March 2024
By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
It appears to be a good time to take the kids fishing as evidenced by a couple of events being hosted by Pasco County Parks & Rec at different locations. Add to that a Chalk Fest and Sidewalk and Strawberry Festivals happening in downtown NPR, a Cancer Crawl to benefit Moffit Cancer Center, and an opportunity to join in the NPR Library’s ongoing Walk & Talk Club. Ren Fest continues out at Withlacoochee River Park in Dace City. There are several birding ventures including a night hike to hopefully see and hear some native owls. NPR’s Chasco Fiesta, starting mid-month is an outdoor event as is the Pasco Blues Fest being held in Land O’Lakes. Scroll down to see events that are sure to lure you out into the great outdoors.
Quick Search
ONGOING
March 1-3
March 3-9
March 10 -16
March 17-23
March 24-31
More Happenings – Live Music, On the Town, Libraries
*OTB – Over the (Pasco) Border
ONGOING
Bay Area Renaissance Festival, weekends through March 31 at Withlcoochee River Park in Dade City | $16.95-$24.95
The annual fest with a 16th-century feel opens on February 17 with a regal celebration in the scenic setting of Withlaochee River Park. Ticket prices – Adult (13+) – $24.95, Senior (65+) – $20.95,
Child (5-12) – $16.95. Discounts are available for a limited time. For tickets and more information, click here.
New Port Richey Library Walk & Talk Club, meets at 10 a.m. each Monday at the library in downtown New Port Richey
Explore the city and make new friends, all while getting some exercise. But that’s not all — walkers will be rewarded with NPR Public Library swag as they complete mileage milestones!
The walk will begin and end at the New Port Richey Public Library. Meet in the courtyard
March 1- 3
New Port Richey Main Street’s March on Main Chalk Festival, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, March 2 in and around downtown New Port Richey | Awards ceremony at 5 p.m. at the Richey Suncoast Theatre
Take a stroll and check out the artistic creations of sidewalk chalk artists in downtown New Port Richey. There will be live entertainment, street performers, a kids’ zone, and the chance to vote for the People’s Choice Award.
Event Particulars
- Artist registration at 8 a.m. at the Hacienda Hotel on Main Street.
- The artists will work on a 5 x 5 sidewalk canvas along Bank Street Main Street and Grand Blvd.
- Chalk Art will be up for one week before the sidewalks are cleaned, so if people cannot attend the day of, they can still stroll downtown and review the art.
- Professional artists from all over Florida have been invited to participate as well as student artists (14 years to 18 years) from local high schools
Morning Nature Walk with Pasco Audubon, 8. a.m. Saturday, March 2 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey
Meet at the Education Center for a 1-3 mile walk. These walks are typically held on the first Saturday of each month.
33rd Annual Anclote Kids Fishing Tournament, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Anclote Gulf Park in Holiday | Ages 5-14 | $5.15
Trophies for the most fish caught and the largest fish caught will be handed out for winners in different age groups. Free hot dogs and soda are provided by the V.F.W. For information and to register access the Pasco County Parks catalog here.
Bird Banding and the Florida Young Birders Club, 11 a.m. Saturday, March 2 at the Education Center at Jay B. Wilderness Park in New Port Richey
Pasco Audubon welcomes Jim McGinty, a master bird bander who has banded thousands of neotropical migratory birds in our area and an educator who has prioritized engaging young people in birding, including establishing the Florida Young Birders Club.
A Walk Back in Time Tour, 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2 starting at the West Pasco Historical Society in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | $20 (members) – $30 includes free admission to the museum
Let guides, dressed in period costume, take you on a 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”.
Experience the historic architecture and small-town charm that continues to personify New Port Richey, as it did over a hundred years ago. Step back into the “Roaring 20’s”, and have complimentary drinks on the veranda of the historic 1927 Hacienda Hotel.
The two-hour tour begins promptly at 1 p.m. at the gazebo in front of the museum in Sims Park.
Advance reservation is required. Note: This tour is not recommended for small children.
March 3-9
Cindy’s Pets Strawberry Festival, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday, March 3 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey. Dog Show at 12:30 p.m.
This annual event is the primary fundraiser for Cindy’s Pets, a local non-profit that helps provide food and supplies for local clients of the Meals on Wheels program. There will be vendors, fair food, and plenty of strawberry shortcakes being served up. For information and to register, go to cindyspets.org. Read the What’s What New Port Richey feature story on Cindy’s Pets below.
