Happy New Year! Did you miss us?

We hope you had a great holiday season with your loved ones and are excited for the year ahead. This is Winter Haven Wake — giving you all of the fun, local events coming up this week!

In today’s Winter Haven Wake:

Let’s go ⬇️

— Logan Byrd and Mike Romaine

Long before downtown Winter Haven was lined with coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques, it was a dusty stretch of road slowly filling with storefronts that served a growing town.

In the early 1900s, Central Avenue became Winter Haven’s commercial spine. General stores, drugstores, barber shops, hardware stores, and cafés opened one by one, creating a walkable downtown where residents could do nearly everything they needed in a single afternoon.

By the late 1920s, downtown was buzzing. The Williamson Theatre, known today as the Ritz, drew crowds after sunset, while hotels like the Haven welcomed winter visitors and locally owned shops filled Central Avenue with window displays and conversation.

Most of Winter Haven’s earliest businesses were family-run and deeply personal. Shop owners lived upstairs or just blocks away. Customers knew each other by name. Downtown was not just where people shopped. It was where the community gathered, shared news, and built relationships.

Many early downtown businesses planned their entire year around the winter season, extending hours and staffing up when northern visitors arrived, then scaling back during the quieter summer months.

Big news for coffee lovers: Concord Coffee is officially opening its Winter Haven location this Saturday, January 10th, and they’re celebrating with a giveaway.

The new coffee shop will be open from 7 AM – 5 PM, welcoming locals to check out the space and enjoy a cup of coffee right here in town.

To mark the opening, Concord Coffee is also giving away a $50 gift card. Anyone who shares their announcement post and tags a friend has a chance to win.

🐕️ Sadie is a silver and white senior female Siberian Husky with a calm presence and soulful eyes. Spayed and graceful, she carries herself with the quiet confidence that only comes from years of loyalty and love.

She’s been at the shelter since December 22nd and would make a wonderful companion for someone looking for a mellow, affectionate dog to share peaceful walks and cozy evenings.

ADOPT SADIE HERE

🐈️ Dipper is a gray tabby kitten Domestic Shorthair with big eyes, a cozy vibe, and just the right amount of curiosity. This neutered little guy is still young, gentle, and already showing signs of being a sweet companion who loves a warm blanket and a soft place to land.

He’s been at the shelter since December 18th and is ready to grow up in a home that can give him comfort, playtime, and plenty of love.

ADOPT DIPPER HERE

Check the event links for additional information.

TODAY Grove Roots Run Club | Thursday, January 8th | 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: Join us for the first Run Club of the new year! A great way to continue that new 2026 run streak, or stay on top of your fitness resolutions! Runners and walkers are welcome- route options include 1 mile or 5K.

Chair Yoga | Friday, January 9th | 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

Florida Strong Invitational | Friday - Sunday | 8AM Start Each Day ($15+)
Location: AdventHealth Fieldhouse
Description: Get ready for an exciting showcase of youthful talent and athleticism at the Florida Strong Invitational, a premier gymnastics competition. Hosted by Lightning City Gymnastics, the event features rising stars competing on the mat, beam, bars, and vault, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Florida Strong Fund. Event Schedule

Fitness at the Port | Saturday, January 10th | 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

Kayak Eco Tour | Saturday, January 10th | 9AM - 12PM ($40+)
Location: Lake Pansy
Description: The City of Winter Haven's Natural Resources Division is hosting a series of kayak ecotours on several local lakes. These tours are short—lasting up to three hours—but packed with information, offering residents and visitors a fun way to explore the lakes while learning about lake health, wildlife, plant life, and overall lake ecology. Event Info & Tickets

Line Dancing | Saturday, January 10th | 6PM - 9PM ($7+)
Location: Camp Margaritaville Auburndale
Description: A high-energy night of line dancing and nonstop fun! Hit the dance floor with DJ Gonzo and instructor Felicia Jones as they lead easy-to-learn routines set to great music and good vibes. Whether you’re a beginner or a regular on the floor, it’s the perfect night to dance, laugh, and move to the beat. Event Info & Tickets

Sunday Funday | Sunday, January 11th | 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

Visual Arts Exhibition Reception | Tuesday, January 13th | 6PM - 7PM (FREE)
Location: Harrison School for the Arts
Description: Harrison School for the Arts opens its gallery and reception to showcase the latest student creations. This free event is open to the public. Event Info

Trivia Tuesday | Tuesday, January 13th | 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: General knowledge trivia every Tuesday at GRB! Connie Sue’s Korean BBQ will be here this week! Event Info

Winter Haven Farmers Market | Saturday, January 10th | 9AM - 1PM (FREE)
NEW 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 | Saturday, January 10th | 9AM - 3PM (FREE)
Location: Central Park- Downtown Winter Haven
Description: A free, family- and pet-friendly market featuring arts, crafts, jewelry, food trucks, live music, and more. Facebook

Live Music Geri Blount | Friday, January 9th | 5:30PM (FREE)
Location: Bowen Yard
Description: Enjoy live music from Geri Blount while hanging at the yard!

Theatre OPENING NIGHT SHOUT! | Thursday, January 8th | 7PM ($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

Live Music Port 27 Band | Saturday, January 10th | 7PM - 10PM (FREE)
Location: Port 27
Description: Groove to the Port 27 Band while enjoying everything the space has to offer, including the True Amor Flower Truck. The Saturday after-party kicks off at 10PM. Event Info

Open Mic SmartMouth Live | Saturday, January 10th | 8PM ($20+)
Location: The Ritz Theatre
Description: SmartMouth Live- an open mic night, hosted by Jason Alexander, takes place every 2nd Saturday at The Ritz beginning this week. The event features a rotating lineup of local performers presenting music, comedy, poetry, and other live acts for audience enjoyment. Event Info

Spoken Word Creative Writing Event | Tuesday, January 13th | 7PM ($12)
Location: Harrison School for the Arts- Black Box Theatre
Description: Live readings from works created by students in the creative writing department from Harrison School for the Arts. Seating is limited. Event Info & Tickets

Theatre OPENING NIGHT Straight Outta FL | Wednesday, January 14th | 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

The Art of Comedy | Beginning Monday, January 12th | 7PM ($300)
Location: Laugh Out Lounge
Description: Looking for a new hobby or skill in 2026? Join this 8-week comedy workshop and learn the fundamentals of joke writing, stage presence, and public speaking—culminating in a live graduation show where you’ll perform your own set in front of an audience. Event Info & Registration

Thanks for reading Winter Haven Wake today.

Forward this to someone who is still dating everything as 2025.

- Logan and Mike

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