The Chasco Fiesta is back in 2024, and it’s bigger and better than ever! Mark your calendars from March 15 to March 23 for an unforgettable 9 days filled with concerts, cultural events, thrilling races, delicious food, and family-friendly parades at Sims Park and in the historic downtown area of New Port Richey. With this article, we will try and share the breadth of this amazing celebration! At least get there for a day – it is so… WOW!

While the first Chasco Fiesta was held along the banks of the Pithlachascotee (Cotee) River in 1922 as a tribute to the Calusa Native Americans over three days, today’s Chasco Fiesta celebrates Native American culture with a traditional pow-wow, dances, crafts and goods from authentic native vendors, and a diverse range of traditional activities held from 4-10 pm weekday evenings from March 15 – 23 and 10 am to 10 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Native American Tradition is Celebrated at Chasco Fiesta

Kalani Poepoe provides indigenous music from the Pacific islands, there are Aztec Fire Dancers, CreeAtive; Native American Dancers, Lowery Begay Flute & Stories

Most residents of New Port Richey and surrounding areas look forward to the Chasco Fiesta each year as a way of celebrating the area’s roots with a rousing good time. Visitors come from far and wide to enjoy the Native American celebration, the music, the food, the parades, and the camaraderie. There are area hotels that cater to those who want a multi-day experience, from the Hacienda, adjacent to Sims Park to the chain hotels on US 19 or State Road 54 within a short distance.

Peter Altman, Chasco Fiesta Treasurer, Former NPR Mayor, and current City Councilman says, “The 2024 Chasco Fiesta promises to be an extraordinary celebration of culture, music, and community. We’ve curated an experience that will captivate attendees of all ages. Join us as we create lasting memories and unite in the spirit of fun and festivity.”

Music, Music, Music Every Night

There are nightly music concerts with differing themes. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of the nightly music concerts featuring a stellar lineup. A concert by The Marshall Tucker Band kicks off the Chasco Festival on Friday, March 15 in Sims Park from 7 – 10 pm, with the Georgia Thunderbolts. Tickets can be purchased online here.

Performances by The Latin Brothers, Julie Black, Damon Fowler, Pieces of Eight, The American Stones, The Black Honkeys, Jeremy Rosado, Maddie Rae, and many more will be held nightly with a simple gate fee of $5.

The cherry on top: a country concert with the award-winning duo, Maddie & Tae with special guest Wylie Fox on March 16. Get your tickets in advance here.

Chasco Music Schedule

• Fri 15
  • 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm — Entertainment- Ruth Eckerd on the Road Presents Marshall Tucker Band w/ The Georgia Thunderbolts – Get tickets here.
• Sat 16
  • 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm — Entertainment- Country Concert in Sims Park – Maddie and Tae with Special Guest Wiley Fox 7:00p – 10:00p – Get tickets here.
• Sun 17 – $5 gate
  • 1:00 – 2:30 pm Brother Brownlow
  • 3:00 – 4:30 pm Pieces of Eight
  • 5:00 – 6:30 pm Symmetry
  • 7:00 – 9:00 pm The American Stones
• Mon 18 – Free
  • 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm — Native American Day
    • Native American Vendors and Entertainment Free Entry
    • Kalani Poepoe indigenous music from the Pacific islands 5:00 pm
    • Lowery Begay Flute & Stories 6:00 pm
    • Aztec Fire Dancers 7:00 pm
    • CreeAtive; Native American Dancers 8:00 pm
• Tue 19 – $5 gate
  • 6:15 – 7:15 pm Peyton Monarch
  • 7:45 – 9:15 pm Black Honkeys