New Port Richey Rotary presents the 9th Annual Cancer Crawl, 12-4 p.m. Sunday, March 3 at Thee Pirate Bar in Port Richey | Funds raised benefit Moffit Cancer Center
Pasco Parks & Rec – Monthly Eagle Walk, 9-10 a.m. Tuesday, March 5 at Anclote River Park/Coast Anclote Trail in Holiday | $3.09 | Registration required
This ongoing offering is held at 9 a.m. on the first Tuesday of the month through March. Participants learn about the Bald Eagle and might get a glimpse of the pair nesting and the progression of the nestlings. For information and to register access the Paco County Parks catalog here.
Community Bird Walk, 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, March 6 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday
Watch the birds as they get chatty before bedtime around the library: warblers, chickadees, and titmice regularly visit the mature oaks, and hawks like to stop by, too!
Bring your questions about birds. The library will supply the binoculars. This is a family-friendly event, but all minors must be accompanied by an adult. Waivers are required for each person attending this program.
Ask a Master Gardener and Hummingbird Program, Wednesday, March 6 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson
Master Gardeners of the Pasco County Extension will be on hand in the library lobby from 5-6 p.m. to answer general questions. A talk on Florida hummingbirds and how to attract them to your garden will be from 6-7:30 p.m.
* OTB | Sunset Beach Concert Series , Thursday, March 7 at Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs | Shuttle service available | Free
Free monthly concerts are held from 7-9 pm. on the first Thursday of the month through November 2024. The March 7th concert features the 727s. Sunset Beach is located at 1800 Gulf Road. Pets and alcohol are prohibited. A complimentary shuttle is available from 6-9:15 p.m. The pick-up location is in the Tarpon Springs High School side parking lot located on Florida Avenue, just south of Gulf Road. The shuttle begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 9:15 p.m.*Bonfire scheduled, but weather dependent.
Pasco County Parks & Rec Night Hike, 6:15-8:15 p.m. Friday, March 8 at Key Vista Park in Holiday | Ages 8 +| $6.18
Hike to the park’s observation tower to watch the sunset over the gulf then take a hike to listen, look and learn about native owl species. For information and to register, access the Pasco County Parks catalog of events here.
Poetry Night, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 7 at Grand Gardens in downtown New Port Richey | Free
Poetry Night has been gaining some momentum. This is an enjoyable, slow-paced evening of sharing expressions and experiences at the garden, 5721 Grand Blvd, New Port Richey.
Outdoor Adventures Expo, Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. March 9 at the Starkey Ranch Library, Theatre and Cultural Center in Odessa
Features wildlife photographer Mac Stone, National CBS Correspondent, Conor Knighton and book signings, food Trucks, demos and displays
Pasco Audubon Fieldtrip to Chinsegut, Saturday, March 9 in Hernando County
For formation and details on the field trip email Christine Rowland at president@westpascoaudubon.com. For information on Chinsegut Conservation Center, click here.
8th Annual Pasco Blues Fest, Saturday, March 9 at Heritage Park in Land O’Lakes | $15 (early bird) – $25
Grab your lawn chairs and come on out for the Pasco County Blues Festival. Live music includes The Shaelyn Band (12-1:30 p.m.), Charlie Morris Band (2:15-3:45 p.m. and Kat Riggins & the Blues Revival Movement (4:30-6 p.m.)
Early-bird ticket supplies are in limited supply. Visit the Eventbrite.com or MyTBTickets.com ticket links to get early-bird tickets while they last. Event beverage proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel.
March 10-16
New Port Richey Garden Club Meeting and Owl Presentation, 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 at Faith United Methodist Church | All are welcome
Social starts at 12:30 p.m. Meeting a 1 p.m. at the Faith Methodist Church, 12128 St Road 52 Hudson.
Pasco County Parks & Rec Family Fishing Program, 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 at Sunwest Park in Hudson | $15.44
Learn the fundamentals of fishing at this event held on Pasco School’s Early Release Day. The recommended minimum age is 5. Those under the age of 18 must register and be accompanied by an adult. Equipment provided. To register, go to the Pasco County Parks events catalog here.
Pasco County Parks & Rec Golden Adventures Basket Weaving Program and Hike, 9-11 a.m. Thursday, March 14 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | Ages 18 and up | $5.15
This program for active adults is held monthly. In March participants will make primitive pine needle baskets utilizing natural resources in the surrounding environment and will also embark on a short hike to collect materials to use.
