Find a complete listing of October and November events taking place in Polk County at VisitCentralFlorida.org.
Artful Bowl on the Bridge
Date: Tuesday, October 28
Venue: Orange Street Bridge, Lakeland
- A Celebration for the Platform Art Park & Community Garden and the ceramic tile Public Art installation on the Orange Street Bridge in Lakeland.
- The event opens in the Garden Lounge and progresses to an art party on the Orange St. Bridge with entertainment including visual art, film, fashion, live music and performance.
Menopause the Musical
Date: Wednesday, October 30
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- This hilarious international hit musical parody staged to classic tunes from the ‘60’s, ‘70’s and ‘80’s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles.
Flying Tigers Halloween Spooktacular
Date: Thursday, October 31
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
- Join the Lakeland Flying Tigers for their first ever Halloween Spooktacular on Thursday, October 31 at Joker Marchant Stadium for candy, face painters, bounce houses, balloon artists, games and more.
Haunted Hanger Storytelling Tour
Date: Thursday, October 31
Venue: Fantasy of Flight, Polk City
- Take a spine-tingling walk through the spooky side of Fantasy of Flight as this creepy tour unravels eerie stories of aviation lore—mysteries from the famous Lost Squadron to Lindbergh’s spectral companions… all guaranteed to add a supernatural gleam to the World’s Greatest Aircraft Collection.
Trunk or Treat
Date: Thursday, October 31
Venue: North Lakeland Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
- Enjoy a safe, fun and free Halloween alternative for families at Trunk or Treat presented by Beef ‘O’Brady’s and Gelati Joe’s.
First Friday Downtown Lakeland
Date: Friday, November 1
Venue: Munn Park, Lakeland
- Each month, people from all over converge in Downtown Lakeland for an evening of free family-friendly entertainment, activities, live music, art receptions, a car show, and, the opportunity to check out a great, locally-owned establishments.
Pickin’ in the Park
Date: Friday, November 1
Venue: Central Park, Winter Haven
- Join in a fun time of music in Central Park at this free community sing-along with music by local musicians on the first Friday of each month.
Rockin for Wishes
Date: Friday, November 1
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- Three of rock and roll’s most venerable front men, Jimi Jamison, Mike Reno of Loverboy and Toto original lead singer Bobby Kimball have teamed up with local band Stormbringer for the Rockin’ For Wishes benefit concert at The Lakeland Center.
Disney’s Aladdin Jr.
Date: Friday, November 1 – Sunday, November 3
Venue: Theatre Winter Haven
- The tuneful, Academy award-winning score with songs including “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me” will certainly make this musical a favorite for many years to come.
39-Mile Scenic Highway Yard Sale
Date: Saturday, November 2
Venue: Lake Wales, FL
- Sellers and buyers alike have a special opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Ridge Scenic Highway Scenic corridor at this yard sale.
- All nine official locations will have items to purchase such as your favorite collectables, antiques and treasures.
Autumn Arts and Crafts Bazaar
Date: Saturday, November 2
Venue: Auburndale
- Enjoy the works of handmade crafters and fine artists, food, live entertainment, a student art exhibit, and Historic Baynard House Tours.
Kathleen Area Historical Society Fall Festival
Date: Saturday, November 2
Venue: Heritage Park, Lakeland
- Spend the morning with the Kathleen Area Historical Society watching the cane syrup process, enjoying breakfast and lunch as well as entertainment, games/activities, storytelling, and more.
The Judd Jog
Date: Saturday, November 2
Venue: Lakeland
- The Judd Jog benefiting the United Way will be held at the complex of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Southwest District Command, Polk State College Campus, and Fort Fraser Trail, and all ages and experience levels are welcome.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Date: Saturday, November 2
Venue: Lake Hollingsworth, Lakeland
- Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
- Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions.
Home and Garden Show
Date: Saturday, November 2 – Sunday, November 3
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- This semi-annual Polk County Home and Garden Show will be held at The Lakeland Center Saturday, November 2 through Sunday, November 3.
Tough Mudder
Date: Saturday, November 2 – Sunday, November 3
Venue: Westgate River Ranch Resort
- With the most innovative courses, 700,000 inspiring participants worldwide to date, and more than $5 million raised for the Wounded Warrior Project, Tough Mudder is the premier adventure challenge series in the world.
**Look for Tough Mudder giveaways throughout the week on Twitter.com/CentralFLSports and Facebook.com/cfsports.
RECURRING EVENTS:
Buckingham Terror – Through October 31 (Lakeland)
Sculptor Kelly Boehmer at The Loft Art Gallery – Through October 31 (The Loft Art Gallery, Lakeland)
Les Miserables – Through November 17 (Lakeland Community Theatre)
Have Lens Will Travel: Photographs by Tom Mack – Through November 23 (Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland)
Paintings of the Space Age – Through December 7 (Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland)
reGeneration2: Tomorrow’s Photographers Today – Through December 7 (Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland)
Haines City Farmers Market – Wednesdays weekly
Winter Haven Farmers Market – Thursdays weekly
Bartow Farmers Market – Saturdays weekly
Downtown Lakeland Farmers Curb Market – Saturdays weekly
Good Health Fresh Goods & Crafts Market – First, second, third Saturdays monthly
Lake Wales Farmers Market – Second and fourth Saturdays monthly
Highland City Community Market – Third Saturday monthly
Mulberry Farmers Market – Third Saturday monthly
Saturday Night Rodeo – Saturdays weekly (Westgate River Ranch Resort, River Ranch)
Children’s Programming: Magical Monday, Terrific Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday, Thrilling Thursday and Fun Friday – Monday through Friday weekly (Explorations V Children’s Museum, Lakeland)
For this week’s sporting events, check out “What’s Happening in Central Florida Sports” on CatchCentralFlorida.com.