Lake Wales, Florida: Things to Do, Events, and How the City Works
What’s happening on the Ridge
Things to do in Lake Wales →Florida Slice city records & map →Presented by BackTier · Lake Wales entrepreneurs
Lake Wales Startup Night
Bring an idea. Meet interesting people. Build something. Founder talks, business pitches, networking and a hands-on Founder Lab in downtown Lake Wales.
Next up · Wednesday, November 18, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Start Smart — Know Your Numbers + Get Found OnlineThe Thirsty Dragon — 126 N 1st St, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Start Smart — Know Your Numbers + Get Found OnlineThe Thirsty Dragon
Wednesday, January 13, 2027 · 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Pitch Your Business Idea!Lake Wales Latte Lounge Coffee and Bookshop
Wednesday, February 10, 2027 · 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Idea Awards and Mastermind GroupDowntown Pizza & Sports Bar
Saturday, February 27, 2027 · 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
One-Day Shark Tank ChallengeDowntown Pizza & Sports Bar
Wednesday, March 10, 2027 · 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Founder Lab RecapLake Wales
Registration, current ticket prices and any waitlist stay on Eventbrite.
Start here
Seven systems, one guide
Each card summarizes a system and opens the dedicated view that owns the full data.
Today / tonight
Today and tonight
Checking today's sheet
Start times, addresses, and directions for what's on today.
Open today →
This weekend
Friday through Sunday
Checking the weekend
Markets, festivals, and music across the Ridge.
Open weekend →
Calendar
Every upcoming date
43 upcoming events
Search, city filters, and a map view.
Open calendar →
Civic
How Lake Wales works
5 bodies · 4 projects
Commission, boards, budget, the CRA, and capital projects — from public records.
- 8 city departments mapped
- +2 more
Open civic guide →
Places
Restaurants, bars & the directory
131 verified places
Verified listings with hours, cuisine, and phone numbers — each carrying its own confidence state.
- Old Man Franks · Winter Haven
- +2 more
Open directory →
Around the Ridge
Nearby cities & neighborhoods
9 nearby areas
Winter Haven, Bartow, Haines City, Frostproof, Dundee, and the rest of the ridge — with their own hubs.
- Bartow · 25 min
- +2 more
Open nearby →
Recent reporting
Notes from the Ridge
23 published posts
Original write-ups on events, civic decisions, and where to go next.
- October 7, 2026 · October 2026 in Lake Wales and Polk County: what to plan around
- +2 more
Open the blog →
Calendar archive — past events & details →Schedules change. We verify listings regularly, but confirm important details with the organizer before traveling.