By Marlene Shaw
An August of Gecko Celebrations
It’s that magical time of year again – when Gulfport gets weird and whimsical (in the best way possible)! August marks the return of Gecko World, our annual month-long celebration of Gulfport’s colorful creativity and quirky spirit. Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, you’ll want to dive into every moment of the Gecko fun.
Annual Gecko Art Show
Friday, August 1 | 6-8pm | Catherine Hickman Theater
Free entry, catered bites, and a cash bar. Start the month with a splash of imagination at this vibrant showcase of gecko-themed artwork by local artists. Sip, mingle, and soak in the creativity.
Gecko Crawl: The Ultimate Bar Crawl & Poker Adventure Saturday, August 9 | 4-9pm
Explore Gulfport’s eclectic bars, collect poker cards, and join in the fun and laughter – all while sipping your way through the city’s most spirited adventure. Grab your tickets the day of (before 3pm) at: Gulfport Beach Bazaar – 3115 Beach Blvd. S Gulfport Corner Store – 2902 Beach Blvd. S.
Gecko Ball: 25 Years & Still Weird!
Saturday, August 23 | 6-10pm | The Maria Center
This beloved costume gala is a highlight of Gecko season. Dance the night away with live music, bid in the live and silent auctions, and take part in a costume contest – all under this year’s throwback theme, 25 Years & Still Weird. Dust off an old GeckoBall costume or get creative with something new! Expect food trucks (or BYO Feast), photo ops, and the crowning of the new Gecko Queen. Bonus: Every guest receives a limited-edition Gecko World t-shirt designed by local artist Ray Domingo.
Tickets: $35 individual | $400 for a reserved table Food trucks available to purchase eats or Bring Your Own Feast, drinks by donation.
25th Annual GeckoFest
Saturday, August 30 | 10am-8pm | Downtown Gulfport FREE family-friendly street festival
Cap off Gecko season with a full day of music, art, and pure fun. Street performers – from fire-eaters, acrobats, magicians, dancers, costumed characters to aerialists throughout the day – roam the boulevard, while dozens of local vendors and artists line the streets. And, as always, our local businesses, galleries, shops and restaurants. At 6pm, join the costumed walking parade followed by a special birthday bash for G. Gordon McFly, Gulfport’s iconic public art installation by local artist Ray Domingo.
GeckoFest is presented by the nonprofit Gulfport Merchants Chamber. Proceeds from Gecko World benefit local nonprofits: Tampa Bay Butterfly Foundation, Sonia Plotnick Health Fund, St. Pete MAD, and CANDL Corps.
What’s On Your Mind? Meet the Councilor and Community Conversations Councilmember
Marlene Shaw is keeping the conversation going – still accessible, still listening, and still asking, “What’s On Your Mind?”
- Mondays, 2-3pm – Office hours at City Hall
- First Wednesdays, 2-3pm – WonderWorks/Midtown Collective, on Gulfport Blvd.
- Second Tuesdays, 11am-1pm – SumitrA’s, on Beach Blvd.
Other Councilmembers are also accessible:
- Mayor Karen Love – Thursdays, 10:30am–Noon, City Hall
- Vice Mayor April Thanos – Third Tuesdays, 11am–1pm, SumitrA’s
- Councilmember Nancy Earley – Fridays, 3-4pm, City Hall
Or, reach out to explore other available time slots.
Community Updates
- Let It Be Ice Cream sign says “see you soon!”
- Fresh sand is back on the beach, and volleyball is back too!
- The boardwalk and pier have officially reopened.
- Behind-the-scenes work continues, but visible progress is shining through.
What’s New in Town?
V-Roll 2930 Beach Blvd. S (formerly Golden Dinosaur) This casual Vietnamese eatery will feature build-your-own banh mi, noodle bowls, and bao buns – crafted with fresh, bold ingredients and traditional house-made flavors. Try the garlic-rich spreads, pickled veggies, savory shrimp, and spring rolls. Heavenly Donuts, Sweets & Eats 2025 49th St. S (look for the former Corner Café sign) Fresh donuts, flaky croissants, cookies, bagels, and cinnamon rolls. Breakfast and lunch served 8am-2pm. Expect more dishes (including jambalaya!) as they settle in. Push It In! Celebrate the arrival of Gulfport’s new E-One Typhoon fire truck
Thursday, August 8 | 11am–1pm | Gulfport Fire Department Join us for a traditional Push-In Ceremony, plus: • Firefighter meet & greet • Firehouse tours • Hot dogs, drinks, and family fun!
Gulfport Markets & Traditions
• Tuesday Fresh Market – Every Tuesday, 9am–2pm
• Gulfport Night Markets – First Friday & Third Saturday, 5-9pm
Find produce, crafts, local eats, and entertainment on Beach Blvd.
Park Free & Ride the Looper!
Avoid event parking headaches. Park remotely and hop on the free Looper Trolley from 5-9pm during Night Markets and special events (including Gecko Fest).
Trolley Stops Include:
- Gulfport Beach, Casino, Rec Center
- Catherine Hickman Theater, Senior Center, Library
- Hoyt Field
- Wood Ibis Park
- Chase Park/History Museum
- Tomlinson Park/Little League Complex
- Town Shores (59th St. S and 31st Ave. S), City Hall, Marina
- (Or wave it down along the way!)
Live Music, Open Mics & Jams
Gulfport’s got rhythm! Gulfport has weekly live music and here are the regular open mic nights too:
Mondays – North End Taphouse, 5:30-7:30pm Tuesdays – North End Taphouse, 7-10pm Wednesdays – The Wine House (bi-weekly), 6-9pm Thursdays – Gulfport Brewery, 6-9pm Fridays – Seabreeze Manor, 4-7pm 1st & 7th – Blueberry Patch Open Mic 11th – Blueberry Patch Open Jam
Make the Right Call
988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 911 – Emergency Response 211 – Resources: housing, food, disaster relief, counseling & more
*Stay in the loop with Gulfport Matters on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gulfportmatters. Let’s keep celebrating what makes Gulfport shine: creativity, community, and connection.