11th ANNUAL GULF COAST WINTER CLASSICS HORSESHOW

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February 10 - March 21

The Gulf Coast Winter Classic is a six-week United States Equestrian Foundation AA Rated Hunter-Jumper event highlighting some the sport’s finest equine athletes from across the nation! With approximately 1000 horses exhibiting and 12,000 spectators, this is the largest hunter/jumper show on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

Spectators attend free of charge with competitions running Wednesday through Sunday of each week. The horse show itself has three all-weather rings close to each other for exceptional viewing, a large beautiful grass field, and a covered arena with bleachers! Visitors are right in the middle of everything that is going on! Watching these graceful “beauties” compete is an experience!  **Awarded Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Winter Event 2010!

2nd ANNUAL BLUEGRASS EXPERIENCE!

March 19-20

Live bluegrass music event with special guests by the "best of the best" in Bluegrass Music. Food, arts & crafts vendors, and live bands perform throughout this two-day event! Come on out for an enjoyable, FUN, family event - Don't miss this one! Special guests: Blue Highway, Flatland, Webb Family, High Cotton, Larry Wallace Band, Volume 5, Shallow Creek & Hurricane Creek...all performing live!

23rd ANNUAL HOME & GARDEN SHOW

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March 20-21

Exhibitors’ displays include home design, new construction, remodeling, interior decorating, kitchens, baths, appliances, lighting, flooring, exterior decorating, landscaping, and cooking, inside and outside furniture, pest control, security and more! Many exhibitors hold in-booth demonstrations and give away door prizes throughout the weekend! Hosted by the Home Builders Association on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

17th ANNUAL HERB & GARDEN FEST

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March 27

PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CHANGED TO ONE DAY ONLY!  ORIGINALLY POSTED FOR MARCH 27 & 28!

Huge event displaying the finest plants and herbs for gardening, landscape design, garden art and more, along with good food, fun lectures, and music.

12th ANNUAL ART IN THE PASS

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April 10-11

Art in the Pass is a two-day outdoor fine arts festival that celebrates and promotes fine arts in the community! Artists display and sell their work to the public, children activities, food, a silent auction and live entertainment! Proceeds from the festival benefit the Dot Hector Memorial Art Scholarship and other art related programs!

18th ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI COAST COLISEUM CRAWFISH FESTIVAL

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ROCKIN’ THE GLOBE - "SOJOURN ON THE SERENGETI"

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April 17

A FUNdraising themed culinary experience - this year honoring Africa.  The event features cuisine & drinks from over 150 restaurants, fabulous live & silent auctions, dancing, & live music. The evening ends with fireworks! An event NOT to be MISSED! All proceeds benefit St. Stanislaus College! **Awarded Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 2010 Spring Event!

MISSISSIPPI GULF RESORT CLASSIC CHAMPIONS TOUR

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April 28-May 2

The Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic Champion Golf Tour features some of the top golfers on the Champions Tour! Look for top golfers like Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw, Hale Irwin, Tom Kite, Loren Roberts, Fuzzy Zoeller, Jay Haas, Fred Funk, Hal Sutton, Greg Norman, Lee Trevino, Jack Nicklaus, & Gary Player! Habitat for Humanity is the Classic's charity beneficiary.

11th ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST KITE FESTIVAL

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May 1

Children’s games, kite making, entertainment, sand castle making and food! Family fun for everyone! Come out and bring your kite! Awarded one of the Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 2008 Spring Events!

9th ANNUAL OCEAN SPRINGS RENAISSANCE FAIRE

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5th ANNUAL BLUFF CREEK BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

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May 6-8 

A three day event with 12 bands performing throughout the event and door prizes daily!   Bluegrass music at its very best! Join in all the fun at this music festival! Proceeds benefit scholarships and donations to charitable organizations!   Craft & Food vendors contact (228) 826-1179!

GULF ISLAND WATERPARK OPENS!

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May 8

Waterpark featuring the Horn Island Blaster, Lil' Pelican's Bay, Waveland Wavepool, Lazy Pearl River!  Free Parking, Free Tubes and More - OPENS FOR THE SEASON!

6th ANNUAL SMOKIN' THE SOUND & 2nd ANNUAL SMOKIN THE LAKE!

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May 14-23

PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE!  ORIGINALLY POSTED FOR APRIL!

Smokin' The Sound & Smokin the Lake are excellent events featuring spectacular parties, great local entertainment, and the biggest, loudest, and fastest race boats converging on the Mississippi Sound and Gulfport Lake! Smokin' the Lake starts the weeklong event with over 60 boats racing in 7 categories. Smokin' The Sound is the first race of the year for the Offshore Super Series Powerboat Racing Association and follows the next weekend offering over 30 colorful race boats racing @ speeds of 150 mph in 13 categories, as well as an awesome air show of helicopters hovering as close as 25 feet from the boats!

No binoculars needed! You can see all of the excitement up-close by going to any of the premium or VIP viewing areas. Premium viewing areas have an awesome panoramic view of the Mississippi Sound 8-mile racecourse and Gulfport Lake along with restrooms, official merchandise vendors, varying entertainment, food and beverage offerings.  So hold on to your seat and watch all the excitement up-close as the Mississippi Gulf Coast "smokes all week long!" Don't miss the weeklong event!**Awarded Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 2010 Spring Event!

