Welcome to Keesler AFB and Biloxi, Mississippi! As a service member or military family in a new place, it can be tough to get to know your new community. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in your new home is to experience local community events. You really get the true flavor of your new home during those events. Grab your friends and your family and experience all that the Gulf Coast has to offer!
January & February
Start the year off right with the Annual Biloxi Twelfth Night, an event that celebrates the beginning of Carnival Season. With an awesome neighboring town like Biloxi, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to celebrate Mardi Gras all month long. So make your lists of parades and galas and get to it!
March
March is one of the best times to visit the Gulf Coast – if you have the option. In March First Friday kicks off downtown – and runs through December – with live outdoor entertainment, food, shopping, and even trivia. From the Beauvoirs Gulf Coast BBQ and Music Festival to the University of Southern Mississippi’s Annual Jazz and Blues Festival, there’s something for everything.
Check out Grillin on the Green at the Biloxi Town Green and bring the kids. There is live entertainment, plenty of children’s activities, and a tasty BBQ Cookoff. Round out the month with the 68th Annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Spring Pilgrimage. Tour the gardens, museums, and historic sites around the community and see what it all looked like many years ago.
April & May
As the weather starts warming up, the outdoor activities become more popular. Heading into late spring, you can enjoy the Mississippi Coast Crawfish Music Festival, which takes places in April. As well as the Gulf Coast Wooden and Classic Boat Show and a crowd favorite, the Thunder over the Sound Air Show – Keesler AFB. Catch the world famous U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds when they come to town in early May.
July & September
We’re not going to lie, it’s hot and humid in the summer. Let’s say an average of 90 and humidity ranging from 75% and up. So most people are hiding inside with the air conditioning or at the pool, there are still a few things to experience. If you’re around in July check out the Annual Coastfest Beauvoir Car Shop. And the real treat is September’s Biloxi Seafood Festival. You’re not going to want to miss it.
October
Classic cars all converge in early October for a week-long event. You’ll want to make some time to see the cars visiting for the Annual Cruisin’ the Coast event, complete with live entertainment. If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to make sure to add the Annual Fall Muster to your calendar. Experience life like it was in the 1800s, complete with reenactments.
December
Christmas on the gulf coast is a great time of year. The weather is nice enough for you to stay outside, but it’s still cool enough for sweatshirts. One of the great holiday activities is Christmas on the Water Boat Parade. Make sure you add it to your calendar!
From crawfish to classic cars, the Biloxi/Keesler area is a community with lots to do, see and some wonderful activities. Whether you are a single service member or a family who recently PCSd to the area enjoy your time there and really immerse yourself in the local culture and community!
Written by: Rheanna Bernard
