Annual Events

 

Mayfaire by-the-Lake

Saturday and Sunday, May 8 and 9, 1999

Begun in 1974 as a crafts fair on the lawn of the Lakeland Public Library, Mayfaire has grown into one of Florida’s premier outdoor art festivals, showcasing the works of approximately 185 fine artists, food vendors from throughout Polk County and Central Florida, a 5-K race and an evening street party.

Held on Mother’s Day weekend each year, the event is held on the shores of beautiful Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland. A full entertainment schedule is planned for both days, including performances by participants of the County’s Very Special Arts program. A children’s art tent offers a hands-on creative experience for the younger set, while the Mayfaire Classic 5-K run is a Saturday evening competition. The 1997 Mayfaire Classic attracted more than 200 runners from throughout the Southeast.

 

Mayfaire Saturday Night

Saturday, May 8, 1999

Organized by the Museum’s volunteer group, the Contemporaries, this is a family event held in conjunction with Mayfaire-by-the-Lake. Concessionaires offer everything from a full dinner menu to burgers and snacks; a variety of beverages are available; and live music is presented throughout the night as clowns, jugglers and mimes perform as they move throughout the crowd.

 

Blues Bash

Friday, June 11, 1999

Rhythm and blues music sets the stage for Blues Bash, hosted by the Museum’s volunteer group, the Contemporaries. Door prizes and great food highlight the evening, which is open to the public for a small admission fee. The event features renowned blues artists Rock Bottom and the Cutaways.

 

Family Day

Saturday, September 25, 1998

Designed to introduce families of all ages to the Museum, the 11^th Annual Family Day is a free event featuring a variety of art-related activities. Clowns, face painting, storytelling and sing-along songs are just the beginning of the fun. And, since 1994, the Museum has collaborated with Arts on the Park to offer a free shuttle bus between Family Day and the "Fall Festival" held in downtown Lakeland's Munn Park the same weekend.

 

Fourth Annual Arts Symposium

Initially begun as a decorative arts symposium, the scope of this program has broadened to include all aspects of the visual arts. Prominent artists, scholars and critics share their diverse experiences and achievements at this day long event designed to enrich the community and inform interested visitors from throughout Florida.

 

Family Holiday Workshop

Saturday, December 12, 1998

Children and parents (and all who are young at heart) are invited to enjoy this free family program. Festivities include sing-alongs, storytelling, hands-on projects and musical performances.

 

Kwanzaa

Saturday, December 26, 1998

Enjoy a free celebration of Kwanzaa, the unique American holiday paying tribute to the rich cultural roots of African-Americans. The Museum offers a free educational and entertaining afternoon featuring music, storytelling and more.

 

The Gala

Saturday, February 26, 2000

The Gala is a black-tie charitable fundraiser featuring gourmet dining, dancing and auctions at the Museum that annually nets more than $100,000 in support for the Museum’s exhibition and education programs. It is considered the county’s most elegant party of the year. Traditionally the fourth Saturday in February, the event has offered donated auction items such as jewelry, decorative arts and artwork, furniture, vacation packages and sports tickets.