By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
March 2026
Northern counterparts are shoveling snow, but here in Florida, it’s festival season and there’s plenty to entice you to get on out – starting on Sunday, March 1 with the annual Cindy’s Pets Strawberry Festival (Come see us at our booth).
In short order following that comes New Port Richey Main Street’s Artisan Chalk Festival (March 7), the Kumquat Festival in Dade City (March 8) which was rescheduled due to inclement weather, the Will McLean Music Festival at the Florida Sand Music Ranch in Hernando County (March 13-15), and New Port Richey’s signature event – the Chasco Fiesta (March 20-28).
There’s opportunities to teach a kid to fish, go on a birding hike or bike ride, and explore the Pasco coast tidal pools on a guided tour.
Looking to explore on your own? Check out info on city, county, and state parks below, and link to the Garden Groove Calendar and other monthly calendars on the What’s What New Port Richey website.
Scroll down to view events by date. Tap/Click on the photos to link to more information from hosts’ websites.
Schedule of Events
City of New Port Richey Parks & Recreation
Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources
Florida State Parks in Pasco County
Garden Groove Calendar of Events
Markets
StoryWalk®in local parks
Other Calendars
Cindy’s Pets Strawberry Festival, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, March 1, in Sims Park in Downtown New Port Richey
This is a major fundraiser for the local non-profit that is “Helping Seniors & Their Pets” seniors in need with food and other necessities for their pets.
The event features strawberry shortcake, strawberry flats, entertainment – including the traditional dog show – and features a park full of area vendors (including What’s What New Port Richey!) For more about Cindy’s Pets and their mission, link to cindyspets.org
Tasty Tuesday’s Community Market featuring The Blarney Scone Homestead Bakery’s 5th Annual Pot O’ Gold Mini-Festival, 10 A.M. – 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 3 at the New Port Richey Public Library
The Tasty Tuesdays Community Market is a weekly event, but on March 3, there will be a definite St. Patrick’s Day flavor to the market with scones, soda bread, highland dancers, and a bagpiper, too.
The event is held weekly in the library courtyard.
UF/IFAS Pasco Cooperative Extension | Florida Wetlands, 4 – 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, at the Land O’Lakes Library
Join wetlands scientists to learn about these special places, the plants and wildlife that inhabit this elaborate, yet fragile, ecosystem.
For information about this program and other Pasco County Extension events and services, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco
Pasco County Parks & Rec | Tiny Trekkers – Springtime Snacks, 10 – 11 a.m. Thursday, March 5 at | Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park | $5 | Ages 1 -6 | Registration ends March 4
Toddlers are invited to explore and create at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park for Tiny Trekkers, where they’ll craft bird feeders out of natural items! Sensory bins, coloring sheets, and all craft supplies will be provided! This is an ongoing program.
For more info about Pasco County Park Outdoor Adventures, visit pascocountyfl.gov/services/parks_recreation_and_natural_resources/pasco_outdoor_adventures
OTB | The Sunset Beach Concert Series featuring “Oysterbone”, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs | Free
The Sunset Beach annual Concert Series gears up again starting the month and featuring concerts through November. Free Shuttle Service to and from Tarpon Springs High. No pets or alcohol. Bring chairs and blankets.
ADVERTISMENT
MUSIC IN THE PARK | Riverside Concert Series featuring Kelsea Martinez, 6 – 7 p.m. Friday, March 6 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free
From the promo…..
Kelsea Martinez is an emerging independent artist whose music blends Indie, hip-hop, and R&B into a sound that is uniquely her own. After turning to music during a challenging period of illness, she now aims to be the source of encouragement she once needed, using her songs to inspire others.
This performance will take place in the southwest corner of Sims Park, near the Grassin Bridge. Please feel free to bring your own camp chair or blanket for seating.
For more information about New Port Richey Library offerings, visit newportricheylibrary.org
Pasco Audubon Morning Nature Walk, 8 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | Free
Meet at the Education Center at 8 a.m. for a 1 to 3-mile walk.
