By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
The country’s 250th Birthday Celebration gets an early start in these parts with a variety of patriotic and “good old USA” events and programs scheduled in June and July, with some capping it off by lighting up the sky with traditional fireworks.
The fun thing in this local collection of offerings is that there are a variety of ways to honor and celebrate – Enter a Patriotic Tiny Art Contest. Listen to fellow Americans who have their own stories to tell, such as former astronaut Nicole Stott, renowned nature photographer Matt Stone, News Correspondent Conor Knighton, and Penny Musco, author and former Artist in Residence at the National Park Service’s Homestead National Historical Park, who both offer their insight on America’s National Parks at events held at local libraries. The Freedom Truck Mobile Museum makes another local stop, bringing 250 years of history, starting with the Declaration of Independence.
There are more than a few fireworks shows to take in on both sides of Pasco County, but planners should note that some events are scheduled early, for the last weekend in June, and a couple are scheduled on July 4th.
Fun scroll your way down to find events that are listed by date.
Patriotic Tiny Art Contest through June 16, at the Starkey Ranch Theatre, Library, and Cultural Center in Odessa | Reception on Saturday, June 27 | Free
The library will provide the 4″ x 4″ canvas. Pick one up at the front desk. There will be an open paint session from 1 – 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 4. A reception will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, to announce the winners and award prizes. All art will be on display during the reception. *You do not need to be present to win. Winners will be notified.
Nicole Stott, Astronaut, Author & Artist Book Signing and Talk, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa | Free
Learn what it is like to walk in Space and live on the International Space Station.
Nicole Stott, Astronaut, Artist, and Author, is a Veteran NASA Astronaut with two Spaceflights and 104 days in Space as a Crewmember on both the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle. Nicole was the first person to paint Earth in Watercolor from Space and now travels all over the World sharing her message about our Home Planet and why we need to take care of it.
Great American Backyard Bash, 4 – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Wesley Chapel District Park in Wesley Chapel | Free | Registration required
Bring the family and friends for an unforgettable day filled with delicious food, bounce houses, hands‑on crafts, local vendors, music, and plenty of patriotic surprises. This FREE community celebration is packed with festive fun and activities for all ages as we come together to honor this historic milestone.
Registration is required here: tinyurl.com/Great-American-Backyard-Bash
First 500 registered participants receive a FREE hot dog.
• Crafting Station with patriotic projects
• Community performances
• DJ playing your favorite dance hits
• Water slides — bring a swimsuit and towel
• Foam Party & Jelly Ball
• FREE hot dogs and drinks (while supplies last)
• Live Jimmy Buffett Tribute Concert featuring Caribbean Chillers, 6:00–7:30 p.m.
• Bring your own chair for the FREE concert
Freedom 250th Truck Mobile Museum, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13, at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa.
Visit the free, mobile museum with interactive exhibits to explore the remarkable fight for American Freedom. Sign the Declaration of Independence, hear from George Washington, and explore many more exhibits, while learning about our 250-year history.
On Friday, June 12th, Sertoma Speech and Hearing will provide free hot dogs and water, starting at 10 a.m., while supplies last.
Speaker Presentation with Mac Stone, National Geographic Photographer and Explorer, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at the Starkey Ranch Theatre, Library & Cultural Center in Odessa | Free
Mac Stone is an award-winning photographer and author of “Everglades, America’s Wetland.”His photography has been highlighted in National Geographic Magazine. His photography has been widely published and awarded in international competitions, including Wildlife Photographer of the Year. He is an incredible storyteller and a film series producer for PBS Nature and IMAX, exploring and celebrating biodiverse, vital southern forests.
Stuffed Toy River Otters for the first (55) people. Door Prize Drawings: Stanley Tumblers and Fishing Poles. Free Refreshments, while supplies last.Book Signing.
Main Street Zephyrhills 4th Annual Kid Fest Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday, 5 – 9 p.m. Saturday, June 20, in downtown Zephyrhills | Free
This year will be extra special as we celebrate the “America 250” theme.
“Are you a young entrepreneur with a business idea? Join the Kids Market at Kids Fest! Reach them at kidsmarket.us to sign up, or email them at hello@kidsmarket.us
Live music, Games, Bounce House, kid vendors, a scavenger hunt and more.
America’s 250th Birthday in Our National Parks, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at the New Port Richey Public Library.
Celebrate America’s Birthday with a trip through America’s National Parks. Penny Musco, author and former Artist in Residence at the National Park Service’s Homestead National Historical Park, presents a compelling look at the events leading up to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Her program connects audiences to National Park Service sites across the country, sharing this history in the very places where it unfolded.
On America’s National Parks – CBS Sunday Morning News Correspondent, Conor Knighton, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 Saturday, June 27, at the Starkey Ranch Theatre, Library & Cultural Center in Odessa | Free
Conor Knighton is a National Correspondent for “CBS Sunday Mornings” with Jane Pauley and the author of the New York Times best seller “Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park”. Conor shares informative and entertaining dispatches from what turned out to be the road trip of a lifetime after spending one year traveling to every U.S. National Park.
Free: National Park Journals (Hard Cover) for the first (100) people.
Door Prize Drawings.
Free Refreshments, while supplies last
The Angelus presents the 17th Annual Family, Fun, Fireworks Extravaganza, 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at 12315 Suave Lane in Hudson | $20 per carload
The Details
- Gates Open: 2 PM | Bands Start: 3 PM | Fireworks: 9 PM.
- Admission: $20 per Carload.
- Location: 12315 Suave Ln, Hudson, FL
- There will be Food Trucks & Treats | Raffles & 50/50 | Grand Fireworks Show
- Proceeds benefit clients with disabilities at The Angelus. For info, visit theangelus.com
Live Music Lineup:
- Embry Brothers Band
- Remedy
- The Beach Cobras
- Pfister-Pitts
Reminder: Bring chairs & blankets! No coolers, outside fireworks, or outside alcohol permitted.
11th Annual Zephyrhills Summer Fest, 2 – 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at Zephyr Park in Zephyrhills | Free
Family Friendly event featuring live music, vendors and fireworks.
Red, White, and Blue Hometown Extravaganza, 4 – 9 p.m. Saturday, June 27, and 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free
Saturday Highlights:
- Bounce houses & waterslides
- Face painting & family activities, Hot Dog & Watermelon Eating Contest
Live music by:- The Shaelyn Band
- Bradford Graves & The Bar Rags
- Mullins Music All-Stars
- Fireworks Finale over Orange Lake
Sunday, June 28 – Keep the Celebration Going!
- Patriotic Paddle | 11 AM–1 PM – Launch: James E. Grey Preserve → Finish: Sims Park Boat Ramp
- Brunch in Downtown at participating restaurants
- Richey Concert Band | 1:30 PM–2 PM at Railroad Square
Patriotic Paddle, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at James E. Grey Preserve in New Port Richey
Meet at the boat ramp in the first parking lot in the park.
Boom on the Bayou Independence Day Celebration, 6 p.m. Sunday, June 28 at Waterfront Park in Port Richey | Free
Music, Food Trucks, Vendors, and Fireworks. Park opens at 6 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Bring Blankets/Chairs. No coolers, backpacks, or alcoholic beverages. Parking is limited.
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.
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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)
The Musical Comedy “1776”, July 16 – 19 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $27.50 +
Don’t miss the Broadway award-winning musical comedy “1776” at the historic Richey Suncoast Theatre! Watch the Founding Fathers navigate the heat of Philadelphia and the struggle for independence in this witty and inspiring production.
For tickets and information about this event and others held at the historic Richey Suncoast Theatre, visit richeysuncoasttheatre.com/event-calendar
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