The 13th Annual Florida Loquat Festival Returns to New Port Richey on April 11th

loquat2024-dell — Dell deChant harvests loquats with local volunteers. File Photo | Michele Miller (2024)

Media Release | March 10, 2026
New Port Richey FarmNet

The Only Festival of Its Kind in the U.S. Celebrates and Shares Local New Port Richey Fruit Trees

NEW PORT RICHEY, FLA. (Tue., March 10, 2026) – Ecology Florida and New Port Richey FarmNet, with support from the City of New Port Richey, will host the 13^th Annual Florida Loquat Festival on Saturday, April 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Sims Park in and around historic Peace Hall in New Port Richey. This is the only loquat festival in the United States.

The festival is a learning and sharing event designed to expand knowledge and appreciation of the loquat tree and its fruit. Presentations throughout the day will explore topics including cultivation of loquat trees, uses of the fruit and leaves, and discussions on community markets and agrarianism.

Organizers and volunteers sold some 200 pounds of locally harvested loquats at the 10th annual Loquat Fest held on March 18, 2023, at Frances Avenue Park in NPR.
FILE PHOTO | MICHELE MILLER

Organizers are anticipating a strong harvest this year, and visitors can look forward to enjoying a variety of fresh loquats along with preserves and other loquat-inspired products. As with all fruit festivals, harvest levels depend on seasonal weather patterns, but there will still be plenty to taste, learn about, and celebrate throughout the event.

A range of loquat trees will also be available for purchase, from seedlings and saplings to larger trees. FarmNet nurseries will offer smaller trees at lower prices, including seedlings for $5. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for the best selection.

Education remains a central component of the festival. Presentations will include discussions on the role of loquats in sustainable farming and gardening, the use of loquat leaves for tea and wellness, and the broader cultural context of this remarkable tree.

A new addition this year is the return of the beloved Loquat Art Show, featuring local artists working in a variety of media. Artwork showcased in the exhibit will celebrate Florida produce and agricultural heritage.

The Florida Loquat Festival in New Port Richey is the only festival in the United States dedicated to the loquat fruit.

“There are loquat festivals in other parts of the world, from East Asia through Central Asia to Europe, North Africa, and the Caribbean Islands,” said Dell deChant, one of the event’s organizers. “But New Port Richey is home to the only one in the United States.”

The event is made possible thanks to major sponsor The New Port Richey Rotary Club, community supporter SERVPRO – Team George, and the many local businesses, groups, and individuals who help make the festival possible.

Several related events will take place in downtown New Port Richey during the week leading up to the festival, including the Loquat Walk, beginning at the New Port Richey Public Library on April 6, and the annual Loquat Beer Tapping at Cotee River Brewing Company on April 8. Festival shirts will also be available for purchase.