For more information about the Pasco Audubon Society and events, visit pascoaudubon.com
New Port Richey Main Street Art on Main Chalk & Artisan Festival, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, March 7, in downtown New Port Richey
Chalk artists, street performers, face painters, a caricaturist, vendors, and a kids zone. Visit local retail stores, eateries, and drinking establishments. Purchase People’s Choice Award coins and vote for your favorite artist (s) while supporting future Main Street events
For more info about this event, upcoming events & volunteer opportunities, visit nprmainstreet.com
Master Gardener Meet & Greet, 10 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Pasco Extension in Dade City
Tampa Bay Renaissance Fest, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through March 29, in Dade City | Tickets start at $14.95 for kids, $2.95 for adults | Group rates and special discounts available
from the website promo
Meet the Villagers of Folkstone as they invite one and all to the magical 16th-century European village featuring 15 stages of exciting entertainment, including musicians, magicians, jugglers, jousting, artisans, vendors, and food over 7 themed weekends.
For more info, visit the website at bayarearenfest.com
Pasco Audubon | Wetlands with guest speaker, Tara Kok, 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
The vital role wetland plants play in the resilience of Tampa Bay’s ecosystems – by Tara Kok, the Native Plant Program Manager of Tampa Bay Watch
Contact president@pascoaudubon.com
This event will take place in the Education Center. For more information about the Pasco Audubon Society and events, visit pascoaudubon.com
Kumquat Festival®, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, March 8, in downtown Dade City
Celebrate the tiny citrus fruit with a big punch at this annual fest that was rescheduled from the original January date due to weather conditions.
Enjoy various kumquat foods and sundries, live entertainment, car show, arts & crafts vendors and more.
For more information, visit kumquatfestival.org
UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | Guided Nature Coast Walk, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 13, at Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park | $2 park entrance fee
This educational guided nature walk will be led by Dr. Megan Moore, the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant Agent for Pasco County. You will learn about plant identification, native fauna, and the ecosystem benefits these systems provide.
For information about this program and other Pasco County Extension events and services, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco
OTB | Will McLean Music Festival, March 13 – 15 at the Florida Sand Music Ranch in Brooksville | $25 and up, not including camping fees | Children under 16 are free when accompanied by an adult
From the promo…
A premier event that will entertain you with 80 folk music groups performing on 3 covered stages. Music styles include original and traditional songs, in Americana, Blues, Celtic, Bluegrass, Country, and Modern Folk. Besides performances, there are workshops, several jam areas, a young musicians’ program, a children’s area and a performance of the winners of The Best New Florida Song contest. Food and craft vendors supply all your cravings.
For tickets and information, visit willmclean.com/music-festival
OTB | 51st Annual Tarpon Springs Fine Arts Festival, Satruday March 14 and Sunday, March 15 in Craig’s Park at The Tarpon Springs Bayou | $7
Stroll along the bayou and take in the artists and artisans at this annual juried art festival.
For more info, visit tarponspringsfineartsfestival.com
Pasco Parks & Rec | Teach a Kid to Fish Day, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, March 14 | Registration closes March 12 | Ages 5 – 16
This fun-filled event is designed to introduce families to the vast outdoors, the sport of fishing, and the importance of being stewards of Florida’s freshwater ecosystems. Hands-on educational activities will include fishing basics learning stations, and hands-on fishing practice.
Program Location: 2200 Little Rd, New Port Richey, FL 34655
Please note this is not a Pasco County Park. There will be signage to assist with where to go
For more info about Pasco Outdoor Adventures, visit pascocountyfl.gov/services/parks_recreation_and_natural_resources/pasco_outdoor_adventures
Dead Set Florida Tribute to Bobby Weir, 5 – 10 p.m. Saturday, March 14, in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey
From the promo
Dead Set Florida brings the spirit of Bobby Weir and the Grateful Dead to the park for a laid-back, jam-filled night of timeless grooves, improvisation, and feel-good energy. Arrive early for a community drum circle, then settle in for a two-set live performance under the stars. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, gather your people, and let the music carry you.
