What started in 1978 with 56 booths featuring local artisans and crafters has grown to more than 400 booths with an annual attendance exceeding 150,000 now carries the distinction of being the largest art festival in Mississippi and the Gulf Coast.
And this year, guests may arrive at the Peter Anderson Festival by way of the Amtrak Mardi Gras Line that runs between Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans, Louisiana. November 6 and 7 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Ocean Springs Chamber Executive Director Cynthia Sutton and the Chamber staff have been in festival season since August preparing for this annual event held the first weekend of November preparing for an unforgettable event offering something for everyone.
“We have some fun activities on the grounds of the Mary C, and Raising Cane’s is offering some new activities,” Ms. Sutton said. “There’s always something special about festival weekend in Ocean Springs, and I can’t wait to see everyone out enjoying it.”
The University of Southern Mississippi Marine Education Center and the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory will also provide hands-on experiences with a variety of displays, artifacts, hands-on activities and more.
Along with the robotics team, the culinary arts students from the Ocean Springs School District will be baking cookies to serve in the festival hospitality rooms.
A festival favorite for the over-21 crowd is the Brighten Your Pint event sponsored by Blue Moon. This is a national project encouraging individuals from small towns to craft a piece of art depicting the Blue Moon logo design.
“I’m excited for another wonderful year of the Peter Anderson Festival,” Ms. Sutton said. “One of the things I am most proud of this year is the special Amtrak stop and the opportunity to welcome visitors arriving by train to experience our festival and our town.”
Preparing to exhibit her artwork in booth 656 on Government Street is Loran Chavez, a veteran artist at the Peter Anderson Festival. Chavez’s art focus is on local wildlife and landscapes along with her signature custom shadowbox canvases constructed by her helper and spouse Christopher.
“Art brings back memories of a special time or place and evokes a feeling that we want to keep close to our hearts,” the artist said. “I am delighted when someone says a piece is speaking to them. I have had the privilege of hearing many wonderful stories from divers, and about vacations, childhood, or beautiful places which bring joy every time they pass the works of art in their home. I feel honored when someone gives me their hard-earned money to purchase one of my pieces.”
From Fairhope, Alabama, she has been a Peter Anderson vendor since 2008 and her work is multiple media with acrylics as her favorite media. He said the Ocean Springs festival is one of her absolute favorite shows each year.
“We come back year after year because it’s such a wonderful show,” Chavez said. “I have many delightful memories from this show. My spot is typically near the same area each year, and we camp inside the show footprint, which makes it easier for the set up at dark thirty on Saturday morning.”
To prepare for the many outdoor festivals offered in the fall, Chavez completes 100 paintings in 100 days. To view her work, click Coastal Art ~ Loran Chavez.
For a complete list of festival activities and a map of vendor locations, check out the 2026 festival guide Peter Anderson Festival Guide ~ 2026
