Last updated on January 21st, 2026 at 05:59 pm

Easter events on the Mississippi Gulf Coast have been a cherished tradition for decades, bringing communities together to celebrate Easter weekend with fun-filled activities, Easter egg hunts, fairs, and festive parades. While the exact inception date of these events varies by community, many have been established for several decades, becoming integral parts of local culture.

 For instance, the Annual Waveland Easter Parade & Egg Hunt is a well-known event in the region. Similarly, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks hosts Easter egg hunts at locations like Roosevelt State Park, attracting families from across the state. ​Coastal MississippiMDWFP

Each year, thousands of residents and visitors gather across the region to enjoy a variety of Easter celebrations. From Ocean Springs to Gulfport and beyond, each city hosts a variety of events designed for all age groups, ensuring that there is something for everyone.​

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Visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast?

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Looking for an exciting Easter Egg Hunt

Whether you’re looking for an exciting Easter egg hunt, an Easter Bunny brunch, or a special Easter Sunday service celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, you’ll find amazing events happening throughout the coast. Families can enjoy family-friendly events like bounce houses, face painting, fun games, DIY crafts, and scrumptious food from local vendors. 

Many of these free events also feature special prizes, golden eggs, and unique attractions like an underwater quest at the Mississippi Aquarium, where kids can participate in an aqua egg hunt.​

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and other tourism partners collaborate each year to organize these fantastic gatherings. Popular venues such as the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, John Henry Beck Park, and Beach Blvd. transform into hunting fields filled with eggs, laughter, and unlimited fun. 

Most events are free

Some events require general admission or an annual pass, while others remain free for all attendees. Virtual egg hunts, cruise parties, and even Easter Bunny bingos are also becoming part of the region’s Easter fun, blending traditional and modern ways to celebrate the holiday.​

With so many upcoming events listed on various event hosts’ websites, Facebook events, and local news content, it’s easier than ever to plan your Easter weekend. Be sure to check event dates, parking lot details, site map privacy policies, and cookie purchase policies for each location. Some locations even offer DIY crafts and bounce houses, making it a fantastic way to engage in friendly activities with the whole family.​

For those who love a single fun event or want to make Easter plans filled with back-to-back experiences, many communities host multiple celebrations throughout the holiday weekend. Whether you bring your own Easter baskets or receive them as part of an event, you’ll find something exciting to do. 

Check organizer websites for updates on Easter Events

Keep an eye out for email updates from local event organizers. Check their websites for updated information.

Get ready for an Easter celebration like no other on the Mississippi Gulf Coast! From artificial intelligence-enhanced event planning tools to the classic joy of an Easter Bunny meet-and-greet, there’s an event waiting for you and your loved ones. Don’t miss out on these friendly activities, family cruises, and the unforgettable experience of Easter weekend on the Gulf Coast!​

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The History of the Easter Egg Hunt

The tradition of the Easter egg hunt has deep historical roots, intertwined with religious symbolism and cultural practices.

Origins of the Easter Egg

Eggs have long been symbols of fertility and rebirth across various cultures. In Christian tradition, the egg embodies the resurrection of Jesus Christ, representing the emergence from the tomb into new life. Early Christians in Mesopotamia dyed eggs red to commemorate the blood of Christ shed during the crucifixion.

Martin Luther’s Contribution

The practice of organizing egg hunts is often attributed to the Protestant reformer Martin Luther in the late 16th century. Luther is said to have arranged egg hunts for his congregation, where men hid eggs for women and children to find. This activity symbolized the discovery of the empty tomb by the women who first arrived at Jesus’s burial site.

German Traditions and the Easter Bunny

By the 17th century, the tradition evolved in Germany with the introduction of the Osterhase, or Easter Hare. Children believed this hare laid colorful eggs in gardens, leading them to search for these hidden treasures. German immigrants later brought this custom to America in the 18th century, where it further evolved into the modern Easter Bunny tradition.

Royal Endorsement

The custom gained prominence in Britain during the 19th century, notably within the royal family. As a child, Queen Victoria participated in egg hunts organized by her German-born mother, the Duchess of Kent. These events popularized the practice among the British aristocracy and eventually the general populace.

Modern Celebrations

Today, Easter egg hunts are a widespread tradition, symbolizing joy, renewal, and the advent of spring. Communities worldwide organize these events, blending religious significance with a festive celebration, ensuring the continuation of this cherished custom for future generations.

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Plan Your Easter Adventure!

Check the website of the event organizer for specific details such as “bring hard-boiled eggs” or other items. The events are free but may have participation requirements. Take an umbrella or raincoat for you and the children—you never know about the rain.

With so many Easter events happening across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, you have plenty of options to celebrate the holiday. Whether you’re in Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, or one of the smaller coastal towns, there’s an egg hunt or celebration nearby. Gather your baskets, bring your family, and make this Easter one to remember!

If you are staying around from Spring Break (read our article), enjoy Easter events on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Depending upon the year, Spring Break often falls just before Easter.

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Mississippi Gulf Coast Celebrations include Food

🍽️ Popular Easter Foods on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

The Mississippi Gulf Coast brings a flavorful twist to Easter celebrations, mixing deep Southern roots with coastal flair. Whether you’re gathering with family after church or hosting a festive beachside meal, these dishes are beloved staples:

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🐖 Glazed Ham

Honey-glazed or brown sugar–baked hams are a traditional centerpiece on Easter tables across the Coast. Often studded with cloves and served warm or at room temperature, they’re a go-to protein for post-church gatherings.

🥔 Potato Salad

A must-have side at coastal gatherings, Southern-style potato salad typically includes mustard, eggs, and relish. It’s cool, creamy, and perfect alongside BBQ or ham.

🌽 Crawfish Boil

Spring means crawfish season, and Easter weekend is prime time for a full-blown crawfish boil. Tables are covered with spicy boiled crawfish, corn on the cob, sausage, potatoes, and onions—perfect for an informal backyard or beachside feast.

🧁 Deviled Eggs

No Southern Easter is complete without a tray of deviled eggs. Made with mayo, mustard, and a dash of paprika, these bite-sized classics are always the first to go at any potluck.

🥬 Collard Greens or Green Beans

Braised collard greens with bacon or smoky green beans with ham hocks provide a rich, savory balance to sweeter dishes on the table.

🍰 Coconut Cake or Hummingbird Cake

For dessert, coconut cake—with white layers, fluffy frosting, and shredded coconut—is an Easter classic. You may also find Hummingbird Cake, a dense Southern specialty made with bananas, pineapple, and pecans, topped with cream cheese frosting.

🥧 Pecan Pie or Lemon Icebox Pie

Pecan pie is a Gulf Coast tradition year-round, while lemon icebox pie—bright, tangy, and chilled—is popular for springtime, especially after outdoor Easter events.

Have a Crawfish Boil as part of your Easter Celebrations

Catholics generally eat fish during the week preceding Easter and all of the Fridays after Ash Wednesday through Easter. This is why attending a gathering with a Crawfish Boil is so fitting. Crawfish is acceptable to eat during Lent along with the potatoes, corn, and other vegetables. You must read this article, which tells you all about it.

Bring your family, and make this Easter one to remember! Happy Easter!

This article is courtesy of RetireCoast.Com. Please read our other articles about the Mississippi Gulf Coast, local events, retirement, lifestyle, and much more. Sign up to receive notice of new articles. Don’t forget to read our article about the July 4th celebrations.

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