There is no better time to tool around Tampa than during the spring! As always, Buy Owner has the inside scoop on the happenings around town.

• OUTDOOR EVENTS allow you to get out in the sunshine and experience all that Tampa has to offer!

Island Fest: The theme of Island Fest is called “Land, Air & Sea!” Bring everyone together for free airplane rides, youth sailing demonstrations, live entertainment and art/vendor exhibitions! There are also plenty of food and drink stands to keep you going throughout the day. This event takes place on Saturday, April 18.

Taste of New Tampa: The 16th Annual Taste of New Tampa is being held on Sunday, April 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. It’s a Health and Business Expo coupled with the Taste of Local Area Restaurants to raise money for local charities. Local area restaurants come together with the local business and medical professionals to raise money for local children’s charities. On the day of the event, adults pay $15, children over the age of five pay $10 and those five and under are free. Visit NewTampa.org for more info.

Arthritis Walk: There is plenty of time to frolic around Tampa during the spring. But how about participating in a fun event that raises awareness? The Arthritis Walk is taking place at Al Lopez Park in Tampa on Sunday, May 2. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk starts at 9 a.m. You can choose between a one-mile or three-mile walk route. If you can’t make out to the walk, you can still donate to the cause!

• TAMPA SPORTS begin with a bang! Baseball is back! The Tampa Bay Rays had a winning season last year and made it all the way to the World Series. Their upsetting fall to the Philadelphia Phillies should fuel their desire to play hard and get back to the big game this October. The 2008 Rookie of the Year, Evan Longoria, hopes to lead the AL in homeruns and take his team to victory this time around.

And just because the hockey season is over for the Tampa Bay Lightning, it doesn’t mean that the fans have to stop supporting the team! You can always volunteer for the organization or buy some of the latest merchandise.

• CONCERTS abound in Tampa. But this time around, stay out of the huge indoor venues. Get outside and enjoy the music under starry skies. Here are a few shows taking place at outdoor venues in the Tampa area.

Some upcoming concerts include:

• Katy Perry, April 28, Jannus Landing
• Tribal Style (reggae), May 6, Skipper’s Smokehouse
• Gavin Rossdale, May 18, Jannus Landing
• Grateful Dead Night (tribute band), May 21, Skipper’s Smokehouse

Celebrate spring in Tampa! Get out there and enjoy some fun in the sun.