Last updated on September 30th, 2024 at 05:27 pm

Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by

Most cities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast host a “Taste of the City” event each year.  These are very popular with locals, it’s an opportunity to meet with friends and neighbors in their town.  I find these events entertaining not just because they have entertainment along with food and drink.  

My wife and I love the culture of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and understand that each city has its own mini-culture.  After living in Southern California where most restaurants seem to be corporate-owned, we find the locally owned restaurants here to be a pleasant change.

Taste of Long Beach

My wife and I attended the Taste of Long Beach (September) and it was great—one of, if not the best, we have attended. The food was excellent with a very large selection of beverages. The turnout was better than they expected. Advanced tickets were sold out days before the event. We met our friends who live in Long Beach and know about everyone there. It was fun, entertaining, and oh sooooo much food.

The Taste of Ocean Springs was held outdoors, it was a nice day. Lots of socializing, many people know each other. There are other food festivals (Biloxi Seafood Festival) for shrimp and crab plus gumbo.  It seems that there is a food event in one of the cities each month.  The following is a list of cities and months the Taste events are held:

These events have live music and live entertainment.  Food vendors prepare samples of their products.  Local restaurants feature local food.   You can feel the welcoming coastal spirit when you attend any of these amazing events.  

These chef-driven restaurants offer fresh-caught shrimp and locally sourced seafood.  The delicious food served in small portions allows you to roam from table to table tasting good food.  Last year at the Taste of Hancock County, a distillery was offering tastes of their excellent bourbon.  

Good Margaritas

I recall some good margaritas at the Taste of Ocean Springs.   Most of these events are held outside during good weather.  The Taste of South Mississippi in Biloxi was held near the water at Point Cadet Park.  

If you have never been to one of these events, you need to know a few things.  First, tickets almost always sell out well before the event.  Do not delay, buy them well in advance.  Follow this list of suggestions:

Event Tips

The taste events are not usually family-friendly events.  There are some outstanding seasonal events during the year that are family-friendly.  The Taste of Events is a time when you and your significant other can have a good time.  With the lively entertainment, a glass of wine, and great food, have fun.  My wife and I often eat out at local restaurants to taste delicious local cuisine.  It’s amazing what a small business owner can cook up with common ingredients. 

A rich culture surrounds food in this area of the country.  A confluence of Cajun, Creole, Southern, and a mixture of others.  If you are visiting from outside of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, take time to visit our art galleries and attend a music festival.  

Cruisin the Coast

Check out the visitors center for some interesting information on the area.   The annual Cruisin’ the Coast event also has food and an entire week of rock.  Car enthusiasts come by the hundreds as this is the largest annual event in the state which is held in October.  They even have sock hops in Ocean Springs.

I have been at other food events on the Mississippi Gulf Coast this past year including the Gumbo Fest at Centennial Plaza in Gulfport.  What a great way to try one of the Coast’s staples.  Gumbo is a culinary scene all its own. This event as with all others has live performances.

 It seems that every culinary event draws music lovers.  And then there is the Mississippi Songwriters Festival every September in Downtown Ocean Springs.  Each event has its own lively atmosphere.  

Taste of Bay St. Louis 2023

You would think that all we do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is admire our beautiful beaches and party.  That’s not exactly true, people work in between the fun events.  We think that living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is the perfect place to be.

If you have not attended a “Taste of” and want to in the future, contact the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, Gulfport Chamber of Commerce, or any of the other cities.  The Chambers usually sponsor the citywide “Taste” events.  They can sell you the tickets usually online.  

We usually stay for an hour or two.  It’s easy to consume mass quantities.  If you like something, take a business card.  You will want to visit the restaurant and try other menu items in the future.  Plan on attending one of the following:

Festival Events

The above is not all, many churches and other organizations host food events with of course entertainment. There may even be a few food trucks at the events.  

Biloxi Seafood Festival

What can I say, people on the Mississippi Gulf Coast love their food, entertainment, and just lots of fun.  Come join us at one or all of the many food festivals during the year. They really are fun.

Please leave comments about this article and read some of our other articles about events. This one about July 4th is interesting