Gulf Coast Events

The vibrant Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to more than 300 annual festivals, concerts, fairs and special events—as well as dozens of on-going exhibits, art walks, special interest classes, farmer’s markets, flea markets and guided tours—that delight visitors and locals alike. From the irresistible exuberance of Mardi Gras to the sparkling beauty of Christmas on the Water, the coast offers something to celebrate virtually all year round! If you want to experience the authentic flavor, spirit and diverse traditions of the region, there’s no better way to do so than including one of these many festive occasions in your travel itinerary.

Concerts, food, arts & crafts, cultural celebrations, golf tournaments, kid-friendly events, classic car rallies, boat races, horse shows, fishing rodeos and film festivals are just some of the popular categories to consider, including many that have been drawing enthusiasts to the Mississippi Gulf Coast from around the country for decades. The mild coastal climate makes this destination an ideal setting for outdoor gatherings regardless of the season. Annual highlights include Gulf Coast events such as Cruisin’ the Coast, Smokin’ the Sound, the Gulfport Music Festival, the Biloxi Seafood Festival, Bay BridgeFest, the Kite Festival, Chefs of the Coast, the Scottish Highland Games and Celtic Music Festival, the Blues and Heritage Festival, the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival and our newest addition for 2012—Sun & Sand, the Mississippi Film and Music Festival. In addition, you can choose from an extensive line-up of renowned performing artists at venues such as the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, the Beau Rivage Theatre, the IP Casino Resort & Spa and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Upcoming events are listed below. You may also click here to view the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast calendar of events.

  • The Mississippi Coast Coliseum Summer Fair

    posted by Cliff on May 21,2013
    The summer event you’ve waited for is almost here! Ten days of jam-packed activities June 6–16 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. Consistently chosen as one of the Top 20 summer events in the Southeast, Summer Fair is a family-friendly affordable event with something for everyone. New this year—even more thrilling rides than ever before! Free gate admission for kids! Live music, shows, contests and headline read more »

  • Biloxi Blessing of the Fleet

    posted by Cliff on May 14,2013
    This year marks the 84th Annual Biloxi Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival, June 1 & 2, with a Fais Do-Do (Street Party), Blessing of the Fleet Mass and Coronation of the 2013 Shrimp King & Queen on Saturday — and the Blessing on Sunday. A major Coast festival tradition, the Blessing of the Fleet is not without solemn honoring of those who died working read more »

  • Bay Harbor Fest

    posted by Cliff on May 13,2013
    Where can you find two dozen bands on three stages on Memorial Day Weekend? Bay Harbor Fest in Bay St. Louis, May 24–26. Festivals are no strangers to Bay St. Louis, where they know how to throw a party. But this inaugural event is sure to raise the bar! If you’re from the Southeast, you can bet there’s a favorite band playing, such as local bands read more »

  • South Coast SummerFest 2013

    posted by Cliff on May 13,2013
    Come visit June 13–22 for a can’t-miss water event for kayakers, paddling enthusiasts and outdoor lovers! Ten days of celebrating our rivers, estuaries, marshes and the wildlife that calls them home. Daily kayak tours, kids’ kayak camp, twilight paddles, beach parties and community block parties—culminating with the Ocean Springs Kayak Festival in front of Fort Maurepas.   At this coast-wide celebration ecotourists will enjoy activities along the read more »

  • Pascagoula River Audubon Center, Moss Point

    posted by Cliff on Jul 10,2012
    The Audubon Center offers visitors to the Mississippi Gulf Coast a readily accessible portal to the Pascagoula River and to all that makes up a natural river habitat. A two-hour interpretive boat trip aboard McCoy’s Swamp and River Tours at the Center takes passengers through the free-flowing river passages to experience and learn about birds and wildlife. For more information go to www.pascagoulariver.audubon.org. read more »

  • INFINITY Science Center at NASA Stennis Space Center Now Open

    posted by Cliff on Apr 09,2012
    A new $30 million science and space educational center is open on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, celebrating the intertwining of science, space exploration and fun. INFINITY Science Center, affiliated with NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center, is designed to challenge and educate visitors of all ages on the role of science and math in exploration across history. INFINITY also showcases Stennis Space Center’s part in read more »
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