By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
Wow. When it comes to local happenings, March looks to pack a punch from start to finish. Opening weekend kicks off with NPR Main Street’s Chalk and Artisan Festival on Saturday (3/1) in downtown New Port Richey and the Cindy’s Pets Strawberry Fest on Sunday (3/2) in Sims Park. Closing out the month and welcoming April will be Chasco Fiesta. The city’s 9-day signature event has evolved in various ways since its founding in 1922 as a way raise funds for the local library. Today the event still threads an altruistic theme as a major fund raising event for several local non-profits. (Access the Chasco Fiesta Special Section)
A LOT will be happening in between.
Theatre lovers should make note of the Richey Suncoast Theater’s production of Calendar Girls (weekends March 14 – 23) and the Writer’s Series Staged Reading (March 6) which will feature three plays written by locals. Tickets are on sale now. Those with a NPR Public Library card might want to check out the Library’s Theatre Pass Program, which allots patrons two tickets to one performance. (Info on that & more library events in the What’s What local libraries calendar.
Those looking for a music fix have plenty to choose from whether you’re looking to reminisce at one of several tribute shows held at various venues, take in some Sinatra tunes with the Richey Community Orchestra and guest soloist, Tom Tiratto (March 9), or perhaps, a sunset and some tunes at the New Port Richey Library’s monthly Riverside Music Series (March 21).
Add to that NPR Rec’s “monthly “Summer of Love” Concert in Sims Park and the Pasco Blues Fest at Heritage Park in Land O’Lakes.
Or simply patronize one of the area establishments listed on the “Local Live Music Gigs” sections that get a free boost because they help to keep the local live music scene thriving by booking these area musicians.
Add to the hodgepodge of happenings – an “Unplug in the Park” event, New Port Richey Main Street’s Puppy Crawl, Comedy Night at RST.
For more info and to link to events, scroll down or utilize the “Quick Search” feature below to search events by week
* OTB – events over the Pasco County border.
Quick Search
Calendar for Special Events
Search for special events by week
March 1-8
March 9 – 15
March 16 – 22
March 23 – 31
Chasco Fiesta
Markets
Local Live Music Gigs
Search for local live music gigs featuring area bands by week
March 1 – 8
New Port Richey Main Street 2nd Annual Art on Main, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, March 1 in downtown New Port Richey
Enjoy some street art while taking a downtown stroll. Stop into local businesses, check them out, and take advantage of whatever specials they are offering
For more info, visit the NPR Main Street Events Page here.
Absolute Queen; two shows at 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday, March 1 at Richey Suncoast Theatre | $35 – $40 +
From the promo…
Experience the magic of Queen’s greatest hits performed live by the ultimate Queen tribute band, Absolute Queen! Why You Can’t Miss This Show: – Relive the Classics: Sing along to timeless anthems like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Another One Bites the Dust.”
For more info about the band, visit absolutequeenrocks.com. For more info on events and to purchase tickets to events at the Richey Suncoast Theatre visit the RST event page.
Cindy’s Pets Strawberry Festival, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, March 2 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free Entry
Fresh strawberries and shortcakes for sale. Vendors, Raffles. Fun Dog Show. Kids’ Zone.
Bee Gees Tribute, 2 p.m. Sunday, March 2 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown NPR | $25 +
From the promo
Bee Gees The Tribute (Jive Talkin’ USA) features the music of the iconic group “The Bee Gees” and their catalog of hits from the 1960s through the 1990s, including all of the hits from the record-setting album “Saturday Night Fever.”
For more info on events and to purchase tickets to events at the Richey Suncoast Theatre, visit the RST event page.
Call to Artists!! MUSIC Art Show drop-off is 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Monday, March 3 at the West Pasco Art Guild and Gallery in downtown New Port Richey for the April exhibit
MUSIC is the theme and all mediums are welcome. WPAG Members and Guests may enter up to three pieces of artwork – $5 per piece for WPAG members; $10 per piece for non-members. All entries must comply with the WPAG Show Rules and Regulations. Visit the WPAG website for more or email info@westpascoartguild.org.
A Natural Response, Art Exhibit, March 4 – 31 with an opening reception from 4 – 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 at City Hall in downtown New Port Richey | Free
Sips for the Stage Preview & Fundraiser for the Richey Suncoast Theatre, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. March 4 at Dented Keg Ale Works in downtown NPR
Come preview the RST’s upcoming production of Calendar Girls during the Sips For The Stage happy hour. Take a chance on a fabulous basket raffle and savor some brews from Dented Keg Ale Works. Enjoy free entertainment from the talented cast of the show! Grab your Limited Edition Calendar Girls calendar before they’re all gone. Proceeds benefit Richey Suncoast Theatre, helping us continue to bring vibrant community theatre to New Port Richey.
