By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
Updated April 12, 2024
Well, the rush of spring and New Port Richey’s Chasco Fiesta is behind us but things aren’t slowing down. April’s local entertainment scene rolls out an assortment of fun and culture, including the latest foodie event – the 10th Annual Loquat Fest, which will be held at a new downtown location.
Note to “oldies” music lovers who might want to check tribute shows happening at different venues such as the Richey Suncoast Theatre, PHSC Performing Arts Center, and the Sims Park Amphitheatre. It’s another blast courtesy of the Richey Community Orchestra and Chorus who will be rockin’ around the clock at their spring concert. Other happenings include comedy night, movies at the theatre and the library plus links to local museums that you might want to tour on your own.
Note – The NPR Main Street Wine Stroll has been postponed until Thursday, May 16, 2024. An earlier version of the calendar listed the event.
And there are ongoing art exhibits, historical tours, films, and more to check out. Scroll down to check out April events listed by date or access the Quick Search to access events by week.
- Note – Be forewarned that some events are canceled or postponed by organizers after the publication of this calendar. The best bet is to access the links provided to see if there have been any changes before heading out.
- OTB – Denotes “Over the (Pasco) Border” events might be worth the ride or feature artists and performers based out of the New Port Richey area.
QUICK SEARCH
ONGOING
April 1-6
April 7 – 13
April 14-20
April 21-27
April 28-30
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Local Museums
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ONGOING
Kathy O’Meara Art Exhibit through April 16 at the PHSC Rao Musunuru M.D. Art Gallery in New Port Richey | Free and open to the public
Witness the cycles of life, decay, rebirth, ancestral and archaic communications in various art forms from Kathy O’Meara.
Her work is inspired by the many layers of civilization, the very ancient remnants of earlier cultures. Hieroglyphs and symbols, current events, and personal memories are what she uses to create a newly created perspective informed by her worldview of the cycles of life. She is an experimental artist and she collects ephemera and discarded objects to create collages, assemblages, and sculptures
“Spring Into Art” Exhibit, through April 26 at the West Pasco Art Guild and Gallery in New Port Richey
Tasty Tuesdays Community Market, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. each Tuesday at the New Port Richey Library in downtown New Port Richey
Find locally sourced foods, sustainably grown produce, cottage-industry baked goods and foods, unique, hand-made items and more. Regular items include organic produce, plants, bread, honey, eggs, coffee, skincare, etc. Get to know your growers, ask questions, and learn from their experience.
The market is SNAP shopping friendly, so bring your EBT cards to use up to $40 in SNAP and get an additional $40 in Fresh Access Bucks (FAB).
Need a nature fix? Check out the Stepping Out into the Great Outdoors Calendar
April 1-6
NASA Ambassador Presents: What is an Eclipse?, 6-7 p.m. Thursday, April 4 at the New Port Richey Library
NASA Solar System Ambassador James Paradise will share information on what an eclipse is and how to view it safely. Eclipse glasses will be distributed so attendees can view the partial solar eclipse that will take place over Florida on Monday, April 8.
OTB – Sunset Beach Concert Series with the Doodads, 7-9 p.m. Thursday, April 4 at Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs | Free
Enjoy a night under the stars while listening to hits from the 60s through today. There will be vendors on-site selling food, drinks, and sweets. Sunset Beach is located at 1800 Gulf Road Tarpon Springs. The event is FREE. Pets and alcohol are prohibited. There is a complimentary shuttle to assist with transporting concertgoers to and from the beach. The pick-up location is in the Tarpon Springs High School side parking lot on Florida Avenue, just south of Gulf Road.
The Majesty of Rock 7 p.m. Friday, April 5 at the PHSC Performing Arts Center in New Port Richey | $30 – $35
Performing together for almost a decade, The Majesty of Rock is one of the most sought-after Journey and Styx tribute bands in the country. Not only does the lead singer, John D’Agostino, capture Steve Perry’s iconic vocals, but he also nails the vocal essence of Dennis DeYoung and Tommy Shaw from Styx. Majesty captures the perfect mix of hard rock guitar, acoustic guitar, synthesizers, and acoustic piano.
Comedy Night with Steven Lolli, 8 p.m. Friday, April 5 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $17 (early bird) | $20 – $120
Steven Lolli toured as a road comedian until 2001 before moving to Los Angeles where he became the only white, Jewish comedian in LA’s black comedy scene for nearly a decade. He became a writer for Katt Williams (2007), the co-host of the PepTalks podcast and created content for All Things Comedy Studios (2018-2020). He also writes for legendary comedian Eddie Pepitone. Lolli has his own weekly Podcast “The No Idea Zone” available on YouTube live and for download on iTunes, Spotify, and i Heart Radio. Early Bird Tickets are $17 (two weeks before the show).
