Gecko season means two things around here: chasing lizards out the back door (how did it even get inside?), and the return of Gulfport’s biggest annual event. The 26th annual Geckofest returns on Saturday, September 5, from 10 am – 8 pm in Downtown Gulfport along Beach Blvd. South. Here’s everything you need to know, from events and activities to parking and cost.
The end-of-summer celebration is Gulfport’s biggest annual festival, honoring the waterfront village’s unofficial mascot and favorite reptile, the Gecko. It even serves as a birthday party for G. Gordon McFly, a 14-foot-tall skateboarding gecko statue welcoming locals and visitors alike to embrace the spirit of Gulfport.
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The full day of festivities includes a massive street market with 200+ vendors, live music on two stages, street performers, a gecko-themed costume contest, a full parade, and tons of food and beverage. This year’s theme is “Gecko Music Awards.”
What to know:
- Attendance and parking are both free.
- Geckofest is family and pet friendly
- Activities take place along Beach Boulevard, starting at 3101 Beach Boulevard
- Parking spaces fill up early. There are lots of spaces on Shore Boulevard as well as up and down Beach Blvd. Parallel street parking is also free throughout the neighborhoods. However, all of these fill up quickly. The two best ways to get to Geckofest avoid parking in the middle of it
- Rideshare is, of course, the easiest. If you enter Gulfport Public Library as the destination, you’ll be dropped off right at the north end of the festivities.
- The free Gulfport trolley is by far the best option for those driving. Park at any of the designated lots for free, and the looper trolley will be by soon and drop you off right at Geckofest. Check out the full map and more info here.
While Geckofest is the big draw, it’s actually just one event in a full month of Gecko-themed shenanigans and fun in Gulfport. Additional festivities include the Gecko Art Show (August &), Gecko Crawl (August *), and Gecko Ball (August 29), among others.
Here’s what to expect at Geckofest 2026:
- The Main Stage & Encore Plaza: Catch a full lineup of musical acts performing live on two separate stages throughout the day.
- The Street Theater Soundcheck: Experience high-energy street theater and spontaneous performances popping up along the festival route.
- Makers Market Openers: Shop a collection of handmade goods from artisans, crafters, local shops, boutiques and galleries.
- Food & Beverage Headliners: Grab a “roadie” snack from an array of local food trucks and restaurants ready to fuel the crowds.
- Bid on The Gecko Skateboard Races: Fast-paced, high-rolling PVC action tearing down the street to its own high-energy soundtrack.
- The “March to the Mic” Walking Parade: Join the ultimate fan experience where the audience takes center stage for a costume-filled walking parade.
Learn more about Geckofest at visitgulfportflorida.com.
