Polk Top 10 - LKLD July 2026

BIG FISH

July 10 – 26 at Lakeland Community Theatre. Edward Bloom has lived a full and fantastical life, populated by witches, giants, and mermaids, marked by true love that stops time in its tracks, and framed by heroics that push the limits of believability. His adult son, Will, is no longer amused by his father’s fantastical tales, insisting on a rational rather than a fantastical account of one’s life. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

LEGO FESTIVAL

July 20 - August 16 at LEGOLAND. LEGO® Festival returns with all-new exciting headliners and returning fan favorites in the Music, Creativity, and Chill Out play zones - each packed with awesome family fun. Check out the brand new F1 exhibit only during this festival! legoland.com/florida

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

July 10 – 19 at Harrison School for the Arts. With Love Productions presents this high-energy show celebrating the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind. This show includes dynamic new songs you’re going to instantly love. centralfloridatix.com

TIKI TAKEOVER

July 18, 4 – 9 p.m. at Bowen Yard. Experience an evening of island vibes featuring the incredible Fire & Ice Hawaiian Dancers at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy: Specialty Hawaiian-inspired cocktails, food specials from all six Bowen Yard restaurants. No tickets required. Feel free to bring your own chairs or blankets for additional seating. FB @bowenyardwh

RED, WHITE & KABOOM!

July 3, 6 p.m. at Lake Mirror. This evening includes live music, local food vendors, and family-friendly fun. The evening ends with a fireworks display over Lake Mirror at 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring at least one non-perishable food item to support Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE). lakelandGov.net/RWK

MAURICE BENARD

July 17, 7 p.m. at The Ritz. Join Maurice Benard, star of ABC’s “General Hospital,” a New York Times best-selling author, and the host of YouTube’s “State of Mind” for an afternoon of inspiration and reflection, as well as “General Hospital” fun and a Q and A. Limited space, purchase tickets in advance. theatrewinterhaven.com

SUMMER SUNRISE WATERMELON 5K

July 11, 7 a.m. at Lake Hollingsworth Park. Proceeds go towards scholarships for Polk County graduates administered through the Polk Education Foundation. The Summer Watermelon 5k is run on a certified course, all races are chip timed. Cumulative results from the three races are used to determine official results. This is the second of three races. lakelandrunnersclub.org

SUNSET DANCE SERIES

July 23 at Bonnet Springs Park. Doors open for lessons at 7 p.m. and dancing goes from 8 – 10 p.m. Enjoy a special drink & snack menu. The venue is carpeted, please skip the high heels or metal-soled shoes. They recommend flats, sneakers, or smooth soles so you can spin with ease. Free to attend, indoors at Bonnet Springs Park’s Kirby Center. bonnetspringspark.com

POLK COUNTY BURGER WEEK

July 17 – 26 at select restaurants. Polk County Burger Week is an opportunity to support local restaurants and try as many delicious, mouth-watering burger specials as you can! From a burger pizza to the “Cowboy” burger, there’s something for everyone. You can find a list of participating restaurants and their specials at polkcountyburgerweek.com.

RED BY JOHN LOGAN

July 30, 6 p.m. at The AGB. This 2-person play explores the intense dynamic between renowned abstract expressionist Mark Rothko and his young assistant, Ken, as Rothko wrestles with the conflict between artistic integrity and commercialism during the Seagram murals commission. Tickets available at agbmuseum.org