By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
Updated June 21, 2024
June goes out and July comes in with a bang courtesy of local Independence Celebrations. So far the red, white and blue, light-up-the-sky agenda includes annual events scheduled for the last weekend in June hosted by the City of New Port Richey and The Angelus in Hudson. Two events will be held on July 4th and 5th including Boom on the Bayou in Port Richey.
As usual, there’s a share of tribute concerts and Local Live Music Picks including a few local bands and musicians who, for the last time, will be taking the stage or strumming a guitar at the Tikki Bar at Gill Dawg in Port Richey.
Owners of the laid-back, Florida-feel venue on Miller’s Bayou recently announced via the establishment’s FB Page that they are closing shop. Plans have been made for a farewell party and it looks like the Bearded Brothers and a hefty line-up of local bands and solo acts will be performing at the last send-off on July 14. An enduring local mom-and-pop biz, Gill Dawg was featured in local news stories over the years and was also the topic of a What’s What NPR Business Spotlight story. (See below)
No doubt about it, the coastal venue has been a real force in bringing live music to these parts. On a side note, I was a fan of the Blues on the Bayou first Sunday concerts hosted by Go Tonight and The Suncoast Blues Society along with the restaurant’s shrimp tacos.
If local history is your thing, the West Pasco Historical Society hosts an educational talk on “West Pasco’s First Railroad” and the New Port Richey Library presents “Post Boom NPR” as this month’s installment of their Summer Speakers Series. The Tampa Bay History Society presents “Before the Mouse – Florida Roadside Attractions” at the Hudson Regional Library. If you’re up for a “night trip” consider a ride to Dade City for “Night…at the Museum” at the Pioneer Florida Museum. Maybe stop along the way for a late lunch/early dinner at Pancho’s Villa Mexican Restaurant in San Antonio. Yum.
Richey Suncoast Theatre will show the summer movie Jaws as part of their Classic Movie series along with tribute concerts and a theatrical production, Firebringer. Word is that Rockstar Karaoke is in the works as a regular offering on the RST stage with cool lighting and all. Will let you know about that when we know.
Something for pageturners – the Florida Room (formerly Studio NPR) is hosting a free Book Fair. Add to that a variety of programs – magic, puppets, storytellers, movies – for kids and families offered over the summer school break at local library branches.
There’s also a call to movie makers for New Port Richey’s first homegrown Film Festival for the city’s Centennial Celebration and if you want to enter but could use some help, the library is offering special programs to assist with that.
Also of note – Pasco County Library patrons are able to access a Discovery Pass (first-come, first-served) for admission to area attractions such as the Glazer Children’s Museum, Florida Holocaust Museum, Imagine, Tampa Bay History Center and the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Pete.
And be sure to check out what markets are popping up where in the local area. Some markets are accepting vendors for those looking to set up a booth. If that’s your thing, click on the Market Days link below
Quick Search
Independence Day Celebrations
July 1-6
July 7-13
July 14-20
July 21-27
July 28-August 3
At the Library- Kids and Families
Market Days
Gill Dawg is closing. Take a look back.
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July Calendar
Independence Day Celebrations
4th of July Extravaganza, 4-9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey
Live Music, Fireworks, Bounce Houses Vendors and more.
15th Annual Family, Fun & Fireworks Extravaganza, starting at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 29 at The Angelus in Hudson | $20 per carload
This annual event and fundraiser for The Angelus features live music, fair food and vendors. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. No coolers, alcohol or personal fireworks. For information on The Angelus, go to theangelus.com
Fourth of July Celebration, 4 p.m. Thursday, July 4 at Generations Church in New Port Richey
Food trucks, fireworks, Trinity Farmers Market, bands and more. For the last few years, the Commons at Trinity has hosted a free fireworks display created by Mohawk Pyro Productions that has grown bigger in both show size and attendance each year.
Boom on the Bayou, Friday, 6 p.m. Friday, July 5 at Waterfront Park in Port Richey
Music, Food Trucks, Vendors and fireworks starting at 9 p.m. Bring blankets & Lawn Chairs. No alcoholic beverages, coolers or backpacks.
July 1-6
Face Value – A Tribute to Phil Collins, 7 p.m. Saturday, July 6 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $25-$160
From the promo –
Face Value: A Tribute to Phil Collins is a celebration of the remarkable talent of Phil Collins, who has transcended superstardom to become one of the world’s best-selling artists.
July 7-13
Local Live Music Pick – Crossfire Creek, 2-6 p.m. Sunday, July 7 at Gill Dawg in Port Richey | $5 cover
Catch live music while you can at Gill Dawg’s in Port Richey which is set to close up shop this month. From the promo…Crossfire Creek Band is a New Country/Top 40 Country band based out of Tampa/Clearwater that is bursting onto the country music scene.
