Last updated on June 23rd, 2024 at 10:16 pm

Celebrate Independence Day, July 4, 2024, on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  This guide to July 4th shows you the best fireworks shows and things to do over the July 4th holiday period. Next year July 4 falls on a Thursday.  We don’t have the 2024 calendar yet. Return about April 2024 for an update. If you have never been to a Red State for a July 4th celebration, you are in for a treat.  The coastal communities and many non-profit organizations put on some big shows.

Scroll down to see the list of fireworks displays in this best guide to July 4th celebrations.

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Independence Day events on the Mississippi Gulf Coast 2024

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City	Date	Time	Location
Pascagoula	July 4	9:00 PM	Pascagoula Beach Park
Gautier	July 4	9:00 PM	Gautier Municipal Complex
Vancleave	July 4	9:00 PM	Vancleave High School
Ocean Springs	July 3	9:00 PM	Fort Maurepas Park
Biloxi	July 4	9:00 PM	Biloxi Beach between Margaritaville and Hardrock Casino
Gulfport	July 4	8:45 PM	Jones Park
Long Beach	June 29	11:00 A.M. to 9:00 PM	Long Beach Town Green
Pass Christian	July 4	9:00 PM	Pass Christian Harbor
Diamondhead	June 29	9:00 PM	Harbor Circle
Bay St. Louis	July 4	8:30 PM	Jordan River Beach
Waveland	July 4	9:00 PM	Garfield Ladner Pier

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Starting with the fact that the Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to thousands of active-duty military members assigned to one of several bases in the area.  A large percentage of Mississippi Gulf Coast residents are retired military or veterans.  The area is home to Biloxi National Cemetery and a Civil War cemetery with one occupant from the War of Independence.

The South in general, Mississippi, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast are deeply patriotic.  This culture is not widely shared across the country now.  Some large cities and coastal metro areas don’t want their children to say the pledge of alliance in schools. Sports figures kneel during the national anthem.  You will not find that attitude on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Please read our entire guide to July 4th below.

Mississippi: #1 in “Killed in Action” during wars

According to the Department of Defense, Mississippi has the highest percentage of military members killed in all wars than any other state (by percent of the population).  12 were killed during the American Revolution when Mississippi was far from the fighting and not one of the original 13 states.  It’s interesting that West Virginia, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Alabama all Southern States fall just behind Mississippi.

Clearly, Southern men and women have sacrificed much to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.  July 4th is the time we honor all of those who have fallen in defense of the greatest nation on earth.  Now let’s get into the fun stuff that we can do because of our brave men and women in the military.

Fireworks are available everywhere on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

About fireworks.  Fireworks can be purchased through vendors who have set up throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  It’s hard to miss signs on major streets.  Many advertise on the internet and Facebook.  These are not the sparklers that you had as a kid in California.   Everything is for sale including what I describe as commercial fireworks.  This includes rockets and other explosive-type fireworks.

Most large cities around the country prohibit these fireworks.  If you want to have some real fun, buy a trunk full and take them to the beach. My first 4th of July on the Mississippi Gulf Coast was an eye-opener.  I came from California where everything is banned including even sparklers.  

When I was a kid, you could have smaller versions of the big fireworks.  Over the years as things have been banned, fireworks succumbed to the nanny state.

As with anything else in the South and on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, adults are expected to be personally responsible for handling their fireworks responsibly.  This goes for supervising their children.  As far as I know, the hospitals are not full of people blowing their fingers off.  A little common sense goes a long way. Don’t stop now, keep reading our guide to July 4th.

We decided to drive along the beach on July 4th

Back to the beach.  My wife and I decided to drive around and see one or more of the bigger municipal displays.  What we found was a large number of people at the beach firing off rockets creating spectacular fireworks displays every bit as nice as the larger shows.  This was and is a family affair.  Parents bring the kids to the beach where they picnic, play games, and fire off their own fireworks.

I was in awe the first time I saw this coming from California where there was so much traffic going to the big show people just stopped in the street to watch.   I thought that all of these people were having a great time and why not?  They were responsible and appreciated each other’s company.  Before I forget, free parking is offered on all Mississippi Gulf Coast beaches.  Some property owners on U.S. 90 (Beach Blvd) charge for spending the day on their grass.

