What’s Going on in Central Florida and Special Events
Experience Central Florida events across Polk County, that showcase nature, art and adventure. Experience festivals, history, heritage, sports competitions, art, music and more fun for the entire family! Search events by date or category.
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"Stuff the Bus" School Supply Drive
Saturday, May 1, 2010 to Thursday, Sep 30, 2010
Partnering with the Kiwanis Club of Winter Haven, Fantasy of Flight will participate in the ‘Stuff The Bus’ program by collecting school supplies to benefit the Polk Education Foundation.
Fantasy of Flight is offering visitors who donate school supply items from the accepted list $5 off full-priced adult general admission for each donation, May 1 –September 30, 2010. The list of needed items that will qualify for the admission discount and provide support to Polk County school children is listed below. The admission discount will only apply for items listed and donated school supplies must be presented at the attraction’s admissions counter to qualify for the discount. $5 discount applies to general adult admission only. One discounted admission per donated item. Not valid with any other offers, discounts, annual passes or special events.
Accepted School Supply List:
Box of crayons (16 or 24)
Box of colored pencils
Box of #2 pencils with erasers
Pencil or supply box or zippered pouch
Box of gallon-sized freezer bags
Box of quart-sized freezer bags
Package of loose leaf notebook paper (wide ruled)
Box of erasers
Package of folders with pockets and brads (minimum 10)
Package of composition notebooks (minimum 3)
Package of spiral notebooks (70 sheets per book – minimum 3)
Multi-pack bottles of glue (minimum 4)
Box of cap erasers
Package of rulers (1/16th measure) – Minimum 10
Box of yellow highlighters
Location: 1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E.
Polk City, FL 33868
Website: www.fantasyofflight.com
Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily
Cost: $5 off regular adult admission with school supply donation
863-984-3500
Service Industry Summer
Tuesday, Jun 1, 2010 to Thursday, Sep 30, 2010
All employees of Florida accommodations, restaurants and bars are invited to visit Fantasy of Flight with a special buy one, get one free admission offer this summer. The complimentary admission is valid when accompanied by a guest purchasing a paid admission ticket of equal or greater value. This Service Industry Summer rate is only valid June 1 – Sept. 30, 2010. Individuals must present proof of employment at the Fantasy of Flight admission desk to qualify for the discount. Not valid with any other offers, discounts, annual passes or during special events.
Location: 1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E.
Polk City, FL 33868
Website: www.fantasyofflight.com
Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily
Cost: Buy one, buy one free admission with proof of employment in industry
863-984-3500
Modern Masters Exhibit at the Polk Museum of Art
Saturday, Jun 26, 2010 to Sunday, Oct 3, 2010
Modern Masters will be a survey of works by some of the more familiar names in the museum’s collection. Artists such as Arshile Gorky, Robert Rauschenberg, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Barbara Kruger, Alexander Calder, and Judy Chicago will be represented in this exhibition. Although recognized now by art history for their innovative contributions toward the advancement of fine art, these artists were often defined by their early critics as being unorthodox. They were, in fact, producing artworks which redirected and reformed the world of art in ways that now define contemporary art. With this exhibition, the Polk Museum of Art shares an attractive sampling of works by some of these Modern heavy hitters.
Location: Polk Museum of Art
800 East Palmetto Street
Lakeland, FL 33801
Website: www.PolkMuseumofArt.org
Hours: Through August 31: Tue. - Sat. 10am-4pm, Closed Sundays, Mondays, and Major Holidays. Starting September 1: Tue.-Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 1-5pm, Closed Mondays and Major Holidays
Cost: $5 Adults, $4 Seniors, FREE for Members, Students (K-College) and Children
863-688-7743
Bring a Buddy for FREE to Fantasy of Flight
Thursday, Jul 1, 2010 to Thursday, Sep 30, 2010
Share the summertime fun in Sunny Central Florida!
Fantasy of Flight Annual Pass holders are invited to share the world’s largest private collection of aircraft with their favorite buddy this summer. All Annual Pass holders are invited to bring a friend along to visit Central Florida’s premier aviation attraction for free from July 1 – September 30, 2010.
