By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
April 2026
If you’re looking to spend some time outdoors this month, you’re in luck with a variety of options. New Port Richey Parks & Rec gets into the mix with a Spring for the kids and the annual Loquat Fest, “the only one of its kind” in Sims Park in downtown NPR.
There’s the usual birding hikes with Pasco Audubon, Tidal pool and nature hikes with Pasco County Parks and Rec and the IF/UFAS Pasco County Extension.
Add to that a variety of outdoor concerts from the NPR Library’s one-hour offering on a Friday evening to the Caribbean Chillers in Sims Park and a few weekend festivals held at the Florida Sand Music Ranch (formerly Sertoma Youth Ranch) in Hernando County.
Looking to explore on your own? Check out info on city, county, and state parks below, and link to the Garden Groove Calendar and other monthly calendars on the What’s What New Port Richey website.
Scroll down to view events by date. Tap/Click on the photos to link to more information from the hosts’ websites.
Schedule of Events
City of New Port Richey Parks & Recreation
Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources
Florida State Parks in Pasco County
Garden Groove Calendar of Events
Markets
StoryWalk®in local parks
Other Calendars
* Note – OTB denotes happening Over the (Pasco County) Border
OTB | The Sunset Beach Concert Series featuring The Tarpons Springs High Jazz Band, 7 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs | Free
The Sunset Beach annual Concert Series continues, featuring an eclectic line-up of concerts through November. Free Shuttle Service to and from Tarpon Springs High. No pets or alcohol. Bring chairs and blankets.
New Port Richey Parks and Rec’s Spring Fling, 5 p.m. Saturday, April 4, in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey
Come on out and bring the family for an egg hunt, bounce houses, crafts, pictures with the Easter Bunny & so much more!
Egg hunt times
0-3 years old: 5:30 pm
4-6 years old: 6:00 pm
7-9 years old: 6:30 pm
10-12 Years old: 7:00 pm
UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension | Eco Wonders – Protecting our Watersheds, 6 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 7 at the New River Library in Wesley Chapel | For ages 7 – 11
Join UF/IFAS Extension, Florida Sea Grant, and Pasco County for an educational program focused on understanding stormwater pollution in our watersheds. Youth will learn about stormwater pollution sources and environmental impacts. They will also get to experience a hands-on water filtration activity.
Parents are welcome to join and learn. If kids out of the age range are interested, please reach out to me.moore@ufl.edu
OTB | Fox Fam Jam, April 10 -11 at the Florida Sand Music Ranch in Brooksville | $78.75 (single day) and up | Camping Fees Separate
Line-up includes Cope, Sauce Pocket, The Applebutter Express, Tire Fire, Custard Pie,
Mr. Whiskers & The Nine Lives, Wall of Echoes, Propaganjah, Ship of Fools, Space Krate, Joy Wagon, Legacy Orchestra Collective, Todd Sargent, Chaseton Jay
The Low Heavies
For tickets and information, visit www.foxfamjam.com
Pasco Audubon | Morning Nature Walk, 8 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey
Meet at the Education Center for a 1 – 3-mile walk. Wear sensible footwear. Bring water and bug repellent.
For more information about the Pasco Audubon Society and events, visit pascoaudubon.com
Pasco Parks & Rec | Tidal Walk, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at Anclote Gulf Park in Holiday | $5
Naturalist-led trek along the tidal ecosystems at Anclote Gulf Park. Participants will learn about the importance of these ecosystems and discover the unique critters living on the shoreline!
Fitness Level: Moderate
Participants will not be swimming, but while exploring the tides, may be walking through shallow water (up to waist-deep). It is recommended to bring water, bug spray, sunscreen, and close-toed water shoes.
For more info about Pasco County Park Outdoor Adventures, visit pascocountyfl.gov/services/parks_recreation_and_natural_resources/pasco_outdoor_adventures
The 13th Annual Florida Loquat Festival, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11, in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey
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.
