AMERICA250: Ways to celebrate the United States’ birthday on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th birthday!

Leading up to the big day, there are many events happening across the Mississippi Gulf Coast that can help residents celebrate the legendary milestone.

Take a look at all the events below!

Friday, May 29

GULFPORT: Jeepin for Vets (part of Jeepin the Coast), Armed Forces Retirement Home (1800 Beach Drive), gates open at 9 a.m. for drive-thru style parade

“Deck out your Jeep with patriotic flair and show some love to our nation’s heroes!”

Monday, June 1

BILOXI: Celebrate America 250: Author Jeff Wallace to Uncover Revolutionary War Mysteries at Margaret S. Sherry Memorial Library (2141 Popps Ferry Road), 6 p.m.

Saturday, June 6

OCEAN SPRINGS: 21st Annual “Red, White, & Blueberry” Festival, L&N Depot Plaza (1000 Washington Avenue), 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

FREE ice cream from Kilwins Ocean Springs topped with blueberries or strawberries in celebration of blueberry season
Cooking demonstrations, goodies from Ocean Springs Fresh Market and more
Hosted by Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce Main Street Tourism Bureau & Ocean Springs Fresh Market

WIGGINS: America 250: Celebrate in Stone, Blaylock Park, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Hosted by Stone County Friends of the Libraries
Educational programming such as historic readings, a 1976 pop-up display, student art and essay contests, community story booth, a community celebration to open a 1976 time capsule, and more family-friendly activities
Will include a brief D-Day remembrance ceremony because the event falls on the anniversary of the Normandy landings

Saturday, June 13

LUCEDALE: Pilgrimage & Family Day in the Park, City Park & Lily/Oak Grove, 2-5 p.m.

Visit historic sites in downtown Lucedale and city park, and enjoy entertainment and children’s activities in the park

Saturday, June 20

JACKSON: United in Song, Mississippi Coliseum, 6-8 p.m.

Will feature voices from across Mississippi with live performances of patriotic music and unique storytelling

Saturday, June 27

LONG BEACH: 4th of July Jubilee, Jeff Davis Avenue

9 a.m.-6 p.m.: Local vendors
6 p.m.: Parade
7-11 p.m.: Block party sponsored by Coastal Daiquiri
8:45: Fireworks show to cap off the night

PASCAGOULA: America 250 Party in Pascagoula

Yankee Doodle Dog & Kid Parade, 10 a.m., downtown Pascagoula
Also features Sip & Shop with mimosas and festive drinks at participating businesses, kid activities and more

PASCAGOULA: 250th Commemorative Art Show Opening Reception at River Art Gallery in Pascagoula (630 Delmas Avenue), 2-4 p.m.
PICAYUNE: 250 Years of America Celebration in the Park, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Crosby Commons Park

Food trucks, artisan crafts, Kids Zone and inflatables, live music, time capsule, dunking booth, games and contests, laser light show finale

POPLARVILLE: America’s 250th Birthday, 5-8 p.m., Golf Cart & Bicycle Parade begins at 5 p.m. (free to enter), scavenger hunt on Town Green, coloring contest, live entertainment, food trucks, artisan booths

Thursday, July 2

OCEAN SPRINGS: 250 Block Party, Ocean Springs Municipal Library (525 Dewey Avenue), 6-8 p.m.

Free hamburgers and hot dogs, music, free arts and crafts for the whole family
Scout Troup 249 will bury a special time capsule in the library’s community garden

Friday, July 3

BILOXI: Fireworks at the Shuckers game, Keesler Federal Park (105 Caillavet Street)
BILOXI: Stars, Stripes and Seafood, Honoring Biloxi’s Seafood Founding Fathers, Maritime Seafood Industry Museum (115 E 1st Street), 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., founding fathers of the seafood industry reenactments at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
DIAMONDHEAD: Independence Day Fireworks Celebration, Noma Dr. Football Field, 7 to 10:30 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
GULFPORT: Fireworks show, Campground Baptist Church, 20577 Highway 53, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
OCEAN SPRINGS: Freedom Over Ocean Springs Fireworks Show, Front Beach, DJ at 7 p.m., Fireworks at 9 p.m.
WAVELAND: Buccaneer A250 Pool Party, Buccaneer State Park (1150 S Beach Boulevard), FREE

Saturday, July 4

BILOXI: Fireworks at the Shuckers game, Keesler Federal Park (105 Caillavet Street)
BILOXI: Red, White and Biloxi, an America250 Celebration, Biloxi Town Green, 710 Beach Boulevard, 5p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
GULFPORT: Ignite the Night- America’s 250th Anniversary Fireworks Show, 8:45 p.m.

View from Jones Park, Gulfport Marina and Gulfport Beach Parking Bays
Moses Jetty will close at 6 a.m.
Firework-free area is from 15th Street to 25th Avenue, south of Highway 90

GULFPORT: Markham Hotel 4th of July Celebration, doors open 4 to 11 p.m., upstairs bar & rooftop, featuring live music and views of the Gulfport fireworks. Tickets available but limited.
PASCAGOULA: Fireworks Show, can be viewed anywhere along Beach Boulevard, starts at 8:45 p.m.

Parking on Beach Boulevard east of Beach Park
Listen along to patriotic music on Magic 93.7

PASS CHRISTIAN: Historical and Cultural Influences on the City of Pass Christian in the Past 250 years, Open House at the Pass Christian Historical Society (201 E. Scenic Drive), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Open house with continual running presentation showcasing town’s history from early 18th century to present
Special screening of scenes from Hurricane Katrina
Presentation will continue to be available following open house during historical society’s normal open hours

PICAYUNE: Independence Day Celebration, Friendship Park (1701 S. Haugh Avenue), starts at 4 p.m.

Live music with a 20-minute musical fireworks display

WAVELAND: Buccaneer State Park America 250th Celebration (1150 S Beach Boulevard), all day, FREE

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