Visit our website for additional details: www.smokinthesound.com
Smokin' The Lake May 14-16
Smokin' The Sound May 20-23
Mark Your Calendars!

15th ANNUAL BILLY CREEL MEMORIAL GULF COAST WOODEN BOAT SHOW

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May 15-16

Join us as we applaud historic, antique, classic and contemporary wooden boats at the largest gathering of watercraft on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Wooden Boat Show features exhibits, demonstrations, music, children's activities, good food, contests, prizes & much more! **Awarded "2003 Southern Travel Treasure" by AAA's magazine, AAA Southern Traveler!

3rd ANNUAL "BAY BRIDGEFEST"

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May 15

Open air festival featuring live music, food, vendors, and more!

9TH ANNUAL ST. ANN'S CATFISH FESTIVAL

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May 27-30

This festival is FUN for the entire family - games, silent auction, live auction, prize bingo (during the day Saturday & Sunday), carnival rides, and of course - FABULOUS FOOD....ESPECIALLY CATFISH, and more! LIve entertainment performs throughout the festival! This festival is NOT to be missed - one of the best on the Gulf Coast!

28th ANNUAL GULFPORT MEMORIAL DAY BLOWOUT

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10th ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE UNDER THE OAKS

May 29

A beautiful and moving ceremony to honor our fallen comrades, as well as those who continue to protect us! Traditional patriotic music with the ceremony concluding with a spectacular fly-over!  Donations welcomed – Proceeds go towards feeding the Military participating in the event! Please Mail Donations to: VFW Post 2880, PO Box 6192, Diamondhead, MS 39525 – Attn: Donation. Please join us as we honor our military!

"SAINTS & SHRIMP" SOUTHERN STYLE!

"Saints & Shrimp" Southern Style is a weekend featuring two long time traditional festivals and a boat parade! St. Paul's Seafood Festival offers visitors freshly cooked food, mainly GREAT Seafood, but oriental, hamburgers, BBQ, hot dogs and more are available. Live music, carnival rides, and arts, & crafts round off the event, making this a family friendly event. Blessing of the Fleet/Fais Do Do offers visitors an arts & crafts fair along with a boat parade where lavishly decorated boats parade for the opening of the shrimping season.

In 1977, St. Paul's Seafood Festival began as a charity fundraising event. Now the fundraiser festival is an annual tradition drawing thousands of visitors yearly. The Blessing of the Fleet/Fais Do-Do is a much-loved Biloxi tradition featuring continuous live entertainment, hundreds of craft vendors, local artisans, and the best seafood in the entire world! The celebration continues Sunday with the ceremonial wreath dropping, with shrimp boats and recreational boats decorated and parading in front of the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor to receive blessings for a safe and bountiful season! Join in the FUN as music blares from boat radios, boats parade by and wave to spectators with the attitude - Eat, Drink, and Be Merry! **Awarded Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Spring Event 2010!

Specific Dates: St. Paul's Seafood Festival June 3-6, 2010; Fais Do Do June 5, 2010 & Blessing of the Fleet June 6, 2010

24th ANNUAL COAST COLISEUM SUMMER FAIR

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June 3-13

Eleven-day festival with spectacular midway rides, delicious food, challenging games, free shows, live music, contests, unique vendors, petting zoo, and more!**Awarded Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Top 20 Spring Event 2008 & 2009!

35th ANNUAL ST. PAUL’S SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

June 3-6

The St. Paul's Seafood Festival is a tradition that has become an annual affair for many. Good food and music draw crowds to the festival year after year. This event is fun for the whole family! The event features arts and crafts, games, children's rides, games, silent auction, rides and of course....FABULOUS FOOD....ESPECIALLY SEAFOOD, local talent performs throughout the festival and much more! Food booths available on Friday & Saturday only! FOR VENDOR PARTICIPATION - CONTACT (228) 871-5597! **Award Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Spring Event 2010!

10th ANNUAL MARGARITAFEST

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June 4 

Kick off the summer with MargaritaFest, a luau-themed party where the Gulf Coast comes together for an evening of music, food, fun... and margaritas! Event features a table-decorating contest, the “Big Kahuna” prize drawing, live music, plenty of margaritas and food! Held rain or shine, the event grows more popular each year with over 2,000 in attendance! Hosted by the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce! Proceeds go toward small business and education grants in Gulfport!

Tickets available @ www.mscoastchamber.com, the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce located @ 11975E Seaway Road, Gulfport!

5th ANNUAL RED, WHITE & BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL

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June 5

Blueberry season is in high gear and the town of Ocean Springs sets out to stain the streets of Downtown Ocean Springs—and the teeth of festivalgoer’s alike—blue, during the town’s Red, White and Blueberry Festival! The event offers an assortment of antiques, crafts, fresh produce, plenty of blueberry products, open houses for downtown businesses and much more!

