Here in Lakeland and across Polk County we have fantastic annual events that happen every spring! Art festivals, plant sales, events in Munn Park, Lakeland Pigfest, SUN ‘n FUN Fly In, Mayfaire-by-the-Lake, the Swan Derby, outdoor concerts, BBQ Competitions, and much more.
While many of these spring events were canceled in 2020, event organizers have made plans to return in 2021 with adequate safety precautions, so get out your calendar and pencil in the dates for these local favorites. {We’d highly recommend a pencil… 2021 events are still subject to change…}
The events below feed from our calendar and only select upcoming annual events are shown. We will continue to add events into May. Click here to add your free Spring event to our calendar. See a full list of upcoming events on our Calendar.
Click on the name of any event for additional details. Please check directly with event organizers for last minute changes.
Please check directly with event organizers or local businesses for safety protocols, mask requirements, advance registration, and any last-minute changes. All information on our website is for informational purposes only – we are not qualified to provide health or safety recommendations. Be informed, wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands, have fun, and make good choices!
QUICK VIEW – Spring Events in Lakeland + Polk County
February 2021
March 2021
April 2021
May 2021
July 2021
MULTI-DAY EVENT DATES:
The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is scheduled for April 13 – April 18, 2021.
The Strawberry Festival is March 4-14, 2021 at the Strawberry Festival Grounds in Plant City.
The Florida State Fair is tentatively scheduled for April 2021 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Originally scheduled for February 11-22, 2021, the State Fair has been postponed. Check back for updates.
2021 EVENT DETAILS
Lake Wales Arts Festival
February 20 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pmLake Wales, FL 33853 US + Google Map
The Lake Wales Arts Festival has a longstanding tradition of unique, quality works of art by fine artists and artisans from around the world. This critically acclaimed two-day premier Festival attracts thousands of people each year eager to purchase original, one-of-a-kind works of art. Price points for every level of collector or eclectic lover of precious & unique collectibles. Live entertainment all weekend and a variety of delicious food will be available. A family event to be treasured for years. Welcome to a vibrant cultural arts destination held in the scenic outdoors on the shores of Lake Wailes. The Festival also features:
- Children's Fun
- Food Trucks
- Live Entertainment
- Student Art Show
SyFy Bartow
February 20 @ 11:00 am - 6:00 pmBartow, FL 33830 US + Google Map
Come join us for year number 8 of what has become a central Florida tradition- Syfy Bartow. This is a family friendly outdoor street fair type science fiction convention, which includes a huge movie/television themed car show, food trucks, 100's of vendors, music and lots of costumed characters. The theme for 2021 is Rise of the Robotsbut all costumes and cosplay are welcome. SYFY Bartow has a huge number of Steampunk groups that come and visit us every year, along with Star Trek, Star Wars, anime, superheroes and much more. Come join the fun!
Lake Wales Arts Festival
February 21 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pmLake Wales, FL 33853 US + Google Map
The Lake Wales Arts Festival has a longstanding tradition of unique, quality works of art by fine artists and artisans from around the world. This critically acclaimed two-day premier Festival attracts thousands of people each year eager to purchase original, one-of-a-kind works of art. Price points for every level of collector or eclectic lover of precious & unique collectibles. Live entertainment all weekend and a variety of delicious food will be available. A family event to be treasured for years. Welcome to a vibrant cultural arts destination held in the scenic outdoors on the shores of Lake Wailes. The Festival also features:
- Children's Fun
- Food Trucks
- Live Entertainment
- Student Art Show
Florida Strawberry Festival
March 4 - March 14Plant City, FL 33563 US + Google Map
Rides, food, entertainment, vendors and SO MUCH FUN at the annual Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City! February 27th – March 8th, 2020 Tickets: http://www.flstrawberryfestival.com/.
Bloomin’ Arts Festival
March 6 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pmBartow, FL 33830 US + Google Map
The Bloomin' Arts Festival is a juried Fine Arts festival and is Bartow's premier event of the year. It is held on the first full weekend each March. Originally called the Spring Art Festival, it has evolved into one of the top festivals in Central Florida and features artists from all across the country. The festival is a collaboration of the Bartow Art Guild, Bartow Chamber of Commerce, and Main Street Bartow.
