THE DIY Venue for CENTRAL FLORIDA'S Creative Underground
Founded in the summer of 2024, The Barter Box is Lakeland, Florida’s newest underground, community-rooted venue for live music, art shows, pop-ups, and alternative events. Our mission is to give voice to the subcultures often overlooked in Central Florida whether it’s EDM and bass music, hardcore, punk, metal, indie folk, or experimental art.
We operate out of an 800 Square Foot blank-space black box venue that offers an intimate but energized experience. Everything we do is low-to-the-ground, DIY, and community-driven. We’re powered by locals, for locals. As part of the Quint Kava Bar family, The Barter Box is a Cali sober space: alcohol-free by design, rooted in creating peace and safety for those healing from addiction or substance abuse. If you’re into weird shows, loud nights, and good people… then this is the place.
Live Sounds LOUD
- EDM/LIVE DJS/RAVES
- Alternative Rock/Metal/Punk/Hardcore
- Hip Hop
- Indie/Folk
From hardcore shows and DJ sets to stripped-down acoustic nights, The Barter Box is built for Lakeland’s live music underground. Our sound system is compact but punchy, perfect for intimate performances that feel raw and real. Ready to book your band or label showcase?
Do More Than Watch
- Karaoke
- Open Mic/Jams
- Pop-Up Markets/Swap and Sells
- Yoga
- Dance Meetups
Trivia, open mic, dance parties, plant swaps, yoga… Our flexible black box space supports it all. We welcome both community-led events and private bookings. Planning something unusual or niche? Let’s make it happen.
CULTURE UNFILTeRED
- Themed Nights (Goth Night, Emo Karaoke, Disco, etc.)
- LGBTQ+ Friendly
- PerfoRmance/Expressive/Immersive Art Experiences
- Art/Photography/Videography Space Available
We spotlight the artists, creators, and makers that don’t get the love they deserve through rotating pop-ups and immersive performances. If you’re looking to host a zine fest, experimental film night, or mixed media showcase, The Barter Box offers an open canvas.
BOOK THE BOX
The Barter Box is available for venue rentals, private parties, and pop-up events year-round. If you’re hosting a band, planning a workshop, or throwing a themed markets, we offer flexible rates and an easy booking process. As a black box-style venue, we’re ideal for:
DIY concerts and band showcases
Creative workshops and art events
Small Pop-up markets and community meetups
Underground music nights
Alternative culture events in Central Florida
Looking for a Lakeland event venue that actually supports the underground?
Event Calendar
Our live event calendar keeps you connected to everything happening at Lakeland’s underground DIY venue. We got high-energy hardcore, punk, and metal shows to bass-heavy EDM nights, indie folk sets, art exhibitions, and community pop-ups always happening. Here is your go-to schedule for alternative culture in Lakeland, Florida. This calendar is updated regularly and features all upcoming concerts, events, and rentals at The Barter Box, making it easy to plan your next night out. If you’re looking to catch your favorite local band, discover new artists, or host your own show in our little sober, community-rooted space, you’ll find it all right here.