The temperatures are still creeping up the thermometer as the sun continues to shine bright in southern Florida! Therefore, summer festivals and special events continue throughout this month, August and September. Whether you’re looking for some fresh produce from a street market, some free live entertainment under the stars or some indoor educational fun, there is something for everyone in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami areas!

From now until Oct. 24, head to Aventura Mall in Miami every Saturday and Sunday for the annual Famer’s Market. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. Spend time conversing with your neighbors, family or friends and leave with fresh flowers, vegetables, fruits and other assortments of baked goods and prepared foods! With long hours like these, there’s no excuse for you not to enjoy organic, fresh foods!

Skip the Monday blues by visiting Boteco Brazilian Bar in Miami every Monday night. This bar offers delicious Brazilian cuisine, and every Monday, they provide free samba lessons at 9 p.m.! Bring a partner or meet someone new at this weekly event that is sure to get you moving on the dance floor more on the weekends too!

At sundown on July 30, Aug. 27 and every last Friday of the month, head to the Museum of Contemporary Art campus in North Miami for Jazz at MoCA. Bring a blanket or a chair, sit or lie under the stars, pack a snack and enjoy the sounds of smooth jazz for free. Performances vary each date.

On Aug. 1 and Sept. 5, enjoy the Suntrust Sunday Jazz Brunch at the Riverwalk in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month, walk along the Riverwalk with others in the area as you gather for live outdoor concerts featuring local jazz artists on four different stages! Open space is provided for chairs, blankets and picnics. Pets are even invited as long as they are on leashes. Local merchants and area restaurants are open for business at this time!

From Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, you can enjoy delectable cuisine at a low cost! Miami Spice 2010 is a summer restaurant promotion that showcases Miami’s best cuisine. For a $22 lunch or a $35 dinner, you can visit Miami’s top restaurants and savor a three-course meal with signature dishes from world-renowned chefs. This is a great event for visiting guests or just for you on a Saturday night!

From Aug. 5 to Aug 7, visit Amaturo Theater for Disney High School Musical 2, presented by the Young Professionals from the Broward Center Summer Theater Camp! For only $10, you can support local young actors while also enjoying the continued story of Troy, Gabriella and the rest of the Wildcats as they fill their summer days after junior year. New songs and dances will remind you why you loved the first Disney High School Musical so much!

From Aug. 6 to Aug. 8, visit the Broward Center for the Performing Arts to see the touring Nickelodeon Presents STORYTIME LIVE! show. You can dance and sing along to four different characters and sets, including “Dora the Explorer,” “The Backyardigans,” “Wonder Pets” and Ni Hao, Kai-lan.” Tickets range from $10 to $36.

On Aug. 6 and Sept. 3, visit ArtsPark in Downtown Hollywood for Funtastic Fridays! The first Friday of each month, from 5 to 9 p.m., you can load up the family and enjoy performances and interaction with Mama Clown & Friends, an outdoor movie under the stars, a bounce house and face painters for the kids and more! This family-friendly event is the perfect way to spend a warm summer evening together.

On Aug. 7, head to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center for Progress in the Park! A parade begins at 9 a.m. and is followed by live music, games, food and more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Have fun and prepare your kids for the coming school year with the free back-to-school supplies and the free immunization services available at this event.

Score tickets now to the International Ballet Festival of Miami, running from Aug. 27 to Sept. 12. Featuring world-renowned ballet companies represented by their greatest performers, this festival is considered the most successful ballet fest in the United States! Also included are workshops, a dance film series, art exhibitions and master classes. This year, ballet companies from Canada, Australia, Hungary, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and the USA have confirmed!

Through Sept. 6, visit the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale for the special WaterWorks: Soak Up the Science exhibit! This fun, interactive exhibit explores where our water comes from, how much is locked up in oceans, glaciers and soil, how to conserve water and where to find fresh water, all while allowing you to pilot a submarine, create a rainbow, capture a snowflake and more!

On Sept. 19, visit Hollywood Beach for the 17th Annual Hollywood Beach Latin Festival! This fest includes live entertainment from Tony Swing y su Orquesta, Fulanito, DJ Luandy and more Latino favorites, while also providing live performances by Latino actors, recycling activities for children, an array of Latin food favorites, Latin arts and crafts, kid activities and more! This fest runs all day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you enjoyed the new Alice in Wonderland movie, head to the Ansin Family Art Gallery at the Miramar Cultural Center in the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale. Through Oct. 17, you can view “Down the Rabbit Hole: Salvador Dali’s Alice in Wonderland Suite.” This masterpiece was created in 1969 and portrays a mad tea party from Lewis Carroll’s classic during the surrealist movement. Plenty of other traveling exhibits are displayed at the museum for a limited time, making it the ideal spot to stop on a rainy day!

