Make plans to be a part of the Lake Wales Arts Festival this weekend, Friday, Feb. 21 – Sun., Feb. 23, 2025 on the shores of Lake Wailes, 33 N. Lakeshore Blvd.
Kick off the LWAF with Art-B-Que: BBQ, live music, and fun by the Lake. Art-B-Que is an exciting event that combines mouthwatering BBQ, refreshing drinks, and live music, all set against the scenic backdrop of Lake Wailes. It begins at 5:00 p.m., offering an unforgettable evening of food, entertainment, and community spirit.
Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner, two beverage tickets, and live music to set the tone for the weekend. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or simply looking for a fun night out, this event has something for everyone. Bring the whole family—kids 12 and under eat free! Seating is limited, so be sure to grab your tickets in advance as dinner tickets will not be available at the door.
Happy Hour begins at 5:00 p.m, followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m., and live music from 7-9 p.m. A cash bar will be available.
This event marks the kick-off to the 54th Annual Lake Wales Arts Festival, a cherished 54- year tradition celebrating creativity and the arts. With over 60 fine artists and artisans showcasing their original work, the festival is a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community.
Visitors can explore the festival grounds, discover one-of-a-kind art pieces, and enjoy the LWAF Tasting Trail, featuring local brews and wines from Florida-area breweries and wineries.
Amelia Updike, a founding member of the Lake Wales Arts Festival, said, “The Lake Wales Arts Festival is a true celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring legacy of the arts in our city. As a longtime member of the Lake Wales Chorale and a cantor at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, I have seen firsthand how the arts bring people together, inspire expression, and enrich lives. Supporting the arts has been a passion in my family for generations—beginning with my mother-in-law, Fran Updike, who was not only a talented painter but also a champion for local artists and a driving force behind the founding of the Lake Wales Arts Council. Her dedication to the arts shaped this community, and I am honored to continue that tradition by supporting this incredible festival. I encourage everyone to come experience the beauty, talent, and creativity that make the Lake Wales Arts Festival such a special event!”
The LWAF runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m on both Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025:
10 AM
Festival Opens
Student Art Show Awards; Location: Community Hospitality Tent
10 AM – 4 PM
Hands-on Art Activities, Polk County Kids Tag Art, & Pottery Tryouts; Location: Family Art Activity Tent
11 AM – 3 PM
Tasting Trail; Location: Tasting Trail Tents
12 – 2 PM
Performance: Sandy’s Music Girls; Location: Community Hospitality Tent
2 – 3 PM
Performance: Silver Belles; Location: Community Hospitality Tent
3 – 3:30 PM
Performance: Maribeth Mundell; Location: Community Hospitality Tent
4 PM
Exhibitor Booths Close for the Day
4 PM
Artist Awards & Happy Hour; Location: Community Hospitality Tent
Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025:
10 AM
Festival Opens
10:30 – 11 AM
Performance: Maribeth Mundell; Location: Community Hospitality Tent
11 AM – 3 PM
Tasting Trail; Location: Tasting Trail Tents
12 – 1 PM
Performance: Sandy’s Music Girls; Location: Community Hospitality Tent
12 – 4 PM
Hands-on Art Activities, Instrument Petting Zoo, & Pottery Tryouts; Location: Family Art Activity Tent
1 – 2 PM
Performance: Arkansas Trainwreck; Location: Community Hospitality Tent
2 – 3 PM
Performance: Dot Reiser; Location: Community Hospitality Tent
3 – 4 PM
Performance: Sandy’s Music Girls; Location: Community Hospitality Tent
4 PM
Festival Closes
Lake Wales Arts Council Executive Director, Tommy Frank, says, “The tradition of the Lake Wales Arts Festival signifies this community’s longstanding commitment to creativity and the Arts. From its humble beginnings in the Publix Southgate shopping center to its sixteen year stretch in downtown Lake Wales to its move to Lake Wailes Park, the festival has evolved to become a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors alike.”
“The Arts Festival maintains a strong commitment to the artist exhibitors who are invited by creating a full weekend festival that entices visitors and patrons to do more than simply look at art. In the tranquil setting of Lake Wailes Park, patrons can hear great music from local performers, enjoy hands-on art activities for children, sip samples from the Tasting Trail and lounge comfortably while pondering a purchase from an artist. Oftentimes, giving folks a variety of reasons to stay helps to encourage would-be shoppers into art-loving purchasers, taking their new art piece to their home collection or adding it to the business office. We’ve even had teachers collect pieces to display in their classrooms for their students to enjoy.”
“Art-B-Que is one of the many events that I love during the Arts Festival weekend. It brings patrons and artists together who might not get to see each other but once a year. The barbeque served is always great; this year coming from Blackburns BBQ in Eagle Lake. The music is always lively; this year featuring performances from King Rab, Alina, Brittany Donaldson, Veelynnuh and music from DJ Fadez.”
Admission to the Festival is free. For more information or to purchase tickets to the Art-B-Cue, please call (863) 676-8426, visit www.lakewalesartscouncil.org, or email [email protected].
See you by the lake!
