America 250 highlights robust arts schedule for fall 2026

Posted on by Polk Newsroom

With the Fall 2026 Semester set to get underway, The Arts at Polk State College will again offer a robust schedule – this time while recognizing 250 years of America.

In honor of the nation’s semi-quincentennial birthday, galleries in Winter Haven and Lakeland will each host a patriotic theme this fall. All exhibits and receptions are free and open to the public from Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Winter Haven Fine Arts Gallery will feature Our Flag in American Art from Sept. 1 through Oct. 30. The exhibit will display distinguished loaned works from artists spanning multiple generations, highlighting the evolving symbolism of the American flag and national identity. The reception for the gallery is scheduled for Sept. 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Lakeland Art Gallery will close America’s 250th year and begin its 251st with the Capturing America exhibit, which runs from Oct. 19, 2026, through Jan. 30, 2027. The photography exhibit is also a contest open to all students, faculty, staff and community members. The display will feature photos from across the nation that capture the essence of America. The reception is scheduled for Nov. 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The exhibits are among more than a dozen events in store for the Fall 2026 Semester. That includes the time-tested community favorite, FallFest, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 10. The Polk State Theatre Department kicks off its 2026-27 season in November with Seussical the Musical, based on the works of Dr. Seuss. Shows take place from Nov. 13 through 15 and from Nov. 19 through 22.

The Polk State Music Department will host four concerts this fall, capped with its Winter Concert on Dec. 5. The Chain O’Lakes Big Band will also hold performances in the recently renovated state-of-the-art Winter Haven Fine Arts Theatre on Sept. 13, Oct. 11 and Dec. 13 – all at 2 p.m.

The Arts at Polk State offers the Associate in Arts degree with transfer intents in several areas, including music, theatre and visual arts. General education courses paired with world-class training in The Arts prepare students to transfer seamlessly to a four-year university to continue their art education and careers.

The full fall schedule, tickets and more information are available online at polk.edu/boxoffice or by calling 863.297.1050. Polk State students and employees receive discounts and/or free entry to many events with their College IDs. All events are open to the public.