Polk Top 10 - August 2025

FUTURES THEORY & DOVE BOMB

Aug. 2, 6 – 9 p.m. Futures Theory: Best Cover Band winner. Aug. 16, 5 – 8 p.m. Dove Bomb: Best Original Band winner in the Battle of the Bands High School Edition. Come out and hear these uber-talented kids play live at Bowen Yard in Winter Haven.

FINE ART AT THE MAGNOLIA

Fine Art at the Magnolia is returning for their 9th Year on Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. This Fine Art Show is open to the public and held indoors at the Magnolia Building in Downtown Lakeland (next to Hollis Garden and the Garden Bistro). thebohrergallery.com

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH

Aug. 2, 9 a.m. - noon at the Visit Central Florida Welcome Center. They’re giving away free backpacks to the first 500 students (child must be present to receive the backpack) and vendors will be on site giving away additional school supplies and other kid-friendly items. For more information please call the Welcome Center at 863-420-2586.

BARK EASY

Aug 16, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Union Hall. Polk County Bully Project’s roaring 20s-themed fundraiser is all about having fun while raising money for the dogs! Dress to impress in your best 1920s wear while enjoying a fun night out benefitting the dogs of Polk County. bullyprojectrescue.org

STUFFED ANIMAL FLIGHT SCHOOL

Aug. 1 & 2 at the Florida Air Museum. Your child and their favorite stuffed animal will attend the flight school “orientation,” and then the stuffed animal stays overnight to earn their “wings.” You must register in advance. aceedu.org

SUNSET DANCE SERIES

Aug. 13 at Bonnet Springs Park. Enjoy an evening of dancing, music, and community! No partner or experience necessary. Social Mix & Mingle begins at 7 p.m., Dance Instruction begins at 7:30 p.m., and the dancing begins at 8:15 p.m. This is a free, indoor event. bonnetspringspark.com

BEGINNER WATERCOLORS

Aug. 9, noon – 3 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. Create your own Screech Owl watercolor painting from sketch to finish! They provide you with all the materials for the class along with instructions, tips, and techniques to guide you step-by-step through the process. boktowergardens.org

THE ROLL UP

Aug. 23, 5 – 9 p.m. at the Lakeland Film Lab at 126 W Main St. A super cool mini market with plants, cakes, tacos, great vibes from DJ Demi Korrin, and more! Head to their IG page for more details @lakelandfilmlab.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AWARDS

Aug. 13, 5 p.m. at Idlewood Venue in Lakeland. A Celebration of Polk County Young Professionals will be an evening event to celebrate the work of young professionals’ groups throughout the year and the people making a difference in Polk County. winterhavenchamber.com

JON CORNEAL’S BIRTHDAY

Aug. 30, 4 p.m. Celebrate Jon Corneal’s 79th birthday with a live show at Gram Parsons Derry Down. Hear Jon Corneal and his Compadres, the Buster Cousins Band, and Marcus Brixa & David Brimer play. There will be a covered dish & birthday cake social. Purchase tickets and learn more at gpderrydown.com.