Outdoor Adventures Calendar for September 2026

Walkway at the Environmental Center at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey. Photo | Michele Miller

September 26, 2026

By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey

Welcome to September, an in-betweener kind of month that closes out the summer with the Labor Day Holiday and heralds autumn’s start even though we might not be feeling it.

To that end, the City of New Port Richey is hosting the End of Summer Spectacular in Sims Park as Pasco Audubon kicks off the migratory season with a morning hike on September 5 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park. Midmonth is the somber recognition of the 25th Aniversary of September 11 with a ceremony and concert in Sims Park.

Wrap your love for the outdoors with an altruistic venture by signing up for the Two Good Soles 5k on September 12 in Sunwet Park or two local environmental missions – Keep Pasco Beautiful Cleanup and the Cotee River Cleanup – both held on September 19.

Scroll down for those events and more events listed by date (click on accompanying pics to link to websites and more info) or access the Quick Search feature below.

PHOTO | MICHELE MILLER

September 1 – 5
September 612
September 13 – 19
September 20 – 26
September 27 – October 3
Ongoing Offerings
Local Markets
City Parks
Pasco County Parks
Florida State Parks

StoryWalk®at the Park
Plan Ahead-Coming Attractions

More Calendars




OTB | The Sunset Beach Concert Series featuring Ultra Vinyl, 7 p.m. Thursday, September 3 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 Audubon Society | Morning Nature & Birding Walk, 8 a.m. Saturday, September 5 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | Free

Meet at 8 a.m. at the Education Center for a 1 – to 4-mile walk. Wear suitable shoes. Bring Water. Wear sunscreen.

For more information about Pasco Audubon, visit pascoaudubon.com


New Port Richey Parks & Rec | End of Summer Spectacular | Free Movie in the Park 5 p.m Saturday, September 5 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey

An evening of free family fun celebrating the end of summer. Event features water slides, bounce houses, Touch A Truck, Dunk Tank, games, and the showing of The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (2025) starting at 8 p.m.

  • Activities begin at 5 p.m.
  •  Movie begins at approximately 8 p.m.


Thrive at Night Yoga, 6 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 9 in Cavalaire Square in downtown New Port Richey

From the promo…

FREE all-levels community yoga designed to help you unwind, move, and reconnect. Bring your mat, water, and comfy clothes.


25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial & Remembrance Ceremony, 7 p.m. Friday, September 11 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey

Gather with the community for an evening of remembrance as we mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. This ceremony will honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost, pay tribute to the first responders and service members who answered the call, and reflect on the strength and unity that followed.
Ceremony 7:00 pm | Concert 8:00 pm


Two Good Sole 5K, September 12 at Sunwest Park in Hudson


Free Concert in the Park Series featuring Rooster – A Tribute to Alice in Chains with Special Guest Nicaea, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Saturday, September 12 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey

From the promo…

Rooster delivers the powerful vocals and gritty sound that made Alice in Chains legendary, bringing fan favorites to life in an authentic live concert experience. Opening the night is Tampa-based hard rock band Nicaea, a rising local favorite known for their original songwriting, powerhouse vocals, and electrifying live shows.


Environmental Committee Meeting, 6 – 7 p.m. Thursday, August 13 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.

To register or for more information about this program or other New Port Richey Library programs, visit the NPR Library Events Page here.


Birding by Bike, 8 a.m. Saturday, September 12 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey

About the Park…..from the Pasco County Parks website

This regional park covers over 8,300 acres of land and is a cooperative venture between the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Pasco County Parks and Recreation. The park consists of a kiosk, open space, camping area, horse corral and equestrian trail, nature and multi-purpose trails, day use area, shelters and pavilions, playgrounds, horseshoe and volleyball courts. The birding trail was designated by the Audubon Society, and 177 species of birds have been viewed.



Free Event | City of NPR Sunshine Sessions Day Rave, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday, September 13 at Cavalaire Square in downtown New Port Richey | Free

Good vibes, sunshine, and uplifting energy are taking over Downtown New Port Richey Sunshine Sessions, an all-ages, family-friendly music experience happening at Cavalaire Square!

Supported by the City of New Port Richey Cultural Affairs Committee, this series is designed to bring community, movement, and wellness together in a vibrant outdoor atmosphere.