81st ANNUAL GREAT BILOXI SCHOONER RACE

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14th ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST BILLFISH CLASSIC

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June 9-13

Hundred's of anglers converge on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for this premier sporting invitational!  Vessels ply the billfish-rich waters of the coast to compete for over $1,000,000 in cash & prizes!  The tournament culminates with a spectacular awards ceremony.

8th ANNUAL SCRAPIN THE COAST

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June 24-27 

Scrapin The Coast offers it all…Bikini contest, stereo competition, hydraulic contest, hot food, vendors, live music, car & truck show, burnout contest and more! Come enjoy FUN in the SUN!

3rd ANNUAL CROAKER CLASSIC

June 26-27  

Wanted DEAD or ALIVE the biggest crocker! Join in on this FUN fishing tournament featuring prize money, bikini contests, food, live music & more!
 

3rd ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST BIKE FEST

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June 30 - July 5

Join in the fun - a motorcycle festival for all bike enthusiasts! All brands of motorcycles welcome, whether it is a Harley Davidson, Yamaha, Suzuki, Triumph or any other type of bike - all enthusiasts are welcome regardless if they ride a bike or not!  The event hub will be located on Highway 90, between the Alabama & Louisiana state lines!  Each city will host a designated area for vendors, entertainment and more!  Live entertainment throughout the week, charity motorcycle runs and more!  Over 25,000 motorcycles converge on the coast!  Check back for complete details!

62nd ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI DEEP SEA FISHING RODEO

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July 1-4

The Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is billed as the largest family friendly fishing rodeo in the world! This successful yearly event includes fun for the entire family. A very family-friendly event, the rodeo features fireworks, fishing, fellowship, and fun! Considered one of the region's largest fishing rodeos, contestants fish the Gulf waters for days, competing for cash and prizes in 30 categories of both saltwater and freshwater fish. In previous years, records for tuna, shark and flounder have been broken at the Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. The fishing rodeo attracts an average of 50,000 people every year, and even made the cover of Sports Illustrated! **Award Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Top 20 Event 2008 & 2010!

27th ANNUAL OUR LADY OF THE GULF “CRAB FESTIVAL”

July 2-4

Crab Fest is one of the biggest outdoor events on the Coast! Loads of arts and crafts booths, great jewelry deals, amazing candles, great clothes and then of course food! This festival features rides and other attractions, as well as cotton candy, live music, and plenty of seafood!

2nd ANNUAL THUNDER ON THE LAKE

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July 23-25 (tentative)

Professional Jet Ski racers from the South East United States descend onto Gulfport Lake to compete in this American Power Boat Association (APBA) sanctioned race! Racers compete in 30 different Jet Ski racing classes including a freestyle event featuring stunts and tricks! Don’t miss this exciting event!

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW LIVE!

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July 24

Antiques appraisers appraise antiques brought in by local residents!

**Applicants will be selected at random to receive tickets. Your chances of being selected will depend on the number of eligible applicants for the show and are not affected by how early or late you apply within the application period. Online ticket application ends at 11:59PM ET, Monday, April 19, 2010!

3rd ANNUAL LONG BEACH ANNIVERSARY FEST!

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August 7 (tentative)

Come celebrate Long Beach’s 105th Birthday with a family, friendly festival! Arts & crafts, cruise-in, charity biker run, food, entertainment, fun, games, competitions and a very special salute to the military! The event is an adventure for the kids as well as the whole family! Come One, Come All, and Come Celebrate “The Pride Of Long Beach!”

2nd ANNUAL GULF COAST LATIN FESTIVAL

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September 4 (tentative)

Bring the family and take a trip around the world! Enjoy the Latin cultural, food, arts & crafts, music, dance, kid’s corner, live bands, salsa dance competition, DJ Crazy Ivan, and the 1st Annual Miss Latina Pageant - as well as much more!

7th ANNUAL SHED BBQ SHEDHEAD BLUES FESTIVAL

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September 4 (tentative)

The festival features live entertainment, fabulous food and FUN! Exceptional lineup of Blues celebrities perform live! Multi Grammy Award Winner Buddy Guy, Zora Young, Mayburn "Teenie" Hodges, Caleb Emphry and many more - performing live!  Don't miss this exciting event!

19th ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST BLUES & HERITAGE FESTIVAL

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September 11 (tentative)

Blues fans flock to this fun filled, rain or shine, festival featuring top-quality music by nationally known Bluesmen! Blues & soul entertainers perform inside and outside with music from all genres, along with great food, arts & crafts and more!  Awarded Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event 2004 & 2005!

29th ANNUAL BILOXI SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

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September 11-12

Biloxi Seafood Festival is a celebration of family, community, and seafood heritage in the City of Biloxi. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of seafood dishes, arts & crafts, Kids Village, children's activities, inflatable slide, bungee obstacle, face painting, games, Gumbo Championship, and continuous live entertainment throughout the weekend. The fair attracts an average of 25,000 people yearly during its two-day run. Sponsored by the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce! **Awarded Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Top 20 Event 2008 & 2010!

