Upcoming Events

DEC 2021/JAN 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

DEC 4 – 32nd Annual Carols in the Park.

For over thirty years, artisans, specialty food vendors, and local choral groups have gathered in Downtown Winter Haven’s Central Park to kick off the holiday season. This event has become a tradition for multiple generations, with a special Candy Cane Corner for children of all ages! Kids will enjoy free pictures with Santa Claus, a take-home holiday craft, and a bounce house. Located Downtown Winter Haven, Central Park. Sat, 10-6 pm. For more info call 863.295.9422, or email us at carolsintheparkwh@gmail.com

DEC 4 – Chain of Lakes Christmas Boat

Parade. Presented by Chain Life Winter Haven. The route begins in Lake May into Lake Shipp, back through Lake May and ends after circling Lake Howard. Sat, 6:30 pm. Facebook@ChainLifeWinterHaven for more info.

DEC 9 – 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: Dec 9, Jan 13)

DEC 9 to 11 – Collectorama.

Multi-day coin show. Located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Thurs & Fri, 10-6 pm. Sat, 10-3 pm. www. RPFundingCenter.com www.CoinZip.com DEC 10 – 2021 Snow Central. The City of Winter Haven is offering 4.5 acres of holiday entertainment at this festive event. Step into the magical winter wonderland to enjoy food vendors, games, crafts, and 70 tons of real snow! This annual tradition returns with even more activities and spirit. Community partner Theatre of Winter Haven, will present another outstanding outdoor concert featuring a live performance from Johnny Wild! And, of course, Santa will be stopping by to take pictures and hear everyone’s wishes for this happy season. So make this time of year merry and bright by sliding over to the Chain of Lakes Stadium. Fri, 6-9 pm. Cost - $1 kids, $2 adults.

DEC 11 – Come To The Stable: A Living

Nativity Stroll. Come see the beauty of the Christmas story come to life before your eyes. This special event will feature a variety of musical performances as well as live performances of the nativity story every 15 minutes with actors and animals. It is sure to bring the holiday spirit into your hearts this joyous season. This free community event is open to all and held outdoors to maximize your safety. Come share in the joy of the Christmas Season with us! Located First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven, 637 6th St NW, Winter Haven. Sat, 6-8 pm.

DEC 11 & 12 – Central Florida Wheels

of Steel. Providing motorcycle riders, builders and enthusiasts with the best indoor, show option in the country! Professionally Hosted Outdoor Sound Off Competition, Ride In Custom Bike Show Outdoors, Artists Gallery, Mini Bike Races, Live Demonstrations, VIP Area, Vintage & Antique Concourse and more! Located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat, 10-7pm. Sun, 10-5 pm. Tickets - $25; under 16 free. www.RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 21 – 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

JAN 7 – January First Friday. Head to Downtown Lakeland on the first Friday of every month for First Friday; new theme each month. This month is the “Three Kings Celebration” 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

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.

DEC 11 & 18 – 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

DEC 12 - 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

DEC 15 – 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.

DEC 16 - 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

DEC 2 to 19 – The Sound of Music. One of the most beloved musicals of all time! In Austria, 1938, an exuberant young governess brings music and joy back to a broken family, only to face danger and intrigue as the Nazis gain power. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision. Located Theatre Winter Haven. TheatreWinterHaven.com for tickets.

DEC 5 – Gabriel Iglesias Beyond The Fluffy

World Tour. In addition to being one of America’s most successful stand-up comedians, Iglesias is also one of the most watched comedians on YouTube with over half a billion views and has over 24 million fans across social media. “There is still no greater thrill for me than to perform standup live, I’m so excited for this tour and to reconnect with all my fans, it’s going to be Fluffy-licious,” Iglesias says regarding the tour. Located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sun, 7 pm (doors at 6 pm). Tickets - $89.50, $68.50, $57.50 plus parking. www.RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 8 – Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story. Now in its 30th amazing year, the “World’s Most Successful Rock ‘n’ Roll Musical” continues to thrill audiences around the world. Viewed by more than 22 million people worldwide, Buddy opened in London’s West End in 1989, and has been seen on Broadway, throughout Canada, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, Scandinavia, South Africa, the Netherlands and Singapore; winning numerous awards along the way. Buddy tells the story of Buddy Holly through his short yet spectacular career, and features the classic songs, That’ll Be The Day, Not Fade Away, Oh Boy, Ritchie Valens’ La Bamba, The Big Bopper’s Chantilly Lace and many more! This show is just Peggy Sue-perb! Located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Wed, 7:30 pm (doors at 6:30 pm). Tickets - $77, $64, $59 plus parking. www.RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 10 & 17 – Ring In Your Holidays Concert