Summer Speaker Series: Post-Boom NPR with Tomás Monzón, 6-7 p.m. Monday, July 8 at the New Port Richey Public Library in downtown New Port Richey
Local historian and former vice president of the West Pasco Historical Society, Tomás Monzón, will discuss a period of New Port Richey’s history that often gets overlooked — the post-boom years. How and why did the momentum behind the city’s early years decline? How has the city bounced back in the years since? Mr. Monzón will cover this and more during this special centennial presentation.
West Pasco Historical Society presents West Pasco’s First Railroad featuring local author, Jeff Cannon, 6 p.m. Friday, July 12 at Peace Hall in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | $5 | Members are free
Pasco County author and historian Jeff Cannon will discuss the railroad and Aripeka Sawmills’ development history at Fivay. The sawmill and railroad were developed together.
Local Live Music Pick – The Shakes Society, 8 p.m. Friday, July 12 at Art’s Tap House North in Port Richey
The Shakes Society is a multi-talented, multi-instrumental band featuring a unique blending of Soul, Funk, Ska and Rock. Plan to dance.
Art’s Tap House North features live music on Friday and Saturday nights + Karaoke each Wednesday. For more info visit the Art’s Tap House North FB events page here.
Modern Day Diva Show – A Tribute to No Doubt and Blondie, 7 p.m. Saturday, July 13 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown NPR | $25 and up
The Modern Day Divas Show is a high-energy, fun, summertime tribute to the 80’s & 90’s hits of Blondie and No Doubt. Don’t miss your chance to catch this fabulous celebration of ska punk and alternative rock hits. Playing one night only at Richey Suncoast Theatre.
Local Live Music Pick – Funk with Smooth D & The Boyz, 9 p.m. Saturday, July 13 at The Social NPR in downtown NPR
These gents make the rounds regularly here and will be back in August as well. For more live music events at The Social NPR visit www.thesocialnpr.com/events
July 14-20
Endswell Book Fair Festival, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, July 14 at The Florida Room in downtown New Port Richey
Endswellbooks is bringing its first Book Fair to The Florida Room (formerly Studio NPR) in downtown NPR. Hang out and meet local authors, vendors and poets. For more events and information about The Florida Room visit www.thefloridaroomnpr.com
Gill Dawg Final Farewell, all day Sunday, July 14 at Gill Dawg in Port Richey
It’s the end of an era as the owners of Gill Dawg in Port Richey close up shop with a fine line-up of live music at the Tikki Bar, Love Shack and Wayne’s World Stage – Corey Cottrell, Frank Califiura, Tre Dicci, Ryan Marchand, Shawn Scheller, Shinedown Tribute Band and The Bearded Brothers. 0 to 9:00P Main Stage
Sips for the Stage Fundraiser, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 16 at Dang Good in downtown New Port Richey
Featuring music and more. Proceeds from bar sales will benefit the historic Richey Suncoast Theatre. Actors from the upcoming production, Firebringer, will perform a few numbers from the show. There will be sips, bites, raffles, and lots of great mingling with your theatre board, volunteers, and staff.
Classic Movie Night featuring Jaws, July 19 and 20 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $12
Show times are 8 p.m. on Friday, July 19 and 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 20.
Local Live Music Pick – Stormbringer, 8 p.m. Friday, July 19 at Art’s Tap House in New Port Richey
Art’s Tap House in New Port Richey features live music on Friday and Saturday nights. For more music events check out the Art’sTap House FB events page here.
Local Live Music Pick – Jen Howard, 1 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at Whiskey River on the Water in Port Richey
Jen Howard is an American singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, born in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. Her music is a blending of Folk, Roots, Reggae and Sophisti-Pop. Whiskey River on the Water features live music on weekends. For more events visit the Whiskey River FB events page.
Before the Mouse: Florida Roadside Attractions, 2-3 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at the Hudson Regional Library
A member of the History Krewe (specially trained docents from the Tampa Bay History Center) will tell the tale of the bygone days of roadside attractions. This program is free and open to all but seating is limited.
July 21-27
Firebringer, July 26-28 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown NPR | $25 & up
Firebringer is a comedy musical with music and lyrics by Meredith Stepien and Mark Swiderski and a book by Matt Lang, Nick Lang, and Brian Holden with additional writing by Stepien.[1] It was the 10th staged show produced by StarKid Productions. The story follows characters in the prehistoric era where the invention of fire is studied.