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EVENTS BY CITY

Pascagoula

The city of Pascagoula offers an outstanding fireworks show on Beach Blvd at about 9:00 PM on July 4th.  The show is free to everyone.  This is an annual event and is widely attended by people living not just in Pascagoula but in the surrounding rural areas as well.

Gautier

The small city of Gautier located between Pascagoula and Ocean Springs will celebrate July 4th at the Gautier Municipal Complex (1000 Beach Blvd, Gautier).  In addition to the fireworks show, the Gautier Independence Day Celebration will begin at 5:00 PM and end at 10:00 PM.  The festival features, live music, food trucks, and food vendors along with games.  

The event culminates in a fireworks display at about 8:45 PM.  The entire event is free to all who wish to enjoy the day.  It’s difficult to tell if this or any of the other fireworks displays is the best firework display.  All of the Cities on the Gulf of Mexico, and Mississippi Gulf join in celebrating Independence Day.

Vancleve

While Vancleve is not a city but rather a census-designated place in Jackson County, MS, it acts as a city.  Vancleve has its own high school and that is where the Music and festivities will occur on July 4th.  Attendance is free to everyone along with games and the opportunity to see friends and family having fun.  The fireworks display will occur at about 8:45 PM at Vancleve High School.  Vancleve is located just north of I10 on the Pascagoula River.  

Ocean Springs

Front Beach is the place to be for the annual fireworks display.  People party in downtown Ocean Springs and then walk to the beach.  Local restaurants participate in the celebration.  The fireworks show is scheduled for 9:00 PM on July 3.  You need to leave early if you want to stake out a spot on the beach.  

The Biloxi Bay Bridge over the Mississippi Sound is actually a great spot because you can watch the fireworks show in Ocean Springs, Biloxi, and see fireworks all over the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  The night sky will be filled with rockets blasting. Ocean Springs is one of the most fun places on the Coast. It’s a great place for shopping during the day and the nightlife in the evening.

Biloxi

This is one of the biggest fireworks shows in Coastal Mississippi.  The City estimates that the event attracts about 50,000 people.  One reason that this may be one of the largest July 4th celebrations is the positioning of the display.  A barge is located just off Deer Island (a barrier island) between the Hard Rock Casino on the West and Margaritaville, Harrahs, and the Golden Nugget on the East.  The large beach in between and grass areas allow people to set up for the event. The show starts at about 9:00 PM

Many boats are also in the bay positioned to see the show.  People are also in the parking structures of the casinos and at the harbors.  There are lots of places to see the activities.  The July fireworks display occurs at about 9:00 PM and it can be seen for a long distance.  My wife and I watched the show from McElroy restaurant which is elevated high above the marina and permitted an excellent view.  See the video below.

Another year we watched the show from Biloxi Beach directly across from where the barge was lighting off fireworks.  Beaches on the West side of the Beau Rivage casino are great to drive by. This is where people are allowed to light off their own fireworks.  You can bring your lawn chairs as many do and park in one of the many vacant lots that are not blocked off.  Many people go to the beach around the Biloxi lighthouse 

Consider taking the dinner cruise where you can enjoy being on the water and have a great view of the fireworks.  Some people watch the fireworks from Deer Island beaches also.  You will need a boat to get to Deer Island. Keep reading our guide to July 4th, there is much more. 

Biloxi celebrations also include this year, the Independence Day Fireworks Exravaganza at Keesler Federal Park following the 6:35 PM game between the Shuckers and the M-Braves. In addition, Freedom Fest 2024 is being held at Keesler Air Force Base from 5 PM to 10 PM which includes live music, games and competitions followed by fireworks at 9 PM.

Gulfport

One of the largest celebrations is held in Jones Park from July 1st through July 4th.  Leading up to Independence Day is the annual Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo which is also at Jones Park and the Gulfport Harbor (Gulfport Marina).  The Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is sponsored by a non-profit of the same name.  This event attracts fishermen from all over trying for all of the prizes.  

