Good morning, Greater Winter Haven.

This is Winter Haven Wake — a little community joy, delivered weekly.

In today’s Winter Haven Wake:

Let’s go ⬇️

— Logan Byrd and Mike Romaine

Long before downtown Winter Haven was filled with coffee shops and restaurants, it was places like Kry’s Drugstore that brought people together.

In the early 1900s, drugstores weren’t just for prescriptions. They were social hubs. A long counter, a row of stools, and a soda fountain turned everyday errands into reasons to linger. Locals stopped in for a Coca-Cola, a cup of coffee, or a sandwich and stayed for conversation, news, and familiar faces.

By the 1920s and 1930s, downtown Winter Haven had settled into a rhythm. Central Avenue buzzed with foot traffic. Shop owners knew customers by name. Teenagers gathered after school. Business deals and community news were exchanged over drinks poured just a few feet from the pharmacy shelves.

Photos like this one from Kry’s Drugstore in the 1940s capture that slower, more personal pace of downtown life. It wasn’t about rushing in and out. It was about sitting down, staying awhile, and being part of the community.

Before cafés became destinations, this was the original version of “meeting for coffee” in Winter Haven. One stool, one soda, and one conversation at a time.

Port 27 Brewing Co is launching a brand-new collaboration brew: Yellow Seaplane Key Lime Blonde Ale. And they’re turning it into a full-on celebration this Saturday.

The release is a collaboration with Fly Brown’s Seaplane Base and marks the official start of seaplane air tours departing from Lake Hamilton.

The launch party takes place Saturday, January 24th at 11 AM at Port 27 and you can:

Beer release + seaplanes + Lake Hamilton = a pretty solid combo.

🐈️ Toni Nash is a brown tabby adult female Domestic Shorthair with striking green eyes and a personality that keeps things interesting. Friendly, playful, and affectionate, Toni loves to explore, make new friends, and soak up attention when she’s in the mood for cuddles.

She’s spayed, vaccinated, and full of curiosity — the kind of cat who brings energy and charm into every room she enters. Toni is ready to find a home where she can play, lounge, and be adored.

ADOPT TONI NASH HERE

🐕️ Harley is a black and tan adult Labrador Retriever & German Shepherd mix with a big heart and an even bigger smile. This playful, loyal girl loves people, enjoys her walks, and thinks every game of fetch is the best one yet.

Harley is spayed, vaccinated, crate trained, and does well with kids and other dogs her size. She’s affectionate, energetic, and happiest when she’s close to her people — whether that’s on a walk, playing with toys, or curling up at the end of the day.

ADOPT HARLEY HERE

Check the event links for additional information.

TODAY Grove Roots Run Club | Thursday, January 22nd | 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: A great way to kick off the weekend! Runners and walkers are welcome- route options include 1 mile or 5K.

Chair Yoga | Friday, January 23rd | 10:30AM - 11:30AM (FREE)
Location: Winter Haven Public Library- Multipurpose Room
Description: Activate the muscles that help you find length up through the spine for better posture and energy flow and improve your balance as you create stability in your core and flexibility in your joints. Class instructed by Kristie Renardson, space is limited. Event Info

Fitness at the Port | Saturday, January 17th | 9AM - 10AM ($15)
Location: Port 27
Description: A morning of fun and fitness at Port 27! Meditation and Rev/Flow classes happen simultaneously from 9am-10am. Event Info

Kiwanis 65th Annual Pancake Bash | Saturday, January 24th | 7AM - 11PM ($8)
Location: St. Johns United Methodist
Description: A community pancake bash benefiting local youth programs through the Kiwanis Foundation. Enjoy All-You-Can-Eat pancakes and sausage, family-friendly fun, music, games, and a feel-good morning that gives back. Children 5 & under eat free! Event Info

Winterfest | Saturday, January 24th | 2PM (FREE)
Location: Bowen Yard
Description: Gather at Bowen Yard for a day full of lights, winter games, food deals, and fun for the entire family! Event Info

Board Game Meet (18+) | Saturday, January 24th | 2:30PM - 5PM (FREE)
Location: Winter Haven Library
Description: Adults 18+ are invited to play a variety of provided board games! Come alone or bring your friends! Event Info

🔭 Starry, Starry Night | Saturday, January 24th | 11AM - 8:30PM ($20)
Location: Bok Tower Gardens
Description: Join us for a magical celebration of science and art, featuring a full day of events beginning at 11am and culminating in an unforgettable evening under the stars. Enjoy hands-on activities, animals, space-themed presentations from leading experts, opportunities to connect with a NASA ambassador, and telescope viewing guided by local astronomers. Event Info

Sunday Funday | Sunday, January 25th | 1PM - 6PM (FREE)
Location: The Ritz Theatre
Description: Sunday Funday at The Ritz Theatre is back with doors opening at 1:00 p.m., Nitro Bingo at 2:30 p.m. ($30 buy-in), and Tipsy Karaoke at 5:00 p.m., creating a full afternoon of fun and excitement. Come join the energy, laughter, and good vibes as you start your new favorite Sunday tradition! Event Info

