Join us on Friday, February 6th for First Friday–Mardi Gras in Munn Park.
Downtown Lakeland turned up the charm for a Mardi Gras–themed First Friday, bringing the spirit of New Orleans straight to the streets. A lively Dixieland jazz band filled the air with toe-tapping brass, setting the perfect soundtrack for an evening of celebration, shopping, and community fun.
Guests joined in the festivities with classic bead tosses throughout the night, adding pops of purple, green, and gold to the crowd and creating plenty of smiles (and photo ops). From the music to the movement, the night captured the joyful, carefree energy that makes Mardi Gras so iconic.
With local vendors, vibrant entertainment, and a festive atmosphere, Mardi Gras First Friday delivered another unforgettable downtown experience and reminded everyone why First Friday is a must-do tradition in Lakeland.
Downtown shops and restaurants will be open late. Don’t miss the Makers Market, featuring local artists and creators, on North Kentucky Avenue and the Classy Car Show on Tennessee Avenue. Streets are closed to vehicles, so come prepared to walk about!
First Friday is a family-friendly event held in the streets of Downtown Lakeland between Lemon Street and Oak Street along Kentucky and Tennessee Avenues. On-street parking begins to close in the event area at 3pm to allow us to clear the streets and set up the exhibitors and vendors. Parking in all permitted and metered locations is free after 5pm and all day on the weekends. Event parking is limited, so please carpool with friends and neighbors! We also offer free valet on the corner of Lemon St. and Tennessee Ave. on First Fridays.
Parking lots available:
- Trinity Presbyterian Parking Lot – corner of Tennessee and Bay
- Oak Street Parking Lot – corner of Oak and Kentucky
- Main Street garage – all day public access from Cedar Street; paid public parking from Main Street
- City Permit Only Lots – all free after 5pm and all day weekends
- Tennessee Avenue between Walnut and Lime Street
- Summit Parking Garage – free public parming after 6pm