Series On The Oval at Bok. Enjoy the holiday season with a new concert series at Bok Tower. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for enjoyment. Ticketed event. Dec 10 featuring Holly Cordero & The Silver Bells Big Band and DEC 17 featuring Paul Gavin & Mosaic wsgs Valerie Gillespie & Bryan Hughes. Fri, 7-9 pm. Cost - $20 members, $35 non-members. www. BokTowerGardens.org

DEC 10, 12, 19. – Outdoor Fall Stadium Concert

Series. Hosted by Theatre Winter Haven. Sponsored by Visit Central Florida, City of Winter Haven. Buy single tickets or buy 3 or more to save! Check out online for the shows performed at the stadium this summer. A SAFE, outdoor venue where we can all social distance in the grass. Bring your lawn chairs, cooler, frisbee or football. Located at the Chain O’ Lakes Stadium, behind Theatre Winter Haven, 588 Cletus Allen Dr, Winter Haven. Fri, 8 pm. Sun, 7 pm. Gates open 1 hr prior. Cost - $18. www.TheatreWinterHaven.com

DEC 11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Wild and

Swingin’ Holiday Party. Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy’s unique take on American swing & jazz music has thrilled audiences around the world, while their unique and spirited “Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party” has become an eagerly anticipated annual family event. Drawing on a rich catalogue of holiday classics and Christmas originals from the band’s full length holiday albums, Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy brings its world-renowned live show, and fun and quirky take on the holidays, to you. Located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat, 7:30 pm (doors at 6:30 pm). Tickets - $77, $55, $44, $33 plus parking. www.RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 19 – Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular.

Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular brings the joy and excitement of the holiday season to your theater like never before. This all-new production features some of the greatest holiday songs of all time performed with the world-renowned cast of Cirque Musica. Located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sun, 7 pm (doors at 6 pm). Tickets - $93, $53, $45, $40 VIP Experience $100 plus parking. www. RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 21 – The Nutcracker. Join Florida Dance Arts for an evening of magic, whimsy, and adventure as Clara journeys to the land of sweets in the classic story of The Nutcracker. Located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Tues, 2 pm & 7 pm (doors at 1 pm & 6 pm). Tickets - $35 plus parking. www.RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 27 – Hairspray. You Can’t Stop the Beat! HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Awardwinning musical comedy phenomenon that inspired the blockbuster film and live television event, is back on tour! Featuring the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the 60’s,” “Good Morning Baltimore,” “It takes Two,” and incorporating “Ladies Choice” from the musical film adaption, Hairspray is “fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!” Located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Mon, 7:30 pm (doors at 6:30 pm). Tickets - $77, $64, $59 plus parking. www.RPFundingCenter. com

DEC 31 to JAN 2 – Music of the Knight: The

Songs of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. An intimate night as we span the hit songs and experience the life and career of this musical genius in allegory who single-handedly changed the course of the modern Broadway musical time and time again. From dynamic, high-energy hits to some of the most hauntingly-beautiful ballads in Broadway history, Music of the Knight has something to suit any musical appetite. Part of the Professional Series. Located Theatre Winter Haven. www. TheatreWinterHaven.com for tickets.

JAN 20 to FEB 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.

