Polk Top 10 - May 2024

CITYWORKSXPO

May 9 & 10 at the Ritz Theatre. This is a gathering focused on sharing knowledge from around the country to build stronger communities here. Attendees will be immersed in thought-provoking presentations, performances, and engaging dialogue. At night, network at high-energy gatherings. cityworksxpofl.com

NESTBOX BUILDING WORKSHOP

May 22, 5:30 pm at 1702 S Holland Pkwy in Bartow. Join UF/IFAS Extension’s Natural Resources Agent, Shannon, to learn about cavity nesting birds. Participants will build an owl house or duck box to install at home. Register & find more info on FB @PolkExtension.

PACA ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING

May 7, 6 pm at the Florida Children’s Museum. The Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance Executive Director, Daryl Ward, will share updated info regarding PACA initiatives. This event is free for PACA members or anyone wishing to join. Registration is required on eventbrite at Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance.

LES DUDEK

May 18, 7:30 pm at Gram Parsons Derry Down. Recording artist, Les Dudek, is known in the music world as a guitar legend whose contributions have influenced the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Les Dudek is best remembered for his radio hits, “Old Judge Jones,” and “Deja-Vu.” Purchase tickets at gpderrydown.com.

AN EVENING WITH MATT VENUTI

May 2, 7 – 9 pm at Bok Tower Gardens. Matt Venuti is an awardwinning multi-instrumentalist composer/performer and music video artist who is known for introducing rare and expressive acoustic and electronic instruments to the world through his concerts and videos. boktowergardens.org

OLIVER! JR.

May 17 – 19 at Theatre Winter Haven. Oliver, a malnourished orphan in a workhouse, becomes the neglected apprentice of an undertaker. Oliver escapes to London and finds acceptance amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by the elderly Fagin. theatrewinterhaven.com

MAYFAIRE BY-THE-LAKE

Mayfaire is a free, two-day juried fine art festival held in Downtown Lakeland on Lake Morton on May 11 & 12 from 9 am – 4 pm. Stroll through 145 artist booths plus enjoy a new Mayfaire Kid Zone, food vendors, performances, and a 50th Anniversary exhibition at the Polk Museum of Art! mayfairebythelake.org

“SHE KNOWS WHERE SHE’S GOING”

May 23, noon at Polk State College. Girls Inc. of Winter Haven will honor: Tiffani Gozdur – George Jenkins Award; Suzie Nelson – Julie Pope Award; Kris NewmanLake – Virginia Snively Award; Kim Hulverson – Ralph & Alice Thompson Award. Purchase tickets at girlsincwinterhaven.org, proceeds benefit Girls Inc. of Winter Haven.

MOTHER’S DAY

May 12. Don’t forget to make a reservation at one of our local restaurants for you and your mom! (or mom-like person in your life). Mother’s Day is the busiest day of the year for restaurants. Or visit one of our local boutiques and buy her something nice.

RUN FOR THEIR LIVES 5K

May 25, 7:30 am at Peterson Park in Lakeland. Runners will not only enjoy a chip-timed 5K race but will be saving lives with every step they take. Walkers, and leashed dogs are welcome. Proceeds benefit SPCA Florida. The course will run most of the 3 Parks Trail. spcaflorida.org