Geckofest

Start: Saturday, September 5, 2026 10:00AM
End: Saturday, September 5, 2026 8:00PM

Gulfport’s 26th annual GECKOFEST promises a full day of family-friendly fun on Saturday, September 5th, from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. . The streets of this historic waterfront village will come alive with a stellar lineup of live music, delicious food and beverage vendors, and curated art and craft booths. Adding to the festival's vibrant rhythm, the streets will double as a stage for up-close-and-personal performances by a bevy of acrobats, magicians, daredevils, dancers, aerialists, fire eaters, balloon artists, and costumed characters. Get ready to embrace the quirky, unbeatable spirit of Gulfport! The theme for this year's GECKOFEST is the "Gecko Music Awards," a high-energy celebration of the very essence that makes this town so unique. This year, they're turning up the volume on Gulfport's thriving music scene and unmatched vibe. If you know Gulfport, you already know they are a passionate hub for artists, musicians, writers, and creators of all kinds—with streets bursting with colorful, independently owned shops, galleries, and boutiques that march to their own beat. The GECKOFEST Lineup: What to Expect Prepare for a full day of family-friendly, high-energy fun in our vibrant waterfront village! The streets will be buzzing with a festival rhythm you won't want to miss: • The Main Stage & Encore Plaza: Catch a full lineup of musical acts performing live on two separate stages throughout the day. • The Street Theater Soundcheck: Experience high-energy street theater and spontaneous performances popping up along the festival route. • Makers Market Openers: Shop a collection of handmade goods from artisans, crafters, local shops, boutiques and galleries. • Food & Beverage Headliners: Grab a "roadie" snack from an array of local food trucks and restaurants ready to fuel the crowds. • Bid on The Gecko Skateboard Races: Fast-paced, high-rolling PVC action tearing down the street to its own high-energy soundtrack. • The "March to the Mic" Walking Parade: Join the ultimate fan experience where the audience takes center stage for a costume-filled walking parade. The "Gecko Music Awards" theme offers endless inspiration for costumes, and attendees are highly encouraged to arrive in their most imaginative and eccentric attire. Everyone is invited to join the wacky walking parade at 6:00 PM to show off their fantastic creations. Immediately following the parade, the festivities continue with a special birthday celebration for G. Gordon McFly—Gulfport's newest sculpture and an instant, iconic photo op—designed by talented local marine artist Ray Domingo. The 26th annual event takes center stage along Beach and Shore Boulevards in the heart of downtown Gulfport, offering a front-row seat to explore this quirky waterfront village—a wonderful slice of “Old Florida”—on one of its most colorful and high-energy days of the year. The festival grounds are located at 3000 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL 33707. Admission and parking are complimentary. To ensure a smooth festival experience, courtesy shuttles will provide continuous, round-trip transportation between designated off-site parking areas and the main festival gates. For full schedule details, directions, and parking maps, head over to the official Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce webpage. GECKOFEST serves as the grand finale of a month-long celebration, preceded each year by the Gecko Art Show, Gecko Crawl, and Gecko Ball. Hosted by the non-profit Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce, a portion of all "Gecko World" proceeds is proudly donated back to the community to support local causes. This year’s beneficiaries represent a lineup of incredible organizations dedicated to making a difference. Live Tampa Bay is striking a powerful chord for community health by deploying data-driven strategies to combat substance use disorder and save lives, while OUT Arts & Culture works to keep our community's creative rhythm loud, proud, and inclusive. Additionally, the Sonia Plotnick Health Fund provides a vital safety net to keep our neighbors healthy and rocking, and Little Tree Homestead is cultivating deep roots and sustainable harmony in our local ecosystem.