Richey Suncoast Theatre Writer’s Series, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 6 at the RST | Free – donations accepted
See staged readings of three new works once a month in March, April, and May, 2025.
The first three new plays are: – Fairy Queen’s Campaign by Jenna Jane, Kate Rising by Kate Connolly and The Wedding Present by Sue Walsh.
For more info on events and to purchase tickets to events at the Richey Suncoast Theatre, visit the RST event page.
* OTB | Sunset Beach Concert Series featuring “Rhythm Express”, 7 – 9 p.m. Thursday, March 6 at Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs | Free
Enjoy a night under the stars while listening to Classic Rock Hits. There will be vendors on-site selling food, drinks, and sweets. Free shuttle service to and from the beach at Tarpon Springs High. Pets and alcohol are prohibited
New Port Richey Library presents “Unplug in the Park” from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 7, in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free
Bring a book, craft, or any other analog activity to unwind with. Unplug and enjoy the outdoors with friends and neighbors.
We will gather in the grass west of The Hacienda – look for the “Library Event” sign!
Stand-Up Comedy Night featuring Ralph Minnick, 7 p.m. Friday, March 7 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre | $20 +
From the promo…
Adam combines his observational humor with stories of traveling, teaching, appearances, sports, family, and his wife to deliver a clean and intelligent act that entertains and engages audiences of all ages. Adam’s unique view on life is due in no small part to having spent much of his youth in the small towns of Napoleon, Ohio, and Perth, Australia, and traveling everywhere in between.
For more info on events and to purchase tickets to events at the Richey Suncoast Theatre, visit the RST event page.
9th Annual Pasco Blues Fest, Saturday, March 8 at Heritage Park in Land O’Lakes | $10
Featuring Alex Lopez, Memphis Lightning, and Wayne Baker Brooks. Vendors, food, and drink. Open seating. Bring chairs/blankets. Tickets are available through Eventbrite
NPR Recreation Concert in the Park featuring KYX Summer of Love II, 7 – 9 p.m. Saturday, March 8 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free
Bring blankets and chairs, and sit back and enjoy music from the ’60s era.
Still Standing Elton John Tribute, 7 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $25
From the promo…
Based on the Panhandle Gulf Coast of Florida, this stellar tribute band has captivated audiences across the Southeast, Southwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Mid-Western states with electrifying performances.
For more info on events and to purchase tickets to events at the Richey Suncoast Theatre, visit the RST event page.
* OTB | Ticket to the Moon ELO Experience, 7 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center | $36 +
From the promo
Led by the creative genius of Jeff Lynne, the world has been in awe of Electric Light Orchestra’s ability to fuse pop, classical arrangements, and futuristic iconography. Between 1972 and 1986 the band achieved more combined United Kingdom and US Top 40 hits than any other band on the planet with hits such as “10538 Overture,” “Evil Woman,” “Living Thing,” “Diary of Horace Wimp,” “Don’t Bring me Down,” “Mr. Blue Sky,” and more! Ticket to the Moon gives you note-for-note arrangements, stellar vocals, and top-of-the-line video production that will make this an ELO Tribute like no other. For tickets and info, visit tarponarts.org/events
Local Live Music Gigs – This Week
File Photo | Michele Miller (2022)
Saturday – March 1
- Trey Van Vanwig, 3 p.m. at Bourbon on Main in downtown NPR
- 3 Doms Band, 5 – 9 p.m. at Sam’s Hudson Beach Bar in Hudson
- Rick Sheldon, 6 – 10 p.m. at Whiskey Joe’s in Port Richey
- Jorge Valentine Band, 7 – 11 p.m. at Whiskey River on the Water in Port Richey
- Borderline, 8 p.m. at Art’s Tap House North in Port Richey
- FM Station, 8 p.m. at Arts Tap House South in New Port Richey
- LC & The Driver, 9 p.m. at Bourbon on Main, in downtown NPR
- Proper Wednesday, 9 p.m. at The Social NPR in downtown NPR
Sunday, March 2
- Jayar Mack’s Sunday Brunch, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Whiskey River on the Water in Port Richey. Embry Brothers, 3 – 7 p.m.