8th ANNUAL CAJUN, COUNTRY, SWAMP POP MUSIC FESTIVAL

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October 1-2 

“Ya’ll, Come-on-down” and enjoy all the FUN! This weekend festival is one of the Gulf Coast’s finest - jammed packed with live entertainment, featuring Cajun, Country & Swamp Pop music! Swamp pop is a mix of Cajun, Creole, rhythm & blues, rockabilly, hillbilly, and rock-and-roll styles! You can also enjoy over 100 old cars, tons of vendors, fun, & food! This event is NOT TO BE MISSED!

**Awarded Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 2008 Fall Event & 2008 Southeast Tourism Society - Shining Example Award Event with Attendance Under 100,000 Winner!

SMOKIN' THE LAKE DRAG BOAT CHAMPIONSHIP

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October 1-3 (tentative) 

Newest addition to an already popular event "Crusin the Coast!' comes "Smokin the Lake Drag Boat Championship!"   Not only will there be thousands of cars cruising the coast…now visitors can enjoy watching The Deep South Racing Association competition race boats compete at speeds from 100-140 mph in their final race of the year!  Check back for complete details coming soon!

17th ANNUAL GEORGE OHR FALL FESTIVAL OF ARTS

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October 2-3 (tentative) 

Two Fun-filled days of Art, Entertainment, Food, Games, Contests and more! Enjoy art activities for the children, over 65 art vendors, a great selection of food vendors, and music from some of the Coast’s best groups!

14th ANNUAL CRUISIN' THE COAST

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October 3-10

"Calling ALL car enthusiasts...Cruisin' the Coast is the event for YOU!" Thousands of classic cars converge on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for an entire week of rock 'n' roll, drag races, sock hops, swap meets, headline entertainment, and FUN...all along the Gulf Coast! Car enthusiasts parade their antique, classic, hot rods & custom vehicles up & down Highway 90 with entertainment provided at designated stops in Biloxi, D'Iberville, Gulfport, Long Beach, Bay St. Louis, Ocean Springs & Pascagoula. Since its inception in 1996, Cruisin' the Coast has grown from 374 cars to over 4,000 annually!

• 1999 - **Awarded Southeast Tourism Society (STS) "Shining Example Award!"
• 2000 - **Awarded Mississippi's "Governor's Excellence in Tourism Award - Event of the Year!"
• 2001 - **Awarded "Southern Travel Treasure" by AAA's magazine, AAA Southern Traveler!
• 2001 - **Awarded American Bus Association (ABA) Top 100 Event!
• 2003 - **Awarded Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 Fall Event!
• 2005 - **Awarded Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 Fall Event!

2nd ANNUAL IP OKTOBERFEST FEATURING MO-JOE

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October 9-10 (tentative)

P Oktoberfest is about sampling quality beer from around the world and a variety of German foods all in the spirit of Mardi Gras.  Come and enjoy fine foods, beers, music, and friendly competition throughout the region.  A professional panel of judges will award gold, silver, and bronze medals as symbols of brewing of excellence.  Tickets are limited - Get your Mo-Joe on early!  Call for tickets or order on line!  Sponsored by Demp Group, IP Casino Resort Spa & F.E.B. Distributing!

4th ANNUAL MID-AUTUMN MOON FESTIVAL

October 10 (tentative)

A festival celebrating a tradition dating back thousands of years in many Asian countries honoring a good harvest, youth, families, and community! The celebration here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast includes a children’s lantern parade, live music, cultural dances, fashion shows, children’s games, arts & crafts, food & more! Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate an Asian celebration – Coastal Style!

20th ANNUAL GAUTIER MULLET & MUSIC FEST

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October 16-17 (tentative)

Great shopping for unique hand crafted items and delicious Gulf Coast food! Learn about the Gulf Coast in the "hands on" Heritage & Education Area, and kids will have a blast in the FREE Kids area! Enter the famous Mullet Toss Contest - you've definitely gotta see how far you can throw a mullet! There's a Car & Motorcycle Show on Saturday. Bring your folding chairs & your dancing shoes - there's 2 entertainment Stages to keep your toes tapping - Fun for All Ages!

24th ANNUAL FALL MUSTER

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October 16-17

Experience the sights, sounds, and even the smells of the 1861-1865 conflict! There will be cavalry, Infantry and cannon demonstrations, and a battle on each day! All branches of service, North and South, civilians, drummer boys and spectators welcomed! Festivities include a Picnic Basket Auction, Ladies Tea & a Saturday Night Dance with Entertainment! Proceeds will benefit the reconstruction of Beauvoir! Sponsored by Sam Davis #596 Mississippi Division SCV!

3rd ANNUAL “PUTTIN’ ON THE ROUX!”

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October 16 

Come out & enjoy a family, fun event with taste tasting opportunities for the BEST GUMBO! If you like, love or even think you may like gumbo…then you will not want to miss this event – the gumbo participants make their gumbo before your eyes! A portion of the proceeds go to Back Bay Mission! Come out, have a great time, and help a terrific organization! Vendor Booths & Sponsorships Available! Spaces available for interested participants –call for details!

