MONDAY, MARCH 2 1:05 PM – 3:00 PM
Detroit Tigers Spring Training • Lakeland
– The 2015 spring season marks the Tigers 79th season at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, extending the longest-standing relationship between a major league team and a current Spring Training host city. The 2015 spring season marks the club’s 50th consecutive season of exhibition play at Joker Marchant Stadium.
– The Tigers will begin the exhibition schedule on Monday, March 2 as the club plays host to Florida Southern College in the annual matchup against the Moccasins.
TUESDAY, MARCH 3 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Tram Nature Tour at Circle B Bar Reserve • Lakeland
– Take a personalized tour of the Banana Creek Marsh with a volunteer guide who will point out plants, birds and history of the property.
TUESDAY, MARCH 3 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
Book Club at Polk County History Center • Bartow
– The book club meets on the first and second Tuesdays of each month, from 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
– March 3 and 10 – “A Separate Country,” Robert Hicks
TUESDAY, MARCH 3 1:05 PM – 3:00 PM
Detroit Tigers Spring Training • Lakeland
– The 2015 spring season marks the Tigers 79th season at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, extending the longest-standing relationship between a major league team and a current Spring Training host city. The 2015 spring season marks the club’s 50th consecutive season of exhibition play at Joker Marchant Stadium.
– The club opens the home portion of the Grapefruit League schedule against the Baltimore Orioles at Joker Marchant Stadium on Tuesday, March 3.
TUESDAY, MARCH 3 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Living at the Lake • Winter Haven
– In March, Extension is partnering with Lakes Education/Action Drive to present Living at the Lakes; a free program offered to all residents to share information on common lake questions. Join us for three, two-hour classes to hear from our local experts and get your questions answered.
– March 3 Living at the Lakes: Know the Flow! An Introduction to Water in Central Florida; How Rain Gardens Help with Water Quality (class 1 of 3) Offered by Lakes Education/Action Drive (LE/AD) and UF IFAS Extension Polk County.
TUESDAY, MARCH 3 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Moonlight Carillon Concert • Lake Wales
– Enjoy a carillon concert under the light of the full moon. It’s a unique opportunity to visit the Gardens after-hours and have a light dinner at the Blue Palmetto Café.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Heritage Trail Hike and Tram Tour • Lakeland
– Join a “heritage” volunteer on a tram tour with a short walk to the Cow Camp. Learn about the history of ranching and the citrus industry of Florida as you enjoy the scenic walk and explore the exhibit area. Then hop back on the tram and take a tour of the Banana Creek Marsh.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5 1:05 PM – 3:00 PM
Detroit Tigers Spring Training • Lakeland
– The 2015 spring season marks the Tigers 79th season at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, extending the longest-standing relationship between a major league team and a current Spring Training host city. The 2015 spring season marks the club’s 50th consecutive season of exhibition play at Joker Marchant Stadium.
– March 5 vs. Atlanta
THURSDAY, MARCH 5 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
All About Nature Hike at Circle B Bar Reserve • Lakeland
– Please join a volunteer guide on a throughout the parks habitats. Take in the scenery of the trails at Circle B. Nature makes the calls, so enjoy seeing a copious amount of plant and animal life interact on property. Bring your cameras and bring your field guides!
THURSDAY, MARCH 5 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Living at the Lake • Winter Haven
– In March, Extension is partnering with Lakes Education/Action Drive to present Living at the Lakes; a free program offered to all residents to share information on common lake questions. Join us for three, two-hour classes to hear from our local experts and get your questions answered.
– March 5 Living at the Lakes: Why is My Lake Green? An Introduction to Water Quality Issues; Fish Facts (class 2 of 3) Offered by Lakes Education/Action Drive (LE/AD) and UF IFAS Extension Polk County.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Michael W Smith • Lakeland
– After selling more than 15 million albums, scoring 28 No. 1 hits, earning three GRAMMYs and more than 40 Dove Awards, Christian music icon Michael W. Smith is back with a new album, tour and message. On Sovereign, Smith’s first worship album since 2008, he deliberately steps into a new creative chapter to craft a vibrant collection of vertically focused songs with a fresh sense of musical innovation.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6 – SATURDAY, MARCH 7
Original Highwaymen Art Extravaganza • Davenport
– This event will create an amazing opportunity of a lifetime for Davenport’s residents, visitors and for anyone with admiration and respect of these incredible artists. The event will start Friday with dinner; tickets for this event will be sold only in advance. Each artist attending the dinner will bring a painting to be auctioned at the dinner and a Highwaymen Artist will be seated at each table.
