by Ezabelle Janssen, Senior Staff Writer
BILOXI (GG) — The 45th annual Biloxi Seafood Festival was kraken up some serious flavor on Saturday, September 12th. The longtime Gulf Coast tradition made waves at its new home on The Lawn at Harrah’s, where fresh seafood, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, and family fun came together to celebrate Biloxi’s seafood heritage.
Presented by the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Harrah’s Gulf Coast, the festival served as the Chamber’s premier fundraising event. Whether attendees came hungry for seafood, ready to shop, or looking to enjoy live music by the water, there was plenty to reel them in.
Longtime attendee Debi Morgan has watched the festival change over the years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the celebration was reduced to its simplest form. “This is not my first time here,” Morgan said. “I even came during COVID, and we got our T-shirt, and we got our fish plate, and that was the festival.”
This year offered a much fuller plate. “It’s much bigger, with much more activity, many more people, and lots of good food,” Morgan said.
From seafood and Southern comfort food to Thai and New Orleans-inspired dishes, vendors served up enough variety to keep visitors returning for seconds. Snowballs, baked goods, candy, frozen treats, and other sweets offered the perfect way to cool down after sampling the savory side of the festival.
Beyond the food, dozens of artists, makers, and small businesses transformed The Lawn into a coastal marketplace. Festivalgoers browsed handmade jewelry, paintings, clothing, home décor, hats, pottery, herbal teas, and other locally crafted goods.
Artist Miranda Stockert, creator of the 2026 festival poster, was among those sharing their work. Visitors could meet Stockert and purchase the official artwork commemorating this year’s celebration.
While the food filled plates, the entertainment filled The Lawn. Amber Brown, Hip Pocket, 1 Accord, and Unfazed performed throughout the day before headliner Flow Tribe brought its New Orleans funk to the waterfront.
The youngest festivalgoers had plenty of opportunities to dive into the fun, too. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast hosted Day for Kids, encouraging families to spend meaningful time together through creativity and active play.
Art and S.T.E.A.M. stations, field games, face painting, a slime bar, swings, and bungee jumping kept little hands and feet busy. The Mississippi Aquarium, Junior Auxiliary, and other community organizations also joined the fun.
A sensory, neurodivergent-friendly area helped ensure that more children could comfortably enjoy the festivities.
After 45 years, the Biloxi Seafood Festival has become more than a place to grab a plate. It is a celebration seasoned with local talent, family tradition, and the maritime culture that has helped shape the city.
(Photos by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette)