89th ANNUAL JACKSON COUNTY FAIR

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October 17-24 (tentative)

Thrill rides, livestock shows, arts/crafts displays, food booths, exhibits, live music, “Old Settlers Day” and much more! Join us for this “Blue Ribbon” affair and “A Fall Tradition!”  This event is huge...and a MUST!

32nd ANNUAL PETER ANDERSON ARTS, CRAFTS & FOOD FESTIVAL

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November 6-7

At this festival - Named in honor of the late artist, Peter Anderson, you will find the works of over 300 regional artists! From oil painting & watercolors, raku pottery, to metal works – all types of exceptional arts & crafts by some of the South's most finest artisans await you during this two day festival! Also enjoy live music, coastal and ethnic foods and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art!  **Awarded Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 Fall Event 2008 & 2009!

20th ANNUAL MAGNOLIA STATE GEM, MINERAL, AND JEWELRY SHOW

November 12-14

This annual show features a number of interesting and educational exhibits! Meteorite displays, fossilized exhibits, a Smithsonian Exhibit and Mississippi’s ONLY GEM Stone!" Join the many artisans from around the United States, that demonstrate their particular skills and techniques in lapidary arts and crafts and purchase that one-of-a-kind item as well! Attendance over 4,000 - You got to see this show!  Sponsored by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Gem & Mineral Society!

25th ANNUAL SCOTTISH GAMES & CELTIC FESTIVAL

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November 13-14

Live music, Irish dance workshops, children’s games, parade, Scottish vendors, food, Medieval village and a piping competition! There will also be an open stage for those attending that want to exercise their pipes (both bag and throat) or just pick off a few notes with other like minded Celts!  Awarded one of the Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 2008 Fall Events!

27th ANNUAL RON MEYERS CHRISTMAS CITY GIFT SHOW

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November 13-14

The event is the largest show of its kind in the Southeast, and continuing to grow bigger & better since its beginning in 1981. There are over 150 vendors featuring arts & crafts from all over the country waiting for you to pick up that one-of-a-kind holiday gift. Thousands of visitors plan their vacation time around this annual event! In addition, look for a special appearance by "Jingles" the Christmas elf... don't forget to bring your camera! Considered the BEST gift show in the South!

25th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN THE PASS

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December 3

Start the holiday off right with fun – Pass Christian style! Enjoy the lighting of the Christmas tree, a holiday parade, vendors, & shops featuring ONLY businesses and artisans from Pass Christian, along with a special visit from Santa!  **Awarded Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Top 20 Fall 2009 Event!

4th SHAGGY’S CHRISTMAS IN THE PASS BOAT PARADE

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December 3 (tentative)

Watch the lighted boat parade with festivities! Food & drink specials at Shaggy’s restaurant and prize money awarded for the best-decorated boats!

BILOXI LIGHTING OF TOWN GREEN!

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December 3 (tentative)

Join in as Biloxi “lights” up the town…town green…that is! Visits & pictures with Santa, decorating of a large Christmas tree (everyone is asked to bring an ornament so they can participate in the decorating) and hot chocolate and cookies served!  A holiday celebration for the whole family!  Hosted by the City of Biloxi Parks & Recreation Department!

CHRISTMAS @ BEAUVOIR!

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December 3-5 (tentative)

Tour the exquisite Victorian decorated home of the last home of Jefferson Davis, view a miniature Victorian Christmas Village, Santa Claus makes a special appearance, and marvel @ the Christmas decorated grounds! Come join the festivities, enjoy a unique nighttime tour, and step back in history to Christmas Past where things were much simpler and the celebration of the holidays much more special! Come enjoy Christmas @ Beauvoir!

12th ANNUAL GAUTIER ROTARY CLUB CHRISTMAS PARADE

December 4 (tentative)

Holiday parade with candy, stuffed animals and beads thrown to on lookers! Bring your Christmas smile and enjoy this family event! Parade route starts at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jackson County Campus on Highway 90, goes around Singing River Mall, and ends back at the college!

12th ANNUAL MOSS POINT CHRISTMAS BY THE RIVER

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December 4

Come celebrate the season by gathering downtown and enjoying everything that makes our Christmas special! We welcome you to join us for Christmas by the River! Our annual festival kicks off the holiday season and includes a nighttime boat parade and a grand fireworks show! Every year boaters from around the area decorate their vessels with lights and holiday memorabilia and parade up the river and along the boardwalk throwing goodies to the children. The last boat of the parade is reserved for a special visitor from the North Pole and the night is ended with an awe-inspiring firework display!

Other attractions include face painting, a vintage car show, a visit with Santa, and holiday entertainment. And ’tis the season for shopping… so visit the many exhibitors who offer holiday foods and unique keepsakes and shop among the downtown stores who stay open late during the event.

25th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS ON WATER PARADE

December 4

Join in on a community-wide celebration that offers something for all ages and all interests! Boats parade in full holiday décor with a fireworks show after the parade! Best parade viewing locations: between the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor and Casino Row, or between the Biloxi Lighthouse and Beau Rivage Resort & Casino!