Save money this summer by visiting two of your favorite Fort Lauderdale attractions for the price of one! This coupon from Sunny.org is good through Sept. 30 and allows you to visit Mai-Kai Restaurant & Polynesian Revue, the Museum of Art, South Florida Ballet Theater, Best Boat Line, a moonlight cruise with Discovery Cruise Line or Riverfront Cruises, diving or snorkeling at Pompano Dive Center or Pro Dive International, fishing, golf, tennis, Billie Swamp Safari, kayaking, Flamingo Gardens and so much more!

For a concert in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, check out this diverse list:

• Aerosmith on Aug. 9 at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise
• Kathy Griffin on Aug. 11 at Hard Rock Live in Fort Lauderdale
• Justin Bieber on Aug. 5 at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise
• Rihanna and Ke$ha on July 31 at American Airlines Arena in Miami
• American Idols Live on Aug. 3 at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise
• Goo Goo Dolls on Aug. 14 at Bayfront Park Amphitheater
• Hippiefest on Aug. 29 at Broward Center Au-Rene Theater
• Shakira on Sept. 25 at BankAtlantic and Sept. 27 at American Airlines Arena

Sports fans! Head to Sun Life Stadium to watch a Florida Marlins game live before the season concludes! Upcoming home games are Aug. 3 through Aug. 8, Aug. 20 through Aug. 22, and Aug. 30 through Sept. 5. If you’re done with summer baseball and ready for the fall football season to start, score a preseason ticket to see how the Miami Dolphins are looking! Home games are Aug. 14 against Tampa Bay and Aug. 27 against Atlanta.

Just because July 4th weekend came and went does not mean summer is coming to a close! In the Tampa area, summer continues to sizzle long after the fireworks displays. Numerous festivals, concerts and baseball games await you for the duration of July and August, so grab those planners and begin marking these events into your weekend plans!

Every Wednesday night form 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., gather up your female friends and head to Ladies Night at Mugs ‘n Jugs Restaurant and Bar in Clearwater! During this time, as a female, you can enjoy free drinks! This includes draft beers, well drinks and wine. Men can also score $.99 domestic drafts. It’s a great way to break up the week while meeting others in the area for an affordable price!

Each week, Tuesday through Saturday at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., you can purchase tickets for La Nouba at the Tampa Bay Theater. La Nouba is a theatrical performance put on by Cirque du Soleil, and it features two sets of characters from two separate worlds. The show jumps between the worlds, portraying the similarities and differences between the two peoples with acting, dancing, juggling and performing acrobatics, tightrope, trapeze, music and more! Tickets for adults range from $52 to $99.

Every Saturday through September, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy summer hours at the year-round Ybor City Saturday Market at Centennial Park in Tampa! Gather up loads of fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers, gourmet foods and sauces, freshly baked breads, fresh eggs, herbs and plants, and even pet treats because pets are welcome! An assortment of crafters is also present and displaying photography, woodworking, jewelry, candles, bath and body products and more!

July 14 marks the date for the long-awaited, annual R,R,R & R Fest at Florida State Fairgrounds, a favorite among Tampa locals! The 2010 Reggae, Rims, Rap & Ribs Fest celebrates the Jamaican Rastafarian with food and music from around the world. Other attractions include live reggae performances, a freestyle rap contest, a rims and low-rider car show, beer tasting, a special guest celebrity appearance and more!

On July 31 and Aug. 1, enjoy Nickelodeon presents STORYTIME Live!, a touring act featuring four musical shows, which include “Dora the Explorer,” “The Backyardigans” “Ni Hao, Kai-lan” and “Wonder Pets.” Located in Carol Morsani Hall at Straz Center, tickets start at $15.25. This is a great way for your kids to enjoy the last weeks of their summers!

On Aug. 5 and Sept. 2, the first Thursdays of the month, head to the newly designed Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. for Rock the Park, Tampa’s free concert event right on the waterfront! Located on the plaza at the new Tampa Museum of Art, each concert will feature two to three performing acts, with the musical genres ranging from acoustic and rock bands to reggae, country and R&B.

Consider Aug. 6 the day to celebrate and show off the most special member of your family, your dog! Dog Fest, located Downtown Lakeland, festivities begin at 7 p.m. Dogs and other types of pets will all participate in a parade, there will be a pet/owner look-a-like contest, your dogs can enjoy doggie treats while you enjoy foods of your own and more! If you don’t have a pet, come admire and cheer on the pets in the parade while enjoying food and beverages!

