After a chilly winter, we think we speak for all Gainesville-ians (and Floridians, for that matter) when we say welcome back, spring! Now that spring sunshine and warmer temperatures are becoming the norm again, there are plenty of reasons to get outside and explore all the wonder the city has to offer. So put the long sleeves back in the closet and go check out these outdoor events in Gainesville, FL.

The Great Inflatable Race April 6, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 3100 NE 39^th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609

How do you make a run for charity even better? Add inflatable obstacles! Bring the whole family out to this fun run and a have a blast bouncing around the custom-designed course.

Santa Fe College's 50^th Annual Spring Arts Festival April 6, 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. & April 7, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 111 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601

Santa Fe's Spring Arts Festival is one of the three largest annual events in Gainesville, and it's easy to see why. Set amid the picturesque homes in the Northeast Gainesville Historic District, this festival features live music, dance performances, and of course, tons of dazzling local art.

Springs Celebration and O'Leno Ole Chili Cookoff April 6, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 410 SE Oleno Park Rd., High Springs, FL 32643

This sponsored event features kids' activities, environmental exhibits, art vendors, live music, and more. But the real star of this event is the chili cookoff. Get your best chili recipe ready to take on the rest or brave the spices as a taste-tester. Either way, you're guaranteed a good time.

Watson Annual Easter Egg Hunt April 13, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 120 SW 130th Way, Newberry, FL 32669

Watson's Tioga office is holding its annual Easter egg hunt, offering loads of fun for kids and parents alike. Kids of all ages can hunt for Easter eggs, play in bounce houses, or participate in a series of fun games like the Rabbit Hole Maze or Rabbit Hole Toss. There will also be face painting and treats including snow cones and cookies.

Gainesville Garden Club Marketplace April 13, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 1350 NW 75^th St., Gainesville, FL 32605

Come for the beautiful gardens on the property, stay for the tasty food, local artisans, vintage wares, and so much more. Admission is free, and any proceeds from sales will benefit the Gainesville Garden Club's philanthropic endeavors.

3^rd Annual Great Gainesville Car Show April 13, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 111 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601

Gearheads and modern history buffs come together at this festival of gorgeous vintage and modern cars and motorcycles. Spectators get in free or you can register your vehicle to compete for the grand prize of coolest car!

Party for the Planet April 13 – 14, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 3000 NW 83^rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606

Head to Santa Fe's Teaching Zoo for this family-friendly event and learn about fun ways to enjoy and conserve nature. Your kids can explore the zoo and take part in fun activities like face painting, crafts, training demonstrations, and more.

We Are Neutral's Earth Day Celebration April 14, 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 200 SE Depot Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601

We Are Neutral has made its mark helping local businesses and individuals understand, reduce, and offset their carbon footprints. Now's your chance to join the movement at their Earth Day celebration. In addition to the fun education, there will be live music, local craft vendors, food trucks, and more.

Run the Good Race April 27, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6500 W Newberry Rd., Gainesville, FL 32605

A local physician couple teamed with World Help, a humanitarian organization, and Created Gainesville, a local women's outreach, to create this run for a good cause. Both the 5k and 10k walk/run aim to generate awareness and raise funds to help bring an end to human trafficking.

Walk the Talk for Epilepsy April 27, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7400 SW 41 Pl., Gainesville, FL 32608

Do your part to aid Floridians impacted by epilepsy by participating in this event. In addition to the walk, there will be a DJ, raffles for prizes, presentation of the Clayton Feigh Youth Award, and more.

43^rd Annual Pioneer Day Festival April 27, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. & April 28, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 20 NW 9^th St., High Springs, FL 32643

Journey back to ye ole pioneer days at this historic festival located only a short 30-minute drive outside of Gainesville. Visit vendors selling homemade crafts, clothing, and furniture of the era and check out art from local artists. There's even a pie baking contest on Saturday, April 27!