GeckoFest 2016: What To Know Before You Go

GULFPORT, FL – The unofficial end of summer is close at hand, which can mean only one thing on the southern tip of Pinellas County: GeckoFest 2016 returns to the City of Gulfport.

The funky, fresh celebration – developed over the years with help from the community – once again will bring arts, entertainment and 35,000 patrons to the streets of Gulfport. This year’s theme is “20,000 Geckos Under the Sea.”

Here’s what area residents need to know before you go to the 2016 GeckoFest:

Date and Time

The 16th Annual GeckoFest will take place on Saturday, Sept. 3 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Location

Although the address is listed as 3129 Beach Blvd., Gulfport, on the event’s official website, GeckoFest 2016 will take place up and down Beach Boulevard between Gulfport Boulevard South to Shore Boulevard South.

Cost

Admission and parking for GeckoFest 2016 are free.

Parking

There are six off-site parking locations for GeckoFest 2016 with nearby service for the Gulfport Trolley:

• Wood Ibis Park, corner of 58th Street and 28th Avenue South
• Recreation Complex, 4730 Shore Blvd. S.
• Gulfport Senior Center/Catherine A. Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.
• Chase Park/Gulfport Historical Museum, 5301 28th Ave. S.
• Gulfport Little League Lum Fields, corner of 55th Street and 19th Avenue South
• Hoyt Field, 5690 23rd Ave. S.

The Gulfport Trolley will offer free service from noon to 10 p.m. during GeckoFest 2016. Gulfport Marina service will be provided at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. with last drop at 9:45 p.m.

Entertainment

The entertainment schedule for GeckoFest 2016 is:

North Stage: 28th Avenue

• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Cajun Zydeco DJ
• 3 p.m.: Blue Rose
• 4 p.m.: Project Free Rising Stars
• 5:30 p.m.: Cajun Dance Lessons with Jim Hance
• 6 to 8 p.m.: Yard Dog Charlie
• 8 to 10 p.m.: Hot Tub Club

29th Avenue Intersection

• The Dallas & Nick Show (fire juggler and escape artist): 11 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 9 p.m.
• The AcromaniActs (acrobats): noon, 1:45 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 8:15 p.m.

30th Avenue Intersection

• The Crazy Indy Show (Cyr wheel and acrobats): 11:45 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 8 p.m.
• George Gilbert (comedy magician): 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m.

31st Avenue Intersection

• Rafael Villa (magician): 11 a.m.; 12:30 p.m.; 2 p.m., 3:45 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 9:15 p.m.
• David Ferman (comedy and extreme stunts): 11:45 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m.

South Stage: Shore Boulevard

• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Cajun Zydeco DJ
• 2 p.m.: Competitive Edge Dance Co.
• 3 to 5 p.m.: Joel and Dakota
• 5 to 6 p.m.: Southern Road Dog Band
• 6 p.m.: Walking Parade
• 6:30 p.m.: Kids Costume Contest
• 6:45 p.m.: Adult Costume Contest
• 7 to 8 p.m.: Southern Road Dog Band
• 8 p.m.: Cajun Dance Lessons with Jim Hance
• 8:15 to 10 p.m.: Gumbo Boogie

Roaming acts

• West Coast Mutineers
• The Amazing Kenny
• Robert Balloonman
• Captain Jack (Jason Smith)
• Bumblebee the Transformer
• Brian the Balloon Guy
• Ivy “Michael Jackson” King
• Costumed characters for photo ops

The artists and schedule are subject to change. For more information about additions to the lineup and other changes, visit the GeckoFest official Facebook page.

Vendors

GeckoFest 2016 will be dotted with hundreds of street vendors, including food, beverage, and arts and crafts.

For more information about GeckoFest 2016, visit the official GeckoFest website or the GeckoFest 2016 Facebook page.

Images via City of Gulfport website