More cool stuff after the jump ...
Geckofest Fun-raiser Pub Crawl At least the outta-this-world Florida heat is the perfect excuse to start drinking at noon. Gear up for a day of sun and suds at pubs all over Gulfport and St. Pete, where you'll get a free drink at each participating pub, including: Bellini’s, Dominic’s Pizzaria, Peninsula Inn, La Cote Basque, Domain Food & Spirits, The Village Pub, O’Maddy’s, Gulfport on the Rocks, Rip Tides, The Blue Parrot, Philthy Phil’s, Sloppy Pelican and Swigwam Beach Bar. GulfportMA.com or 727-321-8318. Sat., Aug. 7, 12 p.m., $25.
Vino, Java & Jazz The Florida Aquarium hosts Vino, Java & Jazz -- a chance to dine, drink and dance with the fish (well, alongside at least). The fun is all for a good cause: Saturday’s bash is a charity fundraiser and silent auction for the Easter Seals Florida. Venues repping their tasty fare include The Tampa Bay Brewing Company, The Melting Pot,and Time for Wine -- and you can taste it all while taking in live jazz performed by various local bands and solo artists. 8-11 p.m. Sat., Aug. 7, The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, $75 in advance, $95 at the door, fl.easterseals.com. --Katie Machol
The Tampa Bay Derby Darlins want a piece of your heart. Roll up to their next event, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – part bout, part aw-shucks fundraiser. The Cigar City Mafia vs. the Switchblade Sisters, and expect to heave a heavy sigh or two as the Darlins display portraits from The Heart Gallery, an area-wide portrait exhibition of children who need homes. Also, in partnership with the Heart Gallery, TBDD will take $2 off your ticket if you donate much-needed items personal items for the foster teen girls in the gallery (visit the event’s blog page for details). Way to go, ladies. Saturday night at 8 p.m. At the Skateplex of Temple Terrace, 5313 E. Busch Blvd, Tampa. $10 in advance, $12 day of the event; kids ages 6-12 and Derby Girls pay $5, and groups of 21 or more pay $6 each. Students, teachers, seniors and militar/law enforcement pay $7; 813-676-1633, tampabayderbydarlins.com