DEC 17, JAN 20 – 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. Dec 17: Rolling Stones ‘Let It Bleed’. Jan 20: Fleetwood Mac ‘Rumours’. Located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Fri, 8 pm. Tickets - $44, $33 plus parking. www.RPFundingCenter. com (next concert FEB 24)

Charity Events & Golf Tournaments

DEC 1 to 31 – 3rd Annual Holiday Tree

Decorating Contest. The RP Funding Center will be hosting its 3rd Annual City of Lakeland Holiday Tree Decorating Contest as a fundraiser for United Way of Central Florida! UWCF’s mission is to EXPECT MORE... GET MORE... WE DELIVER!

improve lives and strengthen our community! *Community kick-off event is Nov 19 from 5-7 pm. The public is welcome to view the trees and vote during business hours 9-5 pm. RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 7 – Santa Paws. Kick off the holidays with a cocktail party to benefit the Humane Society of Polk County. Ticket includes: 1 complimentary holiday-inspired cocktail, appetizers, 5 entries to premium raffles, live music with KeySoundSoul. Cash bar. Sponsorships available. Located Jensen’s Corner Bar, Winter Haven. Tues, 6-9:30 pm. Tickets - $50. Contact Tracey@ todayandtonight.com for more info. PolkNoKIll.org/events for tickets.

DEC 11 - 2nd Annual Clay Shoot for Junior League of Greater Winter Haven.

Benefitting JLGWH, your support allows the privilege of building better communities. The JLGWH have been serving women, children and families throughout the Greater Winter Haven area for over 40 years. Located Polk Sporting Clays, 5000 Firetower Rd, Haines City. Sat, 9-1 pm.

FEB 4 & 5 – Annual Smoke on the

Water BBQ Competition. This event is a staple in the Winter Haven community and all proceeds raised directly benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Polk County. Enjoy live music, an aerial flyover, 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, 10-6 pm. Fri, $10 admission. Sat, $2 admission; 10 and younger free.

Sports

DEC 14 – Lakeland Magic vs Austin Spurs.

Basketball. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Tues, 7 pm (doors at 6 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 16 – Lakeland Magic vs Austin Spurs.

Basketball. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Thurs, 7 pm (doors at 6 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 18 – Florida Tropics vs Ontario Fury. Indoor soccer. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat, 5 pm (doors at 4 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 19 – Florida Tropics vs Ontario Fury. Indoor soccer. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sun, 3 pm (doors at 2 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 28 – Lakeland Magic vs Westchester Knicks.

Basketball. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Tues, 7 pm (doors at 6 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 30 – Lakeland Magic vs Westchester Knicks.

Basketball. Located at RP Funding Center, JAN 2 – Florida Tropics vs Utica City FC. Indoor soccer. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sun, 3 pm (doors at 2 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

JAN 7 – Lakeland Magic vs College Park

Skyhawks. Basketball. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Fri, 7 pm (doors at 6 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

JAN 8 – Lakeland Magic vs College Park

Skyhawks. Basketball. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat, 7 pm (doors at 6 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

JAN 9 – Florida Tropics vs Utica City FC. Indoor soccer. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sun, 3 pm (doors at 2 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

JAN 11 – Lakeland Magic vs Capital City Go

Go. Basketball. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Tues, 7 pm (doors at 6 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

JAN 14 – Florida Tropics vs Harrisburg Heat.

Indoor soccer. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Fri, 7 pm (doors at 6 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

JAN 16 – Florida Tropics vs Harrisburg Heat.

Indoor soccer. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sun, 3 pm (doors at 2 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

JAN 21 – Florida Tropics vs Dallas Sidekicks.

Indoor soccer. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Fri, 7 pm (doors at 6 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

JAN 23 – Florida Tropics vs Dallas Sidekicks.

Indoor soccer. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sun, 3 pm (doors at 2 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

JAN 28 – Lakeland Magic vs Long Island

Nets. Basketball. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Fri, 7 pm (doors at 6 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

JAN 29 – Lakeland Magic vs Long Island

Nets. Basketball. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat, 7 pm (doors at 6 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

JAN 30 – Florida Tropics vs St Louis Ambush.

Indoor soccer. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sun, 3 pm (doors at 2 pm) RPFundingCenter.com