It may be the dog days of summer, but that doesn’t mean the number of special events in Pasco has diminished. Visitors to the area – and local residents – can still find something to do almost every weekend from August through September.

This month, take a stand against crime by participating in the National Night Out street party in downtown Zephyrhills on Tuesday, Aug. 3. The event will feature live entertainment all night, along with educational displays, games and, of course, plenty of food. The fun begins at 6 p.m. and continues through 9 p.m.

On Aug. 14, downtown New Port Richey will be the scene of a Key West-style celebration as the Night in the Tropics kicks off with live music on two stages, including the Caribbean Chillers, back by popular demand. Billed as the coolest party on the hottest night of the year, the tropical fun includes two beer gardens, street performers, kids’ activities, bounce house and rock climbing wall, classic car cruise-in and arts and crafts. What more do you need on a hot summer night?

The month of September brings two of the County’s most well-known events – the Pioneer Florida Days Festival in Dade City on Labor Day weekend and RocktemberFest – formerly known as Founders Day - in downtown New Port Richey on the last weekend of the month.

Held Sept. 5 and 6 at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village north of Dade City, Pioneer Florida Days is the museum’s annual celebration of early Florida heritage, including live Civil War re-enactments, authentic craft demonstrations, a mock court martial, 1860s fashion show, children’s activities and live entertainment.

RocktemberFest, held in downtown New Port Richey from Sept. 24-26, will feature some new traditions, including scarecrow making and pumpkin painting, as well as the traditional Founders Day favorites of live music, classic cars, kids entertainment, a craft show and, of course, food. Be sure to celebrate the end of the summer in style with one of Pasco’s many unique events!

Enjoy Fine Art, Food & Live Music at Suncoast Arts Fest

Wesley Chapel - Celebrate a countywide weekend of the arts as the Suncoast Arts Fest presents its fifth annual fine art show at the Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel on Saturday, Jan. 23 and Sunday, Jan. 24.

More than 120 fine artists and craftsmen are the main attraction, but there will also be a “Taste of Wiregrass” event and continuous live music throughout the weekend, including Sarasota Slim, the Women’s Blues Review, Ray Olan and his Latin Band and the newly discovered bluegrass/country family band, AmeriKinFolk. In addition to woodwork, ceramics, glass art, paintings, photography and jewelry, the event will feature live chalk art demonstrations on the sidewalks in Wiregrass.

For the kids, there will be an interactive arts area and emerging artists display. All proceeds from the event go to “Art for Kids in Pasco County’’ and help supplement funding for arts education in public and private schools. Also, for the first time this year, the event includes multiple art exhibitions and activities throughout the County, including shows at the Pasco Arts Council, Pioneer Florida Museum, Progress Energy Art Gallery and the Pottberg Gallery at Pasco-Hernando Community College.

For more details, visit http://www.suncoastartsfest.com/ or call 727-247-6182.

Bikers to invade Downtown New Port Richey

If you are a biker or just a bike fan, then you will want to make plans to head to Downtown New Port Richey the weekend of Oct. 9-11. The West Pasco Chamber of Commerce will present its Fifth Annual Cotee River Bike Fest at Sims Park and around Orange Lake. There will be live music on two stages, a vintage ride-in bike show, $1,000 Daisy Duke contest, truck pull, tattoo contest and the "Disc-Connected K-9s,'' world-famous frisbee dogs.
Again this year, Sheriff Bob White and the Sheriff's Foundation will host the Annual Sheriff's Charity Ride to benefit the PACE Center for Girls. The 50-mile ride starts at Gulfcoast Harley Davidson on State Road 54 and ends with VIP parking at the Bike Fest. Riders will be escorted by the Pasco Sheriff's Motorcycle Unit.

A second good cause at the Bike Fest will be the Bikers Against Hunger food drive and fundraiser. Visitors to the festival are encouraged to bring canned food, baby food, toilet paper and other non-perishable items to the Volunteer Way tent at the festival. It's a great way to have a good time and help others! To find out more or volunteer, visit the website or call the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce at 727-842-7651.

Bug Jam Rolls Into Dade City This Weekend

If you have never seen 400 Volkswagen bugs of every color gathered in one place, you can do exactly that this weekend in Dade City. Rumored to be the largest gathering of VW enthusiasts in the Southeast, the Pasco Bug Jam roars into town on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pasco County Fairgrounds in Dade City. More than 400 vintage and new Volkswagens will be on display, along with VW collectibles, a swap meet, auction, games and live entertainment. Awards will be presented in multiple categories including Best Engine, Best Paint and Best Interior. They will even recognize the vehicle driven the farthest to participate in the show. Admission is $5 plus one can of food for the Suncoast Harvest Food Bank. For more information, visit www.pascobugjam.com

Enjoy Music & Wine at Saturday Market

The Saturday Festival & Market at Florida Estates Winery in Land O' Lakes is a great way to kick back, relax and enjoy great wine and music in a cozy atmosphere. Tucked under a canopy of oak trees, the winery sits in the middle of a 3,600-acre plantation and features a variety of locally-produced wines, as well as some made from grapes grown in the mountains of Chile.

The Saturday markets are free and include wine tasting and a variety of fresh produce, breads, cheeses and sauces, as well as plants, jewelry, orchids, pottery and other artwork. This weekend, Angelo Cook will entertain festivalgoers with light and classic rock.

The winery is located four miles west of I-75 off State Road 52. The Saturday Festival & Market is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The winery is open daily for tastings and tours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The winery also offers classes and is available for group tours and weddings. Sign up for their free newsletter or call call 813-996-2113.




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