6th ANNUAL BILOXI CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY

December 4  

Over 100 of the region's favorite artisans and antique dealers will be there with beautiful merchandise for all gift giving needs. Be sure and check out some of the delicious specialty foods. There will be great entertainment, pictures with Santa and special Biloxi treats! Main Street Biloxi will also have their Collectable Christmas ornaments available for sale and much more!

D'IBERVILLE/ST. MARTIN CHRISTMAS PARADE

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December 5 (tentative) 

Christmas parade with floats and goodies to kick off the holiday season! Parade begins in the St. Martin Community Center, Lemoyne Boulevard, and disbands at the parking lot on Central Avenue in D’Iberville!

GULF COAST SYMPHONY'S KALEIDOSCOPE OF HOMES

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December 5 (tentative) 

Bring the family, see fabulous holiday displays, and tour lavishly decorated homes! Hot chocolate, cookies, & live entertainment provided! Proceeds benefit The Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra!   Check back for upcoming details!

9th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS ON THE BAYOU

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December 11  

Lighted boat parade down Bayou Bernard! The Parade begins in Gulfport Lake, down Bayou Bernard to the conclusion at the mouth of the Bayou at Big Lake. Bleacher seating available for public viewing at Gulfport Lake, and at the foot of the Cowan Lorrain Bridge!  Awarded one of the Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 2008 Fall Events!

49th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES

December 12 (tentative) 

Come view beautifully decorated houses for the holidays! Fundraiser - proceeds go back into the community to provide services for adults & children with special needs! Refreshments served following the tour! Hosted by The Civic League of Gulfport! Check back for complete details!

ANNUAL BAY ST. LOUIS HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES!

December 12 (tentative)

Start the holidays off right with an inside holiday tour of homes! Tour eight fabulously decorated homes throughout Mississippi’s West Coast - Bay Saint Louis! Bring the family, see fabulous holiday displays, and tour beautifully decorated houses! Call for house locations!

THE NINA & PINTA - LIVE!

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 December 21-January 3

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to see near perfect examples of the type of sailing ships used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world - The Niña and Pinta!  Step aboard this ‘sailing museum' and enter that age, to perhaps get a feeling for Columbus himself, that enigmatic and flawed human being, who, admire or despise him, is one of perhaps only three individuals in all of our long past who, by themselves, for good or ill, personally altered the course of Western history!

The Niña is a replica of the ship on which Columbus sailed across the Atlantic on his three voyages of discovery to the new world beginning in 1492.  Columbus sailed the tiny ship over 25,000 miles.  That ship was last heard of in 1501, but the new Niña has a different mission. 

The Pinta is the second Columbus replica ship, recently built in Brazil to accompany the Nina on all of her travels.  She is a larger version of the archetypal caravel, offers larger deck space for walk-aboard tours, and has a 40 ft air-conditioned main cabin down below with seating.  To stand on the decks of these grand "ladies" is truly an event you will not want to miss!

"CARNIVAL ON THE COAST" MARDI GRAS - MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST STYLE!

"Carnival on the Coast" is an exciting season for the young to the old, locals, & visitors! Elaborately decorated floats throw "treasures" (trinkets like beads, stuffed animals, logoed cups, doubloons, food items called "Moon Pies" and more) to eager bystanders! "Throw Me Something Mister" is a familiar phrase yelled out by on lookers to the carnival "Krewes" on the floats as they pass by hoping to "scoop" up some of these exciting items! On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, there are 23 parades, with Harrison County holding 14 of the Mardi Gras celebrations - the MOST on the Gulf Coast; Jackson County hosts 4 parades & Hancock County 5 parades. The Mardi Gras Season attracts over 450,000 people every year and continues to grow in popularity. Harrison County parades held in Pass Christian, Long Beach, Gulfport, & Biloxi - Mississippi.

The addition of two NEW parades in 2009 makes "Carnival on the Coast" special! In 1908, the Gulf Coast Carnival Association was the first Krewe to parade on the Mississippi Gulf Coast with 17 floats.  Today there are 23 parades, a long way from one parade with 17 floats, with each parade having 20 or more floats! In 2005, Hurricane Katrina slowed the celebration, but did not stop the carnival season. The party continued even under adverse conditions with each city holding smaller versions of their parades. Within the past 3 ½ years, the coast continues "Carnival on the Coast" with the party getting bigger & better every year!  **Awarded Southeast Tourism Top 20 Winter Event 2010!

Upcoming Mardi Gras Dates:

• 2011 - March 8
• 2012 - February 21
• 2013 - February 12
• 2014 - March 4
• 2015 - February 17
• 2016 - February 9
• 2017 - February 28
• 2018 - February 13
• 2019 - March 5
• 2020 - February 25
• 2021 - February 16

Mardi Gras Trivia: The March 9th and February 3rd dates are extra special, because those dates only occur once in a lifetime, each occurring roughly once every 100-150 years. The next date of March 9 is the year 2038. The closest many of us will see the Holiday to that date, in our lifetime, was 2000, and will hopefully again in 2011, when Mardi Gras will occur on March 8th. On the other end of the spectrum, Very few of us will see the next February 3 date, which is 2285! February 5th was the earliest this century, which occurred in 2008, the next one that early will be in 2160!

