Last updated on March 22nd, 2025 at 04:20 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.​

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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Easter Events on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Easter Events in Moss Point

• Moss Point Easter Egg Hunt
  April 12, 2025 – The Moss Point Riverfront Park invites kids to join in the Easter egg hunt and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting.

Easter Events in Gautier

• Gautier Easter Egg Hunt
  April 12, 2025 – The Gautier City Park hosts an exciting Easter egg hunt for children, starting at 10 AM.

Easter Events in Ocean Springs

• Community Easter Egg Hunt
  April 13, 2025 – St. Paul United Methodist Church invites families for an afternoon of fun with egg hunts, inflatables, a petting zoo, and local food trucks. If you have time, check out our article about a fun walk around Ocean Springs
• Easter at The Hills
  April 13, 2025 – Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort hosts an Easter celebration with family-friendly activities. More details will be announced on Eventbrite.

Easter Events in D’Iberville

• D’Iberville Easter Egg Hunt
  April 11, 2025 – D’Iberville Town Green will be filled with Easter fun as kids hunt for eggs and enjoy community activities.

Easter Events in Biloxi

• Easter Eggstravaganza at the Kroc Center
  April 12, 2025 – The Salvation Army Kroc Center in Biloxi hosts a festive celebration featuring a delicious breakfast with Waffle House waffles, a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny, and multiple egg hunts, including an Aqua Egg Hunt. Pre-registration is required for some activities. There are plenty of things to do if you are visiting Biloxi, read this article

Easter Events in Gulfport

• Easter Egg-Stravaganza
  April 8, 2025 – Gulfport Sportsplex hosts this annual Easter event featuring an evening egg hunt, games, and more. The egg hunt starts at 7 PM.

• Penguin Easter Egg Hunt at the Mississippi Aquarium
  April 19, 2025 – A unique event where kids can search for eggs throughout the aquarium. One golden penguin egg will be hidden, and the lucky finder will win two annual passes.

Easter Events in Long Beach

• Long Beach Easter Egg Hunt
  April 12, 2025 – The Long Beach Park Commission hosts a community egg hunt at Long Beach Town Green at 10 AM.

Easter Events in Pass Christian

• Pass Christian Easter Egg Hunt
  April 11, 2025 – The Pass Christian Sports Complex welcomes kids of all ages for an exciting egg hunt at 10 AM.

Easter Events in Bay St. Louis

• Bay St. Louis Easter Egg Hunt
  April 11, 2025 – The Bay St. Louis Community Center will be the site of a fun-filled Easter egg hunt for kids of all ages.

Easter Events in Waveland

• Waveland Easter Egg Hunt & Parade
  April 19, 2025 – The City of Waveland hosts its Annual Easter Parade at 12:30 PM, featuring floats, boats, jeeps, golf carts, classic cars, and marching groups. The parade starts at Bienville Drive and North Beach Boulevard, ending at Waveland’s Town Green. Following the parade, an Easter egg hunt, photos with the Easter Bunny, a petting zoo, and more will take place.

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

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