By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
Updated June 21, 2024
Can’t complain about the spring we’ve had but things are warming up. Outdoor event offerings tend to wane with the summer months. It’s more pleasant to hunker inside for those who simply can’t take the heat and humidity. Even so, there are some notable events to check out with June’s arrival and the end of the school year for local students.
The NPR Library’s annual Touch a Truck event kicks off the Summer Reading Program on June 1 and has become a family-friendly banner event for the city that offers a close-up, hands-on experience with city and county work vehicles and the opportunity to sign up for the reading program that is open to kids and adults. Branches of the Paco County Public Libraries are hosting some fun kick-off events as well so be sure to link to local branch websites below for more info.
Also happening this month is the 24th Annual Juneteenth Celebration on June 15 on the grounds of the historic Booker T. Washington School and home of the African American Club of Pasco. The event features history presentations, music and a variety of vendors along with the annual Sweet Potatoe Pie Contest that earns the winner bragging rights – till next year.
FILE PHOTO | MICHELE MILLER (June 2022)
For those looking to beat the heat there are some outdoor offerings held during more palpable hours such as morning birdwatching ventures – hike or bike – with Pasco Audubon and with a bird expert at the South Holiday Library.
As usual, libraries come through in a big way during the summer months. Those who might want to get the feel of the great outdoors and some stunning views in the comfort of AC might want to check out the Virtual Outdoor Adventure Series being held at Centennial Park Library which will feature visits to Glacier, Yellowstone and Voyageur National Parks. While it’s pretty much the offseason for Florida vegetable gardeners (save for okra and sweet potatoes) Master Gardeners will be at local libraries offering seminars and plant care and more.
There’s also the opportunity to get out and explore local parks on your own whether it’s catching a morning walk or paddle on the Pithlachasotee River at James E. Grey Preserve in New Port Richey, taking in a sunset at Anclote Gulf Park Pier in Holiday or finding a place to cast a rod at Crews Lake Park in Spring Hill. Just be sure to bring adequate provisions – plenty of water, sunscreen, bug repellent, suitable shoes, and a walking stick if you are hiking in the wild – just for good measure.
Scroll down for a complete list or use the Quick Search feature below to explore events week by week.
PHOTO | MICHELE MILLER
QUICK SEARCH
Find events by the week
June 1-8
June 9-15
June 16-22
June 23-30
Community Markets
Mark Your Calendar
Local Parks – From the Archives
For the Kids – Pasco Parks & Rec Summer Adventure Camps, weekdays, June – August at various locations
Pasco Parks and Recs End of Summer Summer Adventure camps run through the summer months. Activities include Arts n’ Crafts, Snorkeling, Beachcombing, Kayaking, Nature Camp and more. For information and to register on the Pasco County Rec page, click here.
June 1-8
Pasco Audubon Morning Nature Walk, 7:30 a.m. Saturday, June 1 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | Free
Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Education Center for this guided 1 – 4 mile walk.
NPR Library Summer Kickoff: Touch-a-Truck, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at NPR City Hall Parking Lot and in the library in New Port Richey | Free
Explore fire trucks, police vehicles, and more at this annual event. Face painting and other activities will be available inside the Library, where you can register for this year’s Summer Library Challenge. All trucks will be in the City Hall/Library parking lot. Thank you to the NPR Fire Dept, the NPR Police Dept and the NPR Public Works team for providing vehicles for this event.
Pasco County Parks Aquatic Adventures – Swamp Stomping, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sunday, June 2 at Jay B. Starley Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | Ages 7 + | $10.30
Learn about the watershed and environmental stewardship through this educational venture featuring hands-on activities such as dip netting and swamp stomping through the wetlands. Bring water, snacks, bug repellant and sunscreen and wear appropriate footwear for this moderate hike through muddy ground.
Junior Master Gardener Program, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays June 5 – July 31 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson | $65
The Junior Master Gardener (JMG) Program is an innovative 4-H youth gardening project modeled after the highly popular Master Gardener Volunteer Program. JMG offers horticulture and environmental science education through fun and creative hands-on activities.