36th ANNUAL OCEAN SPRINGS – ELKS MARDI GRAS PARADE

February 19, 2011 (tentative)  

Traditionally Mississippi’s first parade of the season! Parade rolls through downtown Ocean Springs. Parade begins on East Beach by the site of the former Ocean Springs Yacht Club, continues through downtown Ocean Springs, and finishes at the Ocean Springs High School.

7th ANNUAL LIZANA MARDI GRAS PARADE

February 19, 2011 (tentative) 

Join us for the “funniest” parade in town – started with just 15 floats and now offers over 30 floats full of fun, goodies, & throws! This parade is a family oriented parade! Route: Parade begins @ Lizana Elementary School at 15341 Lizana School Road, continues to Cable Bridge Road, North to Moran Road and finishs back at the school!

14th ANNUAL TIMBER RIDGE WOMAN’S MARDI GRAS PARADE

February 26 (tentative)

Decorated golf carts, bicycles, ATV’s & people…parade throughout the streets of Timber Ridge subdivision!

21st ANNUAL MYSTIC KREWE OF PINE ISLAND MARDI GRAS PARADE

February 26 (tentative)

Family friendly parade with lots of throws and family FUN!  Join in on the FUN...and catch lots of "goodies!"  Parade line up begins @ Johns' Bayou Road @ 12 Noon beginning with a tail gating party! 

22nd ANNUAL GAUTIER MENS CLUB MARDI GRAS PARADE

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February 26 (tentative)

Family Fun For ALL! This night parade is one of the best…come see for yourself!  Parade begins @ MS Gulf Coast Community College - Jackson County Campus on Highway 90 proceeds to Singing River Mall then ending back at college!

2nd ANNUAL PASS PAWS PARADE - MARDI GRAS STYLE!

February 26 (tentative)

Bring "Fido & friends" for a FUN day! Pets parade in decorated outfits & more! Sponsored by the St. Paul Carnival Association!   For more details contact parade organizer Evelina Shmukler @ (228) 363-1973 or email @ evelina@mindspring.com

ORANGE GROVE CARNIVAL ASSOCIATION MARDI GRAS PARADE

February 26 (tentative)

Parade begins at Harrison Central 9^th Grade, precedes North to Dedeaux Road, then West to Highway 49 to Ashley Drive! The Orange Grove Krewe of Kids follows the parade - watch children with decorated wagons and more throw goodies to all!

SECOND LINERS MARDI GRAS CLUB PARADE

February 26 

Come enjoy the family fun atmosphere! The parade route starts at Nichols Elementary School and ends at DC Bush Park where the club sponsors a Mardi Gras Block Party with food & fun!

44th ANNUAL KREWE OF NEREIDS MARDI GRAS PARADE

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February 27  

The parade route begins at the intersection of Highway 603 and Highway 90!  Rolls east in the west bound lane of Highway 90 to the city limits of Bay St. Louis - then makes u-turn heading west in the east bound lane - ending at Waveland Avenue!  GREAT FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY!

LONG BEACH CARNIVAL ASSOCIATION MARDI GRAS PARADE

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February 27 (tentative)

Begins @ Long Beach High School on Cleveland Avenue to Railroad Street to 3rd Street then Cleveland returning to Long Beach High School! Great family FUN!

3rd ANNUAL MO-JOE FESTIVAL!

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March 3-6 (tentative)

Get your Mo-Joe On...!  Come enjoy a family friendly festival with games, rides, music, crawfish, food & much more!  Get your Mo-Joe on and join in the fun!

3rd ANNUAL OCEAN SPRINGS CARNIVAL ASSN MARDI GRAS NIGHT PARADE!

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March 4 (tentative)

Parade begins @ the intersection of Ward Avenue & Government Street, rolls east on Government Street to Magnolia Street, South to Porter Avenue, West to Washington Avenue, North to Government & back to Ward Avenue! Hosted by the Ocean Springs Carnival Association!

41st ANNUAL KREWE OF GEMINI MARDI GRAS DAY PARADE

March 5 

Parade route through downtown Gulfport! Parade starts at 19^th Street and goes towards Highway 49, continues pass Hancock Bank & throughout downtown Gulfport!

4th ANNUAL MO-JOE MARDI GRAS BED RACE!

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March 5 (tentative)

Watch or participate in the MOST exciting event on the Mississippi Gulf Coast – the Mardi Gras BED RACE - A Demp Group Event! Entrants decorate a “bed” complete with headboard, footboard, mattress, blanket, & pillow with outlandish silly themes! The beds have wheels and propelled by human power only! Music, crawfish, children’s activities and more follow the race! A portion of the proceeds benefit The Salvation Army! This event is NOT TO BE MISSED!  **Awarded "2009 & 2010 Southern Travel Treasure" by AAA's magazine, AAA Southern Traveler!