On Aug. 7 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., head to WaZoo, which U.S. Today deemed one of the “10 Great Beer Festivals in the Country.” Located at Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, this event is complete with beers from around the world, food samplings from local restaurants, a wine garden and live music. If you purchase a “Beastly Beverage Club” ticket, you get access to an air-conditioned room during the event. Tickets are $50 in advance or $65 at the door.

On Aug. 28 and 29, head to Minnreg Center in Largo for the 10th annual I Like It Hot! Festival & BBQ. The fest serves up an array of hot and spicy foods and sauces to sample and purchase, plus a variety of hot pepper plants for you to purchase for your own hot cooking at home! Pepper eating contests and hot sauce and salsa contests are of course included.

On Sept. 6, beginning at 9 a.m., close out the summer right at the 54th Annual Pioneer Days Parade and Festival at Dearborn Street in Olde Englewood Village. Vendors open at 9 a.m. to serve you up chilled beverages and breakfast/lunch cuisine before the parade, which begins at 10 a.m. This year’s parade theme is “We’re Going Green,” and all of the parade floats can enter a contest for the best themed float!

If summer concerts are your favorite activity, you’re in luck! Tampa and St. Petersburg have an extensive lineup for July and August!

• Vans Warped Tour on July 23 at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg
• Dave Matthews Band on July 28 at 1-800-ASK-GARY (Ford) Amphitheatre in Tampa
• Rihanna with Ke$ha on July 30 at 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre in Tampa
• American Idols Live! Tour 2010 on August 4 at St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa
• Aerosmith on August 7 at 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre in Tampa
• Lilith Fair 2010 featuring Kelly Clarkson and Sarah McLachlan on August 11 at 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre in Tampa
• Train on August 14 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg
• H2O World Tour featuring Brad Paisley with Darius Rocker on August 13 at 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre in Tampa
• Jack Johnson on August 25 at 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre in Tampa
• Creed on Sept. 1 at 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre in Tampa

Plan to enjoy a Tampa Bay Rays home game at Tropicana Field in Tampa before the summer season ends! Dates to remember are July 27 and 28 against the Detroit Tigers, July 30 and 31 against the New York Yankees, Aug. 2 and 3 against the Minnesota Twins, Aug. 13 and 14 against the Baltimore Orioles, Aug. 16 and 17 against the Texas Rangers and Aug. 30 and 31 against the Toronto Blue Jays!

When some people hear Florida, they immediately think Disney World, Universal Studios, Animal Kingdom, etc. However, locals in the Orlando and Jacksonville areas can enjoy an abundance of festivals and concerts geared toward those living in the areas. Whether you’re new to Orlando or Jacksonville, or you’re just looking for some new means of entertainment, this list of summer events is for you.

From July 19 to July 24, lug your fishing equipment to Sisters Creek Park for the annual Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament! The first two days provide strictly tournament competition. If you’d like to enter the competition, register now before it fills up! After that, people of all ages can enjoy a junior tournament, food, live entertainment, exhibitors, boat shows and unique merchandise for sale. As the five-day festival concludes on the 24th, enjoy a fireworks display over the water.

Everyday through July 31st, head to the Epcot Center for the annual Sounds Like Summer Concert Series! If you haven’t seen some of your favorite bands live, this is your chance to experience and acknowledge their musical talents through numerous cover bands! Each day, pay tribute to a different renowned band, such as U2, the Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, the Eagles, Chicago and many more! Shows run at 5:45 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. daily.

Aug. 8 is your last chance to dig your toes into the sand while listening to a variety of jazz tunes for free! The Summer Jazz Concert Series, located at the Sea Walk Pavilion on Jacksonville Beach, runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Regional and national performers for that night include Jacksonville Mass Choir & Trio, Matt Marshak and headliner R & R, starring Rick Braun and Richard Elliot. Bathing suits and picnic baskets are welcome!

Visit Orlando’s Wet ‘n Wild water park for mid-summer specials you won’t find anywhere else! Spend a day splashing down the 76-foot-high Bomb Bay, the 250-foot free falling Der Stuka and many more! Now, when you purchase a ticket into the park, you receive a free ticket to return anytime this summer! Also, don’t let a day of work stop you from enjoying the warm evenings. Admission is half price after 5 p.m.!