The course is every Wednesday starting on June 5 and will meet weekly* through July 3. (*There will be no meeting on July 3, 2024) Recommended for ages 8-11. For more Master Gardener events in Pasco County, click here.
Pasco Extension Master Gardeners – Growing Bananas and Other Cold Tolerant Plants in Pasco County, 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 5 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson
Learn about growing bananas and other tropical fruits in your backyard from a Master Gardener volunteer. The presentation will cover climate and growing zones of tropical fruits and the origins and morphology of the banana plant. Also how to create the best growing conditions for bananas in Pasco County.
RAP River Run, starting at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey
Help raise money for the RAP House for at-risk youth in New Port Richey by signing up for a 10-K, the
5K Run/Walk or Kid’s Fun Run. Access the press release below for more info or go to rapriverrun.com.
Birdwatching with an Expert, 9- 10 a.m. Saturday, June 8 at the South Holiday Library in Holiday
Looking to reconnect with nature and learn something about birds in the area? Spend some time watching birds with an ornithologist. We’ll have binoculars and a spotting scope. Ask about our birdwatching kits available for checkout. Waivers are required for each person attending this program.
June 9-15
Pasco Extension Master Gardeners – Propagation, 6-7 p.m. Monday, June 10 at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey
Learn how to propagate many different types of plants by various means so that you can grow your collection even more!
OTB – Rock n’ Roll Revival, June 14 – 16 at the Florida Sand Ranch in Brooksville | $20 and up for single and multi-day passes | Camping Fees are extra
Come for the day or camp out as multiple bands perform on stage throughout the weekend plus a variety of interactive activities (drum circle), contests contests.
Birding by Bike with West Pasco Audubon, 8 a.m. Saturday, June 15 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey
Meet at the Education Center. Note – This event was canceled in May. Check the link here to access the Pasco Audubon calendar before heading out..
24th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration, 1-4 p.m. Saturday, June 15 at the historic Booker T. Washington School in Port Richey
This annual event celebrates the country’s “second Independence Day” which marks the end of slavery in Texas after the end of the Civil War. The event will feature live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, children’s activities, and the annual Sweet Potato Pie Contest all happening at the Booker T. Washington School, home of the African American Club of Pasco, 6105 Pine Hill Road in Port Richey.
June 16-22
Pasco Extension Master Gardeners – Advanced Orchid Care & Clinic, 2-4 p.m. Monday, June 17 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday
Resident Master Gardener Volunteer orchid expert, Peter Skoglund, will expand on his basic orchid care talk to dive deeper into the world of these varied and extraordinary flowers. Attendees may bring one or two of their orchids to show or find a solution to an ailing plant. Space is limited. Sign up on Eventbrite
Pasco Extension Master Gardeners – Building Terrariums, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 18 at the New Port Richey Public Library in downtown New Port Richey
A terrarium is a collection of small plants growing in a clear, usually enclosed container. You will learn to plant and care for a terrarium, , with examples of containers, plants and problem solving. A low-maintenance way to incorporate plants into your home, office or classroom. Many containers can be adapted and they do not need drain holes. Properly done, a terrarium is a source of enjoyment for many years providing interesting ways to grow and display plants with little care.
Pasco Extension Master Gardeners – African Violets, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. June 19 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa
In this seminar, led by Master Gardener Volunteer Peter Skoglund, learn how to take care of these wonderful plants. Learn about proper watering, light, soils, and propagation.
June 23-30
Community 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
Boom on the Bayou, Friday, 6 p.m. July 5 at Waterfront Park in Port Richey
Music, Food Trucks, Vendors and best of all FIREWORKS which will start at 9 p.m. Bring blankets & Lawn Chairs. NO alcoholic beverages, coolers or backpacks.
Morning Walk with West Pasco Audubon, 7:30 a.m. Saturday, July 6 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey
Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Education Center for this guided 1 – 4 mile walk.
