Biloxi Annual Events

Biloxi is all about the fun. Whether it's the many cultural and family attractions or the entertainment of the numerous casinos dotting the coastline, there's always something fun to do in Biloxi. Several annual events held in Biloxi and the surrounding area contribute to the appeal the city has in the South. While many of the cities along the Coast hold their own annual festivals each year, these five events bring the locals out in droves to enjoy what Biloxi has to offer.

Mardi Gras, held every February or March depending on when Fat Tuesday falls on the calendar, is a mainstay in Biloxi. While New Orleans and Mobile are notorious for their events during the Carnival season, locals say there's nothing like Biloxi! Biloxians often get decked out for the various Krewe balls and come out in full force to celebrate Mardi Gras in the streets of Biloxi in their day and night parades. Neighboring Pass Christian is always on the radar of locals, as the "Pass Parade" is consistently one of the best of the season.

Generally held in April, the Mississippi Coast Coliseum Crawfish Festival is a great way to kick off spring with great food, great music and fun for the whole family. The festival has hosted such national acts as Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton and Rodney Atkins. Featuring a midway filled with exhilarating rides, games and prizes, one of the main reasons locals attend the festival is for the crawfish! Over 20,000 pounds of "mudbugs" are cooked up over the two-weekend festival.

Every Memorial Day weekend, the Coast draws out its inner biker at the All-Harley Memorial Day Blowout at the Gulfport Dragway. Celebrating its 27th year in 2009, the Harley Blowout is recommended for adults only and features racing, bike shows, contests, live music and a swap meet/flea market. Not only is it an amazing time, but local charities benefit from the Blowout every year. In recent years, the attendees have helped the Boys & Girls Club, Gulf Coast Rescue Mission and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, just to name a few.

For the last 22 years, locals have looked forward to the Mississippi Coast Coliseum Summer Fair every June. It's the local way of celebrating the beginning of summer. The 11-day event is held on the grounds of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, overlooking the beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast. Each year, roughly 45,000 will walk through the gates to enjoy thrilling rides, great food, live music, contests and free shows.

Many people may start to wind down after summer, but things are just gearing up by October when Cruisin' the Coast takes it to the streets! An undeniable dream week for the car enthusiast, Cruisin' the Coast is one huge party that extends across the three Coastal counties. Hot rods, antique and classic cars line the streets and cruise Highway 90, better known as Beach Boulevard, throughout the week, making stops in designated cities for live entertainment, swap meets and other events. They even raffle off a classic car at the end of the event.

Article written by Stacy Ramsey. Ramsey is a freelance writer/editor along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.