The last hurrah of summer is upon us. Even for those of us with the “ENDLESS SUMMER” Florida license plate, we have to admit that the long sunny days are getting shorter and with any luck the humidity will soon be a distant summer memory. Labor Day tends to be the final hurrah of the summer months. It’s the last of summer’s trio of holidays and signals the start of fall. Whatever Labor Day means to you… there are plenty of ways to commemorate it in the Bay area. By the way – in case you are like me and had to look up when Labor Day 2015 is, it’s September 7th. 😉
1. Gecko Fest
This year marks the 15th annual Geckofest in Gulfport. The Gecko isn’t officially Gulfport’s mascot but it lends its name for the largest festival of the year that takes place every Labor Day weekend. This year, Geckofest will take over Beach Boulevard from 10 in the morning until 10 at night on Saturday, September 5th. It’s a family friendly extravaganza with jugglers, aerialists, acrobats, escape artists, and magicians. You’ll also find dozens of vendors offering everything from art to woodworking and plenty of live music on both of the event’s stages.
In an effort to promote local businesses, this year any vendor who is not selling food must offer items that are made locally or by hand. All income from the vendors stays in Gulfport or surrounding areas because the festival makes sure they are all small independent or locally-owned businesses. There will be plenty of food vendors as well as areas to purchase beer and wine.
Kiddos will enjoy the pirates and superheroes as well as a special zone just for them. This year there will be games and activities from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the Art Village Courtyard.
Geckofest always has a theme and this year is no exception with GeckoGras! Everyone is invited to participate by dressing up or coming in costume. Perhaps you want to dress the kids up as geckos or dawn your favorite colorful GeckoGras getup. There will be a costume contest for kids and adults and prizes will be given to the winners. Everyone is invited to join the Mayor in a walking parade on Saturday afternoon.
Parking for the event is free. You can find directions and maps for GeckoFest by clicking here.
If you can’t wait for GeckoFest be sure to check out the GeckoBall. It’s held in the famous Gulfport Casino Ballroom on Saturday, August 29, 2015 from 6-11pm. Tickets are $35 each. The event includes live music, tapas and dancing. For more information including how to purchase tickets click here.
2. Floating Sunday Sandbar Concert
For the 8th year in a row there will be a FREE floating concert on the sandbar located directly across the channel from 2189 Tanglewood Way NE 33702. This event relies on the weather and tides cooperating but promises to be a lot of fun in the sun!
Vic Sherman is scheduled to take the stage at noon on Sunday. He’ll bring a mix of New Orleans and Chicago vintage vocals to the floating concert. As the official show opener, you can expect vintage vocals and some great guitar slides.
Next up on this year’s line up is some Cheap Trick, Aerosmith, Marshall Tucker and more. Those are some of the big names Ken Keller will cover as the crowd sings and dances along. Keller is known for giving fans a great time and even making sure they play along with air guitars!
The floating barge will continue to rock as Hal Hammer Jr and the Cross Creek Blues Band take the stage. They pride themselves in Southern Rock and good o’l Old Time Rock and Roll. The band features a guitarist, bass, keyboard, drums, and even a saxophone!
As the Florida sun rages on, so will the show! The GEARZ will entertain everyone on the sandbar with Pink Floyd, The Who, Beatles, and many more familiar songs to guarantee a great time. If you like a little country while you’re out on the water… this band is known for covering Dwight Yokum, Garth Brooks, and even Brad Paisley.
The scheduled 5 hour free concert will wrap up with a jam finale as all of the bands play together. Remember, the only way to access this concert is by boat, canoe, or kayak. It’s on a sandbar in the middle of the water between Riviera Bay and Tampa Bay. That said, make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and water if you plan to take the family out. While it is a free concert, the bands do have a “Save the Free Concert” fund and donations are appreciated.
3. Celebrate Oldsmar
For some good old fashioned Labor Day fun head out to Oldsmar! R.E. Olds Park is the place to be on Friday, September 4th from 6-10 and Saturday, September 5th at the same time. The kids will enjoy carnival rides and games while the adults swing their hips to the live music.
The US Stones are scheduled to take the stage on Friday. They affectionately call themselves the “American Rolling Stones Tribute”. On Saturday, The Super Stars will take the stage covering everything from Jennifer Lopez to Sinatra and the Black Eyed Peas.
Beer and wine will be available each night. There will also be several vendors with food for purchase.
Visitors will enjoy a fabulous fireworks grand finale on Saturday night. The show begins after sunset.
Celebrate Oldsmar is located at R.E. Olds Park, 107 Shore Drive West in Oldsmar.
4. Concerts & Sports
There are plenty of concerts and sporting events taking place Labor Day weekend. Here are a few of the highlights:
September 5th: Lady Antabellum / Hunter Hayes & Sam Hunt at Mid Florida Credit Union Amphitheater
September 5th: Tampa Yankees vs Lakeland 6:00 p.m. at George M Steinbrenner Field
September 5th: Clearwater Thrashers vs Dunedin 6:30 p.m at Bright House Field
September 5th: Tampa Bay Rowdies vs New York Cosmos 7:30 p.m. Al Lang Stadium
September 6th: Tampa Yankees vs Lakeland 1:00 p.m. at George M Steinbrenner Field
September 6th: Clearwater Thrashers vs Dunedin 1:00 p.m. at Bright House Field
5. Tampa Home and Garden Show
Whether you are ready to make improvements to your home or you just enjoy dreaming about the latest possibilities the Tampa Home and Garden Show promises to have everything your heart desires. Meet builders and contractors and see the latest design trends for kitchen and baths. Does your backyard need a little TLC? The show will have plenty of displays to show you all kinds of options for your own backyard. Windows, pools, spas, security systems, garage doors, and even driveways will all be on display.
You can check out the Tampa Home and Garden Show all weekend long at the Tampa Convention Center. Hours are: Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-7, and Sunday 10-5. The event is free and open to the public.
However you decide to spend your Labor Day weekend be sure to stay safe and pack the sunscreen!
Leave a Reply