JACKSON COUNTY CARNIVAL ASSOCIATION MARDI GRAS PARADE

March 5 (tentative)

Family Fun for everyone! Parade begins at Pascagoula & Ingall Avenue to Market Street, continues north to Jackson Avenue then south returning to start! Lots of throws and family oriented parade!

KREWE OF DIAMONDHEAD MARDI GRAS PARADE

March 5 (tentative) 

Approximately 30 units with mostly elaborately decorated golf carts unload beads, stuffed animals, candy and other Carnival treats to scores of outstretched hands! Parade begins at the Community Center and winds its way towards the Country Club!

KREWE OF LEGACY MARDI GRAS PARADE!

March 5 (tentative)

Newest Mardi Gras carnival parade on the Mississippi Gulf Coast! Floats, horse & buggies, golf carts, antique cars & more parade throughout a 5-mile circular route North of Interstate 10! The parade starts & ends @ Neco’s Market Place @ the intersection of Vidalia & Cable Bridge Road (Exit 24) – Exit North on Firetower Road to Vidalia Road, then east on Vidalia Road to Cable Bridge Road!

5th ANNUAL D’IBERVILLE BBQ THROWDOWN & FESTIVAL

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March 6, 2011 (tentative) 

Annual BBQ chicken, ribs & brisket cook-off with teams competing for over $5000 in cash & prizes! The event continues to grow yearly with the addition of a YOUTH BBQ cook-off...bring the kids...they can win cash & prizes as well! Live entertainment all day, arts & crafts, face painting, children's activities & games, clowns, greased pig chase & of course...Barbeque! Entry fee to compete in BBQ competition and vendor space available! Join us for this family fun event! Sponsored by the City of D'Iberville & the Parks & Recreation Board! 

NORTH BAY AREA MARDI GRAS ASSOCIATION PARADE

March 6 (tentative)

This parade begins at St. Martin Community Center rolls down Lemoyne Blvd to Central Avenue to Rodriguez Street to Automall Parkway and back up to Central Avenue!

PASS CHRISTIAN MARDI GRAS PARADE - ST. PAUL’S CARNIVAL ASSOCIATION

March 6

Parade starts at the corner of Davis Avenue and Second Street, proceeds to Scenic Drive turns west to Henderson Avenue, North to St. Louis, east to Church Street, south to Second Street, east on Second to Davis Avenue!  Some consider this parade to be the "best" of Mardi Gras!

4th ANNUAL KREWE OF DIAMONDS MARDI GRAS PARADE

March 8 

The Krewe of Diamonds parades through downtown Bay St. Louis. It's the Gulf Coast only predominantly African-American Krewe and this parade is one of the Bay’s BEST- attended by locals & visitors alike! This parade originally was the Krewe of Real People! Parade route is down Main Street, turns on to 2^nd Street on to Union Street continuing to Blaize Avenue in front of the Historic Depot!

GULF COAST CARNIVAL ASSOCIATION MARDI GRAS PARADE

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March 8

Gulf Coast Carnival Association traces its roots back to 1908 and Biloxi's first Mardi Gras parade, which included 17 floats, 150 flambeau carriers, the new 12-piece Herald Newspaper Band, a grand marshal, the mayor and the councilmen. The monarchs were the first King D’Iberville and Queen Ixolib.  Eight years later, The Biloxi Carnival and Literary Association was incorporated. Its purpose: "to promote the study of literature and particularly Greek mythology; to give an annual carnival and street pageant in the City of Biloxi, Mississippi, by artistic floats representing Greek mythology and historic events."

In 1929, the Biloxi celebration expanded to include other Coast cities, and around 1949 the Biloxi Carnival and Literary Association became the Gulf Coast Carnival Association. Biloxi's Mardi Gras has been celebrated every year except for war and Depression years.Today the Carnival Association continues the tradition begun over 100 years ago, with King D’Iberville and Queen Ixolib reigning over the parade in Biloxi on Fat Tuesday!

KREWE OF GEMINI MARDI GRAS NIGHT PARADE

March 8 (tentative) 

See all of the wonderful sights of Mardi Gras during this unique night parade - complete with colorful costumes, floats, and other interesting Mardi Gras themed items!  Over 60 floats participate - meaning Fun for the whole family!

KREWE OF NEPTUNE MARDI GRAS PARADE

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March 8

Founded in 1981 and patterned after the old-line New Orleans Mardi Gras Krewes, The Krewe of Neptune charter membership consisted of 150 members. With the Krewe selecting the Gulf Coast as its home, it was only befitting to select a name that related to the water, Neptune the roman God of the Sea. Neptune's first parade held on Mardi Gras Day in 1983 on the streets of downtown Biloxi. This parade is unique in the fact that all floats come from Louis Massett & Associates, of New Orleans, and transported to Biloxi. The Krewe of Neptune parade follows immediately after the Gulf Coast Carnival Parade!

KEESLER AIR SHOW “THUNDER ON THE BAY!”

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March 19-20, 2011

Air show with all the sights & sounds of vintage & modern fighter jets performing amazing aerial acrobatics overhead, static displays that let visitors go into the cockpits of planes, military demonstrations, and more! An event NOT TO BE MISSED! Check website for complete schedule!