By Marlene Shaw
There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy a Gulfport summer. But the season also comes with a few things you really should do – get hurricane-ready before you need to be, stay informed on the upcoming election, and understand how proposed property tax changes could affect everything from road repairs to your local library. So, prepare, get informed, and enjoy your summer. Here’s just some of the great things going on in June and July.
SPOTLIGHTING UPCOMING EVENTS
In addition to the Fresh Market every Tuesday, and the Night Markets every 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday, Gulfport has countless events and activities.
June 11-21, The Gulfport Community Players will present “End of the Rainbow,” at the Hickman Theater. The “Players” tell it like this: It’s Christmas 1968, with a 6-week booking at London’s Talk of the Town. It looks like Judy Garland is set firmly on the comeback trail. Failed marriages, suicide attempts, and addictions are all behind her. At 46, and with new flame Mickey Deans at her side, she seems determined to carry it all off and recapture her magic. But lasting happiness often eludes people, and there was never any answer to the questions with which Judy Garland ended every show. “If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow, why, oh, why, can’t I?” Every note she sings, every tear shed, every joke she cracks, every pill she pops, is conveyed with alarming honesty. Thurs.-Fri.-Sat. at 8pm, Sat. and Sun. at 2pm. Tickets are $20 online or $25 cash at the door. Tickets and information: www.gulfportcommunityplayers.org
June 12: City of Gulfport Flag Day at Veteran’s Park, 10-11am. Join the city of Gulfport for Flag Day. The New Horizons Band of Gulfport Musical performance begins at 9:30am. Free and open to the public.
June 19: Juneteenth at Tomlinson Park, 1800-1818 55th St. S, 5-9pm.
June 20 and July 18: Free Community Tree Giveaways: 9-11am, at Clymer Park (Greenway), 23rd Ave. S and Beach Blvd. S. Proof of Gulfport residency is required. Exploring the Future of Gulfport will also be on-site to share information about nature-based solutions for coastal resiliency and collect community surveys about residents’ concerns regarding Gulfport Beach. Attendees can enjoy their coastal resilience quiz game and pick up fun giveaways such as native plant seeds and merch. FMI: 727-893-1092.
July 4: City of Gulfport’s 4th of July Celebration: The festivities will start at City Hall with the opening of “The Spirit of the Century Time Capsule.” Activities will continue at Tomlinson Park where a Family Fun Day will take place from 10am-2pm with a parade at 11am. The fun will include vendors, activities, games, children’s entertainment, and picnicking. The festivities will continue downtown in the waterfront for a fireworks displays launched from the Williams Pier at 9pm. Sign up for the Community Parade at www.mygulfport.us/july_4th_celebration/
July 9-19: The Gulfport Community Players Annual Summer One Act Plays will be presented at the Hickman Theater. The cast will include a variety of adults ranging in age from their early 20s to late 70s. The roles will range from light drama to comedy. Thurs.-Sat. at 8pm, and Sat.-Sun. at 2pm. Tickets are $20 online or $25 cash at the door. FMI: www.gulfportcommunityplayers.org
June 18 and July 16: The Original Gulfport Walking Tour, Join the guided tour by Gulfport Arts & Heritage, friends of the Gulfport History Museum at 7pm. Stroll through history in Gulfport, hear about the creation of this small seaside hamlet, and share the history and stories with the group. The tour starts at the Gulfport History Museum where you can take a peek at their historic photos. 5301 28th Ave. S. Free to members and $15 non-members. FMI: www.gulfportartsandheritage.org
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: GECKO WORLD!
This year’s theme, “Gulfport Music Awards,” shines a spotlight on the whimsical, bohemian creative energy that makes Gulfport truly one of a kind. Dust off your wildest wardrobe and unleash your inner eccentric – colorful costumes are a highlight at GeckoFest, the Gecko Ball, and the walking parade. Start imagining now! FMI: www.visitgulfportflorida.com
- August 7: Gecko Art Show, 6-8pm, at the Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S
- August 8: Gecko Crawl Poker & Bar Crawl, 4-9pm
- August 29: Gecko Ball, 6-10pm, at the Maria Center, 1500 58th St. S
- September 5: GeckoFest, 10am-8pm, 3101 Beach Blvd. S
*RIDE THE SPECIAL EVENTS GULFPORT TROLLEY! A free and convenient service connecting residents and visitors from off-site parking locations to key destinations throughout the city. The trolley operates on a regular schedule, making it easy to hop on and off near shops, restaurants, parks, and the waterfront. There are trolley stops or wave it down. FMI: 727-893-1000 or go to www.mygulfport.us/trolley for the most up-to-date schedule and route maps.
ART IN THE NEWS
Brenda McMahon Gallery
First Friday art opening receptions with music, plus Third Friday art events and extraordinary events.
FMI: www.brendamcmahongallery.com / 727-454-0453 / Facebook
DRV Gallery
First Friday art openings with music and Third Friday art events throughout the year.
FMI: www.drvgallery.com / 727-382-7004 / Facebook
August Vernon Gallery
FMI: www.augustvernon.com / gallery@augustvernon.com / 412-953-3036
Third Saturday Art Openings & Reception
Hosted by the Gulfport Merchants Chamber, 5317 Gulfport Blvd. S, 4-6pm. FMI: www.visitgulfportflorida.com
Gulfport Merchants Chamber Announces 2026 “Rise and Shine” Emerging Artist Grant
Recipients. Congratulations to Reagan Fennessy and Cora Van Vleet as the recipients. The grant is an initiative designed to support and elevate artists in Pinellas County while reinforcing Gulfport’s identity as a thriving arts destination. As this year’s grant recipients, Fennessy and Van Vleet will each receive a $1,000 award distributed throughout the program, along with a year-long package of professional development opportunities, marketing exposure, exhibition opportunities, mentorship through quarterly “Business of Art” consultations, and participation in key Gulfport arts events. Each artist will also be featured in a solo exhibition. For more information about the “Rise and Shine” Emerging Artist Grant and future opportunities, visit VisitGulfportFlorida.com or contact the Gulfport Merchants Chamber directly.
*For weekly jams, music and other things happening in Gulfport, follow Gulfport Matters on Facebook and stay connected.