- Pred Shreds, 1 – 4 p.m. at Whiskey Joe’s in Port Richey
- Life of the Parts, 3- 5 p.m. at Sam’s Hudson Beach Bar in Hudson
- Dueling Pianos, 4 – 7 p.m. at The Social NPR in downtown NPR
Weekdays
- Donnie O’Neal, 4 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 4 at Whiskey Joe’s in Port Richey
- Ginger Rose, 4 – 8 p.m. Thursday, March 6 at Sam’s Hudson Beach Bar in Hudson
- Ryan Marchand, 4 – 8 p.m. at Whiskey Joes in Port Richey
- Banjoe Steve, 7 – 10 p.m. Thursday, March 6 at Bourbon on Main, in downtown NPR
Friday, March 7
- DC & The Whiskey Revival, 5 – 9 p.m. at Sam’s Hudson Beach Bar in Hudson
- Trippin’ Echoes, 6 – 10 p.m. at Whiskey Joe’s in Port Richey
- The Highway 41 Band, 7 – 11 p.m. at Whiskey River on the Water in Port Richey
- Mark Anthony, 8 p.m. at Art’s Tap House North in Port Richey
- TC & Sass, 8 p.m. at Arts Tap House South in New Port Richey
- Powerhouse, 9 p.m. at Bourbon on Main, in downtown NPR
- Florida Hit Machine, 9 p.m. at The Social NPR in downtown NPR
Saturday, March 8
- Smooth D & The Boyz, 5 – 9 p.m. at Sam’s Hudson Beach Bar in Hudson
- The Affect, 6 – 10 p.m. at Whiskey Joe’s in Port Richey
- Mrs. Red Band, 8 p.m. at Art’s Tap House North in Port Richey
- Red Party, 8 p.m. at Arts Tap House South in New Port Richey
- Supply Chain, 9 p.m. at Bourbon on Main, in downtown NPR
- Embry Brothers, 9 p.m. at The Social NPR in downtown NPR
March 9 – 15
Richey Community Orchestra Dinner Concert – “Sinatra, With Love,” 1 p.m. March 9 at the Spartan Manor in New Port Richey | $50 dinner and show | Reservations required
From the promo..
Enjoy a Sunday dinner and a show at Spartan Manor Restaurant, where the RCO will play swingin’ tunes featuring guest soloist Tom Tiratto.
You’re in for a treat with tunes like Come Fly With Me, Summer Wind, All the Way and more. The Orchestra will play salutes to Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, and Glenn Miller.
New Port Richey Main Street St. Puppy’s Day Crawl, 5 – 8 p.m. Thursday, March 13 in downtown New Port Richey | $15 +
Food & Drink specials. Costume Contest. Giveaways. Raffles and more.
For more info, visit the NPR Main Street Events Page here.
Calendar Girls, weekends from March 14 – 23 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $25
From the promo..
Calendar Girls is a heartwarming play based on a true story. When Annie’s husband John dies of leukemia, she and her best friend Chris decide to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. Their unconventional idea? To create an “alternative” calendar featuring fellow members of the Women’s Institute (W.I.) posing nude. With the help of friends and an amateur photographer, they embark on this daring venture.
Piano Performance – Priscilla Fullerton, 2 – 3 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson | Free
Join pianist Priscilla Fullerton for a delightful afternoon of live music. Ms. Fullerton will showcase pieces written by female composers. This concert is free and open to all, but seating is limited.
For more info on events and to purchase tickets to events at the Richey Suncoast Theatre, visit the RST event page.
* OTB – DAYBREAK, A Tribute to Barry Manilow, 7 p.m. March 15 at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center | $36 +
From the promo
DAYBREAK – A Tribute to Barry Manilow takes you on a musical journey back to the 70s. Barry Manilow recorded and released 51 Top 40 singles, including 13 that reached number one. Led by veteran musician and accomplished pianist Joe Hite, DAYBREAK brings to life timeless classics like “Mandy,” “Can’t Smile Without You,” and the foot-stomping rhythm of “Copacabana” just to name a few. For tickets and info, visit tarponarts.org/events
Live Music Gigs – This Week
Sunday, March 9
- Bob Hope Band, 1 – 5 p.m. at Whiskey Joe’s in Port Richey
- Mrs Reds Band, 3 – 7 p.m. at Sam’s Hudson Beach Bar in Hudson
- Dueling Pianos, 4 – 7 p.m. at The Social NPR in downtown NPR
The Week
- Carolynn Street, 6 – 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 11 at Whiskey River on the Water in Port Richey
- Donnie O’Neal, 4 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 12 at Whiskey Joe’s in Port Richey
- Coyote Moon, 4 – 8 p.m. Thursday, March 13 at Sam’s Hudson Beach Bar in Hudson
- Ryan Marchand, 4 – 8 p.m. at Whiskey Joes in Port Richey
- Sam Clyatt & The Boys Jam, 7 – 10 p.m. Thursday, March 13 at Bourbon on Main, in downtown NPR
Friday, March 14
- Solsis, 5 – 9 p.m. at Sam’s Hudson Beach Bar in Hudson
- Trippin’ Echoes, 6 – 10 p.m. at Whiskey Joe’s in Port Richey
- Dirty White Boys, 8 p.m. at Art’s Tap House North in Port Richey
- Embry Brothers, 8 p.m. at Arts Tap House South in New Port Richey
- Remnants Altar, 9 p.m. at Bourbon on Main, in downtown NPR
Saturday, March 15
- Double Treble, 5 – 9 p.m. at Sam’s Hudson Beach Bar in Hudson
- The Affect, 6 – 10 p.m. at Whiskey Joe’s in Port Richey
- Jezabelle, 8 p.m. at Art’s Tap House North in Port Richey
- Fat Tractor, 8 p.m. at Arts Tap House South in New Port Richey
- Rhythm Express, 9 p.m. at Bourbon on Main, in downtown NPR
- Nicaea, 9 p.m. at The Social NPR in downtown NPR
March 16 – 22
Calendar Girls, March 20 – 23 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $25
From the promo..
