Powerboats, classic cars and a monster movie marathon: Top things to do in Polk
Gears on the grounds or speed on the surf are two of Polk County’s premiere events this weekend. And in addition, there’s a host of other family-oriented fall festivities taking place locally.
So as the Florida-friendly cooler weather blasts into Central Florida, grab a sweater and blanket — or for you cold-hardy types who moved here to escape the real chill, shorts and a T-shirt — and head out for some more fall fun.
Here are The Ledger’s picks for the five best things to do in Polk County this weekend.” Go!
Classic Albums Live: The Police
Classic Albums Live is renowned for re-creating note-for-note, famous albums by some of rock and roll’s biggest recording artists. At 8 p.m. Thursday in the RP Funding Center’s Youkey Theatre, CAL presents the music of The Police, playing the British three-piece’s 1983 hit album “Synchronicity.” The album features the hits “Every Breath You Take,” “King of Pain,” “Wrapped Around Your Finger,” and “Synchronicity II,” which led it to getting five Grammy nominations and winning three. Tickets start at $58. See www.rpfundingcenter.com or call 863-834-8100.
Orange Cup Regatta
For the 85th year, power racing boats in 11 different classes will compete on Lake Hollingsworth, known as the “Lake of Records.” The race is sanctioned by the American Power Boat Association, and drivers can get double circuit points while racing Saturday and Sunday. There will be some bleachers on-site but it’s also recommended you bring lawn chairs, blankets, snacks and munchies and friends and family to watch the powerboats race at up to 150 mph for top points and cash awards. The free racing and festivities kick off at 9 a.m. Saturday with a ski show by the Lakeland and Cypress Gardens ski clubs and racing takes place both days from about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For the race schedule, go to https://tinyurl.com/5cxj7y9b.
Lake Mirror Classic Concours & Car Show
If you’re a classic car enthusiast or just someone who can appreciate the craftmanship and upkeep of fine cars, the free Lake Mirror Classic car show will feature hundreds of rare and highly collectible show cars on display in Lakeland's downtown. Around the concours of Lake Mirror and beyond on the streets of downtown Lakeland, there will be a host of classic, exotic cars on display, featuring high-horsepower muscle cars, hot rods, foreign exotics models, specialty vehicles and trucks from car owners across Florida, the United States and beyond. The free car show runs 5 to 10 p.m. Friday with the Visit Central Florida Hot Rod Rendezvous; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Lake Mirror concours and downtown Lakeland; and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Lake Mirror Classic Tour. See www.lakemirrorclassic.com
More: Welcome Center in Davenport to host Fall Festival on Oct. 21
Silver Moon Halloween Movie Marathon
7:30 p.m. Friday to 4:30 a.m. Saturday. If you’re hankering for all-night haunting, the Silver Moon has a steady stream of horror lined up on the outdoor big screens. This edition of Halloween Movie Marathon features the classics “Dracula,” “Frankenstein,” “Bride of Frankenstein,” “Wolf-Man” and “Wolf-Man Meet Frankenstein” or “Megan,” “Black Phone,” “Belko Experiment,” “Split” and “The Hunt.” Tickets are $25 per car. For information, see www.silvermoondrivein.com
Bonnet Springs One-Year Birthday Bash
Lakeland’s Bonnet Springs celebrates one year since opening with a day, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 21, of family and family-friendly activities, such as strolling performers, a petting zoo, live music, “Lounge on the Lawn” and other events. The day ends with a movie under the stars, “Jumanji,” and fireworks. See www.bonnetspringspark.com or 863-413-0652.
Bonus: Bok Tower Concert under the Stars
From 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, will present The Lubben Brothers. Consisting of triplets and acoustic musicians from Iowa, The Lubben Brothers will bring flowing harmonies and a mix of folk instruments — banjo, mandolin, tin whistle, accordion, hammered dulcimer and fiddle — to the Bok Tower grounds. The trio’s style is rooted in folk music dotted with pop music influences. Bring a chair or blanket for lawn seating accommodation. Registration required. Advance tickets, $35 for Bok members, $45 for non-members, $50 day of show. Prices include admission to the gardens for the day. For information, see www.boktowergardens.org or 863-676-1408.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Powerboats, classic cars and monster movies come to Polk this weekend