• Wed 20 – $5 gate
  • 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm — Entertainment – Latin Night
  • 7:00 – 7:30 pm DJ
  • 8:00 – 9:30 pm The Latin Brothers 
• Thu 21 – $5 gate
  • 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm — Blues Night
  • 6:30 – 8:00 pm Julie Black Band
  • 8:30 – 10:00 pm Damon Fowler
• Fri 22 – $5 gate
  • 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm– Joy FM Family Night
    • Jeremy Rosado – 7 pm – 9 pm
    • Pasco Sheriff’s Office to present the Colors National Anthem Word of Life Overflow Worship
• Sat 23 – $5 gate
  • Black Horse Cavalry 4:00p – 5:30 pm
  • Jam Jones 6:00p – 7:30 pm
  • Sign of Life 8:00p – 10:00 pm

Enjoy West Pasco Sertoma BBQ & a Variety of Festival Food Vendors

Satisfy your taste buds with an array of delectable treats from the extensive selection of food vendors, including the world-famous West Pasco Sertoma Beef BBQ, which won the Guinness Book of World Records recognition in 1990. Some days of the festival, the West Pasco Sertoma offers chicken BBQ, and both are equally delicious.

Saturday, March 16 Provides Spectacular Fun on the River

Witness the thrilling dragon boat races from 10 am – 12 pm. Starting from the Sims Park boat ramp on the Pithlachascotee River, a 200 meter – 2 lane Dog Leg style race will be held in a knock-out competition format with 10-paddler boat racing only.

Next comes the Chasco Fiesta Boat Parade, sponsored by Flagship Bank from 1 – 3 pm. With prizes from $500 – $2,000 for the best-decorated boat and a theme of “It’s All About the Music,” with grand marshalls Maddie & Tae, this is one not to be missed.

Meares Plumbing and Electric sponsor Chasco Fiesta Street Parade. Join the family fun on March 23 all along the parade route with beads, floats, costumes, marching bands, and all sorts of parade participation. It’s a long-standing New Port Richey tradition that brings smiles to every face.

Supporting Events add to the Fun of Chasco

A Coronation Ball is held each year on the first night of Chasco Fiesta, March 15, 2024, as a celebration of the outstanding contributions made by individuals in the community, recognizing two of these people with a royal coronation as King Pithla and Queen Chasco.

The tradition is an elegant black-tie fundraising event that includes dinner, entertainment, a silent auction, and dancing. Proceeds are used to help Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind provide programs for people who are visually impaired and blind. Tickets can be purchased here.

The next morning, March 16, the Race for Inclusion 5k and 1 Mile Walk is held at 6:30 am, with participants starting at the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatics Center. The Race for Inclusion is a state-wide initiative to build a more inclusive world for those with intellectual disabilities. You can sign up here.

On Tuesday evening, March 19, you can participate in the Chasco Fiesta Bowling Tournament at Lane Glo South. Each team of four receives a pizza while they bowl, and the event is hosted by the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals.

Thursday, March 21, is the Chasco Fiesta Golf Tournament, again put on by the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce. Tee time is 1 pm. More information is available here.

About the 102^nd Chasco Fiesta in New Port Richey March 15-23

Chasco Fiesta is an annual celebration in New Port Richey, Florida, showcasing the vibrant culture and spirit of the community. It brings together residents and visitors for a week-long extravaganza featuring music, parades, races, and cultural events.

Unlike most large festivals and arenas, you can leave your chairs at home during the entire Chasco Fiesta concert series. Chasco Fiesta is designed for you to move, groove, and enjoy without the hassle of chairs. Large purses, backpacks, and coolers are prohibited for the safety and enjoyment of all attendees.

Enjoy the convenience of ample parking with complimentary shuttle services to and from the event areas. Your journey to the Chasco Fiesta just got more comfortable!

The carnival has been eliminated from the event. For 2024, the Chasco Fiesta will work to return to its historic roots in celebration of the Native American culture that this area was founded on as well as the community spirit that continues to allow it to grow.

Don’t miss out on the excitement! Save the dates and get ready for an unforgettable Chasco Fiesta experience. For more information, visit Chasco Fiesta.com.

Earn volunteer hours and embrace the spirit of community by volunteering at Chasco Fiesta. Email edirector@chascofiesta. com now to be part of all the excitement!