Calendar Girls is a heartwarming play based on a true story. When Annie’s husband John dies of leukemia, she and her best friend Chris decide to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. Their unconventional idea? To create an “alternative” calendar featuring fellow members of the Women’s Institute (W.I.) posing nude. With the help of friends and an amateur photographer, they embark on this daring venture.
For more info on events and to purchase tickets to events at the Richey Suncoast Theatre, visit the RST event page.
Monday Movie Matinee – Wicked, 2 – 4 p.m. Monday, March 17 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson | Free
Enjoy viewing a recently released movie with others. Popcorn provided
NPR Library Riverside Concert Series featuring Rene Schlegel, 6 – 7 p.m. Friday, March 21 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free
Don’t miss this local favorite set against the backdrop of the beautiful Cotee River.
This performance will take place in the southwest corner of Sims Park, near the Grassin Bridge. Presented in partnership with the city’s Cultural Affairs Committee and the Friends of the New Port Richey Public Library. Please feel free to bring a chair for seating
Rocky and the Rollers, 7 p.m. Friday, March 21 at the Pasco Hernando State College Performing Arts Center in New Port Richey | $40 +
For tickets and info visit tix.com/ticket-sales
Live Music Gigs – This Week
Sunday, March 16
- Fred George, 1 – 4 p.m. at Whiskey Joe’s in Port Richey
- Bob Hope Band, 3 – 7 p.m. Sam’s Hudson Beach Bar in Hudson
- Dueling Pianos, 4 – 7 p.m. at The Social NPR in downtown NPR
Weekdays
- Pred Shreds, 4 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 19 at Whiskey Joe’s in Port Richey
- Face Off , 4- 8 p.m. Thursday, March 20 at Sam’s Hudson Beach Bar in Hudson
- Ryan Marchand, 4- 8 p.m. at Whiskey Joe’s in Port Richey
- Chris Morgan, 7 – 10 p.m. Thursday, March 20 at Bourbon on Main, in downtown NPR
Friday, March 21
- Jorge Valentine Band, 5 – 9 p.m. Sam’s Hudson Beach Bar in Hudson
- Taylor Jansen Trio, 6 – 10 p.m. at Whiskey Joe’s in Port Richey
- Life of the Party, 8 p.m. at Art’s Tap House North in Port Richey
- Borderline, 8 p.m. at Arts Tap House South in New Port Richey
- North 2 South, 9 p.m. at Bourbon on Main, in downtown NPR
- Mixed Signal, 9 p.m. at The Social NPR in downtown NPR
Saturday, March 22
- Blue Star Band, 5 – 9 p.m. Sam’s Hudson Beach Bar in Hudson
- Element Duo, 6- 10 p.m. at Whiskey Joe’s in Port Richey
- TC & Sass, 8 p.m. at Art’s Tap House North in Port Richey
- Mark Anthony, 8 p.m. at Arts Tap House South in New Port Richey
- The Headbang, 9 p.m. at Bourbon on Main, in downtown NPR
- Smooth D & The Boyz, 9 p.m. at The Social NPR in downtown NPR
March 23 – 31
* OTB | The Music of Mancini by Jukebox Saturday Night, 5 p.m. Sunday, March 23 at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center | 36 +
From the promo..
