Upcoming Events

FEB/MAR 2022 C A L E N D A R

Get Your Listing in the Calendar

Email Listings to: tracey@todayandtonight.com

Info must be received by the 23rd of the Month Prior to Publication. Events will be included as space allows.

Arts, Crafts, Festivals & Expos

FEB 4 & 5 – Annual Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition.

Benefit for the Boys & Girls Club of Polk County. Enjoy live music, a Saturday ski show, some great food and fun! More than 80 teams across the country competing to win the awards for best chicken, ribs, pork and brisket, which will be announced Sat, 5:30 pm. The Official Sanctioning Body for the event is the Florida BBQ Association. Located Boys & Girls Club, 2400 Havendale Blvd, Winter Haven. Fri, 5-10 pm and Sat, 10-10 pm. Fri, $10 admission. Sat, $2 admission; 10 and younger free.

FEB 4 to 6 – 26th Annual Spirit of the Buffalo Pow Wow.

Native American Festival at the International Market World Flea and Farmers Market in Auburndale. The event features crafts, intertribal dance competitions, historic village displays, workshops and over 60 exhibitors. The event is held in the Big Top circus tent over two big weekends - rain or shine. Located International Market World, 1052 US Hwy 92 W, Adale. Fri to Sun, 10-6 pm. www.spiritofthebuffalopowwow.com

FEB 10 – Lakeland Food Truck

Rally. Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally brings food trucks to Munn Park on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Come on out to Downtown Lakeland and enjoy a variety of Florida food trucks and their delicious cuisine. 20 plus food trucks come together each month and park on the streets surrounding beautiful Munn Park. Thurs, 6-9 pm. (next events: Feb 10, Mar 10)

FEB 12 – Valentine’s Block Party in

Downtown Lakeland. Enjoy an art walk and night market in downtown. The streets are filled with vendors, artists, and food. Co-hosted by Buena Market & Downtown Lakeland benefiting Lakeland Art Guild. Located Kentucky Ave/Main Street, Lakeland. Sat, 5-9 pm.

FEB 15 – Tasty Tuesday. Third Tuesday of every month. 10 tastes from downtown bars, restaurants and sweet shops. New offerings every month. Tasty Tuesdays are a super fun way to experience multiple Downtown restaurants all in one night! You get hearty sample sizes with each ticket, and move from place to place at your own pace! Tastings begin at 4:30pm and end at 9pm. Purchase your ticket package from LDDA. Tickets come in packets of 10 for $25. (additional packs may be purchased in increments of $5 which is 2 tickets). Tues, 4:30-9 pm. Cost - $25 for 10 tastes. https://ldda.square.site/product/ tasty-tuesday-tickets/31?cs=true&cst=custom

FEB 17 – Taste of Winter Haven.

Hosted by the Winter Haven Chamber. Taste of Winter Haven is an evening event focused on giving the community an opportunity to taste local cuisine, beer, and wine while enjoying live music. Taste of Winter Haven will take place at Venue 650. You must be 21 or older to attend. Early bird tickets are $35. Price will increase on January 17th and the day of. Located Venue 650, 650 6th St SW, Winter Haven. Thurs, 6-9 pm.

FEB 18 & 19 – 5th Annual Chain

of Lakes Eggfest. Hosted by Mannix Pools & Grills. EGGHeads from all over the country are coming to show off their talents on the Big Green Egg. Come on out for live music, delicious food, live demonstrations, and more, all for a great cause! Fri Music: Justin Grimes 6-9 pm. Sat Music: Andrew Williams 11-12:15 pm, The Broke 12:30-2 pm, Jill’s Cashbox 2:30-4 pm. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Polk County and Girls, Inc. Located at the Boys & Girls Club, 2400 Havendale Blvd., Winter Haven. Fri, 6-9 pm (VIP Party). Sat, 10-3 pm. Tickets $25 per day. www. ChainOfLakesEggfest.com

FEB 18 to 29 – Strawberry

Classic Dog Show. Hosted by the Lakeland Winter Haven Kennel Club which is based in Polk County where they are dedicated to the education, welfare and betterment of Purebred dogs. Located at Sun ’n Fun, Medulla Rd, Lakeland.

