By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
Outdoor events definitely peter out a bit in what is typically the “slow season” around here. You will find the die-hards out there – getting out early morn or later in the day to thwart the high temps & humidity.
If you are into that, you might opt for Pasco Audubon’s 7:30 a.m. birding hike on July 4th at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey. The monthly Sunset Beach Concert at 7 p.m. on July 2 “over the border” in Tarpon Springs. You could join the Pond Restoration Project that starts at 8 a.m. on July 12 in Land O’Lakes.
The City of New Port Richey’s “Motion on the Square” event goes from 6 – 8 p.m. on July 16 and 30. Maybe catch a breeze on the water at the Scalloping Paddle for Adults held on July 10 and July 17.
And let’s not forget the annual Pasco Scallop Music Fest held weekends July 3 – 5 and July 10 – 12 at Sunwest Park in Hudson.
Find all that and more below, and remember to stay cool and hydrated and lather on that sunscreen.
Scroll down for events listed by date (click on accompanying pics to link to websites and more info) or access the Quick Search feature below.
Quick Search
July 1 – 4
Independence Day | 250th USA Birthday Events
July 5 – 11
July 12 – 18
July 19 – 25
July 26 – 31
Ongoing Offerings
Local Markets
City of New Port Richey Parks
Pasco County Parks
Florida State Parks
StoryWalk®at the Park
More Calendars
New Port Richey Main Street Patriotic Ride and Roll, 7 p.m. Thursday, July 2, in downtown New Port Richey | Free to watch | $20 – $35 to participate
Come out to watch or participate (for a fee) in this annual event in downtown NPR. Up to $500 in prizes awarded for “Most Patriotic Golf Cart,” “Most Patriotic Costumes,” and “Best Use of Lights.” $20 preregistration fee; Same Day $35. Additional wristbands are $10. Line-up starts at 7 p.m. Parade is at 8 p.m.
OTB | The Sunset Beach Concert Series featuring Guilty Pleasure, 7 p.m. Thursday, July 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.
2026 Pasco Scallop Music Festival, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 3 – 5 and July 10 – 12 at Sunwest Park in Hudson | Free Entry | $5 Parking
This family‑friendly celebration promises to bring together the best of summer with great food, entertainment, and plenty of scalloping spirit + fireworks display on July 4.
Music Line Up
- Friday, July 3 – Ginger Rose 6-8:30 p.m. & Shadowfax 9-11 p.m.
- Saturday, July 4 – Chris Dupree 3-4:30 p.m, Life of The Party 5-7 p.m. & The Shakes Society 8-11 p.m.
- Sunday, July 5 – Mrs. Red 2-4 p.m., Jorge Valentine 4:30-6:30 p.m., American Stones 7-9 p.m.
Pasco Audubon Society | Morning Nature & Birding Walk, 7:30 a.m. Saturday, July 4, at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | Free
Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Education Center for a 1 – to 4-mile walk. Wear suitable shoes. Bring Water. Wear Suncreen. Led by Joe Colontonio.
For more information about Pasco Audubon, visit pascoaudubon.com
Independence Day Events
Pasco County Celebrates America 250th, 3 – 11 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Sunwest Park in Hudson ($5 parking fee)
Bring your own chair to this Pasco County Park and listen to live music featuring Chris Dupree, Life of the Party, and Shakes Society. Food Trucks and fireworks at 9 p.m.
East Pasco County Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday, 6 – 8 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at the Historic Courthouse in Dade City | Free
East Pasco will host a patriotic celebration, paying tribute to the nation and its esteemed individuals at the Historic Courthouse in Dade City.
After the event, a spectacular fireworks display will take place at John Burks Park at 9 PM.
- Performances include
- High School and Middle School Bands
- Soloist and gospel quartet
- Community sing-along
- Community bell ringing
- Showing patriotism
- Piccolo & drum entrance
- Color Guard
- Pledge
- National Anthem & Proclamation
- Declaration of Independence Recitations by Elementary School Students
- Honoring military & first responders
- Guest Speakers
- FREE cupcakes (while supplies last)
UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension | Pasco Scalloping 101 -Lunch and Learn Webinar, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Wednesday, July 8
Dr. Megan Moore, the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant Agent for Pasco County, will host an online Lunch and Learn webinar that will cover everything you need to know about scalloping in Pasco County. Come learn all about scallops, where to find them, how to go scalloping, boater safety and regulations, and how to clean and cook your scallops.
To help support the future scallop populations, Florida Sea Grant recommends the use of Scallop Sorters. These devices will help you to measure the scallops and throw back scallops less than 2 inches in size. Come to the event to learn where to get these free sorters in Pasco.Link to the event here
For more information on this event or other programs sponsored by the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco
2026 Pasco Scallop Music Festival, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 10 – 12 at Sunwest Park in Hudson | Free Entry | $5 Parking
This family‑friendly celebration promises to bring together the best of summer with great food, entertainment, and plenty of scalloping spirit + fireworks display on July 4.
