Polk Top 10 - April 2025

CARILLON CLASSIC 5K

April 5, 7 am at Bok Tower Gardens. With beautiful scenery and a challenging course, the race has become an annual tradition for running enthusiasts. This race is unique, the Singing Tower’s bells are musical encouragement as you run. A kid’s fun run with a shorter course will begin after the 5k. boktowergardens.org

SEUSSICAL JR.

April 18 at 6:30 pm and April 19 at 2:30 pm at Theatre Winter Haven. The Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers. theatrewinterhaven.com

ROCKIN’ ON THE CHAIN

A three-day event benefiting Autism and Special Needs on April 4 – 6 at Tanners Lakeside. Over 25 bands will perform, plus food trucks, raffles, 50/50 raffle, and live auctions. Win big while supporting a great cause! FB @Rockinonthechainbenefitingautismspecialneeds

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

April 13, 5 pm at Union Hall in Lakeland. High School garage bands from Polk, Orange, Osceola, Hillsborough, and Pinellas join together to face off in this amazing concert experience. Musicians will be competing in three different categories: Best Cover Band, Best Original Band, and Best in Show. Free to watch! FB Cordero Music

SUN ‘N FUN AEROSPACE EXPO

April 1 – 6 at SUN ‘n FUN. The Expo will include a daily airshow, two night airshows, the US Navy Blue Angels, fireworks, acres of aircraft to explore, hands-on activities for kids, a new aviation playground, 500 exhibitors, an opening night concert with Tyler Hubbard, and more. Find the full schedule and tickets at flysnf.org.

WINE DOWNTOWN

April 10, 4 – 8 pm. Explore Lake Wales businesses with Lake Wales Main Street. Your ticket includes a swag bag, map of participating locations, and assorted wines/craft beers paired with food items at each location. Purchase tickets at centralfloridatix.com

SONGKRAN THAI FESTIVAL

April 6, noon – 6 pm at Grove Roots Brewing. Celebrate the Thai New Year with a full cultural immersion. There will be tons of Thai food vendors creating a food market across the entire beer garden, Thai dancing exhibitions, karaoke, water guns, and more! FB @groverootsbrewing

EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE

April 20 at Bok Tower Gardens. Experience Easter as the sun rises across Iron Mountain. The service will include carillon music, sacred hymns, and inspirational messages from a local reverend. Gates open at 6 am, free admission to all until 8 am. Breakfast buffet for purchase at 7:30 am. boktowergardens.org

BINGO

April 9 & 23 at Bowen Yard. FREE BINGO! Grab your friends, find a table outside, enjoy delicious food from SIX amazing restaurants, and get ready to win great prizes! Second and fourth Wednesday of every month. More info on FB @ bowenyardwh.

LAKELAND BOOK CRAWL

April 24-26. Seven participating bookstores will offer Book Crawl specials every day of the event from 10 am – 5 pm. Start at Bookends in North Lakeland to get your official Book Crawl passport. Visit lakelandbookcrawl.com for participating bookstores and more info about the ending party.