By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
It’s getting to that time of year when beating the heat is a priority. For me, that entails getting my morning swims and walks in early morning, relegating later walks to a treadmill at the gym, and taking advantage of a break in the evening rain pattern that’s recently cropped up, to take in a sunset at one of our coastal parks, where a fellow visitor added to the mood with the gentle playing of a steel hand drum wafting with the waves.
Nature bathing. Goes a long way to depleting the stresses of the day.
On this month’s Outdoor agenda are a few of the usual activities we can count on – hikes and bike riding with the Pasco Audubon Society, the monthly Sunset Beach Concert over the border in Tarpon Springs, and New Port Richey’s Fourth Friday Bazaar.
Environmentally conscious individuals are also welcome to come out for a community pond restoration project or to learn how to build vertical oyster beds at the Energy and Marine Center in Port Richey. Or you could sign up to volunteer with Operation Trap with Florida Sea Grant, to help clean waterways, or serve as a caretaker of one of several monofilament tubes that are strategically placed in area parks, as a way to recycle fishing lines and reduce environmental damage. Feel free to reach out to contact person Monica Wilson, at monicawilson447@ufl.edu, whom I recently met at Pasco’s Earth Day Celebration in April.
Other opportunities include the city of New Port Richey’s launch of summer family-friendly outdoor events meant to get the body moving in the newly renovated Railroad & Cavalier Squares.
Add to that some indoor and online options that can get you feeling that outdoor spirit in the comfort of air conditioning.
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
June 1 – 6
June 7 – 13
June 14 – 20
June 21 – 30
City of New Port Richey Parks
Pasco County Parks
Florida State Parks
StoryWalk®at the Park
Independence Day | 250th USA Birthday Events
More Calendars
UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension | Stormwater Smart Solutions Educational Seminar, Wednesday, June 3 at the Land O’Lakes Library
The UF/IFAS Extension, Florida Sea Grant, and Pasco County are partnering for an educational program focused on reducing stormwater pollution in our waters.
Learn about solutions you can adopt at home or in your community to help reduce stormwater pollution and restore natural systems.
The program will also introduce an upcoming hands-on community volunteer opportunity (see below) supported by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program Bay Mini Grant and the Tarpon Tag, where attendees can take part in the restoration of a local retention pond system to restore habitat and actively reduce nutrient loading.
Volunteers are needed to help restore a natural bioretention pond by removing invasive plants and planting natives during a community event, 8 a.m. – 1 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 Motion on the Square, a free biweekly summer event series held at 6 p.m. on June 4 and June 18 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.
OTB | The Sunset Beach Concert Series featuring Rusty Ole Phlockers, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 4 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.
Concert in the Park: Mullins Music Rock Week Showcase, June 5 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free
Students from Mullins Music’s Rock Week Summer Camp will take the stage at Sims Park for a special performance. The concert will feature several student bands that were formed during Rock Week—an annual tradition at Mullins Music since 2007. Free to attend, and guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for seating. Food trucks, sodas, plus beer and wine for the 21+ crowd will be available before and during the shows.
Pasco Audubon Society | Morning Nature & Birding Walk, 7:30 a.m. Saturday, June 6, 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.
For more information about Pasco Audubon, visit pascoaudubon.com
UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension ONLINE EVENT | Oysters at Work: How Vertical Oyster Gardens Help Our Waters, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Thursday, June 11
Help us celebrate World Oceans Day by diving into the world of community-driven oyster restoration.
This webinar, hosted by UF/IFAS Extension and Florida Sea Grant, will introduce the Vertical Oyster Garden program in Pasco and Pinellas counties and discuss how community members can get involved.
Vertical Oyster Gardens (VOGs) are oyster restoration structures made of recycled oyster shell that are hung from docks and grow into new oyster reef habitats.
For more information about this program or other programs and services offered by UF/AFAS Pasco County Extension, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco
NAMI Walks Pasco Fundraiser, 9 a.m. Saturday, June 13, at Pasco Safety Town in Shady Hills
This year’s event returns to Pasco County Safety Town for another fun-filled day of community, connection, and advocacy. Whether you walk as an individual or form a team, every step you take helps provide free mental health programs and support for those in need.
Registration is FREE. Donations accepted. For more info and to register on the NAMI Pasco Website, click here.
- A fun, family-friendly walk (about 1 mile)
- Alternative activities available for those who can’t or don’t wish to walk
- Heroes of Hope Awards honoring those making a difference in mental health (don’t forget to nominate your heroes)
- A DJ to keep the energy high and the celebration going.
- Community resource booths and wellness activities.
- Opportunities to honor loved ones and share stories of hope
City of New Port Richey Sunshine Sessions, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday, June 14 in Cavaliere Square in downtown New Port Richey | Free
Featuring curated house music and daytime rave vibes by Heather Effie, the event blends wellness culture, movement, and community connection into a vibrant outdoor experience. Guests can enjoy bubble machines, affirmation cards, giveaways, dancing, and wellness-inspired activities in a welcoming environment designed for all ages.
Juneteenth Celebration, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at the African American Club at the historic Booker T. Washington School in Port Richey
Scholarship Awards, Children’s Area, Vendors, Entertainment, Food, Fun, and Fellowship. Free Event, Dinners will be SOLD. Help us celebrate Unity in the Community, recruit new members, and raise funds for AAC.
Pasco Audubon | Birding By Bike, 8 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, in Brooksville
This trek will be to the Chassawahowitzka Wildlife Area in Brooksville. For information, contact Robertburkard9@gmail.com.
For more information about Pasco Audubon, visit pascoaudubon.com
UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension | Eco Wonders (ages 7-11): Protecting Our Watersheds, 5:30 – 6:30 Wednesday, June 24, at the Land O’Lakes Library
Children ages 7–11 can learn about protecting our watersheds and preventing stormwater pollution through a hands‑on activity.
For more information about this program or other programs and services offered by UF/AFAS Pasco County Extension, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco
Fourth Friday Block Party & Baazaar, 6 – 10 p.m. Friday, June 24 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
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.
Richey Concert Band Performance, 1:30 – 2 p.m. Sunday, June 28 in Cavaliere Square in downtown New Port Richey | Free
Enjoy a brief Sunday afternoon concert in the newly renovated square.
UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension | Vertical Oyster Bed Workshop, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 29 at the Energy and Marine Center in Port Richey
Join UF/IFAS Extension and Florida Sea Grant for a workshop with the Energy and Marine Center. Drill oyster shells(donated from the CCA), assemble VOGs, and restore our coastlines! Vertical Oyster Gardens (VOGs) are oyster restoration structures composed of recycled oyster shells strung together and suspended in coastal intertidal zones. The VOGs recruit new oyster growth, expand oyster reef habitats, and promote thriving ecosystems. VOGs act as an exciting technique of oyster restoration that involves the community!
If you live on a marine coastal waterway, you can also take home VOGs to install on your dock to help with oyster restoration!! Come out to the Energy and Marine Center on Monday evening to help with oyster reef restoration! The EMC is located at 9130 Old Post Rd. Port Richey, FL 34668. It is one of Pasco County’s most beautiful locations and is usually closed to the public. Bring the family to help clean our coastal waters and restore oyster reefs.
For more information about this program or other programs and services offered by UF/AFAS Pasco County Extension, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco
250th Birthday and Independence Day Celebrations for June & July 2026
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
Latest Posts
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- Stepping Out Into the Great Outdoors | Calendar for June 2026
- America Celebrates a Birthday | Local 250th & Independence Day Events
- New Port Richey City Council Meetings & Such | June 2026
- Garden Groove | Horticulture Events & Programs, June 2026
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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