Leisure Services 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. Winter Haven, Florida 33880 Phone: (863) 291-5656 Fax: (863) 291-5660 For more information about Leisure Services' offerings, please click here.

Special Events Application Form (PDF: 205KB)

19th Annual Shamrock, Walk & Run:

Downtown Winter Haven
Saturday, March 10    1 p.m.

Featuring a 5K, Kids' Races, Fun Walk, and Jog with your Dog, this annual Children's Library Fundraiser takes place in beautiful downtown Winter Haven.  Bring the family and enjoy great local food, music and lots of fun activities for children of all ages!  Visit www.rockwalkrun.com for registration information.

33rd Annual TD Bank Central Park Art Festival:

Central, Virginia Miller and South Parks
Saturday and Sunday, March 17 and 18    10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

This art festival has become one of the South's premier fine arts shows with some of the country's most accomplished artists, as well as rising stars, vying for the Ridge Art Best of Show Award.  Each spring, artists from across the country gather to participate in this successful Central Florida show.

In addition to artwork, there is great food and children can enjoy hands-on art in the children's area!  Contact the Ridge Art Association at 291-5661 for more information.

Egg Hunt:

MLK Park
Saturday, April 7    10 a.m. - noon

                           *Egg Hunt starts at 10 a.m. sharp!

The entire family will have an EGGcellent time at this fun-filled event!  Along with the egg hunt, this event also features face painting, balloon artists, bounce houses and much more!  For more information, contact the Senior Adult Center at 291-5870.

Admiral Eycleshimer's Cardboard Boat Race:

Lake Silver
Saturday, April 7    Building begins at 11 a.m., races begin at noon

Do you have what it takes to build a boat out of cardboard and race it? If you think you're up for the challenge, this event is for you  Races begin at noon with participants building their boats at 11 a.m.  This event is sponsored by the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce.  Contact the Chamber of Commerce at 293-2138 to register or for more information.

Farmers' Market:

Fourth Street, between Avenues D and E NW

Every Thursday    8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

*Farmers' Market will be relocated to the Downtown Trailhead Park on January 5.  Market hours will also change to 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Direct community farmers’ markets benefit Florida farmers by providing outlets for their produce and benefit customers by providing easy access to a wide variety of fresh, wholesome locally grown commodities. For information on reserving booth space, please call (863) 291-5870.

School Students Showcase Musical Talents:

Central Park
January 20, February 17, April 20    6:30 p.m.

Local school students are scheduled to showcase their musical talents in Central Park.  The schedule is as follows - January 20, Winter Haven Area Chorus, February 17, Caldwell Elementary and April 20, Jewett Academy.

Pickin' in the Park:

Central Park
First Friday of every month    6:30 - 8 p.m.

Come enjoy the musical talents of the band "Harmony Grits" as they perform music for the crowd to sing along with!  Bring your blanket or lawn chair and the band provides the song books for the newbies.  Contact Leisure Services at (863) 291-5656 for more information.

Rhythms of Life Drum Circle:

Central Park
Second Friday of every month    6:30 p.m.

Can you feel the beat? Open to anyone to play or just listen.  Bring your own percussion instrument such as a drum, sticks, triangle or shakers to join this free flowing drum experience.  No experience necessary and all ages are encouraged to participate. Contact Leisure Services at (863) 291-5656 for more information.

*No March Rhythms of Life Drum Circle due to Central Park Art Festival

Dulcimer Night:

Central Park
Fourth Friday of every month    5:30 p.m.

Play the dulcimer or just want to listen?  Dulcimer players are welcome to join in and everyone is welcome to listen to this beautiful instrument. Contact Leisure Services at (863) 291-5656 for more information.

Main Street Market Day:

Virginia Miller Park

First Saturday of every month    8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

This is a monthly vendor market where the community can purchase fresh goods such as candles, plants, vegetables, soaps and more!  Contact Main Street Winter Haven at 295-9422 for more information or to become a vendor.