Paws for Reading | Monday, January 26th | 3:30PM - 4:30PM (FREE)
Location: Auburndale Public Library
Description: Join Auburndale’s furry friend Sophie for reading time! Event Info

Lecture Series: Our Florida | Tuesday, January 27th | 5:30PM - 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Winter Haven Library
Description: The 2026 Winter Haven Public Library Lecture Series, Our Florida!, kicks off with a lecture by award-winning journalist Craig Pittman, presenting Welcome to Florida: True Tales from America’s Most Interesting State. The lecture begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Library Multi-Purpose Room, with doors opening at 5 p.m. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Event Info

Rock ‘n Learn | Tuesday, January 27th | 3:30PM - 4:30PM (FREE)
Location: Mulberry Phosphate Museum
Description: A monthly program designed for elementary aged students who are interested in the world beneath their feet! This hands-on earth science adventure invites young learners to explore rocks, minerals, fossils, and the natural processes that shape our planet. Event Info

Trivia Tuesday | Tuesday, January 27th | 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: General knowledge trivia every Tuesday at GRB. Gin Khao Food Truck will be at the brewery 5pm-9pm! Event Info

Art History for Kids | Wednesday, January 28th | 3:30PM (FREE)
Location: Mulberry Cultural Center
Description: Young artists will enjoy a hands-on creative project while learning about the historical piece and artist who inspired them! Event Info

Winter Haven Farmers Market | Saturday, January 24th | 9AM - 1PM (FREE)
Location: Along Magnolia Ave, Downtown Winter Haven
Description: Fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and local vendors. Located on Magnolia Ave (between 2nd & 3rd St SW), check them out on Facebook and Instagram for the weekly vendor list. The goal of Winter Haven Farmers Market is to support local vendors and offer a healthy foodie destination every Saturday morning in Winter Haven. Facebook | Instagram

Winter Haven Saturday Market | Sunday, January 24th | 9AM - 3PM (FREE)
Location: Central Park- Downtown Winter Haven
Description: Browse through over 100 vendors ranging from jewelry, local produce, crafts, books, spices, and more in Winter Haven’s Central Park. Event Info

GRB Market | Wednesday, January 28th | 6PM - 8:30PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: Browse through a local market while enjoying GRB’s best brews! La Casa de Mama Juana food truck will be serving from 5pm-9pm. Event Info

Live Music Youth Music Night | Friday, January 23rd | 5:30PM - 8PM (FREE)
Location: Bowen Yard
Description: Come out and support young Polk County musicians! Event Info

Live Music The Day Players | Saturday, January 24th | 5:30PM - 7PM ($60+)
Location: Ritz Theatre
Description: Stars from Days of Our Lives and General Hospital unite as The Day Players, a 90-minute acoustic performance featuring rich harmonies, storytelling, and music spanning decades, offering fans an up-close, unforgettable live experience. Doors open at 4pm. Event Info

Comedy Patrick Garrity (21+) | Friday & Saturday | 8PM [Doors 7PM] ($20+)
Location: Laugh Out Lounge
Description: Veteran stand-up comic Patrick Garrity brings his Never-Ending Tour to Laugh Out Lounge for two nights only, delivering road-tested comedy from a performer who’s spent decades touring nonstop and winning over audiences nationwide. Event Info & Tickets

Theatre Straight Outta FL | Wednesday, January 28th | 7PM ($35)
Location: GhostLight Lounge- Theatre Winter Haven
Description: Compton & Bennett deliver a fast-paced, 90-minute musical satire skewering the quirky underbelly of Florida. With two actors portraying six colorful characters, the show offers a sharp, inside look at the state’s culture, myths, and personalities through songs, sketches, and humor that only Florida could inspire. Event Info & Tickets

Variety Pin Up A GoGo (21+) | Wednesday, January 28th | 7PM ($35)
Location: Ritz Theatre
Description: Pinup A GoGo brings a glamorous, cheeky night of vintage-inspired fun to The Ritz Theatre, blending classic pinup style, burlesque flair, comedy, and high-energy variety performances. With sparkling costumes, bold personalities, and playful showmanship, this crowd-favorite showcase delivers a lively throwback experience for mature audiences. Event Info & Tickets

Theatre The Wizard of Oz | Various Dates & Times ($39)
Location: Theatre Winter Haven
Description: Follow the yellow brick road in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. The timeless tale, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, continues to thrill audiences worldwide. Performances run on various dates and times through February 15th. Event Info & Tickets

Theatre SHOUT! | Various Dates & Times | ($39)
Location: SecondStage- Theatre Winter Haven
Description: SHOUT! The Mod Musical is a high-energy celebration of the music, fashion, and freedom of the 1960s, featuring iconic songs like “Downtown,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” and “Goldfinger.” Following five young women coming of age in swinging London, the show traces a decade of cultural change and female empowerment with bold choreography, retro style, and humorous ‘60s sound bites. Performances run on various dates and times through January 25th. Event Info & Tickets

Thanks for reading Winter Haven Wake today.

Share it with a neighbor who loves Winter Haven as much as you do.

- Logan and Mike

Interested in advertising with us?

Have a minute to help us improve WH-Wake? Click here.