Gulfport's third October week leans into the things the town does best: trees, markets, and live music in a small theater. On Saturday, October 17, residents pick up free trees at Clymer Park in the morning and stroll the Third Saturday Gulfport Night Market on Beach Boulevard that evening. The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market fills the Waterfront District on October 20, and harmonica player Jason Ricci brings his band to the Catherine Hickman Theater on Wednesday, October 21. Between October 15 and October 23, here are four picks for neighbors and newcomers alike.
Free Community Tree Giveaway
Why It Stands Out
Saturday, October 17, from nine until eleven in the morning, the City of Gulfport hosts its Free Community Tree Giveaway at Clymer Park, the greenway at 23rd Avenue South and Beach Boulevard South. It is part of the city's Plant a Tree program, and the idea is simple: more shade on more Gulfport streets, one yard at a time.
Best For
Gulfport homeowners and renters with a little yard to fill, and anyone who has just moved in and wants to put down roots in the most literal way. It is also a nice Saturday morning outing with kids who like to help dig.
Timing and Planning
The giveaway is free but for Gulfport residents only, and the city asks for proof of residency, either a driver's license or a water bill. The calendar listing does not name the tree varieties or a limit per household, so arrive early in the window for the best selection. Questions go to the Parks and Facilities Superintendent at 727-893-1092.
Third Saturday Gulfport Night Market
Why It Stands Out
Saturday, October 17, from five until nine in the evening, the Gulfport Merchants Chamber, in partnership with Tampa Bay Markets, presents the Third Saturday Gulfport Night Market along Beach Boulevard South in the Waterfront District. Formerly known as Art Walk and IndieFaire, it brings local artists, makers, and boutique vendors to the street with handmade goods, art, jewelry, clothing, pet products, and packaged artisan foods. Strolling is free.
Best For
Couples, friends, and anyone who wants to see Gulfport at its liveliest. If you are thinking about a home near the water, this is the evening that shows you what the walkable side of town feels like after dark.
Neighborhood Angle
The market runs on the stretch of Beach Boulevard where the restaurants and galleries sit, so plan on dinner before or after. The market repeats on the first Friday and third Saturday of every month, which means you can make it a regular habit once you live here.
Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market
Why It Stands Out
Tuesday, October 20, from nine in the morning until two in the afternoon, the Gulfport Merchants Chamber's Tuesday Fresh Market sets up in the historic Waterfront District on Beach Boulevard below 28th Avenue South. It runs every Tuesday, year round, and is free to browse.
Best For
Anyone who works from home, retirees, and dog owners. The market is pet friendly, and local musicians play in two spots along the route.
What to Expect
Produce, including locally grown and organic items when available, plus breads, cheese, desserts, jams, sauces, local honey, olives, and prepared foods. There are flowers, bath and body products, pottery, jewelry, woodwork, photography, books by local authors, and even a knife and tool sharpening stand. Parking in the village is free, so bring a sturdy bag and make a morning of it.
Jason Ricci and The Bad Kind at the Catherine Hickman Theater
Why It Stands Out
Wednesday, October 21, at seven in the evening, Barrel House Talent presents Jason Ricci and The Bad Kind: New Orleans Style Blues, Rock and Jazz at the Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Avenue South. Ricci is a multiple Blues Music Award winning harmonica player who has worked with Johnny Winter, Walter Trout, and Joe Louis Walker, and his sound mixes blues, jazz, funk, rock, and New Orleans influences.
Best For
Music lovers and anyone looking for a midweek date night that feels a little special. The theater is small enough that every seat feels close to the stage.
Timing and Planning
General admission is twenty five dollars, plus a ticketing fee, through the Barrel House Talent ticket page on TicketSpice. The city calendar lists doors at 6:30 while the ticket page lists doors at six, so plan to arrive around six to be sure of a good seat. Tickets are expected to sell quickly, and wheelchair seating is limited, so book early.
Event Q&A
Which event is best for families?
The tree giveaway on Saturday morning, where kids can help choose and carry home a tree. On Friday, October 23, from five to 6:15, the Gulfport Arts Center at 2726 54th Street South hosts a kids' Halloween mask workshop with paper plates, felt, and craft supplies. Registration is required at [email protected] or 727-893-1162.
Which event feels most on-brand for a date night?
Jason Ricci at the Catherine Hickman Theater on Wednesday, or the Night Market on Saturday followed by dinner on Beach Boulevard. Either one feels like a very Gulfport evening.
Which event is worth planning ahead for?
The Jason Ricci show, since tickets are expected to go fast. The Original Gulfport Walking Tour from Gulfport Arts and Heritage on Saturday, October 17 at 3:30 also requires registration. It starts at the Gulfport History Museum, 5301 28th Avenue South, costs fifteen dollars, is free for members, and often sells out.
Which event gives the best sense of local community?
The Tuesday Fresh Market. Neighbors run into each other there every week, and the vendors know their regulars by name. It is the easiest way to feel like a local.
What else is happening at the library and arts center?
The Gulfport Public Library at 5501 28th Avenue South hosts a book club on Thursday, October 15 at one, open mic poetry with the Gulfport Poet Laureate that evening from six to seven, and Reading Isn't Ruff with Hearts of Gold therapy dogs on Wednesday, October 21 from four to five for young readers. The Gulfport Arts Center's Collage Group Share and Swap for teens and adults meets Saturday, October 17 from three to 5:30, with sign up by email.
What else is on for little ones and teens?
The library keeps young families busy all week. Babytime meets Tuesday, October 20 from 10:15 to 10:45, Storytime runs Wednesday, October 21 at 10:15 and again at eleven, and Teen Space is open Tuesday afternoon from three to 4:30. Pair Babytime with a stroll through the Tuesday Fresh Market a few blocks away and you have an easy, free morning with a little one.
