Only Gulfport could have a festival as quirky as Gecko Fest 2007, during which the streets are overrun by roaming belly dancers, clowns, magicians, pirates and firebreathers. Bands play on three different stages, area artists and crafters man booths, and a wild parade featuring your neighbors' (and their dogs') wackiest costumes culminates with an awards ceremony and the crowning of the "Gecko Goddess." Really, about the only thing missing from the festival's seventh-year celebration is some sort of giant gecko, but I'm sure somebody will remedy that. Sat., Sept. 1, noon-10 p.m., Beach Boulevard, Gulfport, free admission, 727-322-5217, geckofest.com.
This article appears in Aug 29 – Sep 4, 2007.