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Over 1,000 of the world's most talented artists vie for the 300 spots available at the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. The free sidewalk festival turns the streets of downtown Tampa into an open-air art museum for you to discover colorful, original art, live entertainment, and lots of fun activities for the kids.

Tour a city built by dreamers and schemers at Ybor City Historic Walking Tours. You'll meet guide Lonnie Herman, spinner of tall tales about the city's shady past, colorful characters and sunny future. Tours depart weekdays, or by appointment, in front of the Vicente Martinez-Ybor statue at Centro Ybor.

Learn about the man who came from Cuba and built a city at the Ybor City Museum. Learn about the history of the cigar industry and cigar making, and discover the rich Latin heritage and culture of the area. The museum is located in a "casita", reminiscent of a typical cigar-worker's family home; the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit the museum store to purchase fine hand-rolled cigars and memorabilia.

Meet a koala bear, discover a Primate World and adopt an animal at Tampa's Lowery Park Zoo. Listen to tigers roar at the Asian Domain, watch black panthers prance at the Native Florida Wildlife Center and discover the best vantage point to hang out with the monkeys. The zoo also features rides, shows and hands-on interactive exhibits and attractions.