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!”
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 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
- 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
Friday, July 3
- WAVELAND: Buccaneer A250 Pool Party, Buccaneer State Park (1150 S Beach Boulevard), FREE
Saturday, July 4
- WAVELAND: Buccaneer State Park America 250th Celebration (1150 S Beach Boulevard), all day, FREE
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