FEB 19 – Ribs on the Ridge. Hosted by the City of Haines City. Located Lk Eva Park, 555 Ledwith Ave, Haines City. Sat, 10-7 pm.

FEB 19 – SYFY Bartow. A free, family-friendly festival featuring costume contests, an art show, superhero karaoke, food, live music, science fiction vendors, large size props including Doctor Who’s Tardis, a movie and television car show, a play area for kids, local authors and stars, cosplayers, face painting, steampunk themed activities and many more surprises. Located downtown Bartow, Main Street. Sat, 11-6 pm.

FEB 23 – 75th Annual Tiger BBQ.

Presented by Rodda Construction, Inc. Join us in welcoming back our Detroit Tigers for a record 85 years of Spring Training in Lakeland! Be a part of the tradition! Ticket includes an exceptional menu and a souvenir mug. (no take-out orders and no autographs) Located Publix Field Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. Wed, 6-8 pm. Tickets: Adults - $40. Youth (12 & under) $20. Call (863) 688-8551 for more info.

FEB 25 – Lake Wales Mardi Gras

5k Glow Run. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll! Get back to running and join the MOST FUN AND FESTIVE 5K in town! Light up the night with us at the Lake Wales Mardi Gras Glow Run 5K presented by Forni Dental. Join us for a celebration at Lake Wailes Park with food & drinks, kid’s zone, entertainment, fun post-race party, and much more! Register at: https://www. athlinks.com/event/lake-wales-mardi-gras-5k-302306?fbclid=IwAR0rF7gRrAE-RjV0QbAnrlS-z2t94p1gH_ lamxOTrTOK9z8P9nNNswD7048

FEB 25 & 26 – 37th Lake Wales

Mardi Gras. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll! Enjoy live music, children’s zone, food trucks and parade is Saturday at 3 pm. Located on the shores of Lake Wailes, Lake Wales. Fri, 6-11 pm. Sat, 10 am-11 pm. www.LWMardiGras.com

FEB 25 & 26 – Carlisle Winter Florida

AutoFest. The auction starts at 10:30 a.m. daily and includes 400+ classic and collector car vehicles. There are three great ways to bid too, in person, on the phone and online! Call 717-960-6400 or visit CarlisleAuctions.com Located at Sun ’n Fun, Medulla Rd, Lakeland. www.flysnf.org

FEB 25 & 26 – 24th Annual

Mustangs & Mustangs. Hosted by the Imperial Mustangs of Polk County. “Mustangs & Mustangs… Legends Havin’ Fun 2022” is a Mustang & All Ford show. All Ford Powered vehicles are welcome. Dash Plaques to the first 150 registered cars. Admission includes the driver and one passenger. Children under the age of 12 are free. Located at Sun ’n Fun, Medulla Rd, Lakeland. www.flysnf.org

FEB 26 – 3rd Annual Lake Alfred

Heritage Festival. The Lake Alfred Historical Society, Inc. and the City of Lake Alfred have joined forces to present another fantastic diversified and informative festival. A unique blend of Lake Alfred’s history combined with our rich American Heritage over decades and centuries. Located corner of E Pomelo and N Seminole Ave. Sat, 10-5pm. www.lakealfredheritagefestival.com

FEB 26 – Plantopia Garden Festival.