From Aug. 12 through Aug. 15, visit the Orange County Convention Center for the Star Wars Celebration V, a Star Wars party produced by fans for fans! Show up dressed in costume and enjoy meeting cast and crew members from the Star Wars movies, including George Lucas, Peter Mayhew, Carrie Fisher, Kale Lloyd and many more! Also included in the event is live entertainment, artwork, memorabilia and collectibles, and above all, mingling with fans just like you!

Enjoy a night inside, soaking in musical and acting performances that you won’t forget. Upcoming events include Justin Bieber on Aug. 4, Nickelodeon presents Storytime Live! on Aug. 4 and 5, Jack Johnson on Aug. 24 and more. Find more information on location and ticket purchasing here.

Summertime is when Chicagoans can finally escape the walls of their homes, old or new, and enjoy time in between skyscrapers, on beaches, at festivals and under the sunshine! Every neighborhood in Chicago hosts a multitude of outdoor festivals, not to mention all the events going on in the suburbs of Chicago. This list is a tiny portion of some of the most renowned festivals happenings this time of year. Head outside and enjoy the warm weather while it lasts!

From July 9 to July 11, head to 4626 N. Knox Ave. in North Park for the 25th Irish American Heritage Festival! People of all cultures flock to this event to enjoy Irish and American musical entertainment, Irish dancing performances and a plethora of food and drink options. What makes this fest stand out from others? It includes a mashed potato eating contest, a matchmaker, a singing contest and more! Everyone gets involved.

Every Tuesday night, from July 14 to Aug. 25, head to Grant Park for some free weeknight entertainment! The annual Chicago Outdoor Film Festival features a new movie each week, which begins at sundown. Guests are encouraged to pack picnics and enjoy the cultural enlightening event with family and friends. Pets, grills and alcoholic beverages are not allowed. Past features that have been aired include The Odd Couple, The Blues Brothers, Grease and many more. Check the website for this year’s lineup!

On July 17, head to First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park for Lilith Fair, an empowering concert full of inspiring female performers! The lineup for Chicago includes Kelly Clarkson, Sarah McLachlan, Kate Nash, Mary J. Blige and so many more. Enjoy an affordable day out with lawn seats, or spend a little more for an up and close experience. Food and beverage venue options are abundant.

From Aug. 6 to Aug. 8, visit Chicago’s most renowned summer concert, Lollapalooza. Located in Grant Park, 500 S. Columbus Drive, you can purchase a one-day ticket or a three-day ticket to see every band! This year’s headliners include Lady Gaga and Green Day, along with Phoenix, Soundgarden, The Strokes, Switchfoot, AFI and almost 100 more! Food, drink and merch vendors are abundantly available.

On Aug. 14 and 15, reserve a spot on the beach, a rooftop, a park or any outdoor venue in the city! Pack a picnic, rub on some sunscreen and enjoy the oldest and largest free show of its kind, the 52nd annual Chicago Air & Water Show! From afar, you can enjoy the sights and booming sounds of military jets and aircrafts of all kind. Closer to the water, you can also enjoy watching sail boats, motor boats, jet skis and more, racing and performing acts of all kinds. It’s a show you’ll remember, and it’s totally free.

From Sept. 2 to Sept. 5, celebrate the end of a memorable summer at the Chicago Jazz Festival in Grant Park. Referred to as the city’s longest-running music fest, the impressive lineup includes local, national and international jazz performers! Several stages allow you to roam and enjoy a variety of musical options, while leisurely soaking up the last of summer’s rays, sipping a beverage and savoring festival cuisine.

You never know how our Chicago baseball teams will perform. That’s why we’re called diehard fans! We love the teams anyway. Cheer on the Chicago Cubs on the Northside at home games between July 15 and July 25, from Aug. 2 to Aug. 8 or from Aug. 16 to Aug. 22. Cheer on the Chicago White Sox on the Southside from now through July 11, July 26 through Aug. 1 or Aug. 10 through Aug. 15. Not a fan of baseball? Cheer on the Chicago Fire soccer team!

As part of a special feature at the Buy Owner Blog, we’ll be highlighting cities throughout the nation, profiling their attractions and conveniences, as well as pointing out some currently for-sale homes in the area!

Today’s City: Boca Raton, FL

There is something for everyone in prestigious Boca Raton! With easy access to major roads like I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, you can get to beaches and surrounding cities like West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale in no time. This area offers excellent shopping, dining and top A-rated schools. Take your pick of shopping destinations from Town Center at Boca Raton, and Royal Palm Place to The Reserve Shopping Center and The Shops at Boca Center. Enjoy some outdoor recreation at one of the many local parks and golf courses. Other highlights of this thriving area include the state-of-the-art West Boca Medical Center, the Maui Spa and Wellness Center, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton Museum of Art and Mizner Park and Amphitheater for upscale shopping, dining, concerts and events.