Fishing begins on July 4 at 12:01 through July 7. Scales open at 12:00 PM.  There is an admission charge of $5 per adult from 12:00 to 2:00 PM.  From 2:00 PM until closing is $10.  Carnival rides vary in price.  Children are free 5 and under.

The fireworks display is free and starts at 8:45 PM on July 4th at Jones Park and Moses Jetty.  There is a beautiful view from Moses Jetty, one of the best places to be for the show.  

It’s a great place to not only see fireworks at night but to have fun watching live performances.  There are fun activities for the kids and the entire family.  Good food and as mentioned musical performances are part of the fun.

Long Beach

The city of Long Beach has an annual Fourth of July celebration as do most of the cities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  People cook hot dogs and hamburgers on the beach having arrived hours before the show.  This annual festival draws large crowds.  

The June 29 (July 4th) Jubilee will be held on the town green starting at 12:00 PM, Saturday, June 29.  The event includes a live music festival and parade.  The parade starts at 1:00 PM on July 1st.  The music starts at 6:00 PM at the city park called the Town Green and the fireworks show is at 8:00 PM.  

Long Beach offers some of the best beaches on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, a good spot to watch the fireworks as the beach is just a few blocks from the Town Green located on Jeff Davis St.  

Bay St. Louis 

You need to visit Bay St. Louis over the July 4th weekend.  The annual two-day Crab Fest is held on July 5th and 6th at Our Lady of the Gulf Church Grounds. The festival includes musical performances, more than one oyster bar, seafood, and a crab-eating contest.  These are blue crabs that are caught locally.  There are rides and booths.  Plus, the entire downtown is open with shops, restaurants, and pubs. 

The area’s big fireworks display will be held on the Jordan River on July 4 at 8:30 PM.  Arrive early, and grab a spot on the beach as the fireworks will be shot out over the Jordan River.    The fireworks display is presented by the Jordan River Communities Association through sponsorships and publicly donated funds. The Association is asking for donations to: JRCA P.O. Box 2069, Bay St Louis, MS 39521.

Waveland

The City of Waveland fireworks display will be held on July 4th at Garfield Ladner Pier at about 9:00 PM.  The best place to view the show is from the beach or a boat.  The show is free to the public.  Bring your beach chairs, an ice chest, and some food.  Come early and have fun.  

Silver Slipper Casino will host a fireworks show at 9:00 PM on July 4th. The best viewing spots are the beach and the Silver Slipper Marina and the Silver Slipper parking lot. You can also see the fireworks from the RV campgrounds close to the Casino. There is no cost for this show or parking.

Diamondhead 

What the City calls the Diamondhead Fireworks Viewing Party will commence on Jun2 29 from 7 PM at Harbor Circle.  The boat launch is located on the south side of I10.  The fireworks show will begin at 9:00 PM.  Live entertainment will be provided by Monster Crawfish throughout the evening.  Food and drinks can be purchased at the event. Patriotic music will be included.

It’s amazing that such a small town can hold a terrific event such as this one.  The fact that they have organized and found funds to pay for this Independence Day celebration shows just how committed this and other small towns in the South are to the Constitution.  

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Some local July 4th history

The first Fourth of July celebration on the Mississippi Gulf Coast was held in 1804 in Biloxi. The celebration was organized by the town’s first mayor, John Coffee. The event included a parade, a barbecue, and a speech by Coffee. The celebration was a success and became an annual tradition.

In 1812, the United States went to war with Great Britain. The war had a significant impact on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The British blockaded the coast and attacked several towns, including Biloxi. The war ended in 1815 with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent.

After the war, the Mississippi Gulf Coast began to rebuild. The Fourth of July celebration was revived and became even more popular than before. The celebration became a way for the people of the coast to celebrate their freedom and their patriotism.

Gulfport Daily News – July 4, 1945

The article below describes a large July 4th Celebration for the end of World War II published in the now-defunct Gulfport Daily News (1882-2019)

“Gulfport held a big celebration today in honor of the end of World War II. The highlight of the day was a parade that started at the Gulfport Municipal Auditorium and ended at the beach. The parade was a large and festive event, with floats, marching bands, and other performers. The people of Gulfport were very happy to celebrate the end of the war, and the parade was a great way to do it.

