By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
The weather has been close to perfect. An early nip in the air that makes it feel like fall and has you opening the windows – at least for a bit – because the air smells fresh and crisp, like sheets recently pulled off a backyard clothesline.
What better time to get out there than this? Right now. Just do it. (Stole that).
Check out some of the options and invites below
SEARCH
Special Events
Markets
Pasco Audubon
Concerts & Camping at the Florida Sand Music Ranch
City of New Port Richey Parks & Rec
Pasco County Parks & Rec
Florida State Parks
Into the Woods With StoryWalk®
Special Events
Florida Bug Jam, November 6-8 at the Pasco County Fairgrounds in Dade City | Gates open at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday for spectators
Spend the weekend checking out an incredible collection of classic, custom, restored, and one-of-a-kind Volkswagens, from Beetles and Buses to Ghias, Things, and everything in between. Car show, vendors, contests, swap meet. Attendees are encouraged to dress in colorful Florida garb
For information, visit the Florida Bug Jam website.
City of New Port Richey Sunshine Sessions, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, November 8 in Cavalaire Square in downtown New Port Richey | Free
Sunshine Sessions features upbeat house music and curated daytime rave vibes by Heather Effie, creating an energetic and welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
What to Expect: Bubble machines, house music & daytime rave vibes, Affirmation cards, giveaways, wellness-inspired activities, dancing, connection, and positive energy.
For more information, visit the City of New Port Richey Events Directory
Riverside Concert Series featuring The Nightbumpers, 6-7 p.m. Friday. November 13 at Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free
The NightBumpers bring high-energy American roots music to the stage with toe-tapping rhythms, swinging grooves, and blues-infused style. Inspired by the jump and swing era of the 1940s, their sound is a lively tribute to a timeless musical tradition.
For more information, visit the New Port Richey Public Library Website here.
Sweet Potato Roundup, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, November 21 at the New Port Richey Public Library
New Port Richey FarmNet joins with the First United Methodist church of New Port Richey to welcome local growers, businesses, and the community to celebrate the ninth annual Sweet Potato Round-Up and Fall Farming Festival.
Note: This year’s local harvest has been very light, so to supplement local production, there will be sweet potatoes from out of the area shared by FarmNet supporter Wright’s Natural Market.
For more information, visit farmnetnpr.com/sweet-potato-roundup-nov
Concerts in the Park Series featuring the Homegrown Zac Brown Tribute Band, 7-9 p.m. Saturday, November 21 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free
From chart-topping hits like Chicken Fried, Toes, and Knee Deep to fan-favorite singalongs, Homegrown recreates the authentic Zac Brown Band concert experience with high-energy performances and outstanding musicianship. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just looking for a great night of live music under the stars, this is a concert you won’t want to miss.
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends for an unforgettable evening in beautiful Downtown New Port Richey.
For more information, visit the City of New Port Richey Events Directory
Local Markets
Tatsy Tuesdays Community Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 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 12 p.m. Find locally sourced foods, sustainably grown produce, cottage-industry baked goods, hand-made items, and more.
The NPR Fourth Friday Bazaar, 6-10 p.m., the Fourth Friday of the Month in 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
Camping & Concerts at the Florida Sand Music Ranch in Brooksville
About Florida Sand Music Ranch from the website……
The Florida Sand Music Ranch Florida Sand Music Ranch began as Sertoma Youth Ranch and has grown into an 80-acre wooded retreat where music, camping, and community still come first. Tucked between Brooksville and Dade City, the Ranch was built to preserve that old Florida feeling, tall hardwoods, open air, campfires, and weekends that move a little slower.
For more information about the Florida Sand Music Ranch, including upcoming concerts, camping facilities, and more, visit floridasandmusicranch.com
OTB | Fox Fam Jam Presents: PHANTASMAGORIA
November 6-8.