Take a look at these Buy Owner properties currently for sale in Boca Raton!
• $2.25 million: 5 BDRM, 5 BATH gorgeous custom home
• $749,900: 4 BDRM, 4 BATH home in affordable gated community
• $648,126: 3 BDRM, 3.5 BATH new construction
• $379,900: 4 BDRM, 2 BATH renovated custom home
• $219,900: 3 BDRM, 2 BATH remodeled ranch

Image credit: JulianColton2

As part of a special feature at the Buy Owner Blog, we’ll be highlighting cities throughout the nation, profiling their attractions and conveniences, as well as pointing out some currently for-sale homes in the area!

Nicknamed “Our Gateway to the Gulf,” Port Richey has long been a top destination for fishing and trapping, set right on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Less than an hour from Tampa, this city puts the sights and sounds of not just Tampa but also Saint Petersburg/Clearwater at your fingertips. From major shopping and dining to gorgeous white sandy beaches, you’ll be near it all in this community.

If it were annexed, Port Richey would be the largest city in Pasco County. Within its borders are six community parks, as well as access to the beautiful Pithlachascotee River,  blackwater river often called the Cotee.

Take a look at these Buy Owner properties currently for sale in Pembroke Pines!

• $439K: 3 BDRMS, 2.5 BA Canal-Front Trilevel Home
• $315K: 2 BDRMS, 2 BA Waterfront Townhome
• $250K: 3 BDRMS, 2 BA Renovated Pool Home
• $137,900: 2 BDRMS, 1 BA Move-in-Ready SFH
• $97K: 2 BDRMS, 2 BA Condo with Negotiable Furnishings

Image Credit: City of Port Richey

South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, Miami and other surrounding cities, offers some of the most abundant and booming festivals and events in the state! After wrapping up the popular spring break months and preparing for the tourist months of summer, this in-between time is still bursting with outdoor or indoor events for you to enjoy! Whether you’re new to the area or you’ve lived in this area forever, there’s always something for you to do with your free time. Check out this list and decide which events spark your interest most!

Outdoor Entertainment:

From May 12 to May 15, attend the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo at the 14th Street boat ramps in Pompano Beach. This is southern Florida’s oldest and largest fishing tournament. Last year, over 11,000 pounds of fish were weighed in! Obtain an entry form from the website and mail, fax or bring it in person. For more information, visit PompanoFishingRodeo.com or call 954-942-4513.

On May 15, visit Las Olas Boulevard for the 15th Annual Las Olas Wine & Food Festival! From 7:30 to 10 p.m., leisurely stroll down the Boulevard with friends or loved ones while sipping from more than 45 wine tables and sampling from more than 60 dining destinations. Regular admission costs $75, and VIP admission costs $225. For more information, visit LasOlasWineAndFood.com or call 954-524-4657.

Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 7:30 to 9 p.m., head to Hollywood Beach Theatre for Music & Dancing Under the Stars. This wonderful event breaks up the monotony of your week by offering you an evening full of dancing and socializing to live music from country, soul and rock & roll groups! For more information, call 954-921-3404.

On the first Sunday of every month, head to the Riverwalk in downtown Fort Lauderdale from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Suntrust Sunday Jazz Brunch. This free outdoor concert includes tunes from local jazz artists on four different stages! Local merchants and food vendors from the area are also present to provide you with goodies to savor or bring home with you. Pets are welcome. For more information, call 954-828-5363.

One perk of living in the warm, sunshine state of Florida is that fresh produce is available year-round! From now through Dec. 26, visit the Broadwalk on Harrison Street from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily for Josh’s Organic Garden Green Market. Here, locals and visitors alike can enjoy an assortment of fresh, 100 percent organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and more. For more information, call 954-456-3276.

Plan to cheer on the Florida Marlins as this baseball season heads into the summer months! Upcoming home games are from May 13 through May 18 against New York and Arizona, and May 25 through June 3 against Atlanta, Philadelphia and Milwaukee. Visit Sun Life Stadium in Miami before the Marlins move to their newer future stadium! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Marlins.MLB.com.

Indoor entertainment:

On May 15, visit the Broward Center for Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale for the Ballet Gala. After a season of learning at the Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida, only these high-quality dancers could perform the classical repertoire seen at this event! Admission costs $25. For more information, call 954-462-0222.

