Top Tampa Bay area events for the week of Aug. 21-27

Gulfport Gecko Ball: One of Gulfport’s most popular events features music, dancing, a costume contest, silent and live auctions, the Gecko Queen coronation and a cash bar. This year’s theme is “Around the World in 80 Geckos.” Costumes are encouraged. $30. 6-10 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 26). Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. 727-893-1070.

Space for Art: This exhibit features the works of veteran astronaut Nicole Stott, who grew up in Clearwater, and other astronauts and includes the first watercolor painted in space, original Apollo Mission space photos and spacesuits painted in the “Spacesuit Art Project.” Stott will give a lecture starting at 6 p.m. A book signing follows. The exhibit remains on display through Sept. 9. No cover. 4-7 p.m. Friday (Aug. 25). Syd Entel Galleries and Susan Benjamin Glass Etc., 247 Main St., Safety Harbor. 727-725-1808.

Colin Jost: The writer from “Saturday Night Live” and co-anchor of the show’s “Weekend Update” segment brings his comedy to Tampa. $75 and up. 8 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 24). Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa. 813-627-7625.

Clear the Shelters: SPCA Tampa Bay will hold a “Clear the Shelters” event. All animals on the adoption floor can be taken home for free. Adoption fees, which typically run from $30 to $200, are fully waived. All available animals are vaccinated, spayed/neutered and microchipped. Approximately 60 cats, 35 dogs and 76 other assorted animals are available. Free. Starting at 10 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 26). SPCA Tampa Bay, 9099 130th Ave. N, Largo. 727-586-3591.

Halfway There: A Celebration of Beer: The celebration marking the midpoint to Tampa Bay Beer Week features samples from more than 50 breweries/meaderies. 21 and older only. $55-$75. 1-4 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 26). Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 727-892-5202.

Big Ten Tailgate Party: Kick off the start of college football season in tailgate fashion when the open-air common area for the Sunshine Market becomes a place to enjoy live music, games, prizes, drinks and food. Free. 5-9 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 26). Midtown Tampa, 3659 Midtown Drive. 813-738-4120.

Wearable Art 17: Wearable art designers will once again wow audiences with their creative pieces. $20-$125. 7-11 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 26). Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd. 727-298-3322.

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Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire: The singer and ”American Idol” judge whose hits include “All Night Long” and “Hello“ will be joined by the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire. $37 and up. 7:30 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 26). Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-301-6500.

Vintage Movie Series: “The Big Lebowski”: Celebrate the 25th anniversary of this comedy classic starring Jeff Bridges with a screening of the movie, pre-show entertainment, music and trivia. $15. 8-10 p.m. Friday (Aug. 25), 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 26). Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey. 727-842-6777.

Theater Camp: This film (PG-13, 94 minutes), which touches on drug use, sexuality and friendship, tells the story of a group of young, washed-out performing arts majors attempting to run a theater camp for children in upstate New York. $12, $10 seniors/students. 2 and 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday (Aug. 22-23), 4 and 7 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 24). Green Light Cinema, 221 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 508-816-8968.

The Party of the Year: LocalShops1 celebrates its 15th anniversary at this cocktail reception featuring live entertainment, appetizers, desserts, a cash bar, a keynote speech by Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice, live painting, music by Gloria West and Gents and aerial shows. $25-$100. 6-9 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 24). Floridian Social Club, 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-637-5586.

Science After Dark: Butterflies and Bugs: Visit the museum’s new butterfly garden, see like you have compound eyes, dissect a grasshopper and try a bug treat. Ticket includes light appetizers, beer and wine samplings, MOSI exhibits, hands-on activities, the Occulus Rift Beat Saber station, liquid nitrogen ice cream, interactive labs and more. For ages 18 and up. Register at mosi.org/mosi-events/science-after-dark. $20, $15 members. 6-9 p.m. Friday (Aug. 25). Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), 4801 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-987-6000. mosi.org.

Flo Rida: The Sunshine State-born rapper-singer-songwriter whose hits include “Low” and “My House” performs. $30 and up. 11 a.m. Sunday (Aug. 27). Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa. 813-627-7625.

Inspirational Women Throughout History: In honor of the pioneering spirit and achievements of women throughout history, Imagine Museum is hosting a celebration that recognizes the essence of womanhood. Art by Trish Duggan pays tribute to women who have transformed our world. Included with museum admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 26). Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-300-1700.

Star Stuff: What would you do if your “star stuff” was called upon? In this play, an eighth grader must choose whether she stays on Earth with her friends or donates her special personality to the universe. $30, $20 students. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday (Aug. 25-27). Stageworks Theatre, 1120 E Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. 813-374-2416.