Loquat trees are available for purchase. Also this year, 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.
Pasco Audubon | Birding in Brazil Seminar and Photo Contest Awards 11 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park Education Center in New Port Richey | Free
Klenisson Brenner presents “Birding in Brazil – a Photographic Tour. And the Annual Birds and Wildlife of Tampa Bay Photography Competition Awards. For more information about the Pasco Audubon Society and events, visit pascoaudubon.com
OTB | Pasco Audubon Field Trip – Migration, April 12 at Fort DeSoto Park in St. Petersburg
This annual field trip to Fort DeSoto Park is a week or two earlier than we would normally hold it as a result of the group’s second international trip, but holding it earlier will increase the likelihood of seeing tanagers and grosbeaks, along with the earlier migrating warblers.
Contact president@pascoaudubon.com
City of New Port Richey Environmental Committee Meeting, 6 – 7 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at the New Port Richey Public Library | The public is welcome to attend
The Environmental Committee Meeting is a community-led group that meets monthly. The Environmental Committee offers advisory opinions and recommendations to the City Council on environmental issues facing the city, serves as the planning committee for the City’s major environmental events, and explores new initiatives. All meetings are open to the public.
Family Movie Night in the Park featuring Zootopia 2, 8 p.m. Friday, April 17, in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free
Bring a blanket and chairs and enjoy a family night under the stars in downtown New Port Richey.
OTB | Rock and Roll Revival Festival, April 17 – 19 at the Florida Sand Music Ranch in Brooksville | $25 and up | Camping Fees Separate
Featuring multiple bands performing over three days, including The Fulcos, Memphis Lightning, Sweet Fleet, Pieces of Eight, North2South, The Joni Project, Penta, Trey Wanvig, Edge of Rock, Yesterdayze, Daytrippers, and Rockin’ Blues Review.
For information and tickets, visit rocknrollrevival.org
Monarch Butterfly Festival, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Touchton Park in Dade City
The Monarch Butterfly Festival will be held in the beautiful Touchton Park, with festivities flowing out into the gardens of the Dade City Garden Club! There will be a Kids’ Zone, entertainment, educational exhibits, and an eclectic market and plant sale that will satisfy any shopper.
For information about the event and vendor information, visit www.dadecitygardenclub.com/index.php/monarch-project
NPR Parks & Rec | Concert in the Series featuring the Caribbean Chillers, 7 p.m. Saturday, April 18 in Sims Park | Free
Parrot Heads are invited to soak in the sights, sounds, and laid-back spirit of a live Jimmy Buffett experience. There will be margarita mocktails, a best dressed costume contest, and a giant inflatable parrot might make an appearance for a photo op benefiting a local bird sanctuary.
Free to attend, and guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for seating. Food trucks, sodas, plus beer and wine for the 21+ crowd will be available before and during the shows. Free parking is available throughout Downtown New Port Richey, and the Downtown Area Roundabout Trolley (a.k.a. DART) operates Thursday through Sunday. For hours and parking location information, visit www.cityofnewportrichey.org/parking.
NPR Library Riverside Concert Series featuring Common Ground, 6 p..m. Friday, April 24, in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free
From the promo….
Common Ground is an alt/rock band from Tampa known for their eclectic blend of covers and original songs. Their dynamic sound and high-energy performances have made them a favorite among local music fans. Join us as we close out this season’s Riverside Concert Series with an unforgettable evening of live music!
This performance will take place in the southwest corner of Sims Park, near the Grassin Bridge. Please feel free to bring a blanket or chair for seating.
For more library events and programs, visit nprlibrary.org
Fourth Friday Block Party, 6 – 10 p.m. Friday, April 24, in downtown New Port Richey
The NPR Fourth Friday Block Party is a vibrant monthly celebration held throughout the heart of Downtown New Port Richey. This open-air, evening market transforms the streets into a lively hub of creativity, shopping, food, and fun.
