This weekend in Polk County, FL

The IWWF's 2026 Barefoot World Championships return to Auburndale, Florida, bringing together Junior, U23, and Open divisions.

Historic Downtown Bartow sets the scene for a first-year 5K and Kids 1K that welcomes runners and walkers of every pace. The route winds through downtown and nearby historic neighborhoods, offering a friendly way to enjoy the area’s character for participants of all ages and abilities. 5K registration includes an official bib, a long-sleeved dri fit event shirt while supplies last, a finisher medal, access to post-race refreshments, and results. This is a recreational fun run that is not certified or professionally timed, and any times shared are unofficial and for enjoyment. The Kids 1K provides an official bib and a finisher medal, with an event T-shirt available for an additional charge. Proceeds support Main Street Bartow in its work to strengthen downtown through revitalization, community events, and local business development. The event takes place rain or shine, and registration fees are non-refundable.

An annual festival at the Visit Central Florida Welcome Center brings together creative fall crafts, local vendors, seasonal treats, music and entertainment, and family activities for all ages. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to take part in the festivities.

Support the TBS Step Team at a lively car wash fundraiser. Get your vehicle sparkling while helping raise funds for the team. This in-person community get-together features plenty of soap, smiles, and a friendly atmosphere, offering an easy way to catch up with others and show your support.

Celebrate one year of Nordstrom Rack at Lakeside Village with new arrivals from well known brands and a chance to win a $150 Nordstrom Rack gift card. No purchase is required to enter. The sweepstakes features two separate drawings, one held each day of the celebration, with entry accepted from store opening through close of business at Nordstrom Rack at Lakeside Village. Selected entrants must respond to the notification within three days. Open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older. Odds vary based on the number of entries. The total approximate retail value of all prizes is $300. Check the participating store for the official rules that outline entry, notification, and prize details. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Nordstrom, Inc.

This complete aviation session is $299 and is offered on Saturday and Sunday. Parents and students start with about 1.5 hours of structured group ground training at an on-airport facility, where students learn core aviation fundamentals in a fun and professional environment. The experience continues with approximately one hour of one-on-one, hands-on flight instruction in a comfortable four-seat training aircraft with an FAA-certified flight instructor. It is real flight training, and students will have the chance to operate the controls under the instructor’s supervision. When space and operating conditions allow, a parent may ride in the back seat to watch and capture photos or video. After the first session, a structured 12-week Youth Aviation Program is available for those who want to continue, offering more formal pilot training, helping build a foundation toward future FAA pilot certificates and ratings once age and eligibility requirements are met, and providing an early pathway toward a career in aviation.

Divina Glow Elite and C&B Wellness Studio & Cafe Inc. present a fall-themed experience centered on movement, creativity, and genuine connection. Participants will enjoy an intimate Reformer Pilates session suitable for all levels, whether trying a reformer for the first time or returning with experience. The gathering also features a hands-on candle bar to craft a personalized candle, a friendship-focused activity, photo-worthy moments, local vendors to discover, and relaxed time to meet and mingle with other women. Expect cozy autumn accents and a few surprises along the way. To accommodate small class sizes, the event is organized into two arrival and session blocks. Attendees select a preferred session time when purchasing tickets, and each group enjoys the complete experience, including Pilates, candle making, vendors, and connection-centered activities. A neutral fall color palette is encouraged for outfits, with shades of beige and brown. Capacity is limited due to reformer availability.

Polk State College Theatre in Winter Haven, Florida hosts a full weekend dedicated to the America’s Ideal Miss Florida State Pageant. The first day features optional competitions that showcase talent, spokesmodel presentations, onstage question responses, casual wear, active wear, and swimsuit. The second day highlights interviews, fun fashion, and evening gown, culminating in the crowning of the new America’s Ideal Miss Florida queens. The atmosphere centers on confidence, friendships, and spirited competition.

A 50th anniversary celebration at the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village honors decades of dreams fulfilled, shaped by hope, resilience, and life changing moments. The gathering also looks ahead to the many dreams still to come, marking a golden milestone with gratitude for the past and optimism for the future.

Jilly’s Creative Studio teams up with Sweet Sensations by Steph for a hands-on Frost & Fall cake decorating workshop. Guided by Sweet Sensations by Steph, participants learn fun techniques, experiment with colorful frosting, and finish with festive Halloween sprinkles and decorations. Each person decorates a cake and takes it home. The autumn and Halloween theme makes it a fit for a girls night, a date, or a just-because creative outing. This is a special collaboration between Jilly’s Creative Studio and Sweet Sensations by Steph, and tickets are available with limited capacity.

Spend a day at Camellia Groves in Winter Haven, Florida picking fresh Florida lemons right from the trees. Explore the Camellia Market, browse local vendors, and find additional fruit like pumellos and finger limes. Enjoy live music from @troli bear while @lovecoffeewine offers specialty coffee and wine, with food from @fizassecretkitchen and @FLtopdog. Shop treats and handmade goods from @hugabeehoneyTM, Kayla's Crispy Pop Kettle Corn, @miarosegourmet, Sun-Flour Farm Stand, and Casita Crafts. Admission is free and no reservations are required. U-pick lemons are $35 per crate, and the Camellia Groves Recipe Collection makes its debut.

Young creators can dive into a hands-on slime workshop at Jilly’s Creative Studio in the Depot Arts District in Lakeland. Kids will blend and knead their own gooey masterpiece, add Halloween inspired touches, personalize the look and feel, then take their spooky slime home. Tickets are available and capacity is limited.

At The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille, this event brings people together for food and high-energy rock music in a friendly setting. It is centered on good company, something to eat, and an upbeat soundtrack.

Compete in an Advanced-format Yu-Gi-Oh locals with up to four rounds lasting 50 minutes each, played as best of three. The entry fee is $10 and includes two OTS packs at buy-in. For every two buy-ins, one additional OTS pack is added to prize support and distributed to the top performers, and first place earns a Special Winner OTS pack. Prize support also includes one booster pack for each match win, an extra booster for the top four, and a booster for any player who finishes without a match win.

Boktoberfest features a performance by The Brussel Sprouts German Polka Band on the Cafe Terrace. The Blue Palmetto Cafe will offer German-themed specials to complement the music. Admission is free for members and $20 for non-members.