Night…at the Museum, 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 26 at the Pioneer Florida Museum in Dade City | $12 adults, $10 seniors or veterans, $6 students, under 5 free. Free parking.
Ever wonder what happens inside a museum after the lights go out? Come find out as living historians, and demonstrators come to life when night descends on the museum. Also, watch armed combat between a Spanish Conquistador and an English privateer. Sample some foods that constitute Pioneer Culture. Learn how fabric is carded, spun and woven.
July 28-August 3
Firebringer, 2 p.m. Sunday, July 28 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown NPR | $25 & up
Firebringer is a comedy musical with music and lyrics by Meredith Stepien and Mark Swiderski and a book by Matt Lang, Nick Lang, and Brian Holden with additional writing by Stepien.[1] It was the 10th staged show produced by StarKid Productions. The story follows characters in the prehistoric era where the invention of fire is studied.
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
****Calling all filmmakers!!! Enter the New Port Richey Film Festival, now through July 26, 2024, with the festival scheduled for Saturday, August 3 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey
Participate in New Port Richey’s first-ever Film Festival! Categories are available for adults, teens and kids. Winners will be announced during a screening at the historic Richey Suncoast Theatre on Saturday, August 3rd.
Want to participate but not sure where to start? Check out the library’s full calendar for a list of video production basics classes.
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.
Summer Movie Matinees, 2-4 p.m. Monday, July 1, July 7 and July 15 at the Hudson Regional Library | All ages
The Hudson Library hosts family-friendly summer movies and will show Trolls Band Together on July 1, Migration on July 7, and Wish on July 15. Popcorn will be served but you are welcome to bring snacks from home. Free and open to all ages.
Magic Suzie performs from 2 – 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 2 at the New Port Richey Public Library | All ages
Comedy and magic for the whole family! This performance is for youth and families of all ages. Seating will be first come, first served and will open 15 minutes before showtime.
Silly Adventures for Elementary: Windell Campbell, Storyteller, 2-3 p.m. Monday, July 8 at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey and 2-3 p.m. Thursday, July 11 at the South Holiday Library | Grades K-3
special guest, storyteller Windell Campbell, for some will be at the library to share some amazing stories!
Summer Fun for Everyone: DunnDee Farms – Reptile Show, 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, July 9 at the Hudson Regional Library | All ages
Learn how coldblooded creatures live, communicate and move about their environments in this up-close experience with live animals. This program is free and open to all ages.
Adventures with the Owl’s Nest Sanctuary, 2-3 p.m. Friday. July 12 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday | For kids in grades K – 3
See the interesting animal ambassadors at Owl’s Nest Sanctuary and learn about what services they offer. This program is intended for children going into Grades K-3. Siblings & families are welcome to accompany their elementary students, but space is limited.
Quests and Quirks: 80’s Adventure Movies for Families, 2-3 p.m. Friday, July 12 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa | Kids & Families
The library will show the 1980’s fantasy flick “The Princess Bride”.
While this movie is rated PG, it has scenes that younger audiences might find scary. It is encouraged that patrons ages 10 and under be supervised by a parent or guardian.
Summer Fun for Everyone – The Bucky and Gigi Show!, 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, July 23 at the Hudson Regional Library | All Ages
These two former Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Clowns will get the whole family laughing with magic, juggling, music, dance and more.
Summer Talent Showcase, 12-1:45 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at the New Port Richey Public Library | Registration ends July 13 | Ages 5-17
This Summer Talent Showcase will be open to youth ages 5-17.
-Acts must be no longer than five minutes.
-You may perform in a group.
-Acts must be family-friendly.
Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre Presents: Robin Hood, 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, July 24 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa | Kids & Families
Come journey through a puppet-powered tale of “The Adventures of Robin Hood.” There will be music, action and plenty of adventure. Note: This program has a 200-person capacity. Tickets will be given out at the door before the event for persons present, on a first come first serve basis.
Summer Concert Series: Ektor Keys, 6-7 p.m. Friday, July 26 at the New Port Richey Library in downtown New Port Richey | Free
Ektor Keys, a piano player and singer, is redefining the music scene with his unique approach to melodies. Join Ektor Keys on a musical journey that defies boundaries and invites you to rediscover the power of familiar tunes
Markets
New!! Vendors Needed for Christmas in July Event on July 27 to benefit The Red Apple School
The Red Apple School is looking for vendors who craft or have interesting items to sell at their annual indoor Christmas in July craft event which will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, July 27 at the Elks Lodge 7201 Congress St., New Port Richey. This annual event is a major fundraiser for the school which serves adult students with special needs. If you are interested in participating, please call Trudy at 727-846-6100 for further details.
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).
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