By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
Kick off the month of May at the 5th Annual Monarch Fest at the NPR Library or get out early for a morning birding venture with Pasco Audubon at Starkey Wilderness Park. Take in a concert at the beach or in Sims Park – maybe a family movie night there, too. Learn about the state of Florida’s agriculture at the Great American Farmer’s Market at the Starkey Ranch Library. Blend wellness and artistry at an outdoor watercolor workshop.
Check out all those events and more, listed by date, below.
Want to explore on your own? Scroll on down to info on city, county, and local parks.
QUICK SEARCH
Events By Date
Outdoor Markets
Garden Groove Calendar
City of New Port Richey Parks
Pasco County Parks
Florida State Parks
StoryWalk®at the Park
Link to information about local summer youth camps here.
Pasco Audubon | Morning Nature Walk, 8 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 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
Fifth Annual Monarch Butterfly Festival, Saturday, May 2, at the New Port Richey Public Library
Keynote speaker Shawn “The Milkweed Man,” documentary screenings, environmental group representatives, and musical entertainment. The first 50 attendees receive a free milkweed plant, with additional plants and seeds available.
OTB | Pasco Audubon | Birding By Bike, Sunday, May 9 at Birding by Bike at Chassawahowitzka Wildlife Area in Hernando County
About: A wide range of wildlife find food, shelter, denning, and nesting sites at this Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail site
For more information about this outing, contact Robertburkard9@gmail.com
OTB | The Sunset Beach Concert Series featuring The Double Treble Band, 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7, 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.
Pasco County Parks & Rec Outdoor Adventures | Watercolors & Wellness Guided Painting 11 a.m. – 12″30 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park | $10
Practice mindfulness during Mental Health Awareness Month at this Watercolors & Wellness guided painting class. Participants will create their very own painting capturing the beauty of Florida’s state flower, the orange blossom. All supplies will be provided! Please come dressed for painting.
For more info about Pasco County Park Outdoor Adventures, visit pascocountyfl.gov/services/parks_recreation_and_natural_resources/pasco_outdoor_adventures
New Port Richey Environmental Committee Meeting, 6 – 7 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at the New Port Richey Library
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 environmental initiatives. All meetings are open to the public.
Great American Farmers Market Theatre Presentations, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Starkey Ranch Theatre, Library & Cultural Center in Odessa | Free
Come out to this America 250 celebration honoring our rich farmland and agricultural heritage. Browse 30+ local vendors, explore interactive displays, and enjoy engaging talks from UF IFAS Extension Pasco County. Plus, don’t miss your chance to meet highland cow influencer Jason Moo Moa! Giveaways will be happening throughout the event—so stop by anytime and join the fun!
More details: mypas.co/PascoAmericas250
Concert in the Park | The Fulcos, 7 – 9 p.m. Saturday, May 16, in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free
From the promo…
Making their Sims Park debut, The Fulcos are a powerhouse family band led by Joey Fulco, a self-taught multi-instrumentalist who has shared the stage with legends and written more than 300 songs. Sons, Jesse and Dominick, have built their own following with viral music, international promotion, more than 200 shows a year, and recognition as Tampa Bay Music News’ “Fan Favorite.”
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
Pasco County Parks & Rec Outdoor Adventures | Foraging Hike, 8:30 – 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 19 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | $5
Participants will embark on a Naturalist-led hike, learning about Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park’s fantastic variety of wild edibles. We will discuss identification and traditional uses and preparations for many of the park’s native species.
This is an educational hike that will NOT involve the physical ingestion of any plants or fungi
For more info about Pasco County Park Outdoor Adventures, visit pascocountyfl.gov/services/parks_recreation_and_natural_resources/pasco_outdoor_adventures
Pasco County Libraries Story Time in the Park, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, at Lake Lisa Park in New Port Richey
Enjoy nature-themed stories, songs, and sunshine at Lake Lisa Park! All ages welcome.
New Port Richey Historic Walking Tour, 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 20. Meet at Peace Hall | Free
Learn about the historic buildings and landmarks in downtown New Port Richey as historian, WPHS vice-president, and author Gary Vitacco-Robles introduces his newest book, “A New Port Richey Historic Walking Tour”.
For more information on the West Pasco Historical Society & Museum, visit westpascomuseum.org
New Port Richey Main Street Fourth Friday, 6 – 10 p.m., Friday, May 22, in downtown New Port Richey
Stroll downtown New Port Richey, check out local vendors and businesses. Held on the 4th Friday of each month.
Pasco County Parks & Rec Outdoor Adventures | Introduction to Archery, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Satruday, May 23, at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | $15
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, our programs offer simple, hands-on instruction in a fun and supportive environment. Each session focuses on fundamental techniques, helping you gain confidence while making new friends. With experienced instructors guiding you, you’ll create lasting memories as you learn the art of archery.
For more info about Pasco County Park Outdoor Adventures, visit pascocountyfl.gov/services/parks_recreation_and_natural_resources/pasco_outdoor_adventures
NPR Summer Kickoff: Touch-a-Truck & Hurricane Expo, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at the New Port Richey Public Library
Kick summer into high gear with Touch-a-Truck! Explore firetrucks, police vehicles, and more at this annual event. Face painting and other activities will be available inside the Library, where you can register for the Summer Library Challenge.
This event also includes a Hurricane Expo, featuring safety information and vendors to help you prepare for storm season. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to get up close with emergency vehicles, connect with local safety experts, and learn how to stay prepared.
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
PHOTO | MICHELE MILLER
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.
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
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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