Pasco County Parks & Rec Fungus Among Us Hike, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Friday, March 15 at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City | All ages | $3.09
This naturalist-led morning mushroom walk will take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Moderate level of hiking on some sandy surfaces. For information and to register access the Pasco County Parks catalog of events here.
Chasco Fiesta, March 15 – 23 in downtown New Port Richey | Entry Fees for some events in the park |
Nine days of food, fun, and entertainment with many events including a Native American Fest, Street Parade, Boat Parade, Car, Truck & Bike Show, Special Olympics 5K run, Dragon Boat Races, Mural Art Exhibition, the traditional Sertoma BBQ, and a different genre of music every night! Come celebrate 102 years of the Chasco Fiesta.
- The event includes live music at Sims Park amphitheater each night. Highlights include The Ruth Eckerd Hall on the Road Concert with the Marshal Tucker Band w/ The Georgia Thunderbolts (March 15 | $20-$55) and the Ruth Eckerd on the Road County Concert featuring Maddie and Tae with Special Guest Wiley Fox (March 16 | $20-$50). Also of note – area favorites The Black Honkeys will perform on March 19 and Damon Fowler and Julie Black Band will perform on Blues Night (March 21).
Venue Change!!! New Port Richey Public Library Riverside Concert Series featuring Los Dos, 6 p.m. Friday, March 15 in Sims Park at the NPR Library on Main Street in downtown New Port Richey | Free
The NPR Public Library continues this free music offering held at 6 p.m. on selected Fridays. The March 15 concert features an acoustic duo, Los Dos. Bring a chair and blanket for seating.
Pasco Astronomers Stargazing Event, 8-10 p.m. Satruday, March 16 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | Free
Pasco Astronomers are having a stargazing event on March 16th from 8-10 PM at Starkey Wilderness Park. (Weather Permitting) This is a free event, the public is invited.
March 17-23
Chasco Fiesta continues through March 23 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey
This week caps off nine days of food, fun, and entertainment with many events including a Native American Fest, Street Parade, Boat Parade, Car Show, 5K run, and a different genre of music every night! Come celebrate 102 years of the Chasco Fiesta.
Birding by Bike with Pasco Audubon, 8 a.m. Saturday. March 17 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey
Meet at the education center at 8 a.m.
Master Gardeners: Succulent Care and Propagation, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19 at the New Port Richey Public Library.
This is a beginner’s seminar for those wanting to know more about caring for the succulents they have and how to propagate them. Samples of several types of succulents will be presented, along with cuttings that will be available to take home and try your hand at propagating. The instructor will go over soil preparation and the most helpful tools and how to use them. Several resources will be included to learn even more about these fascinating plants and expand your collection. To register for this free event, please visit the UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Eventbrite page.
New Port Richey Garden Club Spring Plant Sale, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. March 22-23 in Hudson | Money raised goes to local high school scholarships
The plant sale will be held at 9810 Gary Street in Hudson and promised Great Plants! Great Prices!
Pasco County Parks & Rec Guided Paddle, 12:30 – 3 p.m. Friday, March 22 at Sunwest Park in Hudson | Ages 13 + | $20.59-$30.89
Learn about the coastal ecosystem of Pasco County on this Naturalist-led paddle. For more information and to register, access the Pasco County Parks catalog here.
Pasco Audubon Birding Fieldtrip to Celery Fields in Sarasota, Saturday, March 23
This is the second of two field trips hosted this month by Pasco Audubon. For info on field trip details email Christine Rowland at president@pascoaudubon.com. For information on Celery Fields, click here.
Pasco County Parks & Rec Backcountry Wet Walk, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | Ages 13 and up | $10.30
Expect to get a little muddy and wet on this naturalist-guided hike. Participants will trailer out to the park’s backcountry. Walking sticks provided. For more details access the Pasco County catalogue of events here.
March 24-31
Pasco County Parks & Rec Spring Break Camp, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. March 25-29 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | Ages 8-13 | $102.95 per child
Hiking, dip netting, archery, and swamp stomping are all on the agenda for this camp for kids. For information and to register, access the Pasco County Parks catolog of events here.
ADVERTISEMENT
More Local Happenings
Sign up to have the What’s What New Port Richey newsletter delivered directly to your inbox.
