Stepping Out on the Town | August 2024

Mark your calendars for events coming in August.

Hand in Hand. A couple takes an early evening walk along Main Street in downtown New Port Richey. The small historical city scape is ever evolving some might have noticed, with new additions such as the Florida Room - previously know as Studio NPR - which is under new ownership. Photo | Michele Miller (July 13, 2024)

By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey

Sweet Summertime……

The local live music venue circuit got a little smaller with the closing of Gill Dawg’s on Miller’s Bayou in Port Richey. But even with the dismantling of Wayne’s World Stage that catered to a boatload of tribute shows in an outdoor estuary setting, there are options for those looking to hear the tunes of Bob Segar, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, and 90s country music with a series of concerts held in the air-conditioned Richey Suncoast Theatre.

Those looking to find an area cover band to get up and to dance to, solo strummers to serenade that craft beer or tropical sunset, or perhaps a band performing original music can check out the spattering of Local Live Music Picks mixed throughout the calendar. It’s just a taste of what’s out there but this site is all about connections so you will find links to venue websites and social media sites so you can explore their monthly line-ups at will.

Richey Suncoast Theatre’s pretty full slate also includes a Comedy Showcase for those needing a laugh. Classic Movie Night features The Greatest Showman along with weekday and night family summer movies for kids and adults. Check out local talent at the Tampa Bay’s Got Talent Show in August 16th. Capping off the month on August 25th, the first annual Tommy Awards will honor past performances and offer a brief look at the 2024-2025 theatre season. Note – Sound of Music starts it off. For more on the season or to order season tickets visit the Richey Suncoast Theatre website.

Also on the August calendar is the New Port Richey Film Festival which is slated for August 3. Entries are being accepted until July 26, so look for updates as details for that event unfold. The inaugural festival is one of what looks to be a series of prelude events leading up to the city’s Centennial in October. You’ll find some of those listings in the Ongoing Events section below.

Scroll down to peruse the monthly calendar or use the Quick Search function below to find events listed by week – Sunday – Saturday.


Quick Search

Ongoing Events | City of NPR Centennial Events
August 1 – 3
August 4 – 10
August 11 – 17
August 18 – 24
August 25 – 31
Special Events at the Library
Local Markets
Mark Your Calendars | Get Your Tickets


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August Calendar



Ongoing Events | NPR Centennial


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.

For information, instructions, and rules, visit 100npr.org/scavengerhunt


August 1 – 3


Movie – “The Little Mermaid,” 7 p.m. Thursday, August 1 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $4.25 and up

One in a series of summer families being sponsored by the MAPS Museum.


OTB – Local Live Music Pick | 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.


Whiskey County 90’s Country Music Tribute Show, 7 p.m. Friday, August 2 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $25 and up

For information on the Whiskey County Band visit whiskeycounty.com


New Port Richey Film Festival, 4 p.m. Saturday, August 3 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey

This inaugural Film Festival held in honor of the city’s upcoming Centennial Celebration will feature a diverse array of submissions from local filmmakers, with categories for youth, teens, and adults. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of films, highlighting the creative talents within our community.

In addition to contemporary works, the program will also shine a spotlight on classic films by
legendary actors Thomas Meighan and Ed Wynn. A special historical presentation will delve into New
Port Richey’s motion picture past, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s storied
connection to the film industry.


Local Live Music Pick | Sam Williams, Satruday August 3 (and August 24) at Emerald Coast Brewing in downtown New Port Richey

For information on Sam William, check out the FB page here. For info on Emerald Coast Brewing, visit emcoastbrewing.com


Local Live Music Pick, 7- 10 p.m. Saturday, August 3 at Cotee River Brewing in downtown New Port Richey

For information on Andrew Michael Polo visit his FB page here. For info on Cotee River Brewing visit coteeriver.com


August 4 – 10


Local Live Music Pick | Embry Brothers Trio – Sunday Family Funday, 3-7 p.m. Sunday, August 4 at Whiskey River on the Water in Port Richey

For information on the Embry Brothers band visit the band’s FB page here. For information on Whiskey River on the Water visit the FB page here.