May events to look forward to in Miami include Cannibal Corpse performing at The Culture Room on May 16, Jeff Dunham performing at BankAtlantic Center on May 19, Don Sha’ performing at Bougainvillea’s Old Florida Tavern on May 25, and the 3rd Annual Memorial Weekend Comedy Fest on May 30 at the James L Knight Center, starring Earthquake, Adele Givens, Gary Owen and many more! For more information on these events, visit Eventful.com/Miami/Events/May.

For a night of dinner and humorous entertainment, visit the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale for Laffing Matterz. Chef John Eustace serves up culinary creations prior to the show, and during the musical comedy, enjoy satirical spoofs of current events that will get you laughing. Tickets are around $65. For more information, visit LaffingMatterz.com.

From now until May 31, visit the Museum of Discover & Science and AutoNation IMAX Theater in Fort Lauderdale for a look at the special exhibit, Van Gogh: Brush of Genius. This film allows you to get to know Van Gogh’s life through personal letters, historic information and close-up critiques of his famous paintings. For more information, visit Mods.org. Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia 3D is also available at the museum through May 31.

On the second Saturday of each month, through June 5, visit the Miniaci Performing Arts Center at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale for Jazz Impressions at 8 p.m. An evening at this event will surely fulfill your desire for the smooth sounds of jazz music! For more information, call 954-462-0222.

Spring in Tampa means spring festivals, concerts and Broadway performances. Spring is also the time of year when spring sports come back to life and fill the city’s stadiums! Whether you enjoy a day of sunshine and local craft venues, a day of cheering on a local team or a day indoors with live musicians or theatrical performances, you will surely find a event on this list that will interest you!

• On May 8 and 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit the USF Botanical Gardens for the Orchid and Rose Fantasy. Perfect as a Mother’s Day outing, this event offers an array of orchids and roses available for purchase, a gorgeous scene of flowers to appreciate, and botanical experts there to answer all of your questions. For more info, call 813-910-3274.
• On May 14 and 15, attend the Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival at the exotic and picturesque Con Cesar Resort on St. Pete Beach. This event celebrates the success of wine and spirits producers, culinary chefs and more, all while entertaining, educating and serving you. This year’s green theme features organic and sustainable dishes. For more information, visit UnleashYourPalate.com.
• On May 8 and 9, visit Punta Gorda for the third annual Fishermen’s Village Mother’s Day Arts & Crafts Show. Tons of locals and travelers flock to this event to view artwork and crafts made by local boutiques, all while enjoying food and live music. If you miss this event, on May 15 and 16, you can visit Five Points Park in Sarasota for the Springfest Arts & Crafts Show! For more info, visit SunsetBoulevardPromotions.com.
• Through May 9, head to Busch Gardens for a Serengeti Night Safari! The night begins with appetizers and beverages before takeoff, and the two-hour guided expedition transports you into a scene from the wild jungles of Africa, where you will view hippos, lions, hyenas, giraffes, zebras and rhinos! Finish the night with a bonfire, coffee and desserts. For more info, call 1-888-800-5447 or visit BuschGardens.com.

Sports:

• Plan to attend a Tampa Bays baseball game to cheer your players on early in the season! Early competitors include Seattle, Cleveland, Boston, Chicago and more. Spring home games at Tropicana Field run from now through May 2, May 14 through May 18, and May 24 through May 30. For a full schedule, click here.
• For a more affordable ballpark experience, attend a Tampa Yankees minor league baseball game. This team is affiliated with the New York Yankees, and they play at the George M. Steinbrenner Field. Spring home games run from now through May 2, May 10 through May 14 and May 20 through May 26. For a full schedule, click here.
• Is baseball not your sport? Attend a Tampa Bay Storm football game at St. Pete Times Forum while you await the official fall football season. Spring home games include one on May 1 against the Arizona Rattlers, one on May 7 against the Jacksonville Sharks and one of June 5 against the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgs. For a full schedule, click here.
• Through May 2, visit the Tampa Bay Downs for live horse racing and betting! During racing season, the track is opened seven days a week. Gates open at 11 a.m. and the first race begins at 12:25 p.m. The Silks Poker Room is also open daily from 12:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. For more info, visit TampaBayDowns.com or call 813-855-4401.

