Reptile Revelry Resumes As Gulfport Hosts Its Signature GeckFest

GULFPORT, FL — For Gulfport, a return to normalcy following the coronavirus shutdowns means going lizard loony with the resumption of the city's signature GeckoFest.

Tickets are now on sale for the Gecko Ball and Gecko Crawl at the Gulfport Beach Bazaar, 3115 Beach Blvd S., and online.

With a year's hiatus to let their creative juices flow, the vibrant Gulfport arts community will offer gecko-themed artworks and more at Gulfport's GeckoWorld Art Show Friday, Aug. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater of Gulfport, 5501 27th Ave. S.

Each year, except 2020, Gulfport artists go wild creating gecko-themed art to donate to the Gulfport Merchants Chamber for the gecko festivities.

This year's contributing artists are Eric Folsom, Janet Folsom, Tim Steller, Anna Ayres, Elizabeth Neilley, Monika Watson, Eagle Finegan, Berkeley Grimball and Jack Providenti.

Following the art show, the art is displayed at local venues and then sold during a live auction at the Aug. 28 GeckoBall with proceeds benefiting three local charities.

The reptile revelry continues Aug. 14 with the Gecko Poker Crawl where attendees collect a drink and playing card at each location along the crawl through downtown Gulfport. At the end of the night, the best hand - and the worst hand -wins. The crawl runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 the day of the crawl and $10 for those who want to play poker only.

Gecko Poker Crawl participating locations are Caddy’s, Gulfport Brewery, Neptune Grill, Salty’s, Sea Dog Cantina, Stella’s, and The North End Taphouse. Salty’s Gulfport will be this year’s host of the after-party where there will be live music. Gecko crawlers will be able to enjoy a free beverage at participating locations, all are located within walking distance.

Then it's time for gecko lovers to break out their most creative, and bizarre, costumes for the Gecko Ball Aug. 28 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S.

The Gecko Ball is one of Gulfport’s most popular events, featuring music, dancing, a costume contest, silent and live auctions, the Gecko Queen coronation and a cash bar. This year, guests are encouraged to dress for this year's theme, American Bandstand, or Gecko-themed costumes, or a combination of both.

Reserved tables for 10 are available for $300 and general admission tickets are $25.

The gecko-themed festivities culminate with the 20th Anniversary GeckoFest and Mullet Mutiny Sept. 4 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Gulfport.

The free daylong street party with artists, craftsmen, food vendors, live music, strolling entertainment and fireworks at dusk includes the Gecko parade featuring the city's colorful characters and Gulfport's pet mayor Coco.

This year, activities and entertainment include:

North Stage / 28th Avenue

• 10:30 a.m. Project Free Gallery & Studio Rising STARZ
• 11 a.m. Frank “The Geezer” Hewlett
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. One Blood Donations
• 1 p.m. Laura Shepherd “LShepherd9”
• 2 p.m. Keith and Frank
• 4 p.m. Bud Good and Mike Hoke
• 6 p.m. D20 Band
• 8 p.m. Rosewood Creek

29th Avenue Intersection

• 11 a.m. 12:45, 2:30, 4:15, 7:30 p.m. Dallas The Fire Guy with Nicktorious (comedy fire juggler/escape artist)
• Noon, 1:45, 3:30, 5:15, 8:30 p.m. Ted Campbell (Western variety comic)

30th Avenue Intersection

• 11 a.m. 1:15, 3:30, 7:30 p.m. Crazy Indy (Cyr Wheel acrobat) Indy Rock
• 11:45 a.m., 2, 4:15, 8:15 p.m. Acromani Acts (acrobats)
• 12:30, 4:45, 5, 9 p.m. Rafael Vila (magician)
• 8:15 p.m. Wonder Flow Fire Show with Healthy Hoops LLC

31st Avenue Intersection

• 11 a.m. 12:30, 2, 3:30, 5, 8:15 p.m. Loz Primoz International Breakdancers
• 11:45, 1:15, 2:45, 4:15, 7:30, 9 p.m. David Ferman (comedy extreme stunts)

Roaming Acts All Day

• The Amazing Kenny
• West Coast Mutineers
• Captain Jack Sparrow
• Darth Vader
• Robert Balloon Man
• Spiderman
• Brian the Balloon Guy
• Hug Life – Free Hugs
• Silver Statue

South Stage / Shore Boulevard

• 10 a.m. Competitive Edge Dance Company
• 11 a.m. Paul Anthony Band
• 1 p.m. MAKAIO
• 3 p.m. Rich & Joe – Straight UP
• 5 p.m. Dan Stevens
• 6 p.m. Audience Participation Walking Parade
• 6:30 p.m. Kids Costume Contest
• 6:45 PM Adult Costume Contest
• 7 p.m. The Southern Road Dog Band

Click here for the Official Street Guide to GeckoFest.