Central Florida is rolling out the red carpet for an extraordinary lineup of festivals, markets, concerts, and family-friendly gatherings this late February and March. From Lakeland’s bustling record fair to Eustis’s historic Georgefest, and from dazzling circus performances to heartfelt community galas, there’s a little something for everyone to pencil into their calendars.
In Lakeland, the month kicks off with the much-anticipated Lakeland Record Fair, Vol. VII, happening Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the Lake Mirror Auditorium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For just $5 at the door, music lovers can sift through hundreds of vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, and memorabilia—a true paradise for collectors and audiophiles alike, according to LALtoday.
If you’re drawn more to the outdoors and the beauty of spring, Lakeland’s Spring Obsession 2026 on Saturday, March 14, at Munn Park offers a free, all-day event where specialty plant vendors transform the park into a lush garden market. Meanwhile, punk enthusiasts can mark their calendars for the Lakeland Punk Rock Flea Market: Volume 12, slated for Sunday, March 29, at Swan Brewing, where bands and vendors promise a lively, unconventional afternoon.
Just a short drive away, Plant City’s Florida Strawberry Festival runs from March 1 through March 8, filling each day with headliner concerts, midway rides, crafts, and family fun for as little as $4 admission. Bartow Bloomin’ Arts (March 7-8) and Friday Fest: St. Paddy’s Unparade (March 20) in downtown Bartow keep the creative and community spirit alive with free art displays, entertainment, and parades.
Winter Haven’s Bark in the Park on March 27 at Central Park is a must for dog lovers, featuring the annual Wiener Dog Race and pet-centric shopping, all with free entry. For those looking to get social, The Art of Tablescaping (March 7, $25+), the Lakeland City Commission SUN ‘n FUN Breakfast (March 11, $30), and the Spring Break Line Dancing Party (March 14, $5+) offer opportunities to mingle, learn, and dance the night away.
Music and the arts are front and center throughout the region. The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra’s Cookie Concert (March 1, free) at Branscomb Auditorium promises a family-friendly afternoon with a side of Publix cookies, while the main Rhapsody & Radiance concert (March 7, $30+) delivers fiery classical selections. “Video Games Live” (March 14, $75+) brings a unique blend of music and light show, featuring iconic video game soundtracks. Ballet lovers won’t want to miss “Swan Lake” on March 25 at the RP Funding Center, where the World Ballet Company’s 50 dancers and a live orchestra promise a powerful performance.
Charity and cause-driven events also abound. Voices: Music for a Cause (March 7, $40+) at the Historic Ritz Theatre features Broadway-caliber performances to support at-risk youth, while the Mom Prom on March 28 at Union Hall ($50) raises funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida. The 5th Annual Jazz Under the Trees (March 28, $50+) at Historic Glover School in Plant City invites guests to enjoy live jazz, food, and community vibes under the open sky.
Foodies and families can indulge at the Central Florida Food Truck Rally (March 7, $13) in Winter Haven, or test their taste buds at the Mulberry Chili Cook-Off (March 14, free). Young chefs can join the Spring Break Cooking Camp: Florida Sunshine (March 16-19, $98+), while Bonnet Springs Park’s Spring Break activities (March 16-20, free) offer daily STEAM fun for all ages.
For those with active inclinations, the Relay for Life of Polk County (March 13, donations accepted) and the Bonnet Springs Park 5K (March 28, $48.70) provide opportunities to support cancer research and enjoy the great outdoors.
Meanwhile, Lake and Sumter counties are alive with their own unique celebrations. Eustis’s 124th annual Georgefest, running through February 28, is the oldest continuous annual festival in Lake County. The eight-day event, as reported by USA Today Network, features concerts, live shows, carnival rides, food, and games. The grand finale on Saturday, February 28, includes the Humane Society’s Dog Jog, a parade, Allen Stone’s free concert, and fireworks lighting up Ferran Park.
For fans of the spectacular, Cirque Italia Water Circus brings its European-style, animal-free show to Lake Square Mall from February 27 to March 2, featuring aerialists, contortionists, and BMX bikers performing amid dazzling water effects. Comedy lovers can catch Paul Reiser at The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center in The Villages on February 27, or see Jay Leno and Arsenio Hall co-headline at The Tracy Performing Arts Center in Sumterville on February 28.
The region’s theater scene shines with “The Do-Over Diner” at Grand Oaks Resort (February 20, 21, 27, 28) and “Kim’s Convenience” at The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol through March 14, including an American Sign Language performance on March 3. The Men of Distinction Black Heritage Gala (February 27, $35) at The Venetian Center in Leesburg celebrates local leaders and legacy with an evening of elegance and recognition.
Community engagement takes center stage with Leesburg in Bloom’s pollinator garden planting (February 28, 8 a.m. at Leesburg Public Library), the Howey Artisan Market at Mission Resort & Club (February 28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and the “Boots & Sunflowers” father-daughter dance (February 28, $40 per couple) in Leesburg. Magic, comedy, and dance come together at Rick Thomas’s Mansion of Dreams show (February 28, The Sharon, The Villages).
Looking ahead, the Italian American Street Festival in Leesburg (March 1) and Amber Brooke Farms’ Strawberry Festival in Eustis (February 28-March 15) promise more reasons to explore, eat, and play. Whether you’re a music buff, foodie, gardener, or simply seeking family fun, Central Florida’s late winter and early spring events calendar is bursting with options.
With so much happening across Lakeland, Lake, and Sumter counties, it’s clear that the region’s sense of community, creativity, and celebration is alive and well—inviting residents and visitors alike to make memories and discover something new this season.