Painters, sculptors, jewelers, wood workers, metal artists, clay artists, mixed media, and fiber are some of the beautiful artwork on hand to view and buy. The festival takes place along several blocks of beautiful, historic downtown Bartow and local businesses and restaurants are open to welcome festival goers.
Bloomin’ Arts Festival
March 7 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pmBartow, FL 33830 US + Google Map
The Bloomin' Arts Festival is a juried Fine Arts festival and is Bartow's premier event of the year. It is held on the first full weekend each March. Originally called the Spring Art Festival, it has evolved into one of the top festivals in Central Florida and features artists from all across the country. The festival is a collaboration of the Bartow Art Guild, Bartow Chamber of Commerce, and Main Street Bartow.
Painters, sculptors, jewelers, wood workers, metal artists, clay artists, mixed media, and fiber are some of the beautiful artwork on hand to view and buy. The festival takes place along several blocks of beautiful, historic downtown Bartow and local businesses and restaurants are open to welcome festival goers.
Spring Obsession
March 13 @ 8:00 am - 3:00 pmLakeland, 33805 + Google Map
Lakeland’s premier garden event in Lakeland. 60+vendors: plants, orchids, food, music, expert speakers and more! This year will be our first year at Lake Crago. A celebration of garden, art and music featuring local and regional nurseries, garden exhibitors and art for and about the garden. A perfect way to spend a Saturday in the spring.
Central Park Art Festival in Winter Haven
March 20 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pmWinter Haven, FL 33881 US + Google Map
Presented by Ridge Art Association and Victor Smith Law Group - March 20 - 21, 2020. Great Fine Art and Fine Crafts. Live Entertainment, Polk State College, Kids at College, Children's Hands On Art, Publix Charities Artists of Tomorrow Exhibition and Food Trucks galore!!
Central Park Art Festival in Winter Haven
March 21 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pmWinter Haven, FL 33881 US + Google Map
Presented by Ridge Art Association and Victor Smith Law Group - March 20 - 21, 2020. Great Fine Art and Fine Crafts. Live Entertainment, Polk State College, Kids at College, Children's Hands On Art, Publix Charities Artists of Tomorrow Exhibition and Food Trucks galore!!
Children’s Gasparilla Parade and Extravaganza
April 10 @ 11:00 am - 7:30 pmTampa, FL 33611 US + Google Map
Children's Gasparilla in Tampa has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 10, 2021. The event runs from 11am - 7pm. Parade kicks off at 3:30pm along Bayshore Blvd. Vendors and kids activities open along Bayshore Blvd., from Bay to Bay to Edison Avenue at 11AM.
*Details and times subject to change for the 2021 event.*
SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo
April 13 - April 18Lakeland, FL 33811 US + Google Map
The 2020 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo was canceled. The 2021 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo will be held April 13th – 18th, 2021.
Lakeland will host approximately 200,000 guests, volunteers, sponsors, performers, and exhibitors over 6 days at the 2nd largest fly-in event in the world, held right here in Lakeland. Whether you are a pilot, aviation enthusiast, or just looking for a fun family-friendly event, SUN ‘n FUN has something for everyone. Read our post about this event: https://lakelandmom.com/sun-n-fun-kids/
IRONMAN 70.3 Florida
April 18Haines City, FL 33844 US + Google Map
The Lakeland Swan Derby
April 23 @ 5:30 pm - 9:30 pmLakeland, FL 33801 US + Google Map
Swan Derby is a unique and premier community event, held every year to bring recognition and awareness to Lakeland Volunteers In Medicine and the mission it serves. This is a free community event, featuring swan boat races, local food vendors, youth activities, a derby hat contest, live music, on the main stage and a fantastic fireworks show to cap off the evening. The Swan Derby has been canceled for 2020. (Originally rescheduled to Saturday, October 17, 2020).
