This is it. The year you get your Gecko on. You don't get it. You don't even pretend to get it. Geckos dressed in Mardi Gras fashion? A gecko parade? A Gecko Queen? Gecko art auctions?
Fun fact about geckos: Nary a gecko is native to any part of Florida. But then, neither are we, so it makes sense that a subtropical seaside town, populated by folks from Somewhere Else, would choose another transplant as the end-of-summer celebration icon.
So, what exactly does "Gecko Season" entail, what does it cost, and how do you get to play? Read on for your Guide to Gecko Season, and enter the slimiest, most gecko-y season in Florida well prepared.
First things first: If you have to buy a ticket, do it immediately, because everything sells out. GeckoFest – the ginormous street party that started it all – costs nothing, but Gecko Ball and the Gecko Pub Crawl are ticketed events. Here's what you need to know to navigate Gulfport's gecko-related crawls and balls (and one massive street party) this August:
Gecko Artists Show
Aug. 7 – 31 with opening reception Aug. 7 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Need a ticket?
No.
Cost?
Free
What is it?
Every year local artists create geckos charity auction (post-Gecko Season the gecko masterminds, Gulfport Merchants Association, donate a significant amount of GeckoFest proceeds to local nonprofits). Before going to nine of the highest bidders at Gecko Balls, the artists display their geckos around town.
A gecko committee selected the nine artists to create these somewhat post-modernist expressions of all things gecko. The Gecko Artist's Show will feature photos of those geckos alongside each artist's primary body of work. The physical geckos will once again be on display throughout Gulfport, where would-be bidders can preview them.
Gecko artists include Janet Folsom, Denise Keegan, Lenne Nicklaus-Ball, Owen Pach, Tom Pitzen, John Ricci, Jonathan Schork, Frank Strunk III and Matt Worsham.
Where is it?
Gulfport's Catherine Hickman Theater (5501 27th Avenue South)
Gecko Pub Crawl
Aug. 8, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. and beyond
Need a ticket?
Yes, on sale now at the Gulfport Beach Bazaar (3115 Beach Boulevard South, Gulfport)
Cost? $20
Did it sell out last year? Yes.
What is it?
Drink and walk, people, drink and walk. "Crawl" your way through Gulfport's entertainment district, stopping (in no particular order) at Little Tommie’s Tiki, Mangia Gourmet, Neptune Grille, O’Maddy’s, Peninsula Inn and Salty’s (one drink of the establishment's choosing included in the ticket price). At each location, collect a playing card as part of the town-wide, night-long five card stud stud game. Crawlers can by another card when they check in at O'Maddy's at the end of the night (by 9:30 p.m.) and the best hand, worst hand, and random grand prize winner will get prizes that include a two-night stay at various beach hotels and a sunset cruise.
The crawl ends with a street party at O'Maddy's, who will donate a portion of the proceeds to Gulfport’s Michael J. Yakes Foundation, an organization focused on assisting Gulfport's less fortunate elderly and young.
Where is it? Beach and Shore Boulevards in Gulfport.
Gecko Ball
Aug. 29, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Need a ticket?
Yes, on sale starting July 4 at the Gulfport Beach Bazaar (3115 Beach Boulevard South, Gulfport)
Cost? $35 plus cash bar
Did it sell out last year? Yes. Quickly.
What is it?
Let the good times roll.... or, as the Cajuns say up south New Orleans, laissez les bon temps roulez. This year's Gecko Ball celebrates Mardi Gras, thus combining Gulfport's over-the-top party styles with Mardi Gras' extremism. Organizers promise high-energy dancing, a show of pageantry, New Orleans-style music (we're really hoping that means Zydeco) from the Jammin' Jambalaya band, snacks, and, of course, the annual crowning of the GeckoQueen. Because of the costume contest, expect to see ball goers bringing their A-game for Mardi Gras-themed attire.
Where is it? Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Boulevard South
GeckoFest
Sept. 5, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Need a ticket? No
Cost? Free
What is it? A street party with live music, food, gecko parade, kids activities, and buskers roaming downtown Gulfport only to make you laugh. This year's theme, Gecko Gras, will pull from the Mardi Gras theme seen the week prior at the ball. Mayor Sam Henderson (who is also the local bartender and part of the band Hot Tub Club, because, well, it's Gulfport) will lead a walking parade. The Gecko Queen and her court as well as the O-fish-al Gecko Goddess will also grace the parade with their presence as festival goers are encouraged to join the festivities.
What else do I need to know about GeckoFest?
Stay hydrated. Sure, you can get beer and booze anywhere along Beach Boulevard, but throw in some water, too. The Gulfport Fire Department has a special all-terrain vehicle that can worm its way through the crowds, purchased specifically for events like this for people who may not think to drink water during their day in the sun.
Don't even think you're going to park close to the event. Gulfport city council will allow the city trolley to take you to remote parking lots, or park a few blocks off Beach Boulevard (mind the signs) and plan to walk. You'll be doing plenty of that anyway.
Bring cash. Not every art or craft booth will have a Square, so come prepared. The Casino has an ATM outside, but isn't it easier not to wait in line?
Heading to a restaurant? Expect to wait. GeckoFest is one of the city's two busiest days of the year, restaurant-wise. Every restaurant is locally owned and really wants everyone to have a good time, but with nine zillion and a half people on two streets, you may have to wait. And, really, folks, today isn't the day to make special requests in the kitchen.
Bikes welcome. Seriously, if you can bike it, do so. Gulfport has plenty of bike parking, and if you can do your part to not clog the remote lots, you get extra karma.
Pets welcome. Feel free to bring your furry friend, but remember: Your dog may need a break and will definitely need water. Plenty of local businesses will have dog bowls, but remember to give your dog a break from the sun and get them into one of Gulfport's pet-friendly businesses, or take a break at Salty's, Gulfport's pet-friendly bar (also, they have Skee Ball).
Bring the kids. Or don't. The Art Village Courtyard (halfway between the library and the water) will have a kids area until 8 p.m., so head there with your kids. And Salty's, that dog bar? They welcome kids, too, with giant Jenga games and other ways to keep the kids occupied. No kids? No problem, of course.
