Good morning, Greater Winter Haven.

This is Winter Haven Wake — the air’s cooler, the pumpkins are out, and Winter Haven’s weekend plans are brewing like a witch’s cauldron.

In today’s Winter Haven Wake:

Let’s get to it.

— Logan Byrd and Mike Romaine

Long before Winter Haven became known for lakes and LEGOs, it was a baseball town.

In 1928, city leaders built Denison Field, a 2,500-seat ballpark just west of downtown.

That spring, the Philadelphia Phillies rolled into town for training and suddenly, Winter Haven found itself in the big leagues.

For nearly a decade, the Phillies called Denison home every spring, drawing crowds from all over Polk County. Locals packed the stands to see future stars take batting practice, kids chased foul balls into the street, and businesses proudly advertised themselves as “home of the Phillies.”

After the Phillies moved on, Denison Field hosted the New York Giants in 1940 and later became a stage for countless local leagues, community events, and high-school games.

Winter Haven Run Club is a free run club that meets 2 times a week and always open to anyone who wants to join!

Come out and run (or walk):

Interested in joining?

Big news for local coffee lovers — Concord Coffee is officially setting up shop in Downtown Winter Haven.

A longtime favorite in Lakeland, Concord built its reputation on high-quality brews, simple design, and a community-first atmosphere. Now, they’re bringing that same energy east to Winter Haven with plans to open by the end of this year.

The new space will feature their signature handcrafted coffee, house-made syrups, and a warm, welcoming environment that fits right in with the growing downtown scene.

Stay tuned for updates on the buildout and official opening date — we’ll be keeping an eye out for when those first lattes start pouring.

🐈‍⬛ Morgana is a young, small female Domestic Short Hair with a magical tortoiseshell coat and bright golden eyes that could charm anyone.

She’s spayed, curious, and perfectly content to rule your home from her favorite sunlit perch — with just enough mischief to keep things interesting. Morgana is currently at Polk County Animal Shelter waiting to meet you!

ADOPT MORGANA HERE.

🐶 Meet Boyd, a young, medium-sized male Labrador Retriever mix with a heart as big as his smile. He’s the kind of dog who’s always ready for a walk, a treat, or a new best friend.

Friendly, loyal, and already neutered, Boyd’s ready to bring some serious tail-wagging energy into your home. Stop by the Polk County Animal Shelter to see if Boyd is your family’s missing piece!

ADOPT BOYD HERE.

Check the event links for additional information.

Costume Paddle & Contest | Saturday, October 25th | 10am ($10+)
Location: Lake Summit Park West
Description: Hosted by Paddleboard Winter Haven, participants vote for the best costume and enjoy a fun, Halloween-themed paddle on the water. This 1.5-hour guided tour is open to all skill levels and includes instruction, equipment (if needed), and safety support. Cost is $35 with equipment or $10 if you bring your own board. Event Info

Banana George Barefoot Bananza | Saturday & Sunday- Schedule Below (FREE)
Location: MLK Park/ Lake Silver
Description: A two-day barefoot water ski tournament held in honor of the legendary Banana George Blair, this event continues his legacy by raising funds for one of his most cherished causes: the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship Fund. Skiing begins at 8am on Saturday, October 25th and continues at 8:30am on Sunday, October 26th. Event Info

Halloween Pro Truck 50 | Saturday, October 25th | 6PM ($20 cash)
Location: Auburndale Speedway
Description: An action-packed night headlined by the Pro Truck 50. The excitement continues with Crown Vics, Street Stocks, Pure Stocks, and Mod Minis for a full night of short track racing fun! Event Info

Spooktacular Show & Costume Contest | Saturday, October 25th | 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: MLK Park/ Lake Silver
Description: Walking distance from Downtown Winter Haven, catch Cypress Gardens Ski Team’s Spooktacular Ski Show and Costume Contest! Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. Event Info

Sunset Kayak Tour | Wednesday, October 29th | 5PM (FREE)
Location: Lake Smart
Description: The City of Winter Haven’s Natural Resources Division is hosting this guided Sunset Kayak Ecotour, giving residents and visitors a chance to enjoy time on the lake while learning about local wildlife, plant life, and overall lake ecology. This informative, family-friendly paddle provides a unique way to experience the beauty and natural health of our lakes at sunset. Event Info

Wingtoberfest | Friday & Saturday | ($10)
Location: 2400 Dundee Road, Winter Haven
Description: Wingtoberfest is a two-day celebration of wings, music, and community—packed with bold flavors, live entertainment, and non-stop fun for all ages. Hosted by Southern Charities, this high-energy festival offers delicious food, vibrant music, and a lively atmosphere the whole community can enjoy. Event Info

