First Friday’s Om Nom Nom Cookie Carnival returns October 1, 2021 from 6pm to 9pm in Downtown Lakeland. Cookie Creators will be peddling their delicious wares in Munn Park. Stop by and pick up 1 or 2 or more cookies, as well as other delicious baked goods! Check back later for this year’s list of participating businesses.

Want to be a cookie creator? CLICK HERE.

Want to sample some cookies for free? Text FFCOOKIE to 855-298-5275 for a chance to be one of 50 lucky cookie judges. (Winners will be notified on October 1 at 9am via text. Text messaging rates may apply.) Worried that you might not be chosen via text? The first 50 walk-ups on the night of the event can also snag a Cookie Judge badge.

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 Main St. and Tennessee Ave. 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; after 5pm public parking from Main Street
  • Heritage Plaza Garage
  • City Permit Only Lots – all free after 5pm and all day weekends
  • Tennessee Avenue between Walnut and Lime Street

Interested in becoming a First Friday exhibitor? CLICK HERE.
Interested in becoming a Makers Market vendor? CLICK HERE.
Interested in registering for the Classy Car Show? CLICK HERE.