Phantasmagoria is a three-day camping music festival featuring live bands, professional laser shows, immersive stage production, visual art, vendors, RV camping, and late-night acoustic jams in the heart of Central Florida. | $160.75 +
OTB | Fourth-Annual Florida Winter Music Festival
November 11-15
Five incredible days of live music, camping, and community at the Florida Sand Music Ranch in Brooksville, Florida. Featuring Reggae Sundae with a reggae takeover on the Main Stage. RV hookup & primitive camping on-site in natural Florida beauty—with private showers & bathrooms. Family-friendly, hiking trails, fishing, food & craft vendors, kids’ activities & playground, yoga, all-ages crafting, bonfires, drum circles, open mics, puppet karaoke, campground song circles & jams. | $25 and up, depending on single-day, weekend pass, five-day pass + camping fees. Children under 18 are free with adult supervision.
OTB | Cornucopia Music Fest
November 20-22
. Features 15 + bands playing over three days. Tickets start at: Adult $48/Youth $22. (More for multi-day passes) Children 12 & Under are FREE with an Adult Admission.
OTB | Thanksgiving Bluegrass Festival
November 26-29
. Features some 16 bands playing over four days in a rustic setting, a Thanksgiving Potluck, Children’s programs, and food and craft vendors. Tickets start at $53 for adults and $22 for youth (13 and up) for a single day. For tickets and more info, visit evansmediasource.com/events/2026-thanksgiving-bluegrass-festival.
Pasco Audubon
For more information about Pasco Audubon and future events, visit pascoaudubon.com
Photo By Michele Miller
Morning Birding Walk 8 a.m. Saturday, November 7 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park | Free
The group will depart from the Education Center parking lot at 8 a.m. for a 1-4 mile walk. It is recommended to bring along water, bug spray, and wear closed-toed shoes. Naturally, it’s also a good idea to have binoculars and/or a camera.
Florida Friendly Landscaping and Turf Alternatives seminar will be held at 11 a.m. November 7 at the Education Center at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Meet in the education center and learn more about Florida Friendly Landscaping techniques.
Birding By Bike, 8-11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 14, on the Pinellas Trail in Tarpon Springs
Meet at Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Rd, Tarpon Springs
Field Trip, 8 a.m. Saturday, November 21 at Lake Apopka Wilderness Drive in Apopka
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive lets you see and photograph a large variety of birds and wildlife from the comfort of your automobile. The drive takes about two hours (depending on stops). There are at least 367 different species of birds that find refuge around the lake. Alligators, bobcats, otters, and other wildlife also call the lake and its surrounding area home. For information, email info@pascoaudubon.com
Pasco Audubon Birding 102, Wednesdays at various locations
These two- to three-hour outings take place at various locations that are not published online. Those who want to be kept informed of the weekly location should sign up for the activity and receive an email with the week’s Wednesday location on Monday. Send a request to info@pascoaudubon.com.
City of New Port Richey Parks & Recreation
Photo | Michele Miller
The city is home to the New Port Richey Aquatics and Recreation Center as well as the pristine 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 manatees. Other Parks include Cotee River Park, Frances Avenue Park, Grand Boulevard Park, Jasmin Park, Meadow Dog Park, and Sims Park
For more information, visit cityofnewportrichey.org/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation
Link To
Parks & Facilities
Recreation & Aquatic Center
Resevervations
Signature Events | Applications
Pasco County Parks & Rec Outdoor Adventures
For more information about Pasco County Parks services, programs and amenities, visit pascocountyfl.gov/services/parks_recreation
Photo | Michele Miller
NOVEMBER EVENTS
Take a Hike Day Celebration! | Self-Guided Option, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, November 21 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey
Celebrate “Take a Hike Day” at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, designed not only to spark your sense of adventure but also to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of hiking. After checking in at the Starkey Environmental Education Center, participants will explore the trails, get their heart pumping with every step, and take in the beauty of Florida in the fall.
Jr. Naturalist Camp, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. November 23-25 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | $95
Campers will be certified Jr. Naturalists by the end of camp with new skills including foraging, archery, animal tracking, photography, and more.
More information and registration here.
ABOUT PASCO COUNTY PARKS
Photo by 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, and 18 Wilderness Parks & Preserves for hiking, biking, paddling, and wildlife watching
LINK TO
Parks Directory
Recreation Centers
Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation Program
Aquatics
Athletics – Youth
Conservation – Natural Resources
Outdoor Adventures
Reservations (camping, courts, etc.) & Events
Local Florida State Parks
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.
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
Photo | Michele Miller
Photo | Michele Miller
Photo | Michele Miller
Into the Woods With StoryWalk®
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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