This special Bring a Buddy offer allows adult Annual Pass holders to attend with another adult (ages 16 and up) by extending a free admission ticket to the accompanying adult. Child Annual Pass holders (ages 6-15) are invited to use the same offer in order to bring along a friend ages 6-15 to the attraction for free. The free ticket extended to the Annual Pass holder’s buddy is a single-day admission ticket to Fantasy of Flight. The Annual Pass holder must enter the attraction with the companion guest in order to qualify for the free admission ticket.
Limit of one free buddy ticket per Annual Pass per day. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. An Annual Pass and photo ID must be presented by the Annual Pass holder.
The Fantasy of Flight Annual Pass is $69.95 for adults and $39.95 for children ages 6 to 15 plus tax and is valid for one year from date of purchase. General admission is $28.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors (Ages 55 and over), youth's discounted admission (Ages 6-15) is $14.95 and toddlers (Ages 5 and younger) are free.
Location: 1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E., Polk City, FL 33868
Website: www.fantasyofflight.com
Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily
Cost: Free companion ticket for Annual Pass Holders
863-984-3500
"Collecting Vintage Sheet Music" - Polk County Historical Museum
Thursday, Jul 1, 2010 to Thursday, Sep 30, 2010
The Polk County Historical Museum collection includes natural and cultural objects related to Polk County and the greater Central Florida area that represent our history from pre-Columbian to present day eras. The artifacts on display at the Museum represent individuals, cultural groups, and events significant to the region.Throughout the year, the museum hosts rotating exhibits and educational programs featuring a variety of subjects specific to Polk County, Florida.
Location: Polk County Historical Museum, Bartow
100 East Main Street
Bartow, Florida 33830
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday 9am-3pm; Closed Sundays and Mondays
Cost: Free
For more information, contact: Polk County Historical Museum
863-534-4386
Student Exhibition: VSA: Art for All
Tuesday, Jul 6, 2010 to Sunday, Sep 5, 2010
Polk Museum of Art reaches out to all ages and cultures through programming designed to enhance its exhibitions and special events that reach out to all members of the community.
Museum visitors experience art in new and interactive ways at PMoA. From African dance at our annual Kwanzaa Celebration to fun celebrations like Family Day, and from festive fundraisers like Red, White, & the Blues to Mayfaire by-the-Lake, one of the premiere outdoor art festivals in Central Florida, there's something here for everyone!
Location: Polk Museum of Art
800 East Palmetto Street
Lakeland, Florida 33801
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm; Closed Sundays and Mondays
Cost: $5 General; $4 Seniors; Students Free; Memebers and Children age 5 and under Free
863-688-7743
Polk Museum of Art Presents: Art and Design - Unity
Saturday, Aug 14, 2010 to Sunday, Dec 12, 2010
This exhibition is the last in of a series of exhibitions over the past two years exploring the role of the Principles of Design within artworks from the Museum's Permanent Collection. This exhibit will focus on unity, which is what occurs when all of the other principles of design have been applied correctly. It creates a sense of order and makes the work feel complete.
Location: Polk Museum of Art
800 East Palmetto Street
Lakeland, FL 33801
Website: www.PolkMuseumofArt.org
Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10am-4pm, Sun. 1-5pm, Closed Mondays and Major Holidays.
Cost: $5 Adults, $4 Seniors, FREE for Members, Students (K-College) and Children
863-688-7743
Disney On Ice presents: Disney Pixar's Toy Story 3
Friday, Sep 3, 2010 to Saturday, Sep 4, 2010
Tickets on sale: July 23, 2010 at 10am
Group Discounts Available by calling
Elizabeth Bass at 863-834-8137!!!
Have you heard the buzz? The toys are back in town! Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3! The summer’s biggest hit movie, Toy Story 3, and memorable moments from Toy Story and Toy Story 2 are hitting the ice in this sensational live production coming to your hometown! Catch all the heroic action when Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the Toy Story gang escape from the rambunctious tots of Sunnyside Daycare and race for home, in their most daring adventure ever. A few new faces join the fun, including Barbie’s groovy bachelor Ken and Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear. It’s the biggest Toy Story experience on ice, jam-packed with fast-paced adventure including Buzz’s galactic battle with Emperor Zurg and a hoe-down at Woody’s Roundup. Rediscover the humor, friendship and charm when Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3 takes family fun to infinity and beyond!