Indoor Events:

Concerts are an ideal way to spend a rainy day in Tampa. Upcoming options include:

• Straight No Chaser on April 27 at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts
• Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum on May 7 at the Ford Amphitheatre
• Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers on May 9 at the St. Pet Times Forum
• Angels and Airwaves on May 13 at The Ritz Ybor
• Country Throwdown on May 14 at the Ford Amphitheatre
• Disney on Ice: Let’s Celebrate! from May 20 to May 23 at St Pete Times Forum

For more information:
Tampa Concert Schedule

For a different type of performance, sit down and enjoy the beauty of creativity at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. Shows include:

• Godspell from now through May 16 in Jaeb Theater
• Spring Jazz Jam on May 14 in TECO Theater
• Jonatha Brooke on May 17 in Jaeb Hall
  Mary Poppins from May 20 to June 6 in Carol Morsani Hall
• Annie Jr. from May 27 to May 29 in TECO Theater

For more information:
David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts Schedule

Florida bursts into action in the springtime, as families travel on spring breaks, people sell their homes and move to new locations and tourists begin the summer vacation season early! For this reason, both Orlando and Jacksonville offer an overabundance of outdoor festivals, specialty events, concerts, live entertainment and more! With such a wide variety of themes, there is definitely something in this list for everyone to enjoy.

Outdoor Events:

This April and May, visit SeaWorld Orlando for the annual 2010 Viva La Musica! This event celebrates Hispanic culture with live performances of Latin musicians and dancers, while serving up traditional Hispanic cuisine and showcasing original Hispanic exhibits. Performances begin at 4 p.m. daily in Seaworld’s Bayside Stadium. For more info, call 407-363-3359.

Plan to attend a Jacksonville Suns baseball game as an affordable day at the ballpark! The Jacksonville Suns are a minor-league team affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and they play at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. For tickets, call 904-367-1423.

If you’re bummed that we have to wait a couple years for another Olympics, plan to attend the World of Nations Celebration from April 29 to May 2 in Jacksonville, where over 25 countries come together to showcase and celebrate cultural values and entertainment. For more information, call 904-630-3690.

From May 20 to May 31, attend the Orlando International Fringe Festival taking place in Loch Haven Park and other venues around downtown Orlando. This festival includes over 500 performers and 70 theater companies showcasing uncensored, cutting-edge musical performers and creative works of art. For more information, visit www.OrlandoFringe.org or call 407-648-0077.

Throughout the season of spring, the Jacksonville Riverfront comes alive with seafarers and landlubbers! Sail Jacksonville is an annual event that displays tall ships from around the world. Activities include the Pirate Battle for Treasure, seamanship demonstrations, live entertainment and more. For exact dates and continual updates, visit Coj.net.

From May 23 to May 23, May 28 to May 30, June 4 to June 6, and June 11 to June 13, visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort for the annual Star Wars Weekend 2010! Meet dozens of your favorite Star Wars characters while participating in a plethora of Star Wars activities, trivia contests, collectibles and pin trading, thrill rides and more! For more info, visit www.StarWars.com.

Visit the heart of downtown Jacksonville between May 27 and May 30 for the annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival! This free event draws tons of jazz enthusiasts each year to experience live performances from renowned jazz performers and from locals! Special highlights include the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, the ‘Round Midnight Jazz Jam, Jazz Talk, Sunday jazz brunches and more! Visit Coj.net for more information.

For a small-town festival atmosphere, head out to Zellwood, located Northwest of Orlando, for the 2010 Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival on May 28 through May 30. This festival has it all, from corn-eating contests and live country entertainment, to carnival rides, games, arts and crafts and more. For more info, visit www.ZellwoodCornFestival.com.

On May 31 at 10 a.m., plan to attend Memorial Day Observance at the Veterans Memorial Wall, 1145 East Adams Street. Listen to keynote speakers and family tributes while watching the wreath presentation and hearing the 21-gun salute. There is no better way to honor the local heroes who have and are still protecting our country’s freedom. For more info, call 904-630-3680.

Indoor Events:

From April 30 to May 16, visit the Mad Cow Theatre for the Orlando Cabaret Festival, which features 40 different shows in areas of jazz, pop, Broadway and more. Many notorious entertainers have performed at this event in the past, including Jaimie Roberts, Amy Baker, The Lascivious Biddies and more. For a listing of performers this year, visit www.OrlandoCabaret.com.