Grand Gardens Open House, 2 – 4 p.m. Sunday, March 15, on Grand Boulevard in downtown New Port Richey
FarmNet New Port Richey celebrates 11 years at this Open House gathering, welcoming the community to tour the garden grounds and learn more about regenerative urban agriculture, sign up for seedling updates, and check out rates on garden plots.
For more information about the Grand Gardens and FarmNet NPR, visit farmnetnpr.com
Chasco Fiesta™, March 20 – 28, in downtown New Port Richey | $5 for daily park admission | Free admission on Monday, March 23, and until 4 pm on Saturday, March 28th. Children 12 and under are admitted free, except for the final two nights.
“Spirit of America is the theme for this year’s Chasco Fiesta, which features a range of activities over 9 days, including the Native American Pow Wow, street and boat parades, a car show, live music featuring multiple genres, family activities, and more.
Pasco County Parks & Rec | Coastal Colors Stroll, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 25 at Key Vista Nature Park | $5
Participants will be led by our naturalists on a color hike with the intent of reconnecting with nature and observing all the wonderful shades of nature! Fitness Level: Moderate (Unpaved/Sandy Trails)
For more info about Pasco Outdoor Adventures, visit pascocountyfl.gov/services/parks_recreation_and_natural_resources/pasco_outdoor_adventures
Pasco Parks & Rec | Spring Break Mini-Camp, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. March 30 – April 1 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Camp in New Port Richey | $95
School’s out — let the amazing adventures begin! Join us for an action-packed three-day adventure where your child will learn how to dip-net in the river, how to hit the bullseye in archery, and learn how to survive in wild Florida!
City of New Port Richey Environmental Committee Meeting, 6 – 7 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at the New Port Richey Public Library | The public is welcome to attend
The Environmental Committee Meeting is a community-led group that meets monthly. 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 initiatives. All meetings are open to the public.
Pasco Audubon | Birding by Bike, 8 a.m. Saturday, March 15, at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey
Meet at the Jay B Starkey Wilderness Parking Lot at 8 a.m. For more information, contact Robertburkard9@gmail.com
For more information about the Pasco Audubon Society and events, visit pascoaudubon.com
UF/IFAS Pasco Extension, FFL-Protect the Waterfront: We All Live in a Watershed (webinar), Wednesday, March 18
Florida boasts over 10,000 miles of rivers and streams, about 7,800 lakes, more than 1,000 freshwater springs, and the U.S.’s second-longest coastline. Protect the Waterfront includes information on protecting and preserving surface water features, natural or man-made.
For information about this program and other Pasco County Extension events and services, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco
Pasco Audubon | Fieldtrip to Croom Tract and Chinsegut in Hernando County, Saturday, March 21, in Hernando County
This is always a trip with the Croom Tract providing excellent opportunities to see the Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers and Bachman’s Sparrows.
The second stop at Chinsegut offers possible sightings of ed-headed Woodpeckers, Pine Siskin, as well as a good selection of regular visitors. Details TBA. For more information about the Pasco Audubon Society and events, visit pascoaudubon.com
Fourth Friday Block Party, 6 – 10 p.m. Friday, March 27, in downtown New Port Richey
The NPR Fourth Friday Block Party is a vibrant monthly celebration held throughout the heart of Downtown New Port Richey. This open-air, evening market transforms the streets into a lively hub of creativity, shopping, food, and fun.
Tasty Tuesdays Community Market, 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 1 p.m. Find locally sourced foods, sustainably grown produce, cottage-industry baked goods, hand-made items, and 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.
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.
Anclote Key Preserve State Park, located off Tarpon Springs, is also accessible by boat & ferry services. The 11,773-acre park features a lighthouse and is home to at least 43 species of birds, including the American oystercatcher, bald eagle, and piping plover.
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
For more information on Florida State Parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org
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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