☀️ Good Morning, Pasco!
It's fair week! The 79th Annual Pasco County Fair wraps up this Sunday, and if you haven't been yet, this is your last chance. Between the fair, the second weekend of the Renaissance Festival, live music on the river, and a community festival in Wesley Chapel, there's no shortage of things to do. Grab the family and get out there.
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🎟️ 5+ Cool Things To Do This Weekend (Feb 19 - 22)
1) 79th Annual Pasco County Fair (Dade City)
📍 Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 CR 52, Dade City
🗓️ Thursday, Feb 19: 4 PM - 11 PM / Friday, Feb 20: 2 PM - Midnight / Saturday, Feb 21: 10 AM - Midnight (Senior Day: $9 admission for 55+ from 10 AM - 4 PM) / Sunday, Feb 22: Noon - 8 PM (gate closes at 6 PM)
💲 Adults $12 / Children (6-12) $7 / Ages 5 and under FREE. Parking is free. Ride wristbands: $27 Mon-Thu / $32 Fri-Sun (includes activation fee).
The biggest week in east Pasco wraps up this weekend! Carnival rides, livestock shows, live entertainment, art exhibits, a talent showcase, glass blowing demos, a petting zoo, and all the fair food you can handle. Saturday is Senior Day with discounted admission for ages 55 and up. Don't miss it.
2) Something Rotten! The Musical, Final Weekend (New Port Richey)
📍 Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd, New Port Richey
🗓️ Friday, Feb 20 at 7:00 PM / Saturday, Feb 21 at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM / Sunday, Feb 22 at 2:00 PM
💲 General Admission from $27.50 / VIP Box (4 seats) $175 (plus tax)
This is the final weekend for this Tony Award-nominated musical comedy at downtown NPR's historic theatre. Two brothers try to out-write Shakespeare by inventing the world's first musical. Hilarious, clever, and packed with catchy songs. If you missed it last weekend, don't let this one slip by.
3) Bay Area Renaissance Festival, Weekend 2 (Dade City)
📍 12838 Auton Rd, Dade City
🗓️ Saturday, Feb 21 & Sunday, Feb 22, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
💲 Adults $26.95 / Children (5-12) $18.95 / Seniors (65+) $22.95 / Under 4 Free (plus tax). Free parking.
The Ren Fest continues its 48th season with weekend two. Full-contact jousting three times daily, 15 stages of live entertainment, over 100 artisan vendors, and plenty of hearty food. Each themed weekend brings something new, so even if you went last week, it's worth another visit.
4) Riverside Concert: The Shaelyn Band (New Port Richey)
📍 Sims Park, New Port Richey
🗓️ Friday, Feb 20 at 6:00 PM
💲 Free
Kick off the weekend with a free outdoor concert at Sims Park on the Cotee River. The Shaelyn Band blends classic soul, blues, funk, and rock for a laid-back Friday evening on the water. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the sunset.
5) 2nd Annual Black Heritage Festival (Wesley Chapel)
📍 Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Rd, Wesley Chapel
🗓️ Saturday, Feb 21 at 11:00 AM
💲 Free
Celebrate Black History Month at this community festival featuring African rhythms, stepping performances, live music, a DJ, bounce houses for kids, HBCU pride, and hands-on educational activities. Hosted by the Nature Coast Chapter of Jack & Jill of America. Free parking. A great family outing.
6) Fresh Market at Wiregrass (Wesley Chapel)
📍 The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel
🗓️ Saturday, Feb 21, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
💲 Free to attend
Browse over 80 vendors for fresh produce, handcrafted goods, unique gifts, and tasty treats. This Saturday also features a special Kids Market where young entrepreneurs sell their own creations. Live local music, a kids choo choo train, and free parking make it a perfect Saturday morning.
➕ More Local Happenings
Daddy Daughter Dance (Trinity): Friday, Feb 20 at 7:00 PM at 1540 Little Rd, Trinity. A special evening for dads and daughters. Check local listings for tickets and details.
Live Music at O'Brien's Irish Pub (Wesley Chapel): Friday, Feb 20: Vintage Sounds (8 PM - Midnight). Saturday, Feb 21: Fred & Stephanie (8 PM - Midnight).
Pilates and Pints at Florida Avenue Brewing (Wesley Chapel): Saturday, Feb 21 at 10:00 AM. Combine a fun workout with a post-class brew.
🌟 Spotlight Story of the Week
Your Guide to the 79th Annual Pasco County Fair
The Pasco County Fair has been a Dade City tradition for nearly eight decades, and this year's edition runs through Sunday, February 22. Whether you're a longtime fair-goer or bringing the kids for the first time, here's everything you need to know for a great visit.
What it is: A full-scale county fair with carnival rides by Big Rock Amusements, livestock shows, art exhibits, a plant show, live entertainment, community exhibits, a talent showcase, karaoke contest, glass blowing demos, a petting zoo, and more fair food than you can eat in one visit.
Best days to go: Saturday (Feb 21) is Senior Day with $9 admission for ages 55+ from 10 AM to 4 PM and the longest hours (10 AM to midnight). Friday (Feb 20) opens at 2 PM and runs until midnight, great for families who want rides after dark. Sunday (Feb 22) is the final day with shorter hours (noon to 8 PM, gate closes at 6 PM), so arrive early.
