Frequently Asked Questions About Events
How do I become a vendor at First Fridays or Walkabouts?
DLP events (First Fridays/Walkabout) DO NOT ALLOW FOOD OR RETAIL VENDORS. * The Downtown Lakeland Partnership is a membership-supported marketing organization. Our mission is to promote Downtown Lakeland and the business members of our organization. The purpose of our events is to encourage the public to eat, shop and do business with our Downtown merchants. Therefore we do not allow outside food or retail vendors. DLP member businesses who do not enjoy a store front in the event venue are allowed to set up as exhibitors at DLP events. Other businesses who are not members of the DLP are allowed to apply to exhibit. To apply to participate in First Friday please see our FIRST FRIDAY GUIDELINES
How do I become a vendor at other Downtown Events?
The Downtown Lakeland Partnership is not responsible for events other than the monthly First Fridays, the Holiday Walkabout, Holiday Fest and the Brewz Crewz Craft Beer Festival. We do not hire vendors. Please see question above. For information on other events put on by the city of Lakeland or other private groups who rent Munn Park or Lake Mirror Park, please call the City of Lakeland Parks and Rec department at 834-2233.
How do I become an entertainer at First Fridays/Walkabouts?
The Downtown Lakeland Partnership is always looking for talented citizens to add to our entertainment mix. Our goal is to provide a pleasant atmosphere that encourages folks to come Downtown and enjoy the many fine restaurants and shops. Our preference is acoustic style musicians who can create ambiance for a small area so we can have many entertainers throughout Downtown without having interference between them. We prefer to hear a sample of your work. Please email us your information to firstfriday@downtownlakelandfl.com so we can get it to the First Friday Chairperson who will contact you.
How do I become a vendor or entertainer at Music on the Promenade or Pics on the Promenade?
The Downtown Lakeland Partnership does not organize the Music on the Promenade event or Pics on the Promenade event. Please contact the City of Lakeland, Kevin Cook at 834-6264.
How do I become a vendor or entertainer at Downtown Farmers Curb Market?
The Downtown Lakeland Partnership does not organize the Farmers Market. This event is produced by the LDDA (Lakeland Downtown Development Authority). Please contact Market Manager, Jim Luna at 687-8910.
What is the history of First Friday?
First Friday was started in the summer of 2004 by a small group of Downtown merchants (John Hutto – Smoothie King, Linda Brient-Gift Basket Boutique, and Julie Townsend-Ledger) independent of the Downtown Lakeland Partnership. Initial funding came from amounts donated by merchants who felt they benefited from increased foot traffic from having entertainment and activities along Kentucky Avenue during the evening hours of the first Friday of each month. …READ MORE
Other events organized by the city:
Please check the City’s website for other events – www.lakelandgov.net
