
Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve
Lace up for a guided Saturday-morning hike through the Lower Green Swamp with a local outdoor meetup group.
Lifelong learning
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Lakeland Public Library, The Commons · Lakeland, FL
Lakeland Public Library, The Commons
Discuss a new romance read each month and swap recommendations with fellow book lovers at this adult club.
Theater & film
Thursday, June 11, 2026
6:30 p.m.
Polk Theatre · Lakeland, FL
Polk Theatre
Catch the cult favorite Fight Club in the atmospheric setting of the historic Polk Theatre.
Lifelong learning
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
6 to 8 p.m.
Bonnet Springs Park, Roundhouse Coffee Shop · Lakeland, FL
Bonnet Springs Park, Roundhouse Coffee Shop
Bring your own book and read quietly alongside others over coffee, with a local nonprofit bookseller on hand.
Classes & arts
Thursday, June 4, 2026
2 to 4 p.m.
Lakeland Public Library, Main Library · Lakeland, FL
Lakeland Public Library, Main Library
Slow down and make a guided painting with a pro at this relaxing free afternoon art session, no experience needed.
Dance & fitness
Saturday, August 1, 2026
6 to 9 p.m.
Downtown Lakeland, Kentucky Avenue · Lakeland, FL
Downtown Lakeland, Kentucky Avenue
August's First Friday leans into music and dance through the decades, with the street market, car show, and late-night dining all open.
Senior programs
Weekly, ongoing
Lake Mirror Complex · Lakeland, FL
Lake Mirror Complex
Older adults can join senior dance, a bridge group, and a stamp club at the historic Lake Mirror Complex downtown.
Community & civic
Saturday, June 27, 2026
1 to 6 p.m.
Simpson Park Community Center · Lakeland, FL
Simpson Park Community Center
Mark Juneteenth with live music, food vendors, and historical exhibits at Simpson Park Community Center.
Outdoors & nature
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Lake Parker Park · Lakeland, FL
Lake Parker Park
Combine a gentle nature walk with quiet journaling at this meetup at Lake Parker Park.
Music & concerts
Friday, June 12, 2026
7 to 9 p.m.
Harrison School for the Arts · Lakeland, FL
Harrison School for the Arts
Enjoy a free solo piano recital by Jasmin Arakawa at the Harrison School for the Arts.
Community & civic
Tuesdays
6:30 p.m.
Grove Roots Brewing Co. · Lakeland, FL
Grove Roots Brewing Co.
Test your general knowledge over a pint at Grove Roots' weekly Tuesday trivia night.
Community & civic
Mondays
7:30 p.m.
Cob and Pen, 1221 S. Florida Ave. · Lakeland, FL
Cob and Pen, 1221 S. Florida Ave.
Settle in for Monday-night trivia with Triviosity Live Events at Cob and Pen on South Florida Avenue.
Dance & fitness
Weekly, ongoing
Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex · Lakeland, FL
Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex
Keep moving gently with line dancing, tai chi, yoga, quilting, and sound-bowl sessions at the Lake Crago complex.
Food festivals
Saturday, June 20, 2026
2 to 8 p.m.
Lakeland Square Mall · Lakeland, FL
Lakeland Square Mall
Spend the afternoon with reggae music and seafood at this festival at Lakeland Square Mall.
Theater & film
Friday, June 26, 2026
7:30 p.m.
Polk Theatre · Lakeland, FL
Polk Theatre
Enjoy Disney's animated Sleeping Beauty at this evening screening in the historic theater.
Markets
Saturdays, June and July
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Downtown Lakeland, Kentucky Avenue · Lakeland, FL
Downtown Lakeland, Kentucky Avenue
Stroll the tents every Saturday morning for fresh local produce and vendors, with shorter summer hours in June and July before the August break.
Music & concerts
First Friday each month
6 to 9 p.m.
Lakeland, FL
On the first Friday of each month downtown shops and restaurants stay open late from 6 to 9, with a free concert and a car show. The related Friday Night Live series brings free outdoor music to Munn Park on set nights.
Pickleball & rec
Monday to Friday
8 a.m. to noon
Kelly Recreation Complex · Lakeland, FL
Kelly Recreation Complex
Drop in for pickleball open play on indoor and outdoor courts weekday mornings for just a couple of dollars per player.
Senior programs
Weekly classes, ongoing
Kelly Recreation Complex · Lakeland, FL
Kelly Recreation Complex
The city runs senior fitness, SilverSneakers, Move to Improve, and a walking club designed for older adults at the Kelly Recreation Complex.
Food festivals
Saturday, June 20, 2026
12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Depot 303, Mulberry · Lakeland, FL
Depot 303, Mulberry
Pull up a seat for a communal hands-on Filipino feast with handcrafted drinks at this nearby food hall.
Community & civic
Sunday, June 28, 2026
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
RP Funding Center · Lakeland, FL
RP Funding Center
A free afternoon of vendors, wellness, and connection geared toward women at the RP Funding Center.
