We are happy to offer a number of free events open to the general public, throughout the year. We invite you to join us, and enjoy our sense of history and entertainment for all the family.
First Saturday Each Month:
"Antiques, Art, and Oddities"
Come visit the Historic District and browse booths filled with interesting curiosities, beautiful antiques, paitings by local
artists and others from around the world. Bargain-hunters will find lots to choose from as area merchants and residents dig
through grandma's attic and the old steamer trunk to offer their finds to the world. If you would like to become a vendor, just
call 863-676-4778 to reserve a booth of your own! The event will begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue until 2:0 p.m. beginning
September 1st.
Second Saturday Each Month:
Lake Wales Bike Fest
The throaty roar of 1,000 motorcycles fills the air each month on the second Saturday, as Lake Wales Bike Fest
brings the two-wheeled vehicles to the Historic District. Harley's, Suzuki's, and even MotoGuzzi's, they are all represented
at one of the area's biggest bike events. Vendors, live music, and represetatives from numerous manufacturers make the evening
a special time. It all happens from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. the second Saturday each month.
Third Thursday Each Month:
Celtic Night
Join the Highlands Celts each month as they gather at The Highlander Bar and Grille at 7:00 p.m.
to lift a pint, swap stories,
talk about the Highland Games, and plan their next event. It's free, fun, and happening each month at The Highlander,
253 East Stuart Avenue, in the Historic District.
Third Friday of Each Month:
Friday Night Live Entertainment Series!
Come enjoy the sights and sounds of our wide variety of street entertainers and musicians
as we present Friday Night Live! Free street performances by musical artists and magicians, horse drawn carriage rides,
and live lion, tiger, and other 'big cat' kittens that you can be photographed holding in your arms, courtesy of Horseshoe Creek
Wildlife Sanctuary. Plus a Classic Car Show, pony rides, balloon art, and face painting for the kids, and plenty of adult diversions too.
A great variety of shops, restaurants, and lounges are open for your browsing and dining pleasure. Performers are scattered throughout
the Historic District. It's a great night to come out with family or friends and enjoy the best of Florida Living!
October 26, 27, and 28, 2007:
FallFest & Pioneer Days
Step back in time to the 1920's as Lake Wales honors its pioneer citizens with this
city-wide festival. A parade of antique cars highlights a two-day period of arts and crafts,
foods, bluegrass music, and more.
The Pioneer Day kicks off with the naming of the Pioneer of the Year, an authentic early
resident of the Florida Frontier, sharing memories of the 'good ol' days,' and great events
and exhibits at the city's own Depot Museum.
November and December:
The City of Bells!
Lake Wales takes a place center-stage for the county-wide 'City Lights, Cypress Nights' festival,
featuring millions of lights in illuminated holiday displays. Lake Wales is the 'City of
Bells,' honoring it's place as home of
Edward Bok's famed Singing Tower.
Saturday, December 8th, 2007:
Arts on the Avenue
Here's a great sidewalk art festival that fills the streets of the Historic District with extra appeal.
Bring the family and enjoy the works of dozens of talented artists and fine crafters from across the country,
and see demonstrations of their talents. Enjoy the holiday atmosphere, and take in one of the many great restaurants
in the District. Enjoy the annual Kiwanis Club Cristmas Parade Saturday evening.
Saturday, December 8th, 2007:
Kiwanis Christmas Night Parade
Enjoy the Kiwanis Club's Annual
Christmas Night Parade, featuring beautiful lighted floats, marching bands, and choral groups.
Entry applications are being accepted with a $20 registration fee. Telephone Terry Klein at 676-1411;
Carl Kampman at 676-7631; Cynthia Crofoot Rignanese at 294-1114.
January and February, 2008:
Lake Wales Mardi Gras!
The Historic District of Lake Wales is Florida's place to be during the pre-lenten exuberance of
Mardi Gras. This
home-grown, city-wide festival is an authentic outpouring of the spirit of this
most colorful of seasons. Masquerade parties and fanciful formal balls, and incredible parades of
costumed maskers and artistically-creative floats are manifestations of the carnival
season each year. A series of ticketed Masquerade Balls sponsored by the Krewes
over a period of three weeks feature a variety of great dance bands.
The fun begins on Saturday, January 12th, 2008, with the Ancient and Mystic Krewe of Atlantis at La Bella Torre Restaurant. The costumed fantasy of 'Carnival in Venice' will be a dress-up evening to remember, including dinner and dancing. For reservations for this special limited-seating event, phone 863-678-9696.
Saturday, January 26th the Loyal Order of Wild Shiners will hold their 21st Annual Black-light Ball. Be sure to wear something wild, day-glo or otherwise, to this BYOB event.
Friday evening, February 1st, the Krewe of Pegasus will hold its 23rd Annual Coronation Ball at Lake Wales Country Club.
On Friday, February 1st and Saturday, February 2nd, a free, two-day Mardi Gras Music Festival, features Jazz, Zydeco, Dixieland, and more. Arts, crafts, 'Cajun foods, and street musicians accent the annual Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday afternoon to complete the atmosphere, drawing more than 50,000 people. Immediately after the parade, there will be a Post-Parade Dance Party at La Bella Torre and The Highlander restaurants, featuring the dance music of the incredible Hoochie Daddies.
The Mardi Gras concludes on Fat Tuesday, February 5th, 2008, with the Coronation Ball sponsored by the Mystic Krewe of Rex, at which the Krewe coronates the new Prince of Wailes, and selects a Queen of Carnival to rule over the 2009 events!
Monday, March 17th, 2008:
St. Patrick's Day Celtic Party!
Get Down Town to be a part of the area's best celebration of Celtic Heritage! Sponsored in part by
the Celts of the Highlands and The Highlander Bar and Grille, this will be one very special Party!
You don't have to be Irish, Scottish, Welsh,
or even Dutch or Channel Islander to take part, but if you are, bring your family tartan, wear a kilt,
or just come for the fun! Don't miss the Third Annual Haggis Hunt, Saturday March 15th!
All Year:
'A Walk Through History'
Take a stroll through the pages of bygone chapters as part of a docent-led tour of the National Historic
District and the Historic Corridor. These guided walking tours include a descriptive narrative of many of the
historic structures and murals in the district, as well as a tour of the Depot Cultural Museum. The tours
are designed for groups of 12 or more, and can be arranged through the
Depot Museum and Cultural Center.
Tour groups may also arrange to include lunch or dinner at one of the great restaurants in the National Historic
District, as part of the visit.
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