Music Line-Up
- Sunday, July 5 – Mrs. Red 2-4 p.m., Jorge Valentine 4:30-6:30 p.m., American Stones 7-9 p.m.
- Friday, July 10 – Drummer Mike 6-8 p.m., Journey Tribute/Def Leppard Tribute 8:30-11 p.m.
- Saturday, July 11 – 2 Strings and a Fiddle 3-5 p.m., Jenn and The for Reals 6-9 p.m., Chas Collins 9-11 p.m.
- Sunday, July 12 – Embry Bros / Remedy Mashup 3-5:30 p.m., Florida Hit Machine 6-8 p.m.
Environmental Committee Meeting, 6 – 7 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at the New Port Richey Public 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.
Pasco County Parks & Rec Outdoor Adventures | Adults Only Scalloping, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Friday, July 10 & July 17 at Robert K. Rees Memorial Park in New Port Richey | $50
Pasco Parks & Rec provides a guided paddle experience off the coast of Robert K. Rees Memorial Park. Participants will learn how to ethically harvest scallops, snorkel through seagrasses, and paddle alongside mangrove forests. All supplies will be provided, and all scallops harvested may be taken home to enjoy!
For more information about this event or other Outdoor Adventures, visit the Pasco County Parks & Recreation Outdoor Adventures page here.
Thrive on the Square, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 11 at Cavalaire Square in downtown New Port Richey | Free
Community Pond Restoration Event Phase 2: Stormwater Smart Solutions, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sunday, July 12 at the Land O’Lakes Recreation Complex
In Phase 2 of the community restoration project at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, hosted by UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant in partnership with Pasco County Public Works, volunteers will help remove invasive plant species from the pond and plant native Florida vegetation along its edges. We welcome adult and youth volunteers! (Youth must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The project will focus on the restoration of a stormwater retention pond to restore habitat and actively reduce nutrient loading. For more information, click here
For more information about this program or other programs and services offered by UF/AFAS Pasco County Extension, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco
City of New Port Richey Sunshine Sessions, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday, July 12 in Cavaliere Square in downtown New Port Richey | Free
Good vibes, sunshine, and uplifting energy are taking over Downtown New Port Richey this summer with the launch of Sunshine Sessions, a brand-new, all-ages, family-friendly music experience happening at Cavalaire Square! Guests can enjoy bubble machines, affirmation cards, giveaways, dancing, and wellness-inspired activities in a welcoming environment designed for all ages.
City of New Port Richey Motion on the Square, a free biweekly summer event series held at 6 – 8 p.m. on July 16 and July 30 at Railroad Square | Free
The dancing series is taught by Coach Q of Million Dollar Divas Dance Company and features “Next Move Youth & Teen Sessions” at 6 p.m., which includes fun, high-energy movement experiences designed to build confidence through dance and music for youth and teens. Then at 7 p.m., “Line Dance on the Square” offers beginner-friendly line dancing and community movement for all ages.
Pasco County Parks & Rec Outdoor Adventures | Adults Only Scalloping, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Friday, July 17 at Robert K. Rees Memorial Park in New Port Richey | $50
Pasco Parks & Rec provides a guided paddle experience off the coast of Robert K. Rees Memorial Park. Participants will learn how to ethically harvest scallops, snorkel through seagrasses, and paddle alongside mangrove forests. All supplies will be provided, and all scallops harvested may be taken home to enjoy!
For more information about this event or other Outdoor Adventures, visit the Pasco County Parks & Recreation Outdoor Adventures page here.
Fourth Friday Block Party & Baazaar, 6 – 10 p.m. Friday, July 25, in downtown New Port Richey
The market takes place on the Fourth Friday of each month in Historic Downtown New Port Richey.
The Bazaar will feature artisanal artists, makers, bakers, and local businesses selling handmade goods, jewelry, art, woodwork, gifts, and so much more
City of New Port Richey Motion on the Square, a free biweekly summer event series held at 6 – 8 p.m. on July 30 at Railroad Square | Free
The dancing series is taught by Coach Q of Million Dollar Divas Dance Company and features “Next Move Youth & Teen Sessions” at 6 p.m., which includes fun, high-energy movement experiences designed to build confidence through dance and music for youth and teens. Then at 7 p.m., “Line Dance on the Square” offers beginner-friendly line dancing and community movement for all ages.
City of New Port Richey Announces Fall “Concert in the Park Series for September – November 2026
ONGOING OFFERINGS
New Port Richey Walk & Talk Club, 10 – 11 a.m. each Monday in downtown New Port Richey
Explore different destinations around New Port Richey to walk to each week. Explore the city and make new friends, all while getting in some exercise! The walk will begin and end at the New Port Richey Public Library. Meet in the courtyard.
For information about this event or other events at the New Port Richey Public Library, visit the New Port Richey Library Event Calendar.
Tasty Tuesdays Community Market, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. each Tuesday at the New Port Richey 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.
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
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More Local News and Calendars
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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