Editor’s note: Gulfport Geckofest is still on this weekend, though some portions of the festivities may be affected by Hurricane Idalia.

St. Petians will take any excuse we can get to visit Gulfport, whether it’s for the weekly Tuesday street market or just to catch the sunset on the porch at O’Maddy’s. This weekend, there’s yet another draw to Gulfport as the city celebrates the 23^rd annual Geckofest on Saturday, September 2 from 10 am – 10 pm.

The end-of-summer celebration is Gulfport’s biggest annual festival, honoring the waterfront village’s unofficial mascot and favorite reptile, the Gecko. In fact, at last year’s festival, organizers unveiled G. Gordon McFly, a 14-foot-tall skateboarding gecko statue now welcoming locals and visitors alike to embrace the spirit of Gulfport.

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, as voted on by the public, is “Around the World in 80 Geckos.”

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

Learn more at visitgulfportflorida.com.

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