BY MICHELE MILLER
What’s What New Port Richey
The winter doldrums don’t have much of a chance of sinking in here as evidenced by the events filling up the local calendar for January.
There’s a lot. Hooray!
‘Tis the dawning of food festival season with the Collard Green Festival at Grand Gardens in downtown New Port Richey and the annual Kumquat Fest in Dade City.
Once again the Richey Suncoast Theatre doesn’t disappoint, offering a variety of events this month – movies, comedy, music – with highlights such as the Charlie Chaplin Film Festival and a community production of Into the Woods, which promises to be a wonderful take based on the success of the theatre season so far.
The NPR Library Riverside Concert series continues as well as the monthly free Concert in the Park sponsored by NPR Parks & Rec. Pasco Hernando State College opens its event season with two concerts at the NPR campus featuring Jenene Caramielo and Solomon Jaye respectively.
Local events honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King include an MLK Day of Service Volunteer Fair at the NPR Library and the annual MLK Celebration held at the African American Club of Pasco at the Booker T. Washington School in Port Richey.
Last but not least is the Cotee River Bike Fest which was postponed from the original date in October due two hurricanes that brought devastation to Pasco County and the state. This is one of two fests to be held in 2025 with the second event to be held in October.
Scroll down or access the Quick Search feature below to check out events throughout January 2025.
QUICK SEARCH
January 1 – 4
January 5 – 11
January 12 – 18
January 19 – 25
January 26 – 31
January 1 – 4
White Collar Comedy Tour, 7 p.m. Friday, January 3 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown NPR | $20 +
The White Collar Comedy Tour make a pit stop at Richey Suncoast Theatre. Don’t miss your chance to see their headliner, the hilarious Mike Rivera in person. Mike Rivera is a stand-up comedian, father, and teacher. After decades of award-winning comedy and classroom experience, Rivera won America’s Most Hilarious Teacher on ABC’s The View. Mike has toured the US, Europe and the Caribbean. His fast paced comedy is packed with clever observations and quick witted jokes on everything from fatherhood and teaching to relationships.
NPR FarmNet Collard Greens & Winter Garden Fest, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, January 4 at Grand Gardens in downtown NPR | Free
The Ninth Annual Collards Festival & Winter Garden Expo will feature cool-weather produce, bedding plants, and seedlings. Sample tastings and prepared season food items, cookbooks and gardening materials for sale. Educational programs. The opportunity to tour the garden and procure a garden plot.
Poetry Club, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Saturday, January 4 at the New Port Richey Library | Free
Read and discuss the works of famous classic poets with other poetry lovers. If you’re a word wizard yourself, use this judgment-free zone to share your own art. Rediscover the power of timeless poems!
Matthew Curry Live, 7 p.m. Saturday, January 4 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown NPR | $20 +
Matthew Curry is a Roots, Americana singer/songwriter known for his incredible guitar-playing abilities. Matthew has toured with the Doobie Brothers, Peter Frampton, Steve Miller Band, Journey, and many more. He’s played many of the great stages, from the Rock Legends Cruise to the Iridium and the Stone Pony Summer Stage at Asbury Park. Matthew continues to deliver a truly unique musical experience. For tickets and more info access the RST event page here.
January 5 – 10
Charlie Chaplin Film Festival, 2 p.m. Sunday, January 5 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre | $15 – 20
Charlie Chaplin Film Festival and live performance with special guest Billy Scadlock Sunday, January 5th, 2025 Show start: 2 p.m. Doors & Concessions open: 1:15 p.m.
NPR Library Riverside Concert Series, featuring Hungry Town, 6 p.m. Friday, January 10 in Sims Park in downtown NPR | Free
Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson, through their years of worldwide touring and tireless devotion to many classic genres of music, have crafted Hungrytown into a true artistic hybrid, able to hold Celtic and Americana, ballads and psychedelia, sunshine and darkness, joy and despair–not only within the same album, but within the same song.
This performance will take place in the southwest corner of Sims Park, near the Grassin Bridge. Please feel free to bring your own camp chair or blanket for seating.
For information access the NPR Library Event Calendar here.
Jack Willhite Rock & Roll Comedy Show, 7 p.m. Friday, January 10 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown NPR | $15 +
Professional rock vocal impressionist and stand-up comedian, Jack Willhite, employs a half-ton of guitars, amps, lighting, effects, props & costumes to bring you absurd, twisted, high-energy, and hilarious music parodies of your favorite rock acts like AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Cheap Trick, John Mellencamp, ZZ Top, Ozzy Osborne, Prince, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Guns N’ Roses, and more.
Pasco Hernando State College Performing Arts Series featuring Jenene Caramielo, 7 p.m. Friday, January 10 at the PHSC west campus event center in New Port Richey | $30 – $35
Jenene Caramielo is a true crossover entertainer. She studied classical voice at the Civic Light Opera in Pittsburgh, as well as Carnegie Mellon University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater from Shenandoah Conservatory.