On a rainy day, head to a concert in Orlando or Jacksonville, both offering ample options, which include:

• Uncle Kracker on April 26 at The Club at Firestone, Orlando
• Goo Goo Dolls on April 27 at Hard Rock Live, Orlando
• Elvis Costello on April 27 at Florida Theatre, Jacksonville
• Ben Harper and Jack Johnson on April 29 at Florida Theatre, Jacksonville
• Loudon Wainwright lii on May 1 at Plaza Theatre, Orlando
• Flogging Molly on May 1 at Florida Theatre, Jacksonville
• Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum on May 6 at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
• The Spill Canvas on May 11 at The Social, Orlando

A list of Broadway shows is also available for the Florida spring season:

• Xanadu from April 27 to May 2 at the Carr Performing Arts Centre, Orlando
• Grease from April 27 to May 2 at the Moran Theater-Times Union Performing Arts Center, Jacksonville
• Chicago from May 21 to May 23 at the Moran Theater-Times Union Performing Arts Center, Jacksonville
• Spring Awakening from May 18 to May 23 at the Carr Performing Arts Centre, Orlando

There is no happier time to visit the city of Chicago than spring. Moving to the Midwest this time of year? Making a new home in Chicago?

Flower buds burst from the trees in nearby parks, colorful gardens appear along the streets and locals flock to festivals, concerts and anywhere that allows them to spend time outdoors in the newly emerged warm weather. And with unpredictable weather conditions year-round, there are also plenty of indoor options to choose from in Chicago. Plus, as an added bonus: most of these events are free!

Here are some of the events and opportunities this year:

Outdoor Events:

• On April 17, celebrate Earth Day with those around the world as you help the Chicago Park District clean up parks around the city. You will also experience environmental education, nature walks, festivals, crafts and more! From 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., help clean up Loyola Park!
• On April 23, head to Gage Park at 6:30 p.m. for a free show by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra! This is a rare opportunity to enjoy the sounds of this renowned orchestra at an affordable price for all.
• On May 8 and 9, visit Millennium Park for the 14th Annual Celtic Fest Chicago! Performers and artists bring the Celtic culture to life with music and dance, art exhibits, authentic food and beverages, and more!
• On May 15, visit Kilbourn Park & Organic Greenhouse for their annual event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more about open-pollinated tomatoes suitable to grow and eat in Chicago, along with seasonal organic vegetables, herbs and flowers. You’ll be well on your way to being a local, organic gardener!
• From May 21 through May 23, attend the 15th Annual Chicago Mayfest in Lakeview. As usual, this German-inspired festival includes an array of beers, food and live music. Feel free to show off your pets at this pet-friendly event too!
• On May 29, celebrate Memorial Day with the rest of Chicago at the annual Memorial Day Parade. A wreath is laid at the Eternal Flame on Daley Plaza, and the parade will proceed down State Street, starting at Randolph Street. Support past and present military men and women who have risked or are risking their lives everyday for our freedom.
• On May 30, enjoy a casual bike ride down the middle of Lake Shore Drive! Bike the Drive costs $32 to $42 to register and runs from 5:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. After the 15 to 30-mile ride, with rest stops and snacks along the trail, head to Butler Field in Grant Park for live music and a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon.
• Celebrate the renewal of baseball season in Chicago! Plan to cheer on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field at home games now through April 18, April 26 through April 30, May 1 and 2, May 10 through May 18, and May 25 through May 30. Visit U.S. Cellular Field to cheer on the Chicago White Sox at home games on April 20 through April 25, May 3 through May 9, and May 19 through May 23.

Indoor Events:

• Enjoy a free day at any one of Chicago’s notorious museums! All of the museums offer select dates where admission is free. Visit the Adler Planetarium on April 20 or 27, or May 4, 11, 12, 18 and 25. Visit the Art Institute of Chicago on any Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. until Memorial Day. Visit the Museum of Science & Industry on April 19 through April 23, or May 3. For more listings on free admissions days, click here.
• On a rainy day, head to an indoor concert. Upcoming shows include:
  *Ben Folds April 19 through April 21 at Vic Theatre
  *Corinne Bailey Rae on April 22 at Vic Theatre
  *Carbon Leaf on April 23 at Lincoln Hall
  *Owl City on April 30 at Aragon
  *The Bamboozle Tour on May 15 at Charter One Pavilion
  *Nickelback on May 18 at Allstate Arena
  *Daughtry on May 27 at Sears Centre
• An assortment of options is available for a night out at one of Chicago’s many theatres. Upcoming shows include:
  *Billy Elliot the Musical at Ford Center/Oriental Theatre, began March 18.
  *Stomp at Bank of America Theatre from April 27 through May 2
  *The 39 Steps at Bank of America Theatre from May 19 through May 30.
  *Fuerza Bruta at Auditorium Theatre beginning May 21.

To find more information, visit:

• Chicago Park District Events
• Chicago White Sox Schedule
• Chicago Cubs Schedule
• Chicago Concert Events

With so many things to choose from, there’s no better time to visit Chicago than this spring! And if you’re looking to make the Windy City your new home, check out for-sale properties here!