One of the best parts about the Mississippi Gulf Coast is the abundance of events that take place all year round. With 26 miles of beach views, charming small towns, vibrant culture, and sunny weather, locals always have something to celebrate. So why not join in on the fun?
I’ve attended nearly all of these events, and if I haven’t, then I absolutely regretted it! In my opinion these are the best events to attend while visiting Coastal Mississippi.
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1. Mardi Gras Parades
It’s not commonly known that Mardi Gras is celebrated on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, but it is! And it’s an event you can’t miss. The beads flying through the air, crowds full of excitement, and extravagantly-decorated floats parading alongside the beaches create a feeling of carnival revelry that is unlike any other.
I promise that even if you go with the intention of just watching, you won’t be able to resist joining in on the fun. (I’m speaking from experience.. 
)
Since there are dozens of parades that take place throughout the coast, you can choose how big or small of an event you’re willing to do. Regardless, it will be less crowded and chaotic compared to the Mardi Gras parades that take place in the neighboring city of New Orleans, making it the perfect compromise for travelers not willing to deal with Bourbon Street.
- When – the majority of Mardi Gras parades take place all throughout February
- Where – almost every city in Coastal Mississippi has its own parades
- What to Bring – a chair, sunscreen, sunglasses, lots of water, snacks, a camera, and a bag (for all the goodies you catch)
- Parking – finding parking can be a bit of a nightmare, so plan on getting to the parade location a couple hours early or plan on walking
- My Favorite Parade – the Mississippi Gulf Coast Carnival Association in Biloxi, but there are tons of options for both day and night parades in every city in Coastal Mississippi
- Alternatives – If you can’t visit during Mardi Gras season, I recommend checking out the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum to get you in the carnival spirit
If you like art festivals, then you’ll LOVE the Peter Anderson Festival in Downtown Ocean Springs, MS. It is one of the largest in the state, and hundreds of vetted art vendors from all over the nation attend every year. You’ll see art from nearly every medium including ceramics, paintings, woodwork, handmade jewelry, and more. In addition, there are live art demonstrations, music performances, and a food court.
Downtown Ocean Springs has a cute hipster vibe already with its oak-lined streets and boutique shopping. When you add the Peter Anderson Festival in, it becomes that much more quaint and exciting.
- When – the first weekend of November
- Where – Downtown Ocean Springs, down Washington Ave and Government St
- Cost – It is free to attend, but a $2 donation is recommended
- Parking – Again, parking is an issue. Check the festival website for recommendations.
- Alternatives – If you can’t go to this festival, Ocean Springs’ Spring Arts Festival in March is similar, but with added bonus of plant vendors too
Also known as “America’s Largest Block Party,” and I would 100% have to agree. This week-long car show encompasses the whole Mississippi Gulf Coast, with tons of venues from Bay St. Louis to Moss Point. You’ll see thousands of cool antique cars driving down HWY 90, on display at the multiple venues, and even racing at the autocross course.
I wasn’t expecting to like this event, because I know nothing about cars. However, you don’t have to be knowledgable to appreciate the unique styles. I especially liked seeing small Honda trucks that looked imported.
- When – early October
- Where – there are 12 different venues dotted throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast
- Cost – It is free to spectate; if you’d like to show a vehicle, you’re required to pay for registration
- Parking – refer to the maps available on the official event website for designated spectator parking areas, it is typically a short walk
A tradition for many locals, the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Fest is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Over 1,200,000 lights illuminate Jones Park, with some of the biggest attractions being the dancing Christmas trees, train rides, and carnival rides. It’s perfect for families, couples, and SELFIES.
As someone who grew up going to Disney World, this festival reminded me of a walking version of the Main Street Electrical Parade.
- When – the day after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve
- Where – Jones Park in Gulfport, MS; the entrance is near 1040 23rd Ave, Gulfport if you’re using Google Maps
- Cost – general admission is $15 at the time of publication
- Parking – you can park at the corner of Hwy 90 and Hwy 49, or in the CTA parking garage at 2015 15th St., Gulfport
5. Witches Ride Parades
This has to be among the most unique events that takes place on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Around Halloween, men, women, and even their dogs dress up as witches handing out candy to kids as they “fly” down the parade route on festively-decorated bikes. It’s an adorable way to bring the joy of parades to the fall season, and it’s WAY more fun than plain ol’ trick or treating (even as an adult).
The Witches Ride (specifically the one in Ocean Springs) was another event that I was not expecting to enjoy as much as I did. I felt like I actually stepped into a movie, because I have never seen so many people in Halloween costumes in such a picturesque setting.
- When – October, around Halloween
- Where – Bay St. Louis, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, and Moss Point all do their own witches parades
- Cost – free to spectate; if you want to participate in the parade, there is a registration fee
- Parking – no designated parking; plan on getting to the parade location a couple hours early or plan on walking
This event is similar to the Witches Ride, but with a festival-like twist and with pirates! Participants dress up as pirates, parading down Old Town Bay St. Louis on golf cart floats. There is also a pub crawl, treasure hunt, cardboard boat race, live music, and fireworks.
I didn’t get to attend Pirate Day in the Bay this year, and you know I got the FOMO.
- When – 2-day event in late May
- Where – Old Town Bay St. Louis; refer to the event’s website for the calendar and parade route
- Cost – free to spectate; if you want to participate in the parade, you may have to register
- Parking – no designated parking; plan on getting to the parade location a couple hours early or plan on walking
You can leave it up to this historic venue to put on the greatest Juneteenth celebration! While it’s unpredictable what festivities they will plan every year, the 100 Men Hall was founded in 1894 to support the African American community and culture. With a legacy like that, you can expect plenty of music and dancing during this holiday commemorating the freedom of enslaved African Americans.
For example, in 2022, Juneteenth at 100 Men Hall entailed a drumming/dancing jubilee, a pageantry of African Tribal customs and couture, and a cocktail workshop by celebrity mixologist Taariq David. All are welcome to join in on the fun!
- When – festivities may or may not fall on June 19th
- Where – 100 Men Hall in Bay St. Louis; refer to the venue’s website for full details
- Cost – cost may vary depending on which events you attend
8. Chandyfest
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to several breweries, including Chandeleur Island Brewing Company, whose annual festival draws hundreds of beer enthusiasts every year. You will have the opportunity to sip on newly-released brews, enjoy local food and live music, and even race down the street on a bed. It’s essentially a big get-together for anyone who loves craft beers, warm weather, and hanging out – so basically everyone.
- When – mid May
- Where – Chandeleur Island Brewing Co. in Gulfport, MS
While this is more of a venue than it is an event, the Ground Zero Blues Club in Biloxi has live music performances every Wednesday through Saturday (which is very much an event to me). It’s a truly unique cultural experience to enjoy local blues artists from the neon-lit space, decorated with memorabilia and designed to simulate a patio.
Since they just opened in February 2022, they are still gaining traction, but you can expect to see even more things (aka big events) from them soon.
To gauge your expectations, the original Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale opened in 2001, and has been featured in publications such as National Geographic Traveler, Southern Living, USA Today, Esquire Japan, Food and Wine, The Washington Post and TV Guide.
- When – live music performances every night, Wednesday through Saturday
- Where – Ground Zero Blues Club in Downtown Biloxi, MS
- Cost – Tickets vary from $10 to $30; refer to their website for details
- Alternatives – You can enjoy lunch/dinner at the Ground Zero (before they close for the music performances) if you’d prefer something more low-key, but still want to get a feel for the awesome event space
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