Mayfaire by-the-Lake
May 8 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pmLakeland, FL 33801 US + Google Map
Began as a crafts fair on the lawn of the Lakeland Public Library, Mayfaire by-the-Lake has grown into one of Florida’s premier outdoor art festivals. Held on Mother’s Day weekend each year, Mayfaire is located on the shores of beautiful Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland, Florida. Mayfaire is one of the largest and oldest outdoor art festivals in Central Florida, ranked number 45 among Sunshine Artist Magazine’s “200 Best Art Shows” in 2018. Come see why it has such a great reputation! https://www.mayfairebythelake.org/
Mayfaire Saturday Night
May 8 @ 5:30 pm - 11:00 pmLakeland, FL 33801 US + Google Map
Bring your lawn chairs or blankets for a free party on the shores of Lake Mirror, just two blocks north of Lake Morton. This event includes fireworks and the MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire 5K Race. Food and beverage vendors will be available on site. Click here for more information about the 5K race. https://www.mayfairebythelake.org/mayfairepm/
Mayfaire 5k Road Race & Walk
May 8 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pmLakeland, FL 33801 US + Google Map
Embody the incredible spirit of our community with the 2021 edition of the Mayfaire 5k shirt and medal. Celebrate 42 years of the Mayfaire 5k with a run or walk from downtown Lakeland through the historic Lake Morton district.
Mayfaire by-the-Lake
May 9 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pmLakeland, FL 33801 US + Google Map
Began as a crafts fair on the lawn of the Lakeland Public Library, Mayfaire by-the-Lake has grown into one of Florida’s premier outdoor art festivals. Held on Mother’s Day weekend each year, Mayfaire is located on the shores of beautiful Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland, Florida. Mayfaire is one of the largest and oldest outdoor art festivals in Central Florida, ranked number 45 among Sunshine Artist Magazine’s “200 Best Art Shows” in 2018. Come see why it has such a great reputation! https://www.mayfairebythelake.org/
Lakeland Pigfest (Postponed to May 2021)
May 14 @ 5:00 pm - 10:00 pmLakeland, FL 33811 US + Google Map
Pigfest 2021 has been Postponed - Originally scheduled for January 29-30, 2021 - Rescheduled for May 14-15, 2021.
Join the Lakeland Pigfest Board of Directors and the over 150 competition barbecue teams for a weekend of good eatin’, good friends, and good tunes to benefit Lakeland-area charities as we kick off the Annual Lakeland Pigfest! Located at the SUN n' FUN Campus.
CommunityFest Winter Haven
May 15 @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pmWinter Haven, FL 33881 US + Google Map
CommunityFest 2021 is scheduled for May 15, 2021 in Downtown Winter Haven. Check back for updates.
Lakeland Pigfest (Postponed to May 2021)
May 15 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pmLakeland, FL 33811 US + Google Map
Pigfest 2021 has been Postponed - Originally scheduled for January 29-30, 2021 - Rescheduled for May 14-15, 2021.
Join the Lakeland Pigfest Board of Directors and the over 150 competition barbecue teams for a weekend of good eatin’, good friends, and good tunes to benefit Lakeland-area charities as we kick off the Annual Lakeland Pigfest! Located at the SUN n' FUN Campus.
Ribs on the Ridge in Haines City
July 3 @ 5:00 pm - 9:00 pmHaines City, FL 33844 US + Google Map
Tentatively scheduled for July 3, 2021 - Ribs on the Ridge is where the sweet smells of barbecue fills the air and pit masters fire up platters of goodness. This two day sanctioned event through the Florida BBQ Association will bring professional and backyard teams from across Florida and other states to compete for cash prizes, trophies, and bragging rights to the best BBQ in town. Attendees of Ribs on the Ridge can expect to over-indulge in tasting endless varieties of BBQ, live entertainment, food vendors, beer and wine, and much more! Admission is free. Whether you are a backyard cook, a professional cook, or would just like to enjoy good barbecue, Ribs on the Ridge is an event you do not want to miss!