10th Annual Florida Loquat Festival, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6 on the grounds of the West Pasco Historical Society in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey
The festival will have preserves, trees, brochures, scones, loquat-inspired art, lectures, seeds, poetry books, and fresh fruit. Festival shirts will also be available. For more info, click here.
West Pasco Historical Society “A Walk Back in Time” Tour of Historic Downtown New Port Richey, 1 p.m. Saturday, April 6 | $30 per person / $20 for WPHS members. Reservation is required.
Join tour guides dressed in period costume as they take you on a leisurely stroll through downtown New Port Richey as it was during the Florida land boom of the 1920s – when famous residents like golfer Gene Sarazen and silent movie star Thomas Meighan dreamed of making this the “Hollywood of the East”.
Free admission to the Rao Musunuru, M.D. Museum & Library is included with the tour. The tour begins promptly at 1 p.m. at the gazebo in front of the museum in Sims Park. Duration: 2 hours. This tour is not recommended for small children.
Overjoyed – A Stevie Wonder Tribute, 8 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $30-$40
Stretch’s Rubberband presents “OVERJOYED” A STEVIE WONDER TRIBUTE. As a singer, composer, instrumentalist, performer and humanitarian, Stevie Wonder has had a unique career, spanning six decades and a range of genres including rhythm and blues, pop, soul, gospel, funk and jazz. This tribute brings together musicians Stretch Bruyn on piano/keys, Kirsten Joyer with vocals, Al Hurley on electric bass, Joe Renda on drums, and Special Guest Artist – Patrick Bettison on harmonica and piano.
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April 7-13
West Pasco Historical Society presents “Florida Pirates and Pioneers” with guest speaker, David Head, 6 p.m. Friday, April 12 at Peace Hall in Sims Park | $5 at the door | Free for WPHS members
About the speaker – David Head received his Ph.D. in history from the University at Buffalo. An expert in maritime history, pirates, and privateers as well as the American Revolution and the Founding Fathers, he teaches at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
Movie Screening: The Color Purple (2023), 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13 at the New Port Richey Public Library
A story of love and resilience based on the novel and the Broadway musical, The Color Purple is a decades-spanning tale of one woman’s journey to independence. For teens and Adults. Popcorn provided. Rated PG-13. Runtime: 2h 21m.
Florida Jazz Express, 2-4 p.m. Saturday, April 13 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson | Free
Florida Jazz Express is a professional contemporary big band that provides high-quality musical entertainment. Come enjoy an afternoon of wonderful music at the library! This program is free and open to all but seating is limited.
April 14 – 20
The Richey Community Orchestra presents Rockin’ in the 50s’ with the Richey Chorus at 3 p.m. Sunday. April 14 at the Center for the Arts at River Ridge in New Port Richey | $18
Don’t miss this nostalgic trip to a time of poodle skirts, blue suede shoes and music that rocked around the clock! The 50’s ushered in Rock and Roll, a new form of music with a sound that truly “rocked” America.
The Richey Community Chorus joins in the fun to bring you some of the biggest 50’s hits by the King, Elvis Presley, plus Bobby Darin, Little Richard, the Everly Brothers, and so many more! Hits like Blue Suede Shoes, Splish, Splash, Good Golly Miss Molly, Bye, Bye Love, Wake Up Little Susie and Rock Around the Clock.
The Orchestra will be featured in Tribute to the King, Rock, Roll and Remember, La Bamba and Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White. Don’t miss this fun show jam-packed with great songs and talented performers
Museum+History Series presents: Cigar City Cuban Sandwich Workshop, 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 at the Starkey Ranch Library, Theatre & Cultural Center
Learn the history, ingredients, and techniques behind Tampa’s most famous sandwich in this live demonstration. Note – this program is geared to an adult audience. Ages 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Registration begins on April 4.
POSTPONED UNTIL THURSDAY, MAY, 16, 2024!!
New Port Richey Main Street Downtown Wine Stroll Sock Hop, 5-9 p.m. Thursday, April 18 in downtown New Port Richey | $25
Stroll downtown New Port Richey while visiting local establishments offering 30 + wine samples. There will be live performances, costume contests, vintage cars and photo ops.
New Port Richey Public Library Music at the Library with Celtic Conundrum, 6 – 7 p.m. Friday, April 19 at the southwest corner of Sims Park | Free
The NPR Public Library continues this free music offering held at 6 p.m. on selected Fridays. The April 19 concert features local favorites, Celtic Conundrum. Feel free to bring a blanket or camp chair for seating.
Celtic Conundrum is known for creating new traditional music, exceptional harmonies, and heart-stopping vocals! Hailing from a town with Celtic roots, the band’s music is further influenced by rock, folk, and the world! The members of Celtic Conundrum, have toured throughout most of the world before joining together to develop a unique style, coined as American Celtic.