Haunted House | Saturday, October 25th | 6:30PM - 9:30PM ($8+)
Location: Camp Margaritaville Auburndale
Description: Your ticket grants unlimited walks through the Haunted House during operating hours—because one scare is never enough! Enjoy live music, food, drinks, and additional Halloween fun, with a portion of proceeds benefiting The Academy of Spectrum Diversity, Inc. Event Info & Tickets

Touch-a-Truck | Saturday, October 25th | 9AM - 2PM (FREE)
Location: Winter Haven Regional Airport
Description: This hands-on event gives kids and adults the chance to explore vehicles of all kinds, climb aboard, meet first responders, and enjoy interactive demos every 30 minutes. You can also experience obstacle courses, CSI and public safety exhibits, and new technology displays for a full day of learning and fun. Event Info

Carving with a Cop | Wednesday, October 29th | 6:30PM - 8:30PM (FREE)
Location: Camp Margaritaville Auburndale
Description: This free event is open to all ghouls & goblins. Come carve pumpkins with local law enforcement heroes! There will be crafts, games, and a hayride around the resort. Food & Beverage will be available for purchase. Event Info

Fall Plant Sale & Zinnia U-Pick | Friday & Saturday | 9AM - 2PM (FREE)
Location: Sow Exotic
Description: A huge plant sale featuring fruit trees, herbs, edible plants, and gardening supplies, along with U-pick zinnias and free florist demos with flower purchases. Stay for local vendors offering coffee, baked goods, jams, and more to make it a perfect fall outing. Event Info

Winter Haven Farmers Market | Saturday, October 25th | 9AM - 1PM (FREE)
Location: NE Corner of 3rd Street and Ave C SW
Description: Fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and local vendors.

Winter Haven Saturday Market | Saturday, October 25th | 9AM - 3PM (FREE)
Location: Central Park
Description: A free, family- and pet-friendly market featuring arts, crafts, jewelry, food trucks, live music, and more. This week, there’s even a costume contest and special prizes from vendor- like trick or treating for adults! Event Info

Paradise Market | Sunday, October 26th | 9AM - 1PM (FREE)
Location: Camp Margaritaville Auburndale
Description: This indoor market features over 60 vendors offering baked goods, artwork, home décor, boutique clothing, and more. Open to the public and resort guests. Event Info

Live Music Summit Kings | Friday, October 24th | 7PM (FREE)
Location: Tanners Lakeside
Description: See the local Blues, Classic, and Southern Rock band. Event Info

Live Music Youth Music Night | Saturday, October 25th | 5:30PM - 8PM (FREE)
Location: Bowen Yard
Description: Free, family- friendly live music featuring two brand new bands! Sponsored by Cordero Music, the night starts with a set from Count the Ways, followed by Southbound Mercy. Don’t miss a chance to support Winter Haven’s young musicians! Event Info

LAST CHANCE Disney’s Frozen | Showtimes September 25th - October 26th ($39)
Location: Theatre Winter Haven- The MainStage
Description: Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s Frozen includes all the film’s beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written exclusively for the stage. Event Info & Tickets

LAST CHANCE Love Quest | Showtimes October 1st - October 26th ($45)
Location: Theatre Winter Haven- Norman & Linda Small Second Stage
Description: Love Quest explores the journeys of two women in the perilous world of online dating. Each has started with different goals and they both find something they didn’t expect. Starring Linda Purl and Patrick Duffy! Event Info & Tickets

Comedy Divalicious | Wednesday, October 29th | 7PM ($35)
Location: Ritz Theatre
Description: Divalicious is a fast-paced, one-woman comedy and celebrity-impersonation show starring Holly Faris, who brings iconic divas like Joan Rivers, Liza Minnelli, Tina Turner, and Cher to life with spot-on impressions, music, and outrageous humor. Blending laughter and over-the-top glamour, it delivers an unforgettable night of dazzling entertainment and pure star power. Event Info & Tickets

21+ Halloween Carnival | Saturday, October 25th | 4PM - CLOSE ($5+)
Location: Barrel 239
Description: Celebrate Halloween at Barrel 239’s second annual Halloween Carnival, packed with spooky décor, themed drinks, contests, and entertainment including bull riding, carnival games, fortune telling, a DJ, and a costume contest. Enjoy a full night of festive fun with creepy cocktails, photo ops, giveaways, and non-stop Halloween excitement. Event Info & Tickets

Thanks for reading Winter Haven Wake today.

Forward this to someone who’s watching Hocus Pocus for the fifth time this month.

- Logan and Mike

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