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Signature Events
Friday, Feb. 6th, 4:30 – 8:30pm
Location: Market Plaza, downtown Lake Wales
Residents and visitors are invited to bring their flare and show off their masquerade masks. Expect live Zydeco-style music by the New Orleans Nighthawks, entertainment, best masquerade-mask contest, activities, and photo ops. Complimentary masquerade masks will be available at select merchant location on Park Avenue and Stuart Avenue. Catered Cajun and Creole-inspired food options, alcohol beverages, and non-alcohol beverages will be available for purchase.
Food options:
Dirty Rice $6
A Louisiana favorite made with seasoned rice, sautéed onions, peppers, celery, and savory meats. Bold, hearty, and full of classic Cajun flavor.
Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya $8
A one-pot Louisiana classic with tender chicken, smoky sausage, rice, tomatoes, and Cajun spices. Comfort food with big flavor.
Bread Pudding with Caramel Bourbon Sauce $5
Warm, soft bread pudding baked with spices and finished with a rich caramel bourbon sauce. Sweet, comforting, and perfect for dessert.
Bananas Foster Shooters $6
Sweet bananas cooked in a buttery brown sugar sauce with warm spices, served in a small cup for an easy, indulgent treat.
Blarney Berry Beer Festival: Friday, March 13th, 4:30 – 8:30pm
Location: Market Plaza, downtown Lake Wales
Celebrate the luck of the Irish at the City’s Blarney Berry Beer Festival. The free event happens Friday evening, March 13th between 4:30pm to 8:30pm. Residents and visitors are encouraged to show up in Irish gear, such as green clothes, shamrock accessories, and festive beaded necklaces. Participants may enter the Irish-gear contest for prizes. Expect live music, street performers, free carnival games, and prizes. Various beers will be featured: Irish beers, American beers, and Craft/Micro beers. Catered Irish-inspired food options, desserts, alcohol beverages, and non-alcohol beverages will be available for purchase. It’s part of the City’s Spring Fridays Series - February, March, April, and May- presented by the City of Lake Wales, in partnership with the Lake Wales Arts Council, Lake Wales Main Street, Lake Wales History Museum, Lake Wales Little Theater, and The Thirsty Dragon. Special thanks to the event sponsors: SouthState Bank, Republic Services, and Duke Energy.
Mad Hatter Tea Party: Friday, April 24th, 4:30 – 8:30pm
Location: Market Plaza, downtown Lake Wales
Grab your top hats and parasols! Celebrate spring in style at the Lake Wales Mad Hatter Tea Party. Expect a whimsical event, full of clashing colors, live music, entertainment, costume-contest, and photo ops. Catered English-inspired food options, alcohol beverages, and non-alcohol beverages will be available for purchase. The music artist and food menu will be promoted on social media in the coming months.
Cinco De Mayo Pre-party: Friday, May 1st, 4:30 – 8:30pm
Location: Market Plaza, downtown Lake Wales
Get ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Market Plaza. Expect to participate in a cultural experience featuring live Mexican music, entertainment, and activities. Catered Mexican-inspired food options, alcohol beverages, and non-alcohol beverages will be available for purchase. The music artist and food menu will be promoted on social media in the coming months.
The Spring Fridays Series is sponsored by SouthState Bank, Republic Services, and Duke Energy.
Orange Blossom Revue
The annual Orange Blossom Review celebrates American roots music with laid-back lakeside vibes. Held annually on the first weekend of December, this is a family-friendly gathering featuring local food trucks, craft brews and spirits and artisan vendors, which makes for easygoing crowds. What started as a Rotary Club BBQ fundraiser by two of Lake Wales native sons, Rusty Ingley and Reid Hardman, has now blossomed into a unique boutique festival that celebrates Florida’s community spirit.
Event Location:
On the shores of Lake Wailes
33 N Lakeshore Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Website:
Check out the other fun things to do and experience in Lake Wales.
Lake Wales Arts Festival
The Lake Wales Arts Festival is more than a half century old event. It's hosted on the scenic shores of Lake Wailes and presented by Citizens Bank & Trust, showcases quality works from over 60 fine artists and artisans. This free event attracts thousands of art enthusiasts annually. Attendees get the chance to purchase original, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Event location:
On the shores of Lake Wailes
33 N Lakeshore Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Website:
Check out the other fun things to do and experience in Lake Wales.
Lake Wales Mardi Gras
Celebrate Mardi Gras in Lake Wales. This two-day family-friendly event features lakeside festivities and a Mardi Gras parade with themed floats and tons of beads for parade goers. It’s been a tradition in Lake Wales since 1984. The event takes place on the Friday and Saturday prior to Ash Wednesday.
The lakeside festivities include live music, food, drinks, kids activities, fireworks and more. The parade on Saturday afternoon winds through the downtown historic core to the festival at the lake. A 5K glow-run is also available for sports enthusiasts.
Event Location:
The Mardi Gras festival takes place on the shores of Lake Wailes
33 N Lakeshore Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Website:
Check out the other fun things to do and experience in Lake Wales.
Make it Magical
Make It Magical is an annual Lake Wales Main Street event that brings the community together to celebrate the holiday season. For more than 13 years, and counting, the event features holiday shopping, local crafts, live music, and sparkling décor—creating a festive atmosphere that fills everyone with holiday cheer.
Address: N. Market St., Lake Wales, FL 33853
Event takes place annually-mid December