Location: The Lakeland Center
701 W. Lime Street
Lakeland, FL 33815
Website: www.thelakelandcenter.com
Hours: 3:30pm & 7:30pm both days
Cost: $40, $32, $27, $16 & Parking: $7
For more information, contact: The Box Office
863-834-8111
Father Daughter Dance
Saturday, Sep 11, 2010
Come enjoy an evening of dinner and dancing with your little princess!
Tickets $20 per person and include flower for each daughter and photograph for each couple to take home!
For more information contact Haines City Parks & Recreation at 863-421-3700.
Location: Lake Eva Banquet Hall
799 Johns Avenue
Haines City, FL 33844
Website: www.ci.haines-city.fl.us
Hours: 6:00PM-9:00PM
Cost: $20 Per Person
For more information, contact: Lindsey
863-421-9963
3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
Saturday, Sep 11, 2010
Haines City will host our First 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament at the Haines City Community Center outdoor Basketball Courts.
16 and up to enter!
1st Place Team: $300
2nd Place Team: $200
3rd Place Team: $100
For more information or to receive a registration form please contact Haines City Parks & Recreation at 863-421-3700.
Location: Lake Eva Community Center
555 Ledwith Avenue
Haines City, FL 33844
Website: www.ci.haines-city.fl.us
Hours: 8:00AM
Cost: $50 Entry Fee
For more information, contact: Lindsey
863-421-9963
Hispanic Heritage Festival
Saturday, Sep 18, 2010
Polk County Parks & Recreation presents the Hispanic Heritage Festival. This event celebrates Hispanic culture in Central Florida. Admission is free and activities include entertainment, a kids zone, and food vendors.
Location: Johnny and Freda Brooks Eloise Resource Center, 710 Snively Avenue, Eloise, FL 33880
Website: www.polk-county.net
Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
For more information, contact: Eloise Resource Center
863-298-4485
Live at the Gardens! Broadway and Jazz
Saturday, Sep 18, 2010
Victoria de Lissovoy and Rebecca Renfroe bring Broadway & Jazz back to close the "Live at the Gardens" series with a special appearance by the multi-talented Asunta Fleming. This dynamic and highly entertaining program will showcase Broadway tunes and great American classics of jazz. Early reservations are encouraged. An optional prepaid dinner will be served at the Blue Palmetto Café at 6 p.m. Dinners are $18; or $16.50 for members.
Location: Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd.
Lake Wales, FL 33853
Website: cfoley@boktower.org
Hours: Dinner at 6pm, concert at 7:30pm
Cost: $20 tickets - members 10% discount. $18 dinner or $16.50 members
For more information, contact: Christine Foley
863-734-1233
Polk Museum of Art: Family Day 2010: "Going Global"
Saturday, Sep 18, 2010
Join us for Family Day, our annual fun open house! This year's theme is "Going Global" and the day will be filled with all sorts of fun activities and entertainment from around the world. It’s all FREE! Plus, the Museum will be giving away more than 350 bags of art supplies to school age children.
Location: Polk Museum of Art
800 East Palmetto Street
Lakeland, FL 33801
Website: www.PolkMuseumofArt.org
Hours: 11am - 3pm
Cost: FREE for everyone
863-688-7743
The Tour de Tow
Saturday, Sep 18, 2010 to Sunday, Sep 19, 2010
Main Street Bartow, Inc. and Citrus Sports with Polk County Sports Marketing Presents...
A Bartow Quality Life Event! The Tour de Tow Road Tour and Criterium will be held on September 17, 18 and 19 in Downtown Bartow.
Friday, September 17:
6:00 p.m. - Friday Fest - Sofa Kings, Cycling Street Sprints, Extreme Bike Team with Stunts, Tricks and more.
Saturday, September 18:
17 mile Family Fun Ride, 35 miles, 1/2 Metric Century and 65 mile Metric Century Ride.
8:00 a.m. - Road Bike Tour starts at Central and Main
2:00 p.m. - Florida Cup Point Series Criterium Racing
Sunday, September 19:
10:00 a.m. - Criterium Continues
A portion of the Tour de Tow Road Tour profits will go to benefit the Bartow Volunteer Fire Department Statue Fund and a portion of the profits will also provide bicycles to kids through Power Pedalers.
