Things to do in Gulfport, St. Pete August 22-28

Gecko Ball, a cupcake contest and the Great Tampa Bay Scallop Hunt: Here’s your list of things to do August 22-28 in Gulfport, St. Pete, the beaches of Tampa Bay and beyond.

Thursday, August 22nd – Friday, August 23rd

Connect and protect The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation celebrates the release of 200,000 acres for conservation with a photo exhibit showcasing properties protected by conservation programs. Wild Space Gallery, 2606 Fairfield Ave. S., Bldg. 7, St. Petersburg. 2-6 p.m. floridawildlifecorridor.org.

Thursday, August 22

Artistic performances Heritage Village offers weekly demonstrations of traditional crafts. Every Thursday, learn the special art of basket weaving at the Tampa Bay Basketmakers Guild. All skill levels are welcome to weave. Heritage Village, 11909 125th St. N., Largo. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 727-582-2123, heritagevillagefl.org.

Open Microphone Night Got something to sing? There are open mic nights on Thursday nights at Gulfport Brewery + Eatery. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. Artists with acoustic instruments are welcome to take the stage and use the two microphones provided. Gulfport Brewery + Eatery, 3007 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. 6-9 p.m. 727-954-4109, gulfport-brewing.com.

Friday, August 23 – Friday, August 30

Crazy Beach Burger Week For a week, more than 12 restaurants are offering $10 burgers as part of Madeira Beach Burger Week. Some restaurants include Daiquiri Shak, Caddy’s and The Brass Captain. Get your burger pass stamped at each restaurant and turn it in to win prizes at local businesses. Remember, tips are not included. Madeira Beach. $10. 727-392-0665, madeirabeachburgerweek.com.

Friday, August 23

Printmaking for children The first rule of art is that you can make art out of anything. Children will create multi-layered prints out of bubble wrap, food, gelli plates and string. The children’s work will be exhibited in an art exhibition in September. Email [email protected] to register. Gulfport Arts Center, 2726 54th St. S., Gulfport. 5-6 p.m. www.mygulfport.us.

Saturday, August 24

Art:

Icons and symbols of the borderland: art at the interface between the USA and Mexico This special exhibition features works by artists from the Juntos Art Association of El Paso, Texas. Explore the nature and culture of the US-Mexico border through over 90 works of art. James Museum, 150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Through January 19, 2025. Mon., Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Tues., 10 a.m.-8 p.m., $10.23. 727-892-4200, thejamesmuseum.org.

Dance:

2024 Gecko Ball The Gecko Ball is just around the corner! Celebrate a night of live music, dancing, costume contests, and the long-awaited coronation of the Gecko Queen. This year’s theme is “Live from Gulfport, it’s Gecko Night,” meaning guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite Saturday Night Live character or Gulfport Glam. Snacks are available, but gGuests bring their own meals. Tickets are $30 per person or $40 for a table of 10. Reserve your table at Beach Bazaar (3115 Beach Blvd. S.). Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. 6:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m. 727-344-3711, visitgulfportflorida.com.

Eat:

Cupcake Contest Do you have a penchant for sweets? Then put it to good use at the 13th annual Great St. Pete Cupcake Contest. Cupcake artists bring their best mixes and contestants taste and vote on their favorites. A ticket gets you a box of 12 cupcakes. Morean Center for Clay, 420 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg. 12-3 p.m., $20. 727-822-7872, moreanartscenter.org.

Outside:

Sea Oats Saturday Spend your Saturday planting beach grass! The City of St. Pete Beach is looking for volunteers to plant beach grass to help fortify our beach’s sand dunes and protect the shorelines. Wear sunscreen and be prepared to get dirty (sandy). Upham Beach, 6850 Beach Plaza, St. Pete Beach. 7:30 a.m.-10 a.m 727-363-9246, stpetebeach.org.

Yoga in the garden Make garden yoga a new summer tradition! Every Saturday, Mindful Movement Yoga offers a gentle yoga class in the Woodson’s Legacy Garden. All are welcome. Bring a mat and a water bottle. The Woodson African American Museum of Florida, 2240 9th Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 9 a.m 727-323-1104, woodsonmuseum.org.

Searching for scallops in Great Bay Volunteer for the annual Great Bay Scallop Search. Each year, volunteers snorkel the waters of Tampa Bay and help document Tampa Bay’s scallop populations. This year, choose one of three locations to search for scallops for your research. Fort De Soto Park Boat Ramp, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde; Grandview Park Boat Ramp, 3734-3814 6th St. S., St. Petersburg; and Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St. W., Palmetto. 9 a.m.-noon 727-867-8166, tampabaywatch.org.

Monday, August 26

Card games Play great games and win great prizes. Card Game Night invites anyone who is feeling lucky to an evening of games and fun. Winners go home with prizes. Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport. 5:30 p.m. 727-893-1000, www.mygulfport.us.

Tuesday, August 27

Kayak Adventure Join Get Fit St. Pete for a monthly kayaking adventure on scenic Coffee Pot Bayou. Participants must pre-register for the paddle and purchase a free Get Fit membership. Participants must be at least 16 years old. Coffee Pot Park, First Street & 30th Avenue NE, St. Petersburg. 6 p.m. 727-892-5994, healthystpetefl.com.

Script Lab Are you currently working on a script? Bring it to this Madeira Beach Script Lab for feedback and a table reading. All experience levels are welcome. Bring a thick skin and your creativity. Gulf Beaches Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr., Madeira Beach. 6-8pm 727-391-2828, gulfbeacheslibrary.org.

Nerd Night Calling all nerds! Attend an academic talk and have a drink at Bayboro Brewing. Sit down, have a beer and get ready for exciting and varied mini-talks from speakers. Learn something new! This event often sells out, buy tickets online. Bayboro Brewing, 2390 Fifth Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 6:30 p.m. $6.91. 727-767-9666, events.humanitix.com.

Wednesday, August 28

Movie night in the library Free Movie Alert on Wednesday! Watch Hidden Figures with other film lovers. This star-studded drama chronicles the struggles and triumphs of three black mathematicians who made astronaut John Glenn’s journey into space possible. St. Pete Beach Library, 365 73rd Ave., St. Pete Beach. 5 p.m 727-363-9238, spblibrary.com.

Live at the Palladium Listen to the captivating musical duo of singer Ariella McManus and guitarist Nicholas Kristen. Known for their unique blend of jazz, soul and blues, Ariella promises an evening full of rousing music and unforgettable moments. Palladium Theater, 253 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 7 p.m., $40. 727-822-3590, mypalladium.org.

Looking for more things to do August 22-28 in St. Pete and Gulfport? Check out The Gabber Newspaper complete calendar of events.