Arts & Entertainment - Best of LKLD 2026
- Haven Magazine
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Best Date Night
LKLD LINDY HOP
What a fun date night! Join LKLD Lindy Hop every Monday night and learn to swing dance! The night begins with a lesson, learn step by step how to do the Lindy. Next is dancing, show us what you’ve got! Whether you’re on an actual date with someone, or on your own, the LKLD Lindy Hop is an excellent choice for a fun night! Congratulations to the LKLD Lindy Hop team!
2nd: Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre
3rd: Cob & Pen
Best Live Music Venue
UNION HALL
1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
Congratulations to Union Hall! This is such a great place to listen to live music! They get a huge variety of genres visiting, from country to emo, punk, and tons of tribute artists. With their professional sound and lighting, plus a full bar, you get one fun evening of live music. Check their socials for upcoming shows.
2nd: Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Cabana Cabins Auburndale
3rd: The Barter Box
Best Band
DANIEL BURNS BAND
This is a Southern roots rock band mixing in some blues, folk, and soul. The bandmates are Daniel Burns on vocals and guitar; Kevin Bowen on drums; Dwayne Collier on guitar and keyboard; and Michael Maddox on bass. Congratulations to the band who always brings a crowd and gets them dancing!
2nd: The Blues n’a Suitcase
3rd: Ripperduski
Best Dance Studio
LKLD LINDY HOP
Specializing in the Lindy Hop, this mobile dance studio is so much more. The weekly dance nights and the larger events they put on, are all about connection. Yes, you learn to dance and it’s so super fun, but you also meet people and build friendships. Congratulations (again) to the team at LKLD Lindy Hop for getting Lakelanders moving and making new connections. What more could you ask for?
2nd: Southern Grace Dance Company
3rd: Uno Dos Tres Studio
Best Visual Artist
SARA SAVANNAH JONES
IG @sara.savannah.jones
Miss Jones wins AGAIN this year! Sara is such a talented painter, I personally love everything she does. Every one of her canvases tells a story. Although we may not know the details of that story, we can feel it. Her paintings are daring. They will stop you and pull you in. I will look and look because I don’t want to miss a single detail of this local talent. Congratulations & keep painting!
2nd: Nick Curtis
3rd: Swan City Ceramics
Best Local Maker
SWAN CITY CERAMICS
Congratulations to the talented team behind Swan City Ceramics, Jess and Nick! Together, they create some seriously gorgeous ceramic pieces for your home, your pet, your kitchen, your plants, and more. They even make their own glazes, which is so impressive. Every piece is crafted with intention. Visit their shop online!
2nd: Jaime Jay Handmade
3rd: The Glass Elemental
Best Art Workshop | Studio
SPACE ART COLLECTIVE
IG @space.artcollective
SPACE is a Sanctuary for Polk’s Arts, Culture, and Education. This collective is open to all artists. There is no cost to join and no obligation to commit as a member. The Collective aims to close the gap between artists in Polk County and help you find your community and your creative voice. Congratulations to SPACE Art Collective!
2nd: Notta Gallery
3rd: Depot Arts District
Best Pro Photographer
SHAI LYNN SMITH IG
@smiithfiilm
Congratulations to this repeat winner! We all have important times we want to remember forever, and Shai can help. Your memories will be picture-perfect for years to come. Shai and her camera will capture those emotions, those feelings, those moments of your life that are special to you. Don’t let them slip away!
2nd: David Dickey Jr.
3rd: Bethany Blanton
Best Tattoo Studio
SUGAR PLUM TATTOO
209 E Badcock Blvd, Mulberry
Clients absolutely rave about this place, and I don’t think we could say it any better than they do. One happy client wrote, “Sugar Plum is a departure from the normal tattoo shops. They have created a bright, welcoming, and safe environment that makes you feel like you’re hanging out in the artist’s living room. Each member of the staff has their own unique style and showcases their individual personalities with samples of their artwork, fandoms, and influences.” Well said. Congratulations to the team at Sugar Plum Tattoo!
