We have a few months of winter left before Lakeland starts “warming up” for spring, but that doesn’t mean you have to let the winter blues get you down.

One of our favorite things about Lakeland is that there’s always something new to look forward to. Concerts, festivals, new restaurants…the list goes on. Whether you’re a foodie, a beer nerd, or can’t get enough of the arts, here are eleven things to mark on your calendar this year.

Spring 2019 is looking good already. 👀 Here are a few highlights –

☀️ Lakeland PigFest | 📅 Jan. 25 + 26 | ⏰ 5 – 10 p.m. + 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. |📍SUN ‘n FUN | $5 (Parking is free and kids 12 years and under can enter for free) | 150 teams compete in a “backyard” barbecue competition to bring Lakelanders an entire weekend of good eatin’, good friends, and good tunes, all in benefit of local charities.

☀️ Punk Rock Flea Market | 📅 March 24 | ⏰ 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. |📍Swan Brewing | free | Lakeland’s first ever Punk Rock Flea Market will include 30+ vendors from across Central Florida selling classic + current records, original art, handmade items, buttons and pins, retro toys, skateboards, clothing, and other cool collectables all inspired by and from our favorite counter culture movement.

☀️ Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center 5th Anniversary Promise Run | 📅 Mar. 2 | ⏰ 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. | $50+ |📍Lake Mirror Promenade | The Promise Run is inspired by people who believe that a community can come together to conquer cancer. It’s a celebration of the lives of loved ones touched by cancer and a Promise to strengthen the health of everyone around us.

☀️ The Longest Table | 📅 Feb. 24 | ⏰ 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. |📍Munn Park | Tickets to be made available soon. | Build unity and foster goodwill within a community are Lakeland staple attitudes. Hundreds of Lakeland citizens gather together with the purpose of sharing a free meal and engaging in meaningful conversation.

☀️ 2019 Strawberry Fest | 📅 Feb. 28 - Mar. 10 | ⏰ 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. |📍303 N Lemon St, Plant City | $8+ | 11 full days of strawberries, shortcake, big-name concerts, rides, stage shows, attractions, food galore, exhibits, displays, contests, competitions and a berry sweet time for the whole family.

☀️ Black History Festival 2019 | 📅 Feb. 16 | ⏰ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. |📍1104 Martin Luther King Jr Ave | Celebrate Black History Month with the community and enjoy a day full of performances, food + craft vendors.

☀️ SUN ‘N FUN International Fly-In & Expo | 📅 Apr. 2 - 7 | ⏰ 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. |📍 SUN ‘n FUN | $39+ | Fly- In or drive- in, you are not going to want to miss the once in a lifetime chances SUN ‘n FUN is going to bring to you in 2019, including the world-renowned Blue Angels.

☀️ Finding Neverland | 📅 Feb. 21 | ⏰ 7:30 p.m. |📍RP Funding Center | $45+ | With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Finding Neverland tells the incredible story behind Peter Pan.

☀️ Gabriel Iglesias Beyond The Fluffy World Tour | 📅 Apr. 27 | ⏰ 8 p.m. |📍RP Funding Center | $35+ | Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias' style of comedy is a mixture of story telling with characters and sound effects.

I personally love the quiet time after the holidays for regrouping + planning how to make my year amazing. But some of these cool events are definitely going to get me out of the house. (Strawberry Fest with friends? I think yes.)

What are you looking forward to this spring? Reply to this email or let us know on Instagram + Facebook.

– Kaylee