Piece of Eight – Chicago & Tower of Power Tribute Concert, 8 p.m. Friday, April 19 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $30
Pieces of Eight is Tampa Bay’s favorite Chicago Tribute Band, with their deep mix of covers and original arrangements, they will capture your attention and keep you grooving all night. From hits from Chicago, Tower of Power, and more–Pieces of Eight Chicago Tribute will bring you music you may have never heard before but can’t wait to experience again. Doors open at 7:15 pm. Tickets $30.
Local Author Fest, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at the Starky Ranch Library, Theatre & Cultural Center in Odessa | Free
Browse books from local authors of all genres, attend a keynote speaker presentation, author panels, and workshops, or purchase gently used books at the Friends of the Library book sale! This event is for all ages.
Earth Day in New Port Richey, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at the New Port Richey Public Library in downtown New Port Richey
This event will highlight the achievements of New Port Richey’s Environmental Committee, explore the city’s ecologically regenerative projects and initiates, and inform attendees about ecology-focused groups and events in our area. Milkweed seeds will be available to all who attend.
Comedy Night with Tanyalee Davis, 8 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $17 early bird | $20
At 3’3″, Tanyalee is the Ferrari of comedy – low to the ground and sometimes racy. Tanyalee Davis is currently the Guinness Book of World Records holder for the shortest comedian. She has become ‘TikTok Famous’ with over 3.2 million followers.
Previously Tanyalee did a 6-month run of her show “Little Comedian, BIG Laughs” just off the Las Vegas Strip and was spotlighted on the premiere episode of “Last Comic Standing 2”, Adam Hills: Comically Challenged, BBC Northern Ireland, “Little People, Big World” as well as featured on “World’s Smallest People” on ITV (UK) and TLC -The Learning Channel. Her Tanyalee #UnstoppableMe tour is hitting venues all over the USA and UK in 2024.
April 21-30
Monday Movie Matinee, The Boys in the Boat, 2-4 p.m. Monday, April 22 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson
Join others and see this recently released movie. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks but fresh popcorn will be served. For adults
Student Showcase Art Exhibit, April 22 – May 30 at the PHSC Rao Musunuru M.D. Art Gallery in New Port Richey | Free and open to the public
NPR Fourth Friday, 6-10 p.m. Friday, April 20 in downtown New Port Richey
NPR Fourth Friday is a collaboration between 3 market locations and participating downtown businesses.
- The Fourth Friday Bazaar (by MADE – Artisan Hall) will be on Nebraska Ave (between Grand Blvd & Adams St).
- Fourth Friday Market (by What’s Up Pasco) will be at The Hacienda Hotel on Main Street.
- Veterans Market takes place (and by) at Emerald Coast Brewing Co. on Main Street
Each market will feature artisanal artists and makers selling handmade goods, jewelry, art, woodwork, gifts and more.
Richey Suncoast Theatre Movie Night presents “Rocketman” at 8 p.m. Friday, April 26 and 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27 | $12
Rocketman is a 2019 biographical jukebox musical film based on the life and career of British musician Elton John. It tells the story of John in his early days in England as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music through his musical partnership with Bernie Taupin. The story is told through his music and is titled after John’s 1972 song “Rocket Man”.
Pioneer Florida Museum World War II Living History Event, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at the museum in Dade City | $12 adults | $6 students | Free for under 5
Take a step back in time to learn about the impact of war and interact with living historians portraying in Lacoochee during the final months of the war.
African American Club of Pasco “A Spring Jazz Affair” Scholarship Fundraiser, 1-5 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Lutz
Celebrate the 9th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser in style. The Jazz Affair Brunch will include Saxaphonist Marlon Boone, Al Chisholm, Dell O Barnes Sr, Carlos Torres, and Almitti.
DATE CHANGE!! New Port Richey Concerts in the Park Series featuring “Rock n’ Roll Review,” 7-8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free
This month’s concert features a nod to The Blues Brothers and Tina Turner. Bring a blanket or chair for seating. *Previously scheduled for April 13.
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Oliver!, weekends May 3 – 12 at the Richey Suncoast Theater in downtown New Port Richey | $25 – $160 (boxed seating)
Bringing Charles Dickens’s beloved novel to life, Lionel Bart’s Oliver! takes audiences on a wild adventure through Victorian England. Join young, orphaned Oliver Twist as he navigates London’s underworld of theft and violence, searching for a home, a family, and – most importantly – for love.
Local Museums
West Pasco Historical Museum Rao Musunuro, M.D. Museum & Library, 6431 Circle Blvd., New Port Richey
Open 1 – 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
General Admission – $5
Children (3-12) – $1
Students (13-18) – $3
WPHS members – Free
M.A.P.S. Museum, 7650 Orchid Lake Road, New Port Richey
Located on the Wendell Krinn Technical School campus in New Port Richey. For information about hours and events, click here.
Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City,
Features historical exhibits, an old-time village featuring local historical buildings that have been moved to museum grounds plus exhibits held throughout the year including the Sugar Cane and Old Time Music fests. For information, click here.
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