This is a short little festival - generally from 9:00AM to 2:00PM in Sims Park, downtown New Port Richey - to promote, enjoy, and teach about Florida's "Urban Fruit" - the loquat. The loquat, which originated in China, is similar - but different from - a kumquat. The small, sweet yellow-orange colored fruit grows on a flowering tree, often cultivated as an ornamental plant. It is used to make jams, jellies, pies and tarts, as well as wine, tea and beer.

The event, founded in 2014, was the inspiration of Dell DeChant - a former city council member, and professor at University of South Florida. First held on April 5, 2014, the venue was "Market Off Main" in New Port Richey - owned by Rose Mohr and Jerry Kuss. It was a project of the non-profit organizations Ecology Florida and Friendship Farms & Fare. In 2016 the event was moved to Frances Avenue Park in New Port Richey.

After an interruption due to the COVID pandemic, the event has resumed and is now held in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey. It is now sponsored by New Port Richey FarmNet.

The Florida Loquat Festival - thought to be the only loquat festival in the country - is intended to be a learning experience where attendees can find out how to grow and cultivate the trees, how to eat the fruit, how to cook with it, and how to use it to make beer, tea and wine. Recipes are available for those who want to make their own loquat dishes.

Each year hundreds of loquat trees are available for sale to the public in various sizes. Fresh loquats and other loquat products and drinks may also be purchased or sampled. Loquat beer and wine is not available at the festival, nor are any other alcoholic beverages.

There is no entrance fee for the Florida Loquat Festival. And parking is free in downtown New Port Richey.Activities & Facilities

RestaurantPlaygroundPicnic shelterArts/crafts vendorsShort hiking trails

• New Port Richey FarmNet website for Loquat Festival

Note: The dates of annual events and festivals are subject to change from year to year. Before planning your trip, be sure to check the links above for the actual dates, times, and schedule of activities.