Cruisin' Winter Haven:

Car Show and Cruise FREE!
Downtown Winter Haven
First Saturday of every month    4 - 9 p.m.

Experience the one-of-a-kind car show.  Enjoy great music from the 50's along with a cruising display of all the cars at the end of the evening (approximately 8:15).  Event features vendors, activities for families and children, entertainment, door prizes and raffles. Contact Leisure Services at (863) 291-5656 for more information.

My Winter Haven Art Exhibit: It Starts In Parks:

August 12 thru June 28 (2012) - City Hall

The City of Winter Haven and the Ridge Art Association present the third installment of the My Winter Haven Art Exhibit showcasing local artists and local points of interest. This year's theme is It Starts In Parks and will highlight Winter Haven's parks and recreation venues and the people who use them.  For more information on this exhibit or others scheduled for the RAA Gallery, please call 291-5661. 

Art & Gallery:

Ridge Art Association
210 Cypress Gardens Boulevard
Winter Haven, Florida 33880
(863) 291-5661

www.ridgeart.org

The mission of the Ridge Art Association is to educate and promote understanding of the visual arts and to sponsor cultural events within the community.

For five decades, Ridge Art Association, Inc. has functioned as a cultural organization for the general public, to stimulate awareness and appreciation of the fine arts through exhibitions and educational programs.

Located in Winter Haven’s Chain O’ Lakes Civic Center, the Association is governed by a Board of Directors, staffed by a salaried employee and benefits from the efforts of countless volunteers to achieve its goals.

Income is derived from membership dues, exhibition sponsors, competition entry fees, private and corporate donations and the City of Winter Haven. The Association is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation; donations are tax-deductible.

As a member, you’ll be invited to our opening receptions and special events, enjoy reduced fees for classes and receive a discount on fees to enter competitions. As a member, you’re participating in our efforts to promote young artists and students in their educational and artistic pursuits. As a member, you make possible our outstanding exhibitions.

Your tax-deductible annual dues and donations enable us to provide the fine arts activities that are vital to the quality of life in our community. We cordially invite you to support all that Ridge Art Association brings to the area this season.

Membership Categories:
Platinum Palette $ 2,500
Golden Palette $1,000
Silver Palette $500
Benefactor $250
Patron $125
Family $50
Individual $30
Student (21 and under) $25
Senior (60 and over) $25

Aviation Exhibition
Winter Haven Municipal Airport
Ongoing - May 1

The 62nd Anniversary Fine Arts Exhibition
January 12 - February 5

The Young Artists' Show
February 23 - March 18

TD Bank Central Park Art Festival
March 17 & 18

Art From Found Objects
April 12 - May 2

Theatre Productions:


Theatre Winter Haven
210 Cypress Gardens Boulevard
Winter Haven, Florida 33880

Box Office: (863) 294-SHOW (7469)
Business Office: (863) 299-2672
Fax: (863) 291-3299

www.theatrewinterhaven.com

Since our founding as a non-profit organization in 1970, our mission has been to nurture the cultural growth of the community by providing quality live theater through presentation, participation and training.

With a well-rounded program, Theatre Winter Haven offers main-stage productions for adults, a complete Theatre for Young People program, in-school and after school classes, a touring program for young adults and a summer musical. A professional staff of eight oversees the entire program, and professional artists are brought in from around the state to direct, design and perform.

Nine productions per year, plus a play-reading series.
More than 32,000 tickets sold annually.
More than 100 performances annually.
More than 7,000 volunteer hours donated annually.
More than 3,400 annual subscribers.

Ticket Prices:
Students $19, Adults $20

Theatre Box office hours:
Weeks with mainstage performance
Tuesday - Saturday: 1 - 6 p.m.

Weeks without mainstage performace
Tuesday - Thursday: 1 - 4 p.m.

Please contact the box office at (863) 294-7469 for more information.

The Marvelous Wonderettes
January 12 - February 5

12th Annual Gathering of Angels
January 21

Buddy
February 23 - March 18

Neil Simon's Rumors
April 12 - 29