The Gabber’s weekly list of the best things to do in Gulfport, the beaches, and St. Petersburg. Photo via Adobe Stock Images.
Looking for the best Gulfport Christmas parties and St. Petersburg markets this coming week? The Gabber has you covered. This list is only part of the picture; for even more merriment and things to do, check out our event calendar for Gulfport, Pinellas beaches from Pass-a-Grille to Madeira Beach, and the surrounding areas.
Thursday, December 16
Retro Night The much-awaited Thursday Night Social is back! The theme of the night is “The Beatles,” so feel free to bring the bowl cuts. DJ Daniel will be spinning retro 70s’ tunes and holiday jams in the main dining room until 10 p.m. Go for the Cantina’s burritos; stay for the semi-regular jam session. Sea Dog Cantina, 2832 Beach Blvd. S. 6-10 p.m. cantina.seadogbrewing.com.
Friday, December 17
Cookies and Carols Ever wondered what your neighbors’ holiday cookies taste like? Sample (or bake!) frosted sweets at the Gulfport Historical Society Holiday Cookie Contest and Caroling Party. Along with the coveted cookies, the Gulfport History Museum will be chock full of Gulfportians singing spirited seasonal tunes (on the lawn) and chugging hot cocoa. The town’s best bakers are invited to bring a plate of homemade treats to determine Gulfport’s Finest Holiday Cookie. The judges: Gecko Queen Elizabeth Hendricks, Golden Dinosaurs’ Audrey Dingeman, and A Friend Who Bakes’ Brittney Sherley – the winner takes home cash. Gulfport History Museum, 5301 28th Ave. S. 7-9 p.m. $5 cookie entry fee; no charge to sing or taste. gulfporthistoricalsociety.org. Dog-friendly; vegan options.
Friday Christmas ‘Carting The 2021 Holiday Golf Cart Parade is making rounds through Gulfport every slightly chilly Friday night in December. Local golf cart owners and their tagalongs will drive through downtown in the brightest holiday cheer they can squeeze onto four wheels. The fun starts at Town Shores, and wraps around the city. Keep an eye out! Downtown Gulfport. 6 p.m. 727-417-5494
Saturday, December 18
Snow on the Gulf Enjoy a (snowless) Snowfest complete with toboggan slides in North Straub Park. Play on inflatables, ride toboggans, explore arts and crafts tents, and soak in the merriment. North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr. NE., St. Petersburg. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. $5. stpeteparksrec.org/holidayevents Dog-friendly.
Another Santa Sighting! Catch Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Hoyt Field for photo poses, courtesy of the The Boomerangs, the Gulfport Senior Softball League. See the cozy couple and discuss Christmas wishes. Hoyt Field, 2306 56th St. S. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. drroscop@aol.com.
Candy on Canes Gulfport’s third Saturday Indie Faire is back with a theme: Cocktails and Candy Canes. The Beach Boulevard favorite showcases holiday art and vendors throughout downtown. There will be a visit from Santa and the regular Gulfport lineup. Downtown Gulfport. 1-9 p.m. visitgulfportflorida.com Dog-friendly; vegan options.
The Ugliest Digs Get your ugliest sweater ready to blow into Hurricane Eddie’s in Gulfport. The first-place winner gets a $50 gift card, second place wins a $30 gift card – plus drink specials all night. Best of luck! Hurricane Eddie’s, 5413 Shore Blvd. S. 6 p.m. 727-592-4983.
Get Down for Xmas Nobody does it like the Blueberry Patch. Jam out to funky psychedelic jam band “The Reality” and fusion rock “Row Jomah” as they share the big blue’s stage. Blueberry Patch, 4923 20th Ave. S. 6 p.m. $10. 727-914-0226.
Holiday Schnockered Burlesque Show Dress in your worst most reindeer-splattered ugly sweater and head to Mastry’s Co Brewing on St. Pete Beach for an 18 and up burlesque show. Burlesque performers and comedic entertainers like Mayven Missbehavin and Ruby Vesper will take the bar by storm. The owners of the most terrible holiday sweater (or outfit) will win “sexy and ridiculous” prizes. Mastry’s Brewing Co, 7701 Blind Pass Rd., St. Pete Beach. 7-9 p.m. 727-202-8045.
Photo via Adobe Stock.
Monday, December 20
Ballroom Waltzing Learn to dance, Gulfport style. USA Dance offers ballroom dance presentations and lessons monthly. Get in on the action this Monday. Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. 7-10 p.m. $7-10. usadance.org
Tuesday, December 21
Gulfportians Stay Informed, live or later. Join The City of Gulfport and fellow residents either in person or through recorded video on the city website. This is the best way to stay up-to-date on happenings in your town. Masks are highly recommended. Those who would like to avoid the crowds are welcome to attend and comment via zoom. Gulfport City Hall, 2401 53rd St. S. 6 p.m. mygulfport.us/councilmeetings
Ask a Question Do you have some questions about your city? Here’s your chance to ask a Gulfport council member questions, make suggestions or just discuss all things local. This month, chat with Vice Mayor and Ward 1 Representative April Thanos. Gulfport Welcome Center, 3101 Beach Blvd. S. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 727-826-7138.
Movie Night Ft. Elf It’s the time of year where we watch Will Ferrell dress up as an oversized elf and traumatize the people of New York City. Catch a showing of “Elf” at St. Petersburg’s Atelier de SoSi. Bring your own chairs and blankets. Atelier de Sosi, 2380 6th Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 5:30 p.m., doors and snack line; 6:30 p.m., film. 727-370-4192.
Scrooge Who A holiday favorite theater classic visits the Catherine A. Hickman Theatre for a pre-Christmas weekend of the classic characters. Destination Theater presents a two-person cast – one man plays Scrooge and a one-man acting legend depicts every other character (Tiny Tim, the three ghosts). Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. 7:30 p.m. $21. calliopestagecompany.ticketspice.com/a-christmas-carol-st-petersburg
Photo via Adobe Stock.
Wednesday, December 22
Watch Out Your community, your crime watch. The Gulfport Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch Program streams on Facebook every Wednesday. Whether the meetings are live or rerecorded – it varies – this is the weekly spot to educate yourself on incidents related to vehicle and residential burglaries, BOLOs and stolen vehicles in the Gulfport area. Post your questions under the video and they’ll answer them the next business day. 1:30 p.m. fb.com/groups/694674127283494
Jazz Out Get your jazz hands up, people. The City of Treasure Island is hosting Wednesday night Jazzercise classes for those who are looking to boogie and burn calories. Treasure Island City Hall Auditorium, 120 108th Ave., Treasure Island. 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 23
Night Giftage Shop a vendor paradise of gifts and fresh produce at Sunshine Fresh Market in South St. Petersburg. The market opens at night, and will offer local goods, vegan and island eats and an open mic. Where else can you get stir fry and essential oils at 11 p.m.? Sunshine Fresh Market, 1335 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg. 8-11 p.m. 727-421-5325. Dog-friendly; vegan options.
Tiny Gardeners are invited to enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and bubbles at the gazebo in Gulfport’s Clymer Park as part of a morning time storytime. Bring a blanket or a chair to join in on the fun, not far from the park’s edible food forest. This is a class recommended for toddlers. Clymer Park, Gulfport Blvd. S. & Beach Blvd. S. 10:30-11 a.m. 727-893-1134.
Team Gabber brought back the print version of the newspaper, and we’ve redesigned our website to make it easier for you to get the news. We’re not out of the woods yet, and every little bit helps pay our reporters, printer, and other expenses. Support local news and families — donate now to keep The Gabber Newspaper serving the community it loves!