Movie “Dungeons & Dragons, 2 and 7 p.m. Thursday, August 8 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown NPR | $4.25 and up

One in a series of summer movies sponsored by the MAPS Museum.


Comedy Showcase, 7 p.m. Friday, August 9 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown NPR | $10 and up + fees


The Seger Experience Tribute Concert, 7 p.m. Saturday, August 10 at the Richey Suncoast Theater in downtown NPR | $25 – $40 + fees

The amazing vocals of Don Styer as Bob Seger will have you rockin’ and rollin’ all night! The 7 pc. band behind him has shared the stage with scores of household names. They are songwriters and recording artists. Seger Experience pays impeccable attention to detail and delivers the same outstanding energy of Seger’s live concerts you know and love.


Local Live Music Pick | Proper Wednesday, 8 p.m. Saturday, August 10 at Arts Tap House North

For information on the Proper Wednesday Band visit properwednesday.com. For information on Art’s Tap House North, visit the Fb page here.


August 11 – 17


A Musical Journey Through Florida with Chris Kahl, 6-6:45 p.m. Thursday, August 15 at the New Port Richey Library

Proudly presented by the City of New Port Richey’s Cultural Affairs Committee and the Library, Florida Humanities Speaker Chris Kahl takes audiences on a historical journey through the state, featuring performances of songs covering a wealth of historical events, characters, and folklore with in-depth storytelling about Ponce de Leon’s voyage to Florida in 1513, Henry Flagler’s building of Florida’s East Coast Railroad, Florida’s unique eco-systems, and more.  Original songs come from Chris Kahl’s Florida-themed albums, Orange Blossom Memories and Sunshine Kid. 


Local Live Music Pick – 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.


Free Family Movie Night, 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


Tampa Bay’s Got Talent, 7 p.m. Friday, August 16 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $7.50

Do you love AGT? Can’t get enough of the TV talent shows? Well, here is your chance to come out and support some very talented people here in the Tampa Bay area. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to support TB HIVE (Tampa Bay Homeschool Inclusive Events)


Snowblind Black Sabbath Tribute Concert, 8 p.m. Saturday, August 17 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown NPR | $30 and up + fees

From the promo..

Snowblind is the ultimate tribute to the golden years of the godfathers of metal; Black Sabbath! Bringing the raw, electric energy of an early Sabbath concert to the stage, Snowblind is dedicated to transporting audiences back to the 70s to let them experience it for themselves. Hear all the hits and your favorite deep cuts; Paranoid, War Pigs, Children of the Grave, Iron Man, Into the Void, Hand of Doom, Sweet Leaf, Lord of This World, Snowblind, and more!


August 18 – 24


Local Live Music Pick | LC Williams & The Driver, 7 p.m. Thursday, August 22 at Bourbon on Main in downtown New Port Richey

Get a head start on the weekend at Blues Night at Bourbon on Main. For info on the LC Williams and the Driver, go to lcwilliamsandthedriver.com, For info on Bourbon on Main, visit www.bomdowntown.com.


Variety Show Featuring Jacob Hunt, 7 p.m. Friday, August 23 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $15 and up


Local Live Music Pick | Brian Lenenschmidt Band, 9 p.m. Friday, August 23 at Bourbon on Main in downtown New Port Richey

From the band bio at brianleneschmidt.com

“Brian Leneschmidt has played as a full-time musician solo and with bands for twenty years. He has recorded six full-length albums and has achieved national radio support and in countries such as Argentina, France, India and many more.” 


Comfortably Floyd Tribute Concert, 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday, August 24 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in NPR | $30 and up + fees

From the promo..

