Just to the north of Tampa, and Tarpon Springs, lies the city of New Port Richey. This likable community hosts an array of events throughout the year both in its charming downtown area and in the neighbourhood of Sims Park, where a large auditorium hosts concerts, festivals and numerous special events. Below is a short description of some of the events you might see if you are visiting Florida during these selected months.
In March is held the Chasco Fiesta, which since 1922 has been held as a celebration of Florida’s Native American heritage. Throughout the eleven days of the Fiesta, concerts are held featuring a wide range of music, from Native American to Bluegrass and classic Rock and Roll.
In May, Brighthouse sponsor the Cotee River Seafood Festival and Boat show, which as the name suggests, showcases local seafood and features a blues concert, crafts and the boat show, which is held in Sims Park.
For the Main Street Blast, held in July, the city blocks off the streets of downtown New Port Richey in order to host concerts on two stages. Past performers include Three Dog Night, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Peter Tork (ex Monkees) with Shoe Suede Blues, and The Lovin' Spoonful. In addition to the concerts there is a ‘Miss Firecracker Contest’, a Classic Car Show and an afternoon of fun for everyone, whatever their age. The day finishes with a magnificent fireworks display over Orange Lake.
For one night in August the downtown area is transformed into a Tropical Party zone. This is a Key West style street party with a Caribbean atmosphere. There is also the almost obligatory Classic Car Cruise for the motor enthusiasts who need something more than Latin music to get their blood boiling! Add to this Flamenco dancers and a beer garden and you have some great ingredients for a serious party.
Probably the highlight of the year comes early in December when the city starts its Main Street Holidays, a two-day festival held in the downtown area on Friday and Saturday. The shops are decked out in traditional Holiday lights with cheery displays of special gifts and Santa oversees the magic of ice skating in Florida while children whisper their secret wishes to the “Jolly Ol’ Elf”! This two-day event is concluded on the Saturday evening with the River Lights Boat Parade. Boat owners spend the day imaginatively adorning their boats with seasonal and festive decorations, and some of the most outrageous creations you will ever see, to battle for awards and prizes.
In March is held the Chasco Fiesta, which since 1922 has been held as a celebration of Florida’s Native American heritage. Throughout the eleven days of the Fiesta, concerts are held featuring a wide range of music, from Native American to Bluegrass and classic Rock and Roll.
In May, Brighthouse sponsor the Cotee River Seafood Festival and Boat show, which as the name suggests, showcases local seafood and features a blues concert, crafts and the boat show, which is held in Sims Park.
For the Main Street Blast, held in July, the city blocks off the streets of downtown New Port Richey in order to host concerts on two stages. Past performers include Three Dog Night, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Peter Tork (ex Monkees) with Shoe Suede Blues, and The Lovin' Spoonful. In addition to the concerts there is a ‘Miss Firecracker Contest’, a Classic Car Show and an afternoon of fun for everyone, whatever their age. The day finishes with a magnificent fireworks display over Orange Lake.
For one night in August the downtown area is transformed into a Tropical Party zone. This is a Key West style street party with a Caribbean atmosphere. There is also the almost obligatory Classic Car Cruise for the motor enthusiasts who need something more than Latin music to get their blood boiling! Add to this Flamenco dancers and a beer garden and you have some great ingredients for a serious party.
Probably the highlight of the year comes early in December when the city starts its Main Street Holidays, a two-day festival held in the downtown area on Friday and Saturday. The shops are decked out in traditional Holiday lights with cheery displays of special gifts and Santa oversees the magic of ice skating in Florida while children whisper their secret wishes to the “Jolly Ol’ Elf”! This two-day event is concluded on the Saturday evening with the River Lights Boat Parade. Boat owners spend the day imaginatively adorning their boats with seasonal and festive decorations, and some of the most outrageous creations you will ever see, to battle for awards and prizes.