– Free art show on Saturday.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6 – SATURDAY, MARCH 7
Eagle Lake BBQ Festival • Eagle Lake
– The event is sanctioned by the Florida BBQ Association, and more than 30 teams are expected to compete. Admission and parking are FREE, with plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, including live entertainment, dodgeball game, and assorted food and beer vendors.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
First Friday • Lakeland
– About First Friday First Friday is one of the most popular recurring events at Historic Munn Park in Downtown Lakeland. Join us for an evening of FREE family friendly entertainment, activities, live music, art receptions, a car show, and, of course, the chance to check out a great, locally-owned restaurant or retail establishment.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Pickin’ in the Park • Winter Haven
– Join in a fun time of music in Central Park at this free community sing-along with music by local musicians. The event is held in Downtown Winter Haven’s Central Park on the first Friday of each month, September through May with the exception of December.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6 – SUNDAY, MARCH 8
Harrison School for the Arts presents “The Wiz” • Lakeland
– Based on Frank L. Baum’s The Wizard of Oz, this modern re-telling uses a variety of musical styles and urban language. There are three performances to enjoy
FRIDAY, MARCH 6 – SUNDAY, MARCH 8
2015 Orange Cup Regatta • Lake Hollingsworth
– This is an open invitational event for participants. Fifteen different classes of race boats will be competing in this year’s regatta on the “Lake of Records”, Lake Hollingsworth. The Orange Cup is full of tradition and has become a legendary event over its 75 year history.
– This is a free event for spectators. Bring your camp chairs, relax and enjoy this year’s Orange Cup Regatta!
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 – SUNDAY, MARCH 8
Bloomin’ Arts Festival • Bartow
– From antique cars to paintings and restored violins, art of all kinds will be celebrated, appreciated, purchased and even raffled at this two-day festival. Come to Historic Downtown Bartow this weekend and enjoy the art-filled event.
– The Children’s Tent will be open throughout the entire festival and children will enjoy arts, crafts, face painting, etc.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Bloomin’ Bike Ride • Bartow
– Gently rolling roads take cyclists across the Peace River Basin through expansive citrus groves and around the old Florida backwoods. This year’s ride will feature a 65 & 35 mile road tour and a 17 mile family fun ride.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Lake Kissimmee State Park Special Events • Lake Wales
– Lake Kissimmee State Park features 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, 60 campsites, canoe and kayak rentals, Segway tours, boat ramp and observation tower.
– Coffee with a Ranger 1st Saturday, October – March Join a park ranger at the concession building that overlooks the beautiful marina for a fresh cup of FREE coffee the first Saturday of each month. It will give Campers and visitors a chance to meet a ranger and ask any questions they may have about the park or wildlife.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Meet the Managers! • Lakeland
– Environmental Lands Stewardship Coordinator will be presenting an informative seminar on the history of Circle B Bar Reserve and the future management plans of the preserve. Open to the Public!
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Live Green Lakeland Eco-Festival • Lakeland
– A family friendly event highlighting the Lakeland community’s eco-friendly businesses, non-profits and organizations. Come out and enjoy crafts, activities and entertainment while you learn about Lakeland’s eco-friendly businesses.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Artisan’s Alley • Lakeland
– Our objective is to create a venue where it costs nothing for Artists to show what they’re passionate about, is local and predictably open for business.
– Every first Saturday of the Month, artists can exhibit fine art such as paintings, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media and more!
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Tram Nature Tour at Circle B Bar Reserve • Lakeland
– Take a personalized tour of the Banana Creek Marsh with a volunteer guide who will point out plants, birds and history of the property.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cemetery Tour at Polk County History Center • Bartow
– Join the Polk County History Center on a walking tour of the Historic Oak Hill Cemetery in Bartow where many pioneer families are laid to rest including Civil War veterans Jacob Summerlin and General Evander M. Law.
– The Historic Oak Hill Cemetery tour occurs the first Saturday of every month. Meet your tour guide at 11:00 a.m. at the History Center.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Lake Kissimmee State Park Special Events • Lake Wales
– Lake Kissimmee State Park features 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, 60 campsites, canoe and kayak rentals, Segway tours, boat ramp and observation tower.
– Junior Ranger Day: Meet a Park Ranger at the large pavilion and receive your very own JR Ranger kit which you can complete and earn cool prizes! After you receive your kit stick around and participate in the animal tracks program and add a stamp to your new JR Ranger passport!
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 – SUNDAY, MARCH 8
Lakeland Hawks Middle School Shootout • Various Locations
– The Lakeland Hawks Basketball presents the Lakeland Hawks Middle School Shootout, a basketball tournament for kids grades 4th- 8th.
SUNDAY, MARCH 8 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Tram Nature Tour at Circle B Bar Reserve • Lakeland
– Take a personalized tour of the Banana Creek Marsh with a volunteer guide who will point out plants, birds and history of the property.
SUNDAY, MARCH 8 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Detroit Tigers Spring Training • Lakeland
– The 2015 spring season marks the Tigers 79th season at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, extending the longest-standing relationship between a major league team and a current Spring Training host city. The 2015 spring season marks the club’s 50th consecutive season of exhibition play at Joker Marchant Stadium.
