By Marlene Shaw
GECKOFEST TAKES CENTER STAGE AND HITS THE RIGHT NOTE AT 26!
It wouldn’t be Gulfport without a little theatrical flair. This year’s “Music Awards” theme invites costumed creativity across GeckoFest, the Gecko Ball, and the walking parade.
Aug 7: 11th Annual Gecko Art Show Opening, a showcase of original works by nine local artists, from bold paintings to imaginative mixed media. 6-8pm at the Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. Free admission. The show runs through Aug 27.
Aug 9: Gecko Crawl and Poker Run, 4-9pm. Whether you’re out to win or just along for the fun, the Gecko Crawl is a night of laughter, libations, lively entertainment, and prizes. General admission is $30; poker-only tickets $10. Tickets: available online or in person the day of the event until 3:30pm.
Aug 29: Gecko Ball, 6-10pm. Enjoy live music, dancing, a costume contest, a live auction of local art, a silent auction packed with unique items, photo ops, food trucks, BYO feast, adult beverages by donation, and the crowning of the new Gecko Queen. Held at Stetson University, 1401 61 St. S, this year’s theme is Music Awards. Channel your inner rock star, pop icon, music legend, backup dancer, record executive, paparazzi favorite, red-carpet celebrity, or just come as you are. Tickets: $40 each, or $450 for a reserved table of 10.
Sept 5: GeckoFest, 10am-8pm, 3101 Beach Blvd. S – free admission and parking. Known as one of the most vibrant street festivals on Florida’s Gulf Coast, this family-friendly event brings the community together with live music, street performances, aerialists, acrobats, magicians, fire-eaters, dancers, art, and costumed characters throughout the day. Explore dozens of vendors offering handcrafted art, crafts, and gifts, along with a mix of food and drinks – and support local businesses by shopping and dining at Gulfport’s galleries, shops, and eateries. A walking parade kicks off at 6pm, and everyone is invited to join in.
Tickets for Gecko World events can be purchased at the Gulfport Merchants Chamber, Gulfport Corner Store, and Gulfport Beach Bazaar.
FMI: visitgulfportflorida.com/event/geckofest
*This year’s Gecko World proceeds will benefit the Tampa Bay Butterfly Foundation, Sonia Plotnick Health Fund, St Pete MAD, and CANDL Corps.
Parking can fill up fast on festival and market nights. There’s an easy way to get around: RIDE THE SPECIAL EVENTS GULFPORT LOOPER SHUTTLE! A free and convenient service connecting residents and visitors from off-site parking locations to key destinations throughout the city. There are trolley stops or wave it down. FMI: www.mygulfport.us/trolley for the most up-to-date schedule and route maps. 727-893-1000
Gulfport never really slows down. Between the Tuesday Fresh Market from 10am to 2pm, the First Friday and Third Saturday Night Markets from 5pm to 9pm, and everything else on the calendar, there’s always a reason to be out and about.
Aug. 15 & Sept 19, 9-11am – Tree Giveaway, Clymer Park (Greenway), 23rd Ave. S and Beach Blvd. S. Beautify your property while enhancing environmental sustainability in our community. Proof of residency is required. FMI: Parks & Facilities Superintendent, 727-893-1092
Aug. 20 & Sept. 17, 5:30-7pm – Arts & Heritage: Original Gulfport Walking Tour Gulfport History Museum, 5301 28th Ave. S. Stroll through history and learn about the creation of our seaside hamlet. Tour guides share the town’s history and stories; the tour starts at the History Museum, where visitors can also view historic photos. Free for members; $15 for all others. FMI: Purchase tickets in advance at gulfporthistoricalsociety.wildapricot.org
Aug. 22, 4-6pm – St. Pete Dance Presents “On Broadway”: A Ballroom Extravaganza at the Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. This high-energy performance celebrates the unforgettable music, choreography, and timeless stories that have captivated audiences for generations. FMI: st-pete-dance-showcase.eventcube.io/events/96482
Sept. 11, 8:30-9:30am – 9/11 Commemoration (25th Anniversary) at the Veterans Park. The city of Gulfport hosts its 7th annual 9/11 Commemoration, marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. This solemn gathering brings together community members, local leaders, first responders, and veterans to honor the lives lost and the extraordinary heroism displayed that day. FMI: 727-893-1118
Sept. 12, 9 am-12pm (check-in begins prior to 9am) – Fusion 49th District: Community Cleanup Meet at Trolley Market Square
Sept. 12, 6-8pm – Fusion 49th District: Laughter Is Medicine Trolley Market Square. A special evening event.
Sept. 16, 6-8pm (every third Wednesday) – Gulfport Neighborhood Watch Meeting City Hall, 2401 53rd St. S. Get updates on activity in your area and learn about recent incidents, scams, and fraud. FMI: jwright@mygulfport.us or 727-893-1022
Sept. 22, 3-4:30pm – Nan Colton Brings Georgia O’Keeffe to Life at the Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. The Gulfport Senior Foundation invites the community to a captivating one-woman performance. Acclaimed actress, playwright, and historian Nan Colton portrays renowned American artist Georgia O’Keeffe in an engaging theatrical presentation exploring her life, work, and legacy through storytelling and performance. All proceeds benefit the Gulfport Senior Foundation. FMI: Tickets available through Eventbrite (eventbrite.com)
ART UP CLOSE
Brenda McMahon Gallery – First Friday art opening receptions with music, plus Third Friday art events and extraordinary events. FMI: brendamcmahongallery.com / 727-454-0453 / Facebook
DRV Gallery – First Friday art openings with music and Third Friday art events. FMI: drvgallery.com 727-382-7004 / Facebook
Third Saturday Art Openings & Reception – Hosted by the Gulfport Merchants Chamber, 5317 Gulfport Blvd. S, 4-6pm. FMI: visitgulfportflorida.com
First Friday at the Hickman (Theater Lobby) – Art Reception at the Hickman, 5501 27th Ave. S. An evening of art, conversation, and community. This monthly reception showcases local artists in a welcoming gallery setting, 6-8pm.
*FOR LIVE MUSIC, WEEKLY JAMS, AND OTHER THINGS HAPPENING IN GULFPORT, FOLLOW GULFPORT MATTERS ON FACEBOOK AND STAY CONNECTED.
LOOKING AHEAD
Oct. 3, 8-10am (registration closes Sept. 30) – Community Gulfport 5K Run/Walk at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. The city of Gulfport invites runners and walkers to enjoy a scenic waterfront course through the downtown district. You can also support the cause by donating to the Gulfport Police Department’s Operation Santa, which provides holiday gifts to children ages 0-10. Gift cards and monetary contributions may also be donated at the Gulfport Police Department, 2401 53rd St. S. FMI: Register or donate at runsignup.com
Oct. 10 – Fusion 49th District: A Brunch of Fun Trolley Market Square
Nov. 14 – Fusion 49th District: Blues, Art & Seafood Fest Trolley Market Square