City of New Port Richey Cotee River Clean-up, 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Saturday, September 19 at the Sims Park Boat Ramp in downtown New Port Richey

Want to volunteer? Pre-register to receive a t-shirt! Meet at the Sims Park Boat Ramp at 8:30 am to receive gloves, garbage bags, and assignments to clean up our river and various city parks. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and boats are needed to help clean up the river. Meet back at the Boat Ramp for a volunteer cookout! Pre-register here: anc.apm.activecommunities.com/…/detail/493…


Keep Pasco Beautiful Clean-up, Saturday, September 19 at various places throughout Pasco County – Details in the story below




Pasco Audubon Fieldtrip, 8 a.m. Friday, September 25 at Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs | $6 for all-day beach parking

Call this field trip a warbler sandwich. It begins at the beach to scan for shorebirds, gulls and terns, then to the upland areas to look for migratory warblers, flycatchers and thrushes, etc. Then, back to the beach.

Official start time is 8 am. The park gates open at 7 am. There are facilities in this location. Note – cost to park at the beach is $6 for all day. Bring water and snacks and/or a picnic. You can register for this free event at Mobilize.


Fourth Friday Block Party & Bazaar, 6 – 10 p.m. on the fourth Friday of each month 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


New Port Richey Library Riverside Concert Series featuring the Jahfari Reggae Band, 6 p.m. Friday, September 25 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free

The Jahfari Reggae Band delivers a unique mix of reggae styles, from ska and rocksteady to roots and dancehall. With infectious rhythms and positive vibes, Jahfari keeps the music flowing and the crowd “Moving Forward!”


Cotee River Bike Fest Battle of the Bands, 1 – 4 p.m. Saturday, September 26 at NPR Harley Davidson in New Port Richey

From the promo…..

Features a full day of live music, bikes, food, drinks, and some of the best rising bands from around the region competing for their shot at Cotee River Bike Fest.

 Check out killer bikes and meet fellow riders. Enjoy food vendors and ice-cold drinks. Cheer on your favorite area bands as they compete for THREE performance slots at Cotee River Bike Fest


Pasco Pride Festival, 1 – 7 p.m. Saturday, September 26 in various locations in downtown New Port Richey

Organizers are following last year’s successful format to spread the festival over several downtown locations. Features six hours of live performances, dozens of vendors, a family fun fest, a low-stimulation zone, the opportunity to connect with local organizations doing incredible liberatory work, food trucks, and an amazing variety of bars, businesses, and eateries committed to creating a queer joy experience. Volunteers and vendors welcome. RSVP here to get more info as the planning unfolds.






OTB | 2026 – 2027 Season of Music Under the Stars at the Florida Sand Music Ranch in Brooksville | Concerts and Camping

Live music, shaded campsites, weekend festivals, and the kind of old Florida charm you can’t fake. Florida Sand Music Ranch is your place to camp, gather, and stay awhile.

For information about the ranch, upcoming concerts, and to purchase tickets, go to floridasandmusicranch.com


Florida Bug Jam is Scheduled for November 6 – 8 at the Pasco County Fairgrounds in Dade City. Sign up to be an exhibitor or vendor now

From the promo…..

Get ready for a weekend of Volkswagens, sunshine, music, and everything we love about the Sunshine State! The 38th Annual Florida Bug Jam rolls into the Pasco County Fairgrounds in Dade City, Florida, November 7-8 for another unforgettable weekend celebrating all things Volkswagen.

With more than 700 show vehicles and over 10,000 spectators last year, Florida Bug Jam has grown into the largest Volkswagen car show in the Southeast — bringing together VW enthusiasts, clubs, families, collectors, builders, vendors, and fans from across Florida and beyond.

Register at floridabugjam.com



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.


Pasco Audubon Birding 102, Wednesdays at various locations

Duration of 2 – 3 hours. Different locations that are not published online. Those who want to be kept informed of the weekly location sign up for the activity and receive an email with the week’s Wednesday location on Monday.  Send a request to info@pascoaudubon.com.



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.


Fourth Friday Block Party & Bazaar, 6 – 10 p.m. on the fourth Friday of each month 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





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.

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

For information on parks, sports programs, reservations, and more, visit Pasco County’s Parks and Rec website here.



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 Preserve6938 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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