Held during the third week of October in Pascagoula, the annual Jackson County Fair is a free, family-friendly event near Mississippi's Gulf Coast. The fair features a midway, arts and crafts, educational commercial and information booths, livestock in the fairground's barn, and food, including chicken gumbo. The week long festivities include dedicated events just for kids, including youth events, a petting zoo and children's rides.
Held in Biloxi, the Annual Mississippi Coast Coliseum Summer Fair was named as a Top 20 Spring Event by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2004, 2009, 2008 and 2011. Each June the family-friendly event averages 40,000 attendees and features a midway, a petting zoo, delicious seafood, carnival games, and free shows, including circus acts, high-wire acts, music and magic shows. With all-day ride armbands costing $20 in 2011, the eleven-day festival is an affordable event for families.
Since 2001, visitors to the Ocean Springs Renaissance Faire have experienced the history and excitement of the European Renaissance era. The event attracts over 10,000 visitors and highlights include armored jousting on horseback, the King & Queen's Long Bow Tournament, and the Royal Petty Zoo. The two-day event also features music, period food, sword fighting, medieval dancing and artisans. Children under 8 are admitted free to the festival.
The highlights of the Annual BBQ Throwdown and Festival are barbecue chicken, ribs and brisket cook-offs held at the Town Green in D'Iberville. Since 2006, this growing event takes place every February and features live entertainment and activities for children, including arts and crafts, face painting, games, and clowns. The festival also features a youth cook-off contest. Although admission is free for spectators, anyone wishing to participate is required to pay an entry fee.
The historic town of Vicksburg in southwestern Mississippi is home to the annual Riverfest, a two-day festival held in April held since 1987. The Annual Vicksburg-Warren County RiverFest Arts and Crafts Show coincides with the event and is held along the city's downtown streets. Vendor booths feature handmade arts and crafts, and food from around the world. Street performers, gospel singers and children's games entertain visitors during the day, and live regional bands and singers perform each night.