She has shared a stage with Chicago, opened for the Beach Boys, and performed at The White House. Jenene regularly travels the world performing on luxury cruises, and entertaining discerning clients, celebrities and world leaders at private events, and some of the most exclusive country clubs in the United States.
Raising Cane and Moonshine Festival, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, January 11 at the Pioneer Florida Museum in Dade City | $10 adults, $5 students, under 5 free
See live syrup making at the museum’s fully operational cane mill. Taste and vote for your favorite at the Southern Syrup-Makers Association Syrup Tasting Competition. Explore the Moonshine Shed exhibition. Listen to local moonshine stories. Savor the flavors of FREE moonshine and rum samples, meticulously crafted by talented local distilleries.
Live Entertainment, food and craft vendors, axe throwing, blacksmith demonstrations, and more. All museum buildings are open, where history comes alive with every step. Discover the rich heritage of the region and gain a deeper understanding of the pioneers who shaped our community
Tina Turner/Adele Tribute Show, 7 p.m. Saturday, January 11 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown NPR | $30+
This Adele (featuring Andrea Tyler) & Tina Turner Tribute (Featuring Kitei) will have you singing along to all of their greatest hits.
January 12 – 18
New Port Richey Florida Arbor Day Celebration, 10 a.m. at Francis Avenue Park in New Port Richey
New Port Richey, Florida’s 2025 Arbor Day celebration will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 17 at Frances Avenue Park. The event will include the city’s Environmental Committee, city staff, council members, and a fourth-grade class from Genesis Elementary School
NEW DATE!! Cotee River Bike Fest, Friday, January 17 – Sunday, January 19 in Sims Park and downtown New Port Richey
Take 2! NPR puts out the welcome mat for the annual Cotee River Bike Fest which was postponed from the original October date due to the hurricanes that blew through creating damage throughout Pasco County.
Live music on two stages, vendors, bike show, wrestling matches, fire dancers, food trucks and more.
Cult Classic Movie Night featuring Edward Scissorhands, 7 p.m. Friday, January 17 and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, January 18 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown NPR | $6 +
This timeless classic, directed by Tim Burton, tells the enchanting tale of Edward, a gentle soul with scissors for hands, who discovers love and acceptance in an extraordinary way. With Johnny Depp’s unforgettable performance and a heartwarming story, this film is a must-see for all ages. Join us for an evening of magic, romance, and a touch of the surreal.
MLK Day of Service Volunteer Fair, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, January 18 at the New Port Richey Public Library in downtown NPR
Local non-profits will showcase their mission in the community as a way to connect with potential volunteers and build awareness about available services.
For information or to sign your non-profit organization up, contact the library’s Community Outreach Coordinator at (727) 853-1275 or at ortmanm@cityofnewportrichey.org
January 19 – 25
Cotee River Bike Fest wraps up on Sunday, January 19 in Sims Park and downtown New Port Richey
Take 2! NPR puts out the welcome mat for the annual Cotee River Bike Fest which was postponed from the original October date due to the hurricanes that blew through creating damage throughout Pasco County.
Martin Luther King Day Jr Celebration, 10 a.m. Monday, January 20 at the Booker T. Washington School in Port Richey
This annual event features a symbolic march down March from the Union Baptist Church to the historic Booker T. Washington School on Pine Hill Road in Port Richey followed by guest speakers and artistic performances.
Movie Night in the Park, 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 24 in Sims Park in downtown NPR | Free
Bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on and enjoy a family movie under the stars or the park canopy.
Into the Woods, weekends January 24 – 26 and January 31 – February 2 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $25 +
Into the Woods is a musical that weaves together beloved fairy tales in unexpected ways. The story follows a baker and his wife, who long for a child and set out to break a witch’s curse. Along their journey, they encounter Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Jack—each with their own desires and challenges.
Kumquat Festival, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, January 25 in Dade City
Enjoy the unique, quaint and family fun of “old Florida” during the 2025 Annual Kumquat Festival®
– it’s one of a kind! You’ll have the opportunity to eat delicious food, visit hundreds of arts and crafts vendor booths , listen to music and learn about kumquats, “the little gold gems of the citrus industry”.
Concert in the Park Series featuring Heart Tribute Band, Saturday, January 25 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free
NPR Parks and Rec continues its annual Music Series in the Park. Bring blankets and lawn chairs.
TAP INTO SOUL with Solomon Jaye, 7 p.m. Friday, January 24 at the PHSC Performing Arts Center in New Port Richey | $30 – $35
Get ready for some high-energy soul with America’s premier tap-dancing soul singer, Solomon Jaye. TAP INTO SOUL combines thrilling vocals with the precision and excitement of rhythm tap to create a one-of-a-kind musical journey. Groove along to classic soul chart-toppers from the 50s, 60s, and 70s as well as contemporary favorites.
January 26 – 31
Into the Woods, weekends January 24 – 26 and January 31 – February 2 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $25 +
Into the Woods is a musical that weaves together beloved fairy tales in unexpected ways. The story follows a baker and his wife, who long for a child and set out to break a witch’s curse. Along their journey, they encounter Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Jack—each with their own desires and challenges.
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