Stepping Out into the Great Outdoors |August 2024

Birding, kayaking, gardening, outdoor concerts and more happening in August plus find links to local parks and rec websites.

Robert K. Rees Memorial Park, also known as Green Key Beach, is a favorite spot to catch a west Florida coast sunset in New Port Richey. PHOTO | MICHELE MILLER

August 1, 2024

By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey

Sure is hot out there.

Yep, and you might not be feeling the whole get up and get out there because here in Florida it’s time to hunker in with the AC.

That’s okay because the rhythm of the seasons – summer and “kind of summer “- is sure to bring more special events and more reasons to get out.

As is typical, the August Outdoor Calendar is a bit sparse, save for constants such as Audubon Birding events, local markets and Master Gardening seminars, which while not held outdoors, might motivate you for the upcoming fall and winter planting seasons and purchasing those veggie seeds or get that rain barrel set up.

Scroll down to explore those programs and more or use the Quick Search option below, which features listings of weekly offerings (Sunday – Saturday).

Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Keep moving.

Quick Search

ONGOING
August 1- 3
August 4- 10
August 11 – 17
August 18 – 24
August 25 – 31
Library, Centennial Events & On the Town Calendars



ONGOING



Area residents and visitors are fortunate to have multiple options for local parks and recreation programs – whether it be playing basketball, pickleball, swimming, biking, hiking, skateboarding, fishing, archery, camp programs and so much more. Below find some highlights for what’s happening throughout August and if you’re looking for something else, explore on your own through links to –



Centennial Scavenger Hunt, through October 27 in downtown New Port Richey

Take a self-guided walking tour and learn more about the City of New Port Richey through this historical Scavenger Hunt. Maybe stop along the way to shop, and enjoy a cool beverage, a meal, or a special ice cream or sweet treat.


New Port Richey Library Walk and Talk Club, 10 – 11 a.m. each Monday at the library in downtown NPR

Walk to different destinations around New Port Richey. Explore the city and make new friends, all while exercising. Walkers will be rewarded with NPR Public Library swag as they complete mileage milestones. The walk will begin and end at the New Port Richey Public Library courtyard.


Pasco County Parks & Rec Blazin’ Hot Summer Challenge through August 31 | $15.44 | Fees help support programs to purchase equipment, hire staff, etc.

Complete 75 miles of biking, hiking swimming or paddling and get yourself a special patch.



August 1 – 3



OTB – Sunset Beach Concert featuring Big Picture, August 1 at Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs | Free

Concerts start at 7 p,m. on the first Thursday of the month. In the event of cancellation due to weather, the concert will be held the following Thursday. Concessions are available. Alcohol and pets are prohibited. Limited onsite parking, Freeso a free courtesy shuttle to and from the beach and Tarpon Springs High School.


Morning Bird Walk with Pasco Audubon, 8 a.m. Saturday, August 3 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey

Meet at the Corral for a 1 – 4 mile walk. Wear proper footwear, and bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray.



August 5 – 10



Master Gardener Programs, 5 – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 7 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson

Ask A Master Gardener, 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, August 7 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson.

Master Gardener Seminar – Rain Barrel Workshop, 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 7 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson. Explore the benefits of rainwater harvesting and get tips and tricks for installing a functional rain barrel. Paying participants – $65 – will receive one (1) rain barrel complete with mesh and spigot ready for installation. You must be a Pasco County resident to attend the workshop. Limit one rain barrel per household. Register by July 31.


Pasco Audubon Birding by Bike, 8 a.m. Saturday, August 10 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey

Meet at Starkey Education Center at a.m. For information email Robertburkard9@gmail.com



August 11 – 17



NPR Library Summer Concert Series: Son2 Latin Music, 6-7 p.m. Friday, August 16 at the New Port Richey Public Library

Son2 brings the spirit and rhythm of Latin music to life with a diverse selection of salsa, merengue, bachatas, boleros, cumbias, vallenatos, and more. This indoor concert will be our last of the summer, and is perfect for music lovers of all ages. Whether you want to dance the night away or enjoy some captivating melodies, Son2 promises a night of entertainment and fun.


Guided Historic Sunset Paddle, 5:30 p.m. Friday, August 16 from James E. Grey Preserve to Sims Park in New Port Richey

Depart from the James E. Grey Preserve at 5:30-5:45 pm. and paddle down to Sims Park while learning about the history of the City. The D.A.R.T. shuttle will be available to transport you back to James E. Grey Preserve following the paddle. Please bring your own kayak or paddle board to participate.


Free Family Movie in the Park, 8:30 p.m. Friday, August 16 at the Sims Park Amphitheatre

The featured movie is Under the Boardwalk. For more info and other NPR Parks & Recs events visit the FB page here or the NPR City website cityofnewportrichey.org/parks-rec



Historical Walking Tours, monthly starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, August 17 at the West Pasco Historical Society in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free

Learn the stories behind the city’s historic buildings and get a glimpse into what life was like for its early citizens.


August 18 – 24



Master Gardener Program | Vegetable Gardening in Central Florida, 2 – 3 p.m. Monday, August 19 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday

Yes, you can grow vegetables in Florida, and learn the “secrets” to proper timing and vegetable selection for the late summer and fall gardening season.


Master Gardeners: From Soil to Boil — Vegan Stew, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 20 at the New Port Richey Library.

“Soil to Boil” is an initiative aimed at promoting nutrition, gardening, and healthy cooking through an educational curriculum. The primary focus is to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to grow their own food, make informed dietary choices, and prepare nutritious culturally inspired meals. 



August 25 -31


End of Summer Spectacular, 5 – 8 p.m. Saturday, August 31 at Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free entry

Bounce houses, Dunk Tank, and competitions with Family Movie Night will start at 8 p.m.



More Calendars




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