Come on amusical journey, starting from Mancini’s early days with the Glenn Miller Orchestra to the timeless melodies that have graced both the silver screen and television, including the unforgettable themes from classics like “Peter Gunn,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and, of course, “The Pink Panther.” Throughout the show, you’ll learn fascinating insights and historical information about Mancini’s illustrious career. For tickets and info, visit tarponarts.org/events
Chasco Fiesta, March 28 – April 5 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | $5 Admission Nightly | Free Admission, Monday, March 31 | Dave Mason Concert $35 – $50 | Country Concert $20-$45
The Theme for Chasco 2025 is Cinema & Symphony: 100 Years of Music in Movies.
From the promo: An annual nine-day celebration in Sims Park, New Port Richey, FL. Enjoy an exciting lineup of events, including the iconic Native American Pow Wow, Street and Boat Parades, a Car Show, 5K Run, nightly live music spanning diverse genres, and so much more.
For more info on the Chasco Fiesta check out our special coverage
* OTB | Long Time Gone Tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, 7 p.m. Sunday, March 30 at the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center | $36 +
From the promo
Long Time Gone presents a retrospective and celebration of the music of legendary artists David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, and Neil Young. Also included are the women of the Laurel Canyon scene, such as Joni Mitchell and Judy Collins. From the early days of Buffalo Springfield, The Hollies, and The Byrds, through CSN and CSNY and their later solo careers, Long Time Gone gives you the whole story in music and vocals.
Live Music Gigs – This Week
Sunday, March 23
- Steve Colondres, 1-4 p.m. at Whiskey Joe’s in Port Richey
- Electric Soul Therapy, 3 – 7 p.m. Sam’s Hudson Beach Bar in Hudson
- Dueling Pianos, 4 – 7 p.m. at The Social NPR in downtown NPR
This Week
- Carolynn Street, 6 – 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 25 at Whiskey River on the Water in Port Richey.
- 20th Floor Band, 3 – 7 p.m. Thursday, March 27 at Sam’s Hudson Beach Bar in Hudson
- Ryan Marchand, 4 – 8 p.m. at Wednesday. March 28 Whiskey Joe’s in Port Richey
- Pred Shreds, 4 – 8 p.m. Thursday, March 27 at Whiskey Joes in Port Richey
- Matt Zitwer, 7 – 10 p.m. Thursday, March 27 at Bourbon on Main, in downtown NPR
Friday, March 28
- Greg Billings & The Stay Up Lates, 5 – 9 p.m. at Sam’s Hudson Beach Bar in Hudson
- Trippin’ Echoes, 6 – 10 p.m. at Whiskey Joe’s in Port Richey
- Marshal Law, 8 p.m. at Art’s Tap House North in Port Richey
- The Hitmen, 8 p.m. at Arts Tap House South in New Port Richey
- Alter Ego, 9 p.m. at Bourbon on Main, in downtown NPR
- The Fulcos, 9 p.m. at The Social NPR in downtown NPR
Saturday, March 29
- Chasco Fiesta Classic Rock Night with Jam Jones, The Petty Experience, Oddessy Road, 5 p.m. in Sims Park in downtown NPR. | $5 gate entry | Children under 12 free
- Twisted Revolvers, 5 – 9 p.m. at Sam’s Hudson Beach Bar in Hudson
- Element Duo, 6- 10 p.m. at Whiskey Joe’s in Port Richey
- No Filter, 8 p.m. at Art’s Tap House North in Port Richey
- Electric Soul Therapy, 8 p.m. at Arts Tap House South in New Port Richey
- Bynge, 9 p.m. at Bourbon on Main, in downtown NPR
- FM Station, 9 p.m. at The Social NPR in downtown NPR
Sunday, March 30
- Bob Hope, 1 – 4 p.m. at Whiskey Joe’s in Port Richey
- Dueling Pianos, 4 – 7 p.m. at The Social NPR in downtown NPR
Markets
Tasty Tuesdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. each Tuesday at the New Port Richey Public Library in downtown NPR
Find locally sourced foods, sustainably grown produce, cottage industry-baked goods and foods, hand-made items, and more.
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) for free, locally-grown produce!
To become a vendor, pick up an application at the Tasty Tuesdays EBT tent. There are no application or vendor fees at this great community market. Applications are being accepted, however, some applicants may be wait-listed until vendor space is available
NPR FarmNet Plants & Pints Monthly Market, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 18 at Ordinance One in downtown New Port Richey
In addition to the usual plant-swap and conversation, Plants and Pints features a Farmers’ Market, offering fresh-harvest seasonal produce from the FarmNet garden network. All produce is $3. This month’s selection includes collard greens, arugula, kale, tomatoes, and loquats.
Those attending will receive a vegetable seedling for immediate planting – for folks to “grow their own.” Seedlings are from the FarmNet nursery and are grown from locally acclimated seeds.
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