Polk Top 10 - LKLD January 2026

CAMP BSP

Jan. 16- 17. This is Bonnet Springs Park’s first overnight camping program! This program is intended for families with school-age children. Activities include knot-tying and casting, community bonfire, fire safety, guided night insect viewing, and early bird fishing. This program requires advanced registration. bonnetspringspark.com

FLORIDA’S CITRUS FESTIVAL

Jan. 31, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. in Downtown Winter Haven’s Central Park. Live music and entertainment, citrus food & drink vendors, “reverse” mimosa bar, citrus history and agricultural exhibits, the Blue Ribbon Art Show, local vendors with citrus-themed offerings, and more. More details at destroyermediaandmarketing.com

CAMELLIA SHOW & PLANT SALE

Jan.10, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland. Hosted by the Lakeland Camellia Society, see stunning camellias up close, chat with fellow plant lovers, and buy a beautiful camellia or two. Come early for the best selection. FB @LakelandCamelliaSocietyFL

STARRY-STARRY NIGHT

Jan. 24, 5 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. Experience the wonders of the night sky with telescopes guided by local astronomers, enjoy space-themed presentations from leading experts, meet nocturnal animals, and connect with NASA ambassadors. Come early to view the sun through solar scopes in the Rondel from 12 p.m. to sunset. boktowergardens.org

LIVE & LOUD

Jan. 2, 6 p.m. at The Ritz in Winter Haven. More than just a showcase, it’s a safe, inclusive space where creatives from the local scene break boundaries, own the stage, and make some serious noise. January lineup: Ponch Bueller (New Orleans, Americana/folk punk), Ramblin’ Ricky Tate (Alabama, folk punk), 2 Reasons (Lakeland, punk), These Times (Lakeland, pop punk). FB @destroyermediaandmarketing

MARY GAUTHIER

Jan. 20, 6 p.m. at Gram Parsons Derry Down with special guest Jaimee Harris. It’s been just over 25 years since Mary Gauthier, now revered songwriter, released her groundbreaking debut album, “Drag Queens in Limousines.” This is an anthem for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. Celebrate 25 years of these unique, courageous songs. gpderrydown.com

TONY & TINA’S WEDDING

Jan. 16 & 17 at The Ritz in Winter Haven. Off-Broadway comedy staged as a festive celebration in which the audience doesn’t just watch the show, but participates directly in the fun as members of the family or friends of the bride and groom. Purchase tickets in advance at theatrewinterhaven.com.

VISTEBALL

Jan. 31, 6 p.m. at SUN ‘n FUN. VISTEBall is a unique, indoor, golfthemed event, benefiting VISTE clients and is fun for golfers and non-golfers alike. Ticket includes food and adult beverages, putting challenges, a golf simulator, and plenty of games & prizes. Along with all of the fun, there is a week-long online auction. viste.org

PUFFS

Jan. 16 – 25 at the Lakeland Community Theatre. This clever and inventive play “never goes more than a minute without a laugh” (Nerdist) giving you a new look at a familiar school from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

LATIN NIGHT

Jan. 31, 8:30 p.m. at Maritime in Bowen Yard. Enjoy a free dance class thanks to Uno Dos Tres Studio at 8:30 p.m. The after party begins at 10 pm with specialty drinks, snack attacks, and a live Latin DJ so you can dance the night away with everything you learned earlier in the night! (after party ticket is $10) More info on IG @maritime_wh.