Each year Gulfport celebrates the end of summer with three festive events dedicated to the gecko, our mascot and favorite reptile. The theme for this year’s festival is “Geckos of the Round Table”.
Get a preview of the artwork to be auctioned at the GeckoBall at the ArtGecko Show & Reception on Friday, August 2, 6 – 8 p.m. at the Hickman Theater. In addition to gecko-theme pieces, the exhibition includes a sample of participating artists’ regular body of work. Artists include: Brenda McMahon, Eric Folsom, Diane Bragg, Monika Watson, Tom Pitzen, Crea Egan Romanelli, Joan Allen, and Tim Seller.
Nothing marks the start of GeckoSeason like the annual GeckoCrawl, Saturday, August, 10, 4 – 9 pm. For $25 you get a ticket that allows you to sample drinks at different restaurants and bars along Gulfport’s waterfront, and that drinking route is also a five-card stud poker run route. Best and worst hands win a prize, along with a random player chosen from the entries. Nondrinkers can play for $10.
Next up is the GeckoBall, Saturday, August 24, 6 – 11 p.m. at the Gulfport Casino. This year we’re going full King Arthur with “Geckos of the Round Table.” The costume ball promises to be a celebration of medieval times and characters including knights, maidens and dragons. In addition to the music, dancing, drinking and merriment, Gulfport coronates a new GeckoQueen. There’s also a silent auction with proceeds benefiting three local charities the Enroy Foundation Inc., Gulfport Historical Society and Women With Purpose. Tickets are $35.
The absolutely free GeckoFest, the 19th annual, takes place Saturday, August 31, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Gulfport. The streets of the waterfront village will be filled with live music on two stages, a plethora of food and art and craft vendors, and loads of family-friendly activities. Buskers including acrobats, magicians, daredevils, dancers, fire-eaters, aerialists and more will entertain the troops. Costumes welcomed. Plus there’s a parade!
Parking and admission to Geckofest are complimentary and the event is pet and family-friendly.
For more information, please visit www.Facebook.com/GeckoFest or call 727-322- 5217. The Gulfport Trolley also offers visitors an opportunity to park in off-site locations for transportation to and from their vehicle and the festival site at no charge. Gulfport GetGO’s 5 passenger electric vehicle, will also be available to pick up residents or visitors & deliver them to their desired destination with no parking worries!