OTB | Gone County Music Festival, April 24 – 25 at the Florida Sand Music Ranch in Brooksville | Tickets $45 and up | Camping Fees Separate
Weekend Line-up includes DC & the Whiskey Revival (pictured), Crossfire Creek, Highway 41, Blackwater Jack, Sundown, Daniel Sprouse, Hayfire, One Night Rodeo, and Whiskey County. For tickets and info, visit ranchgonecountry.com.
Keep Pasco Beautiful Earth Day Celebration, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Crews Lake Park in Spring Hill
Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society plant sale, upcycle vendors, ladybug release, and educational displays. Learn about many creatures with ambassadors from Dundee Farms, Florida Skunk Rescue, and Fox Tales Florida. Hits 106 will be doing a live remote from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service is offering two workshops at the event: Rain Barrel at 11 a.m. and Composting at 10:00 a.m. Seating is limited, and pre-registration is required for both workshops.
There will be a household hazardous waste collection onsite accepting items including lightbulbs, batteries, oil, gas, and paint. The electronics recycling includes the disposal of 2 TVs for free. Visit the Pasco County Household Hazardous Waste page for detailed information on acceptable items. Document shredding by Shred 360 will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a limit of 3 boxes/bags per person. Bring in old thermostats or thermometers to properly dispose of mercury and receive a $5 gift card.
For more information, visit www.keeppascobeautiful.org/earth-day
ADVERTISMENT
Tasty Tuesdays Community Market, each Tuesday in the courtyard at the New Port Richey Public Library
The weekly market is located in the courtyard of the New Port Richey Public Library at 5939 Main Street, New Port Richey. The market is open every Tuesday, rain or shine, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find locally sourced foods, sustainably grown produce, cottage-industry baked goods, hand-made items, and more.
The City is home to James E. Grey Preserve, an 80-acre wildlife preserve featured on the Great Florida Birding Trail. The preserve is home to 140 different species of birds, as well as deer, wild boar, turtles, and manatee.
Other Parks include Cotee River Park, Frances Avenue Park, Grand Boulevard Park, Jasmin Park, Meadow Dog Park, Sims Park, and the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatics Center.
PHOTO|MICHELE MILLER
For more information, visit www.cityofnewportrichey.org/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation
Pasco Parks & Rec manages and protects over 15,000 acres of land, offering access to:
- 6,900+ Acres of preserved land
- 23 Active Parks for sports, play, and family fun
- 18 Wilderness Parks & Preserves for hiking, biking, paddling, and wildlife watching
Pasco County is home to the Werner-Boyce Salt Springs Park in Port Richey. Bring your own kayak or canoe to navigate the mangroves or rent a vessel for the day at Salty Dog Kayak Rentals.
Anclote Key Preserve State Park, located off Tarpon Springs, is also accessible by boat & ferry services. The 11,773-acre park features a lighthouse and is home to at least 43 species of birds, including the American oystercatcher, bald eagle, and piping plover.
Over the Border State Parks to Consider
Honeymoon Island State Park
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
(featuring the famous mermaids and Buccaneer Bay Theme Park)
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
For more information on Florida State Parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org
A StoryWalk® is an outdoor reading activity that allows children, families, and people of all ages to read a story while walking along a nature trail. Pages of a story are placed on posts on a trail, combining literacy and physical activity into one enjoyable experience.
- James E. Grey Preserve, 6938 Plathe Road, New Port Richey. First installed in March of 2020, our StoryWalk® takes you down a 1/4 mile trail through the preserve, reading a story together along the way. A new story is installed three times a year, each featuring additional early literacy activities and interactive tasks to enhance the story as you go.
- Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, New Port Richey. Includes 18 reading station posts installed along a 0.20-mile nature trail loop on the back-left side of the playground area.
- Withlacoochee River Park, 12249 Withlacoochee Blvd., Dade City. Withlacoochee StoryWalk®, located in Dade City, is a 0.30-mile trail with 18 posts.
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