If you have not tried one of our famous “Taste of” food festivals, you need to. Most of the people who attend the food festivals are locals. This is a great way for a visitor to rub elbows with people who have Mississippi accents and have often lived in the area for much of their lives.
Please click here to read a great and comprehensive article on food festivals. We have included photos below of just a few food or “Taste of” festivals that take place on the Mississippi Gulf Coast during the year. In addition to the typical city-based “Taste of” there are others like the Taste of South Mississippi.
Then there are the BBQ cook-offs and chili cook-offs. Don’t forget the gumbo events as well. The following are just a few.
Gulfport Gumbo Fest
Held annually in January at Gulfport’s Centennial Plaza, this festival features over 40 vendors competing in gumbo cook-offs, including the Stir Da Roux Gumbo Cook-Off and the Mayor’s Cup. Attendees can savor diverse gumbo recipes while enjoying live Zydeco and blues performances. bestfoodanddrinkevents.com
Gulf Coast Beer, Bacon & BBQ Festival
Taking place in March, this festival showcases regional craft breweries, award-winning restaurants, and local chefs. Attendees can enjoy innovative bacon creations, expertly smoked BBQ, and a variety of craft beers. bestfoodanddrinkevents.com
Grillin’ on the Green
Hosted in Biloxi each March, this event combines a BBQ cook-off with live entertainment and arts and crafts vendors, offering a festive atmosphere for all ages.
Biloxi Crawfish Music Festival
Held in April at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, this festival features spicy boiled crawfish accompanied by live country and rock music, along with a carnival offering rides and games. eatplaystayms.com
Biloxi Seafood Festival
Celebrated annually in September, this festival is a seafood lover’s paradise, offering fresh shrimp, crab, oysters, and fish prepared in various delicious ways, along with live music and arts and crafts. eatplaystayms.com
Taste of Ocean Springs Food & Wine Festival
This event, typically held in May at the L&N Depot Plaza in downtown Ocean Springs, features local restaurants providing samples to ticketed guests, complemented by live music. sunherald.com
Taste of Long Beach
Taking place in September, this festival allows attendees to sample dishes from various local restaurants, highlighting the culinary diversity of Long Beach.
Diamondhead BBQ & Brew Festival
Held in November, this festival combines a BBQ competition with craft beer tastings, offering a delightful experience for food and beverage enthusiasts. bestfoodanddrinkevents.com
Family Affairs
All of these events are family affairs. Adult beverages are for sale. Some are held indoors and others outdoors. The outdoor events are better suited for children as there is usually space for them to play. The Taste of Ocean Springs is open to family members but it is best suited for adults (in my opinion).
Gulf Coast Shrimp Cook-Off & Festival
A Taste of Long Beach
A Taste of Hancock County