– March 8 vs. Houston (SS)
SUNDAY, MARCH 8 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Meet the Managers! • Lakeland
– Environmental Lands Stewardship Coordinator will be presenting an informative seminar on the history of Circle B Bar Reserve and the future management plans of the preserve. Open to the Public!
MONDAY, MARCH 9 1:05 PM – 3:00 PM
Detroit Tigers Spring Training • Lakeland
– The 2015 spring season marks the Tigers 79th season at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, extending the longest-standing relationship between a major league team and a current Spring Training host city. The 2015 spring season marks the club’s 50th consecutive season of exhibition play at Joker Marchant Stadium.
– March 9 vs. Toronto (SS)
TUESDAY, MARCH 10 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
All About Nature Hike at Marshall Hampton Reserve • Lakeland
– Please join us for a volunteer-guided hike at Marshall Hampton Reserve! Nestled on the north east edge of Lake Hancock, just across the lake from Circle B Bar Reserve lies Marshall Hampton Reserve.
– The Reserve has an interesting blend of oak hammock areas canopying over mesic flatwoods, hardwood forest wetlands and a 60 acre pond. The site that is just over 1,100 acres is mostly dominated by live oaks, slash pine, sweet gum, and palmettos.
TUESDAY, MARCH 10 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Tram Nature Tour at Circle B Bar Reserve • Lakeland
– Take a personalized tour of the Banana Creek Marsh with a volunteer guide who will point out plants, birds and history of the property.
TUESDAY, MARCH 10 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
Book Club at Polk County History Center • Bartow
– The book club meets on the first and second Tuesdays of each month, from 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
– March 3 and 10 – “A Separate Country,” Robert Hicks
TUESDAY, MARCH 10 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Living at the Lake • Winter Haven
– In March, Extension is partnering with Lakes Education/Action Drive to present Living at the Lakes; a free program offered to all residents to share information on common lake questions. Join us for three, two-hour classes to hear from our local experts and get your questions answered.
– March 10 Living at the Lakes: Lake Water Quality We’re all to Blame, We all Can Help; The Importance of Lakefront Vegetation (class 3 of 3) Offered by Lakes Education/Action Drive (LE/AD) and UF IFAS Extension Polk County.
TUESDAY, MARCH 10 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
ISO Masterworks Series • Lakeland
– The Imperial Symphony Orchestra, a community orchestra is comprised of 80 volunteer musicians, who have made it their mission to entertain, educate and inspire audiences through enlightening performances of symphonic music. The orchestra presents a number of concerts each year, primarily at The Lakeland Center, but also at other venues throughout the area.
– Tuesday, March 10, 7:30pm Superheroes at the Symphony
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Guided Bird Hike at Circle B Bar Reserve • Lakeland
– Join a volunteer guide on a hike through the Marsh and learn about the birds of Circle B Bar Reserve. This will be a great time of year to bird watch at Circle B Bar Reserve, so do not miss out on this hike!! Bring binoculars and a camera, because you never know what birds will be stopping in at the Marsh.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Granny’s Corner Nature Reading • Lakeland
– Middle of the morning and you want to get your little ones out of the house? Join Ms. Charlene at the Polk’s Nature Discovery Center for nature readings! The readings will be followed by a hand on activity. After the reading spend some time in the Nature Center and walking the trails.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch & Learn at Bok Tower Gardens • Lake Wales
– March 11 Lunch & Learn: The Perennial Landscape
– Perennials are a wonderful asset to any garden. They come back year after year and keep your garden landscape changing throughout the season, but which are the best to use in Florida? Bring your lunch or purchase one from the Blue Palmetto Cafe. Session takes place in the Olmsted House.
Recurring Events
Gabrielle Wu Lee Exhibition – Through March 14 (Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland)
Her Ethereal Self: Portraits by Kathy Sosa – Through March 14 (Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland)
Peak Bloom – Through the end of March (Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales)
RussMatt Central Florida Collegiate Baseball Invitational – Through March 31
Detroit Tigers Spring Training – Through April 3 (Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland)
Special Events at the Grove House – Wednesdays and Saturdays through May 2015 (Florida’s Natural Growers Grove House, Lake Wales)
Haines City Farmers Market – Wednesdays weekly
Davenport Farmers Market at Central Florida’s Visitor Information Center – Thursdays weekly
Winter Haven Farmers Market – Thursdays weekly
Downtown Lakeland Farmers Curb Market – Saturdays weekly
1st Saturday Market in South Lakeland – First Saturday monthly
Lake Wales Farmers Market – Second and fourth Saturdays monthly
Highland City Community Market – Third Saturday monthly
Mulberry Farmers Market – Third Saturday monthly
2nd and 4th Saturday Market Winter Haven – Second and Fourth 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)
Source: SunnyCentralFlorida.com