2nd: Sarah Sunshine Tattoos
3rd: Black Swan Tattoo
Best Drag Queen | King
MOMMA ASHLEY ROSE
IG@mommaashleyrose
For over two decades, Momma Ashley Rose has performed family-friendly drag shows. As the founder and president of the nonprofit Rose Dynasty Foundation Inc., she spends her free time as a philanthropist, public speaker, activist, and singer-songwriter. Over the years, Momma has spoken to political leaders and advocated for LGBTQ+ youth and families. Congratulations on this win!
2nd: Kathryn Nevets
3rd: Butch Wellington
Best Party Rental
UNDER ONE TENT PARTY & EVENT RENTAL
845 N Florida Ave, Lakeland
Tents! Tables! Stages! Fans! If you’re having an event, they’ve got what you need. Congratulations to Under One Tent Party & Event Rental for keeping the party going in Lakeland. One happy client wrote, “Friendly and quick service. Price for renting is excellent and Tonya was quick to send the quote by email. Thank you for helping me.”
2nd: A to Z Rental Center
3rd: Jump Around Party Rental
Best Event Entertainment
DREAMS COME TRUE ENTERTAINMENT
Another year, another win for the team at Dreams Come True! Since 2012, they’ve been bringing princesses, superheroes, mermaids, and fairies to a party near you. With high-quality costumes and perfectly styled hair, your characters will be the hit of the party. Dreams Come True also offers events for you to attend, like tea parties and royal spa parties.
2nd: Big Idea Entertainment
3rd: Evolve Entertainment
Best Museum
THE ASHLEY GIBSON BARNETT MUSEUM OF ART
800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland
The AGB at Florida Southern College has done it again! They’ve curated another win for Best Museum. With free admission all year round, this is your place to visit for inspiration and contemplation. Exhibitions change throughout the year, so there is always something new to see. This museum is a gem. Congratulations to the staff at The AGB!
2nd: Florida Children’s Museum
3rd: Mulberry Phosphate Museum
Best Staycation
CAMP MARGARITAVILLE RV RESORT & CABANA CABINS AUBURNDALE
361 Denton Ave, Auburndale
Embrace that island life with an evening at the tiki bar or fire pits, a day at the resort pools, live entertainment, a playground, dog parks, and a putting course. Bring your own RV or rent a cute Cabana Cabin. You’re only going to be a few miles away, but it will feel like a million. Congratulations to Camp Margaritaville!
2nd: The Terrace Hotel Lakeland
3rd: LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Best Venue Space
ENCHANTED FAIRYTALE HOLLOW
818 E Lemon St, Lakeland
Decorated like an enchanted forest, the Enchanted Fairytale Hollow is home to Dreams Come True Entertainment. This is the perfect space for your next birthday party, tea party, holiday event, and more. Congratulations to this whimsical venue, and thank you for helping to make Lakelanders’ parties so magical!
2nd: Bonnet Springs Park
3rd: Union Hall
Best Annual Community Event
SUN ‘N FUN AEROSPACE EXPO
3875 W Pipkin Rd, Lakeland
Mark your calendars for April 6 – 11, 2027 for the next SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, “A World to Sea at 53!” Between incredible flying performances, live music, nighttime entertainment, and thousands of aviation enthusiasts from around the globe, this is more than an airshow. It’s a week-long celebration of adventure. Congratulations on your win!
2nd: The Lakeland Christmas Parade
3rd: Art Crawl
Best Hidden Gem
ART CENTRIC STUDIO
1035 S Florida Ave, Lakeland
This is an art studio for kids of all ages! They offer homeschool art classes, afternoon classes, customized birthday parties, private events, and more. This family-owned business has been helping and encouraging kids to get creative since 2015. Congratulations to the entire team at Art Centric Studio!
2nd: Mulberry Cultural Center
3rd: The Wax & The Needle
