What are you doing this weekend? Here are the top things to do around Polk

As you pack away your jack-o-lanterns, Frankenstein masks, bunny ears or whatever else you decided do don for Halloween antics, it’s time to keep an eye out on more of the fall festivities permeating across Polk County.

As doses of cooler air have begun wafting into the area, many locales are ramping out outdoor activities and keeping the fun rolling along inside.

So, if you’re looking to burn some calories from too much candy or just wanting to have some fun before the Thanksgiving calories set in, here are a handful of great things to do this week in Polk County for a fall diversion.

Art Crawl in downtown Lakeland Sunday

Art Crawl, a family and pet-friendly festival of art, entertainment and hands-on activities, is in its 10th year in downtown Lakeland. More than 60 local artists will display and sell their artwork and compete for prizes on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Ever seen an Art War? Ten participants are given a surprise box of random art supplies, a 3-by-6-foot panel and four hours to create. This is the first year the event takes place at Swan Brewing and along the shores of Lake Wire. The festival has added more hands-on activities by local organizations like the Florida Children’s Museum and Blick Art Materials from Tampa. There will be a live chalk art demonstration with local chalk artist Tim Ritter, along with a live mural creation. The event includes food trucks, live dance performances, music from DJ Jenks and more. There is no admission cost. For more information, see artcrawlfl.com.

"Cinderella" by Harrison School for the Arts

The Harrison School for the Arts opens its production of “Cinderella” at 7 p.m. Thursday, in the Harrison Theatre, 750 Hollingsworth Road, Lakeland. There also will be performances at 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Student and senior tickets $16; adults, $18. For information, see https://tinyurl.com/mt84e88h or call 864-499-2855.

Michael McArthur at the Polk Museum

Lakeland native Michael McArthur will bring his rock-, soul-, Americana- and folk-based songs of introspection and reflection to Lakeland’s Polk Museum of Art for an intimate show at 8 p.m. Saturday. He’s steadily released a stream of singles, EPs and albums since 2012. In January 2019, he released his debut full-length album and first release, “Ever Green, Ever Rain,” produced by multiple-Grammy winning producer Ryan Freeland and recorded at United Recording Studios on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California. Over the years, he’s known for having solo acoustic shows in the homes of his fans. Tickets are $25 and will not be available at the door. For information, see www.michaelmcarthurmusic.com/store/polkmuseum or call 863-688-7743.

Harvest Festi-Fall in Dundee

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, the Dundee Parks and Recreation Department will hold its free Harvest Festi-Fall in East Central Park, Lake Mabel Loop Road. This free family event will feature a pumpkin patch, games, crafts, an area to collect candy from local businesses as well as an area just for young children and toddlers. There will also be an inflatables area, an obstacle course and local food vendors. This event is hosted in conjunction with the Town of Dundee, which will be providing a hayride. For information, see www.polk-county.net/events/harvest-fest-fall/ or call 863-534-6000.

"Nam – A Musical Drama of the Vietnam War"

Venice playwright and former Polk State College adjunct professor Vincent Scarsella presents his play “Nam – A Musical Drama of the Vietnam War” at Stage Room Lakeland, 310 E. Lemon St. Lakeland. Shows are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. The musical drama involves two brothers who confront the Vietnam War from opposite sides. One joins the U.S. Army to fight the spread of communism while the other leads war protests to save America. The play goes from the jungles of Vietnam to the college campus and follows the brothers on their conflicting journeys, all highlighted by the era's music. For information, see https://tinyurl.com/bdhyuz7k or call 863-354-1864.

A huge cultural impact Polk County arts group will induct six into Hall of Fame

Meet the Authors: “Florida: A History in Pictures”

Authors Mike McGinness and Jeff Davies will be the guest speakers for the Lake Alfred Historical Society on Saturday at 3 p.m. The free presentation is in the Gardner House, 275 N. Rochelle Ave., Lake Alfred. Their book stems from their Facebook group page by the same name, and they will share how the state had its beginnings through more than 130 photographs ― many of them seen for the first time. Books will be available for purchase. For information, see Facebook: Meet the Authors – Florida: A History in Pictures or call 863-875-5960.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Top things in Polk: An Art Crawl, music, plays or history in pictures