Comfortably Floyd Florida is a dedicated Pink Floyd band that met during a 50th Anniversary Dark Side of The Moon-themed charity event for WMNF 88.5 FM. They are made up of band leaders from the greater Tampa Bay Area. They bring love and dedication to this timeless music that so many love.


Local Live Music Pick | The Edisons, 8 p.m. Saturday, August 24 at Art’s Tap House in New Port Richey

For info on The Edisons Band check out the FB page here. For info on Art’s Tap House visit the FB page here.


From the Archives

August 25 – 31


Richey Suncoast Theatre Tommy Awards Ceremony, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, August 25 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $10

Take a fun look back at performances from previous shows and a sneak peek of the show opener for the theatre’s upcoming 50th Season, The Sound of Music. Attendees will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with their theatre friends and neighbors over delicious light bites from local eateries. Ballots will be sent to theatrical season patrons and participants from the past year so that they can have a say in who they’d like to win the awards.


New Port Richey Main Street Celebrity Bartender Fundraiser, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 29 at the Hacienda Hotel in downtown NPR

Funds raised go to New Port Richey Main Street, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, created in 1986 that builds value and appeal of downtown by supporting business development, promoting a positive image and revitalization of the core community.


Classic Movie – The Greatest Showman Sing-Along, 7 p.m. Friday, August 30 and 2 p.m. Saturday, August 31 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $6 and up + fees

From the promo…

Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron star in this bold and original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and the sense of wonder we feel when dreams come to life. Inspired by the ambition and imagination of P.T. Barnum, the film is directed by exciting new filmmaker, Michael Gracey, with songs by Academy Award® Winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land).


Local Live Music Pick | Julie Black Band, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, August 31 at H’ours Creole in Tarpon Springs

The Julie Black Band typically plays at this venue on the second and last Saturday of the month. For information on the Julie Black Band visit julieblackmusic.com. For information on H’ours Creole visit hourscreole.com


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.


At the Library


There are plenty of activities and programs happening at local libraries. Check out the highlights below and also explore calendars on the New Port Richey Library website and Pasco County Libraries website.


Lectures at the Ranch – Elliot Kleinberg: Weird Florida, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Saturday, August 3 at the Starkey Ranch Theatre, Library & Cultural Center in Odessa | Free

Reporter, Author, and Blogger, Eliot Kleinberg humorously showcases Florida’s quirks in a whirlwind tour of its rich 500-year history. Seating is first come, first seated. A limited number of door prizes will be given away along with complimentary refreshments provided by the Friends of Starkey Ranch Library. This program is provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities.


Summer Movie Matinee, 2-4 p.m. Monday, August 5 at the Hudson Regional Library | Kids | Families | All ages | Free

The Hudson Library hosts family-friendly summer movies and will show Kung Fu Panda 4 on August 5. Popcorn will be served but you are welcome to bring snacks from home. Free and open to all ages.


Lectures at the Ranch – Gary McKechnie: What in the World? How Walt Created Disney World, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. August 10 at the Starkey Ranch Theatre/Library in Odessa | Free

Renowned author and storyteller, Gary McKechnie, tells the captivating story of Walt Disney’s creation of the iconic theme park. A limited number of door prizes will be given away along with complimentary refreshments provided by the Friends of Starkey Ranch Library. This program is funded with a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities.


Cassie & Maggie: Folk Music Concert, 6- 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 28 at the Hudson Regional Library | Free



From the archives


Markets



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).



Mark Your Calendar | Get Your Tickets



** “The Sound of Music” musical production, September 6-8 and September 18 at The Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $25


*** Camping With the Blues, October 18 – 20 at the Florida Sand Music Ranch in Brooksville

Not quite an “On the Town” item but lots of live music over three days featuring some local/area bands such Julie Black and T-Bone Hamilton. RV campsites tend to sell early so if this is your thing you might want to get on it now. For tickets and info go to floridasandmusicranch.com/camping-with-the-blues


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