Free event where a number of vendors will be selling Orchids, Bromeliads, Tillandsias, Aroids, Caudiciforms, Tropical Plants, Bamboo, Grasses, Exotic Fruit Trees, Native Plants, Succulents, Carnivorous Plants, Butterfly Attractants, Spices, Herbs and much more! Located Hollis Garden, 614 E Orange St, Lakeland. Sat, 10-2:30 pm. For more info, www.lakelandgov. net/hollisgarden

FEB 26 to MAR 12 – 2022 Polk Senior

Games. An annual two-week series of Olympic-style sports and games for men and women 50 years of age and over. Variety of twenty events. Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded in each event and age division. The individual entry fee is $10 for the first event and $3 for each additional event up to a maximum of $28. Fee for Softball team is $150. There are also facility fees for a few events - $25 for Golf Singles, $25 for Golf Mixed Doubles, $12 for Archery and $10-25 for Shooting events. Everyone receives a T-shirt. Events are held at various locations throughout Polk County. www.PolkSeniorGames.org

MAR 4 – March First Friday. Head to Downtown Lakeland on the first Friday of every month for First Friday; new theme each month. This month is the “Sun n' Fun Flight Night” Downtown shops and restaurants will be open late. Enjoy goodies, giveaways, and discounts from local business exhibitors. Shop in the Makers Market, which features local artists and creators, and check out the Classy Car Show on Main St. First Friday is a family-friendly event held in the streets of Downtown Lakeland between Lemon Street and Oak Street along Kentucky Ave. and Main St. Downtown Lakeland, Fri 6-9 pm. DowntownLKLD.com

MAR 5 – 8th Annual CommunityFest

Winter Haven. A family fun festival with games, activities, entertainment, character meet & greets, bounce houses and so much more. This free event is a great way to spend your day and meet the local businesses hosting this community event. Located in Central Park in downtown Winter Haven. Sat, 11-4 pm. Contact the Winter Haven Chamber for details. www.WinterHavenChamber.com

MAR 5 & 6 – 51st Annual Bloomin’ Arts

Festival. Over 100 artists from near and far, gather in Bartow the first full weekend of March every year. Painters, sculptors, jewelers, wood workers, metal artists, clay artists, mixed media, and fiber are some of the beautiful artwork on hand to view and buy. Enjoy fine art, a Saturday car show, quilt show, student art, entertainment, food and fun. Located Main Street, Downtown Bartow. Sat & Sun, 9-4 pm. www.bartowartguild.com

MAR 12 – 19th Annual Spring

Obsession 2022. Presented by the Lakeland Rotary Club. A family celebration of Garden, Art, and Music for the whole family. Dog friendly too. There will be plants galore, garden art, children’s area, prize drawings, plant seminars, and delicious BBQ! Proceeds will support the new “Know and Grow” program for Polk Public schools. The program is to teach tech skills and healthy eating for students. Located at Lake Crago Park, Lakeland. Sat, 8-3 pm. www. SpringObsession.org

MAR 19 & 20 – Central Park Art

Festival. Presented by Victor Smith Law Group. The festival, which has become a cultural mainstay for the community, is a juried competition festival featuring fine art from accomplished artists hailing from both within Central Florida and beyond. This 2-day event showcases paintings, sculptures, mixed media art work, hand crafted jewelry, artisan glass crafts, wood carving and more. Located in Central Park in downtown Winter Haven. Sat & Sun, 10-5pm. For more info, www.ridgeart.org

Markets, Antique Fairs & Car Shows

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb

Market – Saturdays. We have an exceptional variety of local vendors who offer fresh produce, seafood, pastries, breads, desserts, local honey, artisans, and crafts, to name a few. We are part of the FAB (Fresh Access Bucks) program that assists those in the SNAP/EBT program by encouraging healthy behaviors by making fresh, local produce more affordable and accessible to SNAP customers. Stop by the Market Information Booth for more details! Located N. Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. Sat, 8 am-1 pm.

Winter Haven Farmers Market –

Saturdays. Shop locally-grown food, artisan food vendors, plants, food trucks and more while supporting a healthy & connected community. Located across from Grove Roots on the NE corner of 3rd St. & Ave C SW in the BB&T parking lot in downtown Winter Haven. Sat 9-1 pm.

FEB 12 & 26 – Winter Haven Saturday

Markets. Free Community Event; family and pet-friendly! Fresh produce and veggies, local pure raw honey, arts, crafts, jewelry, apparel, CBD products, coffee, baked goods, sauces, gourmet, wooden furniture, MLN products, food trucks, kettle corn, live music, non-profit organizations, and much more! Located downtown Winter Haven in Central Park. Sat, 9-3 pm. WinterHavenSaturdayMarkets.com

FEB 13 - Second Sunday Artisan Market.