How to save: Ride wristbands are $27 on weekdays and $32 on weekends (includes $2 activation fee). Gate admission is separate: $12 for adults, $7 for kids 6-12, and free for 5 and under. Parking is always free.
What to eat first: Fair classics like funnel cakes, corn dogs, turkey legs, and lemonade are everywhere. For something different, look for the local food vendors near the exhibit buildings.
Tips for families: The petting zoo (Farmyard Friends) is a hit with younger kids. The midway has kid-sized rides like Ladybugs, Crop Cruisers, and the Grand Carousel. Bring cash for games and some vendors, though most accept cards. Wear comfortable shoes since the fairgrounds are large. Strollers are welcome.
Getting there: The fairgrounds are at 36722 CR 52 in Dade City. Parking is free.
🍴 Local Dining Pick
Zephyrhills Brewing Company (Zephyrhills)
📍 38530 5th Ave, Zephyrhills, FL 33542
If you're heading to the Pasco County Fair or the Ren Fest this weekend, stop by Zephyrhills Brewing Company on your way. This locally owned craft brewery serves up house-brewed beers and a solid food menu in a relaxed, dog-friendly tap room. It's a perfect pit stop before or after a day at the fairgrounds.
💆♀️ Local Wellness Pick
Pilates and Pints at Florida Avenue Brewing (Wesley Chapel)
📍 Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel
This Saturday morning (Feb 21) at 10:00 AM, mix fitness with fun at this popular Pilates class held right at the brewery. Get a good workout in, then reward yourself with a post-class pint. It's social, low-pressure, and a great way to start the weekend. All fitness levels welcome.
💸 Pasco Deals & Discounts
Pasco County Fair Senior Day (Saturday, Feb 21): Ages 55+ get $9 admission from 10 AM to 4 PM (regular price is $12). Fair Info →
Bay Area Renaissance Festival: Active military, veterans, and first responders get $5 off gate admission with valid ID. Free parking for everyone. Ticket Info →
Free Riverside Concert at Sims Park: The Shaelyn Band plays Friday evening at 6 PM. Free admission. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy.
🧭 Local Tips & Guides
Weather: Expect comfortable February weather with highs in the mid-to-upper 70s. Bring sunscreen for daytime outdoor events and a light layer for evenings.
Fair parking: Free at the Pasco County Fairgrounds. Arrive early on Saturday for best spots since it's Senior Day and the longest day of the fair.
Double header: The Ren Fest and the Pasco County Fair are both in Dade City this weekend. You could do one Saturday and the other Sunday for back-to-back fun.
Kid-friendly pick: The Black Heritage Festival in Wesley Chapel has two bounce houses and hands-on activities, and it's completely free.
Plan ahead: Something Rotten! closes this Sunday. Saturday has both a 2 PM matinee and a 7 PM evening show if you want options.
🗺️ Around Town (New Developments & Openings)
🍷 Vino and Vibes Soft Opening: Feb 27 (New Port Richey)
This new wine and entertainment venue at 6317 Adams St in downtown New Port Richey is planning a soft opening next Thursday, February 27. Keep an eye on their social media for final details.
⚠️ Opening date subject to change. Verify before visiting.
🏗️ Shops at Wiregrass Center Court Grand Opening: Feb 27
The Shops at Wiregrass is hosting a grand opening celebration for their new Center Court on Thursday, February 27. Expect activities for families, friends, and neighbors.
🎭 Coming Soon: The SpongeBob Musical at Richey Suncoast Theatre
After Something Rotten! wraps up this weekend, the next show at Richey Suncoast Theatre is The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition, running March 5-8.
🏡 Pasco County Market Snapshot
📊 December 2025 Data (Latest Available via Redfin)
Median Sale Price: $350,000 (up 2.0% year-over-year)
Days on Market: 69 days (up from 63 days last year)
Homes Sold: 1,005 (down from 1,111 last year)
Months of Inventory: ~4 months
Sale-to-List Price: ~95%
What it means: Pasco County's housing market is cooling slightly but still leans toward sellers. Prices are holding steady with modest gains, but homes are sitting on the market a bit longer and there's more room for negotiation than a year ago. Inventory remains below the 5-6 month "balanced market" range, so well-priced homes in good condition are still moving. For buyers, there's more breathing room. For sellers, realistic pricing matters more than ever.
Data source: Redfin. For the latest listings, visit Redfin Pasco County →
🎉 Pasco Trivia
Did you know? The Pasco County Fair has been running for 79 years. The very first Pasco County Fair was held in 1947, and the fairgrounds on CR 52 in Dade City have been its home ever since. Over the decades, the fair has grown from a small agricultural showcase into a full-scale event drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year.
💌 That's a Wrap!
Fair food, Renaissance jousting, free music on the river, and a community celebration in Wesley Chapel. This might be one of the most packed weekends of the year. Get out there and enjoy it, Pasco.
Got a favorite fair food or a Ren Fest tip? Hit reply and tell us. We love hearing from you.
Coming next week: We'll spotlight a hidden gem in west Pasco, plus the Chasco Fiesta is on the horizon. More weekend picks from across the county as spring starts rolling in.
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