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Heart of the Art’s – First Friday – April 3

April 3 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Downtown Lakeland comes alive on Friday, April 3rd for a special First Friday: Heart of the Arts, an evening dedicated to celebrating creativity, community, and local talent.

From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, stroll through downtown streets filled with local artists, unique vendors, delicious food and live entertainment. This month’s theme shines a spotlight on the incredible artistic spirit that makes Lakeland such a vibrant place to live, work, and explore.

🎨 Event Highlights

Vendors & Makers
Browse a curated selection of local vendors offering handmade goods, gifts, and specialty items.

Rock Painting – Main St. 6:30 – 8:30pm
  – Our Kids Rock Painting Activity is the perfect chance for little artists to turn ordinary rocks into colorful masterpieces.  It’s hands-on, creative fun that kids of all ages will love (and they get to take their art home too!).
Depot Arts District Artist Showcase – Main St. 6 – 9pm
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A dynamic, community-driven arts hub rooted in Lakeland’s historic railroad legacy, open since November 2025.

Housed in a revitalized industrial space, The Depot is home to 35 affordable artist studios, three expansive galleries showcasing local talent, and multiple workshop rooms for art classes. Designed to support creative growth and sustainability, the campus also features a garden space for outdoor events, a retail area for artist-made goods, a re-use art supply store (coming soon), and dedicated programs for art education.

The Depot provides professional development resources to help artists thrive creatively and financially. By fostering collaboration, education, and opportunity, the Depot Arts District serves as a vital cornerstone of Lakeland’s cultural and economic landscape.

Color Lakeland by Atala Counseling – Main St. 6 – 9pm
  – Flip through pages filled with local charm and choose your adventure—purchase the full book to enjoy at home or color a free page with us on-site. It’s a fun and relaxing way to celebrate Lakeland, one colorful page at a time!
Platform Arts & FSC Student Art Exhibit Insiders Look – Co-Hatch, Main St.
   – Insider’s Look is an exhibition of paintings, photographs, and drawings created by undergraduate students at Florida Southern College (FSC). Under the guidance and assistance of Professor Kelly Sturhahn, via the Art Theory & Practice course, students have come together to curate, manage, and install a professional gallery exhibition. Tonight is your LAST CHANCE to view this exhibit!
Community Chalk Wall – Notta Gallery, Cedar St. 6 – 9pm
   – This is your space to doodle, draw, and share a little joy—whether it’s a masterpiece, a message, or just some colorful fun. Add your touch and watch the wall come to life with creativity from our amazing community! Visit Notta Gallery to pick up your chalk

❤️ Experience the Heart of Lakeland

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, looking for a fun night out, or simply want to support local businesses and artists, Heart of the Arts offers something for everyone.

Bring your friends, bring your family, and spend your Friday night in the heart of it all.

Admission is free.
All are welcome.

Details

  • Date: April 3
  • Time:
    6:00 pm - 9:00 pm