March 9, 2026
By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
It all started back in 1922 with an idea to celebrate the town and raise money for a library, expanding as it went to involve a coronation and fictional pageant that evolved into a better understanding of the indigenous people through the Native American Festival held today.
This year’s event pays tribute to the country’s 250th anniversary with the theme “Spirit of America.” The city’s premier event runs from March 20 to 28 this year. Fundraising is still at the core of Chasco Fiesta™, a nonprofit organization with a mission statement to enhance lives through cultural education and the performing arts.
The longstanding celebration of the crowning of Queen Chasco and King Pithla continues, giving a well-earned nod to local individuals who have been nominated by non-profits for their work in the community.
Add to that a boat parade, street parade, live music in the park, a car show, carnival rides, and other complementary festivities.
Scroll down for highlighted events. For more information, visit the Chasco Fiesta™ website
Chasco Coronation Ball, 7 p.m. Friday, March 20, at the Spartan Manor in New Port Richey, Benefiting the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind.
The 39th Annual Chasco Coronation Ballis an elegant fundraising event that includes dinner, entertainment, a silent auction, and dancing. It celebrates the outstanding contributions made by many in our community with nominations from not-for-profit and for-profit organizations, and it also recognizes two of the nominees with a Coronation of King Pithla and Queen Chasco. For information, visit lvib.org/ball
Chasco Fiesta™ Street Parade starts at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, in downtown New Port Richey
Folks like to set up early for the annual parade that starts on Grand Boulevard and rolls around Orange Lake before ending at Main Street. Remember, there is free parking at the garage at 218 US Hwy 19 at Main Street, where you can walk or access the DART trolley to get you downtown.
Gulf Side Corvette Club Chasco Fiesta™ Car Show, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, March 21 in downtown New Port Richey
Chasco Junior Royalty Pageant, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday, March 22 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $6.50
In honor of this year’s Chasco Fiesta theme, “Spirit of America,” our contestants will showcase their confidence in formal attire and optional “Outfit of Choice” categories. Why Join Us? • All-Crown Event: Every participant receives a prize and a title! • Community Involvement: Winners are invited to participate in the legendary Chasco Fiesta Parade and other community festivities. • Family Fun: A positive, supportive stage experience for children of all ages.
Native American Showcase, A Night of Culture, Music, and Tradition, starting at 6 p.m. Monday, March 23 | Free Admission
The Native American Showcase at Chasco Fiesta™ is a powerful evening dedicated to honoring authentic Indigenous music, storytelling, and cultural expression. Presented as part of our Native American Village and Pow Wow programming, this special night brings nationally recognized artist Bill Miller to the stage alongside traditional performers who carry forward generations of heritage.
The History of New Port Richey as told by The Spirit of the River, 6 p.m. Monday, March 23, in the Sims Park Amphitheater, Downtown New Port Richey | FREE admission as part of the Native American Showcase night
Presented by the West Pasco Historical Society and Chasco Fiesta™, this special production brings local stories to life through narration, historic visuals, and meaningful moments that celebrate the heart of our community.
Written by Alma Bennett, Ph.D., and directed by Jessica Glass, River Spirit stars Judy Meyers in an evening that honors New Port Richey’s past and the river that helped shape it.
Chasco Boat Parade, 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28, on the Pithlachascotee River
Music Line Up
For tickets and information, visit chascofiesta.com/music
$5 Daily Festival Entry for most shows unless otherwise indicated (Children 12 and under free)
Native American Night is FREE to all
Opening Night – Spirit FM Family Night featuring Jonathn St. Cyr, 6 p.m. Friday, March 20 in Sims Park | $10 Reserved Concert Seating | $5 Daily Festival Entry | Children 12 and under free
Celebrate Opening Night of Chasco Fiesta 2026 at Spirit FM Family Night featuring national Christian recording artist Jordan St. Cyr, with theChapel’s house band opening the evening.
- Hits 106 Classic Rock Night with Jeff Randall and the Rusty Ole Phlockers, Freebird & the Pat Travers Band, starting at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 21, in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey
- Old Time Sailors, 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21. The Old Time Sailors perform traditional seafaring songs with a bold, modern twist. This 21-piece crew blends folk, shanty, Irish punk, polka rock, and theatrical flair into a genre-bending performance unlike anything else on the Chasco Fiesta™ stage.
- Native American Showcase, A Night of Culture, Music, and Tradition, starting at 6 p.m. Monday, March 23 | Free Admission | The Native American Showcase at Chasco Fiesta™ is a powerful evening dedicated to honoring authentic Indigenous music, storytelling, and cultural expression. Presented as part of our Native American Village and Pow Wow programming, this special night brings nationally recognized artist Bill Miller to the stage alongside traditional performers who carry forward generations of heritage. This program is free and open to the public.
- Happy Hour with the Black Honkeys and Greg Roy and the Pressure Band, starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 24.
- Rock & Soul Night with Ronnie Dee and the Superstars & Mia Malene, starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 25
- Rhythm & Blues Masters Night with Sean Chambers & the Savoy Brown Rhythm Section & the Julie Black Band, starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26
- Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road Presents: Molly Hatchet & the Embry Brothers, starting at 7 p.m. Friday, March 27. Reserved Seating Concert starting at $20
- Country Stage, Saturday, March 28. The evening features a special Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash Stage Dedication and a Special Performance by John Carter Cash. Also featuring Clint Byron (6 p.m.), Johnny & June Carter Cash Stage Dedication and Performance by John Carter Cash (7 p.m.), and Cassidy Daniels honoring the enduring legacy of one of country music’s most iconic families. | Tickets are $20 – $30
Carnival Rides
This year’s carnival will be held across from Sims Park near the boat ramp on the banks of the Pitlachascotee River
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