Registration form can be found on the Bartow Chamber's website:
www.bartowchamber.com/events/2010/09/17/tour-de-tow-a-bartow-quality-life-event
Location: Downtown Bartow - Central and Main Streets
Website: www.bartowchamber.com/events/2010/09/17/tour-de-tow-a-bartow-quality-life-event
Hours: 9/17: 6 PM - 9/18: 7 AM - 9/19: 10 AM
Cost: Cost varies depending on event
For more information, contact: Trish Pfeiffer
863-640-1024
Royal Rangers Aviation Camporee
Friday, Sep 24, 2010 to Sunday, Sep 26, 2010
Fire up your sense of wonder and get ready for an amazing aviation weekend! Experience the world’s largest private collection of vintage aircraft, learn from skilled aviation experts as you participate in hands-on activities to earn aviation merit requirements and more!
Weekend includes (3 days/2 nights):
- Unlimited admission to Fantasy of Flight (9/24-26/10)
- Camp site (dry camping only)
- Lunch on Saturday
- Admission to aviation merit stations & aviation activities
Contact Stephanie Conner for more details and to register: 863-984-3500, ext. 220 or sconner@fantasyofflight.com
Location: 1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E.
Polk City, FL 33868
Website: www.fantasyofflight.com
Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cost: $30/person plus tax. Advanced reservations required.
For more information, contact: Stephanie Conner
863-984-3500, ext. 220
Nature Day 2010 - Polk Outpost 27
Saturday, Sep 25, 2010
Polk County has a large inventory of natural lands and an abundance of nature based opportunities for visitors to experience and Polk County’s Visitor Information Center, Polk Outpost 27, will be showcasing those opportunities in September. Polk Outpost’s Nature Day will be held on Saturday, September 25 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The event will feature exhibits representing: Bok Tower Gardens, Airboats, Polk County's Environmental Lands, Kissimmee State Park and more. There will also be several activities for children, including activity tables and hands-on experiences with animals.
All of the events and displays are free of charge and are open to the public. Polk Outpost 27 is located on Highway 27 a half-mile South of I-4 at Exit 55. For more information call Polk Outpost 27 at 863-420-2586.
Location: 101 Adventure Court
Davenport, Florida 33897
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more information, contact: Cynthia Cook or Justin Laferriere
800-828-7655
Florida Corvette Fall Classic at Bahama Bay Resort
Saturday, Sep 25, 2010
America has always had a love affair with cars and travel. So we thought it would be fun to bring these to pastimes together in two fun filled weekends.....and you are invited!
The Florida Corvette Fall Classic on Saturday September 25, 2010. Although the show is for "Corvettes only", the public is invited to attend. Corvette owners will have the opportunity to have their cars "judged" for awards and recognition in several categories while attendees will vote on their overall favorite Corvette.
Show registration begins at 9:00am with awards at 2:00pm, but don't wait for Saturday. Come spend the weekend with us and enjoy all Bahama Bay has to offer. Special rates for the weekend are available through our website. Just put in the dates and select "Car Show".
Location: Bahama Bay Resort
400 Gran Bahama Blvd
Davenport, Florida 33897
Website: www.bahamabay.com/carshow
Hours: 9am to 3 pm
Cost: Free general addmission
For more information, contact: Bob Helmick
321.948.7553
An Evening with Comedian Brian Regan
Thursday, Sep 30, 2010
Releasing two critically acclaimed Comedy Central specials and DVD's in as many years - 2008's The Epitome of Hyperbole, and 2007's Brian Regan Standing Up - Brain Regan has set a standard of excellence that others continually try to follow. Brian's non-stop theater tour has visited more than 80 cities each year since 2005 and continues into 2010. It is the quality of his material, relatable to a wide audience and revered by his peers, which continues to grow Brian's fan base.
Location: The Lakeland Center
701 W. Lime Street
Lakeland, FL 33815
Website: www.thelakelandcenter.com
Hours: 7:30pm
Cost: $37.50 & $50, Parking $7
For more information, contact: The Box Office
863-834-8111
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