First Friday

First Friday is a free monthly celebration in Downtown Lakeland from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

FAQ’s about First Fridays

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)

August 6, 2010 – “Dog Days of Summer” – First Friday is once again hosting “Dog Days of Summer” for the August 6th theme.  Even if you don’t have a dog in this hunt, you’ll  have a ball watching the pooches sniff and mingle.  Of course, there will be dog-centric activities. Dogs, tell your owners you want to dress up and march in the Dog Days of August Pooch Parade. If you had rather ride, decorate a float. Just don’t be left out of all the fun.  Lakeland Winter Haven Kennel Club will bring out some of the members’ finest dogs to say hello. You can get up close and personal with some breeds you might have seen only on television.  Does a Chinese Crested really have a crest? Does a Sussex spaniel bark with an English accent? Stop by, say hello, and pick up some literature about dogs.  Plus all kinds of fun human activities throughout Downtown as well.  Plus comedy improv returns with Shorts N Flip Flops in Munn Park. They can even make your dogs laugh.  VIDEO from 2009 event: Click Episode 1 in the list of videos from Focus TV.

September 3, 2010 – “Back to School – Salute to Educators!” – It’s back to the grind of the school year, but it doesn’t have to be all work and no play.  Downtown merchants and title sponsor MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION want you to have fun with knowledge, so we’re organizing a trivial pursuit scavenger hunt.  Pick up your game cards at any participating merchant and go in search of knowledge. Visit the stores, answer the questions and register for a chance to win prizes for you and your school.  The school with the most registered participants wins the grand prize! See the web site for all the details.

October 1, 2010 – “The Art of Better Living” – This year Downtown is partnering with the Polk County Builders Association and its members to create a huge First Friday event. Up and down Kentucky Ave. you’ll find art vendors and art receptions. The Art of Better Living is brought to you by the Polk County Builders Association and their members. Visit Munn Park to find PCBA members who can help you select a builder, get mortgage information, install new countertops, renovate a room, install a pool, buy insurance, put down new flooring, landscape your yard, remodel your home, hire a decorator or put in an all brick patio.  The list is endless!  PCBA members are dedicated to the Art of Better Living everyday!
PLUS: “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.

November 5, 2010 – “College Night” – Downtown welcomes college families and students to experience the shops and restaurants.

December 3, 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 – Rodeo RoundUp!

February 4, 2011 – Still thinking of a theme!

March 4, 2011 – “Sun ‘n Fun Skyward Festival” An evening if skyward wonders and music! 2010’s event had tethered hot air balloons, airplane fly-bys, Air Force Rock Bank and MORE! READ MORE Plus Wizard of Oz will be at the Lakeland Center. Look for special promotions and fun activities related to this classic!

April 1, 2011 – Theme to be announced.

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.

First Friday submissions cheat sheet.

Funding for First Friday comes from DLP member dues and from the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority and support from the City of Lakeland.