Every second Sunday of the month, enjoy a variety of Florida based businesses selling a variety of hand-made items. Located Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center, Lakeland, Sun, 12-5 pm. www.shoplakesidevillage.net

FEB 16 – GRB’s Moonlight

Market. Every third Wednesday. Community, Crafts & Beer! The Moonlight Market is comprised of vendors from all over Central Florida, local food trucks, and live music! Wed, 6-9 pm. Located at Grove Roots Brewing Co., 302 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven. Check FB for details.

FEB 17 - Lake Wales 3rd Thursday Market.

The boutique market will feature a variety of produce, artisan food vendors, plants, a pinch of crafts and a mind-blowing food truck. This market is within walking distance of restaurants, shops and incoming restaurants and The Ranch Taproom & Coffee House. Located Stuart Avenue in the parking lot near downtown’s new Gillian Fazio mural in Lk Wales. Thurs, 4-7 pm.

Concerts & Theatre

FEB 3 to 13 – Always, Patsy Cline. Based on the true story of Patsy Cline’s friendship with Houston housewife Louise Seger. The musical play, complete with down home country humor, true emotion and even some audience participation, includes many of Patsy’ unforgettable hits such as Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams and Walking After Midnight, 27 songs in all. Located Theatre Winter Haven. www.TheatreWinterHaven.com for tickets.

FEB 10 & APR 21 – The Gallery Concert Series at Polk Museum of Art.

Presented by The Polk Museum of Art and Lakeland Symphony Orchestra. A special set of ensemble performances, live in our galleries and inspired by our upcoming partner exhibition, Pictures at an Exhibition. Feb 10, Baroque Strings. Apr 21, Opera in Concert. www.PolkMuseumOfArt.org/

FEB 24 – Classic Albums Live

Concert Series. Note for Note and Cut for Cut. Performances of classic rock’s best albums and artists with original music performed live on stage. Feb 24: The Beatles ‘Let It Be’. Located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Fri, 8 pm. Tickets - $44, $33 plus parking. www. RPFundingCenter.com

Charity Events & Golf Tournaments

FEB 25 to 27 – Jeepin’ With Judd. A three-day family Jeep festival that offers obstacle and trail rides at Clear Springs Ranch (Cox Rd and Ledley Ware Rd in Bartow). It is also a fundraiser for Polk Sheriff’s Charities. Cost - $60-$80 per jeep. For more info: https://jeepinwithjudd.com/

MAR 12 – 26th Annual Champagne

& Shamrocks. Benefit for the Symphony Guild of Winter Haven. Social Hour with Butler Passed Hors d’oeuvres from 5:30-6:30 pm. Catering by Terrie Lobb. Dinner served at 6:30 pm with Complimentary Champagne. Concert by the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 pm. Black tie optional. Masks required. For more info and tickets: (863) 294-7213, (863) 206-7167, www. SymphonyGuildOfWinterHaven.org

APR 9 - 5th Annual Putt Putt Pub Crawl.

Putt putt style golf tournament with a 4-some. Nine participating locations. Meet at the Apple Lounge at 8:30 am for kick off. Free shot or drink at each location. Awards and After Party following at Tanners Lakeside at 6 pm. Locations: Barrel 239, Brew Hounds Sports Lounge, Jessie’s Lounge, Old Man Frank’s, Patty Wagon Irish Pub, Somewhere Sports Bar, Tanners Lakeside, Caribbean Bay, The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille. All proceeds benefit Leopard Legacy. Deadline is Apr 1st. Sat, 9 am-6 pm. Cost - $200 per team. 21+ event. For more info, call/ text Reva (863) 206-8478 or info.leopardlegacy@gmail.com

Sports

FEB 25 to MAR 28 – Detroit Tigers

Spring Training. Located at Publix Field Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland. www.mlb.com/tigers