The parade was organized by the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce, and it was a huge success. Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the parade, and the atmosphere was electric. The floats were beautifully decorated, and the marching bands played patriotic songs. The people of Gulfport were very proud of their community, and the parade was a great way to show it.

The parade ended at the beach, where there was a large fireworks display. The fireworks were spectacular, and they lit up the sky over the Gulf of Mexico”.

Things to do

Visitors who come to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the July 4th holidays will find a long list of things to do. The events surrounding Independence Day offer so much already, I thought that just in case you needed more to do, a list has been included below complete with checkboxes.

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Try this checklist as a place to start:

• Go to a fireworks show
• Watch a July 4 parade
• Visit the Ocean Springs Museum of Art
• Take a walk on the beach
• Go for a swim in the Gulf of Mexico
• Go fishing
• Snorkel or scuba dive
• Rent a Jet Ski
• Take a boat tour
• Go kayaking or canoeing
• Play golf
• Margaritaville
• Rent a golf cart in Ocean Springs
• Go hiking or biking
• Visit the Audubon Bird Sanctuary
• Visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore
• Visit the Pascagoula River Audubon Center
• Visit the Mississippi Aquarium
• Visit the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art
• Visit the Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Presidential Home
• Visit the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
• Visit the Hancock Whitney Discovery Center
• Visit the Mississippi Children’s Museum
• Shop downtown Ocean Springs or Bay St. Louis
• Go to a concert or show
• Go to a movie
• Have a picnic on the beach
• Go shopping
• Gaming at one of 12 casinos
• Tent camp on Deer Island
• BBQ on the Beach in a fire pit
• Take a dinner cruise
• Visit Ship Island for the day
• Rent a boat and visit bayous and islands
• Have a meal at a local restaurant

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The real story about July 4th

It’s true that the Declaration of Independence was presented to Congress in its final form on July 4, 1776, and it was completed on July 2, 1776. It took some time up to August 2, 1776, before all signatures were gathered to make the document official. It was on August 2, 1776, that the Declaration of Independence was published and transmitted to the King of England.

56 individuals representing all 13 colonies or newly formed states signed under the risk of death. There is only one original signed copy remaining of the Declaration of Independence. It is badly faded and located in the National Archives. There are 26 original printed copies made just after the original was signed in existence today. The “broadsides” do not include signatures.

King George III responded to the Declaration of Independence in a speech he delivered to Parliament on October 31, 1776. In his speech, the king condemned the Declaration of Independence as “a daring and desperate attempt to dissolve the connection between Great Britain and her colonies.” He also declared that the colonists were “traitors” and that they would be “punished with the utmost severity.”

9 of the original signers were captured by the British. Edward Rutledge of South Carolina died in prison and Thomas Heyward Jr. died just after being released. The others were all eventually released.

It took 12 years for the first president George Washington to be elected. During that time the Continental Congress ran the U.S. government.

Were to stay

You have many choices to stay at hotels on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Perhaps the most popular type of accommodation on the Coast is vacation rentals. You will find a great selection in every City along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This guide to July 4th was created to help everyone but visitors in particular.

We recommend you start with Christies Gulf Beach Rentals. They have houses, condos, and townhomes. Some can accommodate up to 15 people. Most of the properties are within walking distance of the beach. By the way, I own several vacation rentals that are managed by Christies. All of my properties proudly display our United States of America flag every day, not just on July 4th.

Visitors occasionally stay

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is amazing. Most people think only of Florida, perhaps Alabama or the Carolinas as places to live on the beach. Until they find their way to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Every month dozens of people move here from other states finding the climate and cost of living superior to their current home.

Learn more about the Mississippi Gulf Coast on this blog site. We have written many articles about the Gulf Coast, most in-depth with details to help you understand this amazing place. Try this article Why I Decided to Retire in Ocean Springs, Mississippi and Retire in a state that won’t tax retirement income.

If you would like to see what homes look like and what they cost, we recommend Logan-Anderson, Gulf Coast Realty. Take a look and give them a call if you would like more information about the Gulf Coast.

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