First Friday
First Friday is a free monthly celebration in Downtown Lakeland from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Recurring First Friday features include:
- Live music and entertainment;
- VIEW ENTERTAINERS’ BIOs
- VIEW FOCUS TV VIDEO – Choose episode 1 from the list of videos
- A Classic Car Show on Tennessee Avenue across from Munn Park;
- Art Receptions
- Shops and restaurants are open late!
Look for special events sponsored by various merchants during First Friday.
Enjoy a different theme each month. Upcoming themes: (Subject to change)
April 2, 2010 – “Sun ‘n Fun Skyward Festival” An evening if skyward wonders and music! Tethered hot air balloons, airplane fly-bys, Air Force Rock Bank and MORE! READ MORE
May 7, 2010 – “City of Lakeland Public Works Day” – Munn Park is filled with displays and activities from the City’s Public Works department. Win prizes and learn something, too!
June 4, 2010 – “Bicycle Night” – Ride your bikes to Downtown Lakeland and enjoy a beautiful spring evening in Downtown Lakeland. Bike clubs and organizations welcome. Kids, enter our Bike Parade around Munn Park.
July 2, 2010 – “Sundown Celebration ” – Downtown will celebrate our country’s independence.
August 6, 2010 – “Dog Days of Summer” – It’s hot! But Downtown is the cool place to be with your pets! Thousands of residents bring their doggies to mingle and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of community in Downtown Lakeland. Pet/Owner look alike contest. VIDEO from 2009 event: Click Episode 1 in the list of videos from Focus TV.
September 4, 2010 – “Back to School – Salute to Educators!” – Downtown celebrates those who work in the school system. Bring your badges for special discounts and to register to win a Downtown Dollars shopping spree.
October 2, 2010 – “Art Walk” – Art galleries throughout Downtown Lakeland will have art receptions. Art displays throughout Downtown area. Expect the unexpected!
November 6, 2010 – “Honoring Service” – Military service, social service, service clubs – Downtown honors those who put service above self!
December 4, 2010 – “Holiday Happenings” – Downtown Lakeland stays open late for holiday shopping and cheer. Get some holiday shopping done and enjoy the yuletide spirit. Photos with Santa, holiday music and entertainment.
January 2011 – Partnering with the Rodeo
February 4, 2011 – Still thinking of a theme!
March 4, 2011 -”Oncology on Canvas” - VIDEO-Oncology on Canvas Highlights from the Eli Lilly sponsored “Oncology on Canvas” exhibition during First Friday, March 5, 2010. Cancer patients, friends, and families tell the stories of struggle, survival, and loss through painting.
You must be a DLP member to participate in these events. For more information on joining the DLP, please see the membership tab.
Businesses and non-profit organizations participating in First Friday are members of the Downtown Lakeland Partnership, Inc. First Friday does not hire food vendors or allow non-member businesses to set up during the event. Events are paid for by dues collected from DLP members. For membership information, please see the “Basics” tab under the “Who Makes This Happen” section on this website.
First Friday – Munn Park LAYOUT for member set up.
Funding for First Friday comes from DLP member dues and from the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority and the City of Lakeland.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:49 am
I was disapointed that there were no pictures of the downtown car show on the first friday event. We are mostly a group of seniors that faithfully bring our cars downtown to show and be with other friends to enjoy the evening. We eat & shop downtown at the shops that are open and I think a little recognition should be shown to us just as well as the other things going on around the area on First Friday.
Thank you for your time.
July 29th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Jean,
Thanks for your comments. There is one photo of the car show in this set, but there should be more. I will be sure to get photos at the next First Friday event and add them to the rotation.
August 13th, 2009 at 2:37 am
i am an “amateur” musician, and would love to know about how i could be able to perform during a first Friday. I write my own music, and i also used to lead worship, and i love to play and perform and I’m very interested in getting involved if at all possible.