And so it begins…

This weekend brings the beginning of a kaleidoscope of events that will have artists and art enthusiasts flocking to the Gulf Coast.

First up, the annual Ocean Springs Artwalk on Saturday will kick off the arts and crafts festival season.

This one-day art festival is in its 31st year and is always held on Labor Day weekend.

The downtown Ocean Springs event showcases potters, painters, sculptors, mixed media artists, and musicians who partner with local boutiques, galleries, and restaurants to demonstrate their creative processes and skills on the sidewalks.

It’s a family event that will take place rain or shine from 10 am until 4 pm.

On Sunday, the city of Waveland will sponsor a Labor Day Street Fair & Fireworks festival with arts and crafts vendors, food, and music. The inaugural family event will be from 10 am to 5 pm on Coleman Avenue.

The 41st Biloxi Seafood Festival is from 10 am until 8 pm on Sept. 10 and 11 am until 3 pm on Sept. 11. This giant festival features great seafood, live music, children’s games, and arts and crafts. It also celebrates Biloxi’s rich culture and heritage on the Biloxi Town Green.

The Zonta Arts and Crafts Festival is set for Oct. 1 from 9 am until 5 pm in downtown Pascagoula on Delmas Avenue. Pascagoula’s premier arts and crafts show will feature live entertainment, arts and crafts booths, and a free children’s area.

The 32nd annual Gautier Mullet & Music Festival is set for Oct. 22 from 10 am until 9 pm. This unique arts and crafts show will even allow you to toss a mullