Advertisement

Things to do in Pasco and Hernando counties

 
The Spooky Train returns to the Concourse on Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills, as part of the Spook-A-Thon event offered Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 26, plus Oct. 27.
The Spooky Train returns to the Concourse on Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills, as part of the Spook-A-Thon event offered Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 26, plus Oct. 27. [ MONICA MILLS | Monica Mills ]
Published Sept. 23, 2019

Festivals

Papa Joe’s 38th-annual Pasta Fest: The annual outdoor event will be from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant, 6244 Spring Lake Highway, Brooksville. Featuring live entertainment, DJ with music, carnival games and concessions, horse-drawn Sicilian cart rides, face painting, door prizes (tickets are three for $5 or $2 each), and 99-cent, all-you-can-eat pasta. Proceeds benefit the Arc of the Nature Coast, Dawn Center and Joseph’s House. Free admission. Call (352) 799-3904. papajoes.org

Hobbies

Bricks-n-Blocks LEGO Fan Expo: The annual event returns from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 28 and 29 at the Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St., Brooksville. Featuring displays by professional brick artists and community builders, LEGO vendors, building zones, games and more. The “world record” LEGO roller coaster will be on display. General admission is $10. (352) 428-8418. Bricks-n-Blocks.com

Golden Era Fly-In: The Bay City Flyers, a local radio control flying club, is hosting this event from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 28 at Conner Preserve, 22500 State Road 52, Land O’ Lakes. Featuring model aircraft from 1919 through World War II taking to the skies. There will be a food concession and a fun fly for children; children will be given small balsa wood gliders, rewards and candy. The function is sanctioned by the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Free, but donations appreciated. Call (813) 995-0545.

Holiday

Scream-A-Geddon: The scares and thrills of Halloween will come alive weekends in September and daily in October at the annual Scream-A-Geddon at 27839 Saint Joe Road, Dade City. Hours are 7:30 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays in September. It will be open daily Oct. 3-Nov. 2; hours will be 7:30 to 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. This year features a monster midway and zombie paintball assault with multiple scare zones, including Bozo’s Beer Garden, Rage 3D, Demons Revenge, Blackpool Prison, Deadwoods and Infected: Ground Zero. Tickets prices vary from $21.95 to $35.95. Call (813) 452-5412 or visit screamageddon.com.

Spook-A-Thon at the Concourse: Includes Spooky Train and Spooky Trail from 5 to 9:30 p.m. each Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27-Oct. 26, as well as Oct. 27, at the Concourse, 11919 Alric Pottberg Road, Shady Hills. A daylight train suitable for young and sensitive children will be from 5 to 7:15 p.m., with spooky rides starting at 7:30. Tickets will be available at the gate only. The West Pasco Sertoma Club will have food concessions. The cost is $6 for either the train or trail, or $10 for both. Children 12 months and younger admitted free. Call (727) 639-7639.

Corn Maze: The annual corn maze returns at Sweetfields Farm, 17250 Benes Roush Road, Masaryktown. Check out pumpkins, and get lost in a corn maze with a mystery theme. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 3. Also open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, Oct. 7-28. Admission is $9.50, $5 ages 3-11, 2 and younger free. Call (352) 279-0977.

Music

The Mystics: The concert will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Wellington Clubhouse, 400 Wexford Blvd., Spring Hill. The quintet, which formed in the late 1950s, will feature two of the original members. The concert is hosted by the Wellington Tuesday Golf League. Tickets are $25. A cash bar and dinner is available for a separate cost. Contact Chuck Kirst, (352) 688-9146 or ckirst2714@att.net.

Fall Music Series with Richey Community Chorus: The chorus will perform songs from stage and screen, accompanied by pianist Tony Coppola. Light refreshments will follow. Sponsored by the Friends of Centennial Park Library. Free. 3 p.m. Sunday. Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday. (727) 834-3204.

On stage

Tres Vidas (Three Lives): The musical group, Core Ensemble, and actress Jenyvette Vega present this musical and theatrical performance depicting three Latinas from modern history, at 7 p.m. Sept. 30 in the Student Community Center at Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52, St. Leo. They will stage scenes from the 1920s based on the lives of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Salvadoran activist Rufina Amaya and Argentinian poet Alfonsina Storni. This event commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month. Free. Call (352) 588-8401.

Comedy Time Tunnel and Comedic Magician: The National Comedy Hall of Fame presents Comedy Time Tunnel and comedic magician Elliott Smith in this enchanting comedy ride at 5 p.m. Sept. 28 at Heritage Pines Clubhouse, 11524 Scenic Hills Blvd., Hudson. The show includes vaudeville, stand-up, theater and the early days of radio and TV comedy. Narrated by the curator of the National Comedy Museum. Guests will see rare footage of Milton Berle, Abbott & Costello, George Burns and others. Tickets are $50. Call (727) 858-5588. NCHOF.com

John Timpanelli and Friends: The musical variety show of singing, comedy and impression will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 1 at Oasis Coffee Spot, 9213 Little Road, New Port Richey. Suggested $5 donation. (727) 597-0948. tinpanalleyprod.com

Always ... Patsy Cline: More than a tribute to the legendary country singer, the show is based on the true story of Cline’s friendship with a fan and features 27 songs, including the unforgettable hits Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams and Walking After Midnight. Evening shows and matinees continue through Oct. 27 at the Show Palace Dinner Theater, 16128 U.S. 19, Hudson. Tickets are $29-$59. Visit showpalace.net, call (727) 863-7949 or email to info@ShowPalaceDinnerTheatre.com.

Art events

Hometown Teams: How Sports Shape America: The multimedia traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution will have a grand opening at 10 a.m. Sept. 28 at the Hernando County Mining Association Enrichment Center, 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville. The exhibit showcases the role of sports and recreation in American culture. Hosted by the Historic Hernando Preservation Society and City of Brooksville Parks and Recreation. The exhibit will continue from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays through Nov. 9. There is no cost to attend. Call (352) 540-3830 or visit hernandopast.org.

Spectacular Color: The exhibit is on display through Nov. 9 at the Uptown Art Gallery at Brooksville City Hall, 201 Howell Ave., Brooksville. Admission is free. Call (352) 540-3810. cityofbrooksville.us

John McKitrick exhibit: Paintings of artist John McKitrick are on exhibit through the end of October at Gateway Gallery and Emporium, 6216 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey. Admission is free. Call (727) 815-1222.

Moments in Time: A reception will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 27 at the new Avalon Park Gallery, 33613 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel. There will be live music, wind and food. The exhibit features the works of award-winning artist Suzanne Natzke, a signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society. The exhibit will be on display through Oct. 21. Visit pascoarts.org or avalonparkwest.com; call the Pasco Fine Arts Council at (727) 845-7322.

The Masterpiece: This is a showcase of mixed-media artwork by students of the Red Apple School, a nonprofit organization that provides daytime activities to adults with disabilities. The exhibit continues through Oct. 9 at the Rao Musunuru, MD, Art Gallery at Pasco-Hernando State College West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey. Admission is free. Call (727) 816-3231.

Look ahead

Fall Brewfest: 5 p.m. Oct. 5 at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes. Featuring samplings of craft beer and wine, with live music by Stonegrey. Includes food trucks, games and vendors. Benefits Gulfside Hospice. Tickets are $25 general admission, $50 VIP. Call (727) 845-5707.

Introduction to Polymer: This five-week class meets Fridays, Oct. 4-Nov. 1, at the Pasco Fine Arts Council, 4145 Fairford Drive, New Port Richey. Instructor Ann Larsen, has an extensive display of works from jewelry to sculptured 3-D creations. Instructions will cover start-up basics and explore the creative possibilities of colorful polymer clay. Registration is required by Sept. 27. The cost is $70 members, $95 nonmembers, plus $20 for materials. Call (727) 845-7322. pascoarts.org

Other Hernando events

27 Friday

Hillside Rummage Sale: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hillside Community Baptist Church, 27440 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville.

Ladies Guild Rummage Sale: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday. St. Mary Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 18810 Broad St., Masaryktown. (352) 796-2792.

Beginning Birding: Take a short walk to learn to identify birds at feeders. Binoculars and bird guides available. Free. 8 a.m. Chinsegut Conservation Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Road, Brooksville. (352) 686-0460. hernandoaudubon.org

Academia Hernando Fall 2019 Lecture Series: “The Rise of the Ottoman Empire, Part 2,” presented by Joe Menasce. Discover what made the Ottoman Empire as powerful as the kingdoms in Europe. The lecture is part of a series that continues each Friday through Nov. 8; a bus excursion to Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art is planned for Sept. 15 for series subscribers only. $9 per lecture; $65 for series. 10 a.m. Friday. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Spring Hill, 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. (352) 686-4035. academiahernando.org

Family night with Creatures of the Night: Dinner and exploration outdoors offered by Not-A-Clue Adventures. Includes a campfire dinner and dessert, with an opportunity to explore night-time animal activity. $15; register online at notaclueadventures.com. 6:30 p.m. Chinsegut Conservation Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Road, Brooksville. (352) 754-6722.

28 Saturday

Springstead Fall Flea Market: Held by the Springstead High School boys basketball team. Vendors pay $10 for two parking spots (one for vehicle). 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Springstead Theater, 3300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. (352) 683-3528.

Nature Coast Botanical Garden Plant Nursery Plant Sale: The botanical gardens are open daily from dawn to dusk. On Saturdays and Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon, find a sale of plants grown at the gardens with budget-friendly prices. Nature Coast Botanical Gardens, 1489 Parker Ave., Spring Hill. (352) 683-9933. naturecoastgardens.com

Master Gardener Nursery: Find a large selection of Florida native and Florida-friendly plants from healthy stock at budget prices. 9 a.m. to noon, each Wednesday and Saturday, weather permitting. Master Gardener Nursery, 19490 Oliver St., Brooksville. (352) 754-4433. ifas.ufl.edu

Fall Flowers at Big Pine: Guided 1.5 mile hike through the Big Pine Tract of Chinsegut Wildlife and Envronmental Area, off Old Crystal River Road, north of Brooksville. Learn about native wildflowers and how to use the iNaturalist application for plant and animal identification. Free. 9 a.m. (352) 754-6722. outreach.myfwc.com

African American Club of Hernando Meet and Greet: All are welcome. Free. 11 a.m. Anderson Snow Park, 1360 Anderson Snow Road, Spring Hill. (352) 835-7003.

Troop 303 Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser: Boy Scout Troop 303 hosts this all-you-can-eat spaghetti fundraiser. Includes spaghetti, meatballs, a variety of sauces, salad, bread, desserts and beverages. For advance tickets, email Ricky DiMarco at rickydimarco@gmail.com. $8 in advance, $10 at the door. 5 p.m. Mariner United Methodist Church, 7079 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. (352) 442-1504.

29 Sunday

Hernando County Democratic Club Dinner and Fundraiser: With guest speakers from March for Our Lives, Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, Planned Parenthood of Central Florida and Atheists of Florida. $55, includes dinner. 4 to 8 p.m. Southern Hills Plantation Club, 4200 Summit View Drive, Brooksville. (352) 556-4812.


Other Pasco events

27 Friday

Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale: All proceeds benefit library programming. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Hudson Regional Library, 8012 Library Road, Hudson. (727) 861-3040.

Chef Warren presents Vegetarian Cooking: Cookbook author Chef Warren Caterson will offer this demonstration with samples. Participants will learn to prep healthy dishes without meat. Free. 1 p.m. New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. (727) 853-1279.

28 Saturday

About Boating Safely: This is the Florida state-mandated class. Successful completion earns the Florida Boating Safety education card. Advance registration is appreciated. $40; $20 for additional family members. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hudson Flotilla U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Center, 9135 Denton Ave., Hudson. (727) 697-8013.

Craft Fair: The Church of the Resurrection Mothers’ Union host. Crafters can participate ($30 for an indoor space, $20 outdoor) with 6-foot tables available. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Church of the Resurrection, 7509 Van Dyke Road, Odessa. (813) 817-4244.

‘Remember and Rejoice’ Interfaith Service: The candlelight ceremony is to honor organ donors, families of deceased donors and organ transplant recipients. Includes donor and recipient speakers, medical professionals, community spiritual leaders, inspirational music and a special dedication. 10 a.m. St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 8014 State Road 52, Hudson. (727) 819-5103.

Queen of Peace Church Golf Tournament: Registration at 10 a.m., shotgun start at noon. Dinner, prizes and silent auction will follow. $25 adults, $13 children. Seven Springs Golf & Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., New Port Richey. (727) 849-7521. ladyqueenofpeace.org

Pumpkin Patch at Harvester Community Church: Hundreds of bulk pumpkins and bins full of smaller pumpkins for the kids. The patch is open 3 to 7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 28-Oct. 31. Harvester Community Church, 2432 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes. (813) 948-2311.

Sweet Potato Round-Up: Presented by New Port Richey FarmNet and featuring locally-grown organic sweet potatoes. There will be recipes, samples of dishes, seasonal vegetable seeds and seedlings. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 5901 Indiana Ave., New Port Richey. (727) 849-1626.

29 Sunday

Country Music Jam: Hosted by Sonny Oden. All are welcome. $3. 2 p.m. King of Kings Lutheran Church, 10337 U.S. 19, Port Richey. (727) 741-7470.

30 Monday

Rosh Hashanah: Hear the shofar blown up to 100 times and taste traditional Rosh Hashanah foods. Free. 7 p.m. Beth-El Shalom, 6209 Congress St., New Port Richey. (727) 375-7502.

1 Tuesday

Brass Tap Charity Bingo: This charity bingo event is in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 7 p.m. Brass Tap Dade City, 37916 Pasco Ave., Dade City. (352) 521-3358. northtampabaychamber.com

2 Wednesday

Ask a Master Gardener: Pasco County Master Gardeners will answer gardening questions. Those with ailing plants should bring a sample for an on-the-spot diagnosis. Free. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Hudson Regional Library, 8012 Library Road, Hudson. (352) 518-0156.

Making a Holiday Wreath: Demonstration on how to assemble a holiday wreath using a variety of natural objects from the local area. Provided by the Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service. Registration recommended. Free. 6 p.m. Hudson Regional Library, 8012 Library Road, Hudson. (352) 518-0156. ifas.ufl.edu

3 Thursday

Wellness Initiative for Senior Education: Seniors ages 60 and older can learn how to stay healthy. Topics include: the aging process, benefits of aging, risk factors, alcohol and medication issues, and tools to help you feel more empowered about your health and healthcare. Free. 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Galen Wilson Senior Center, 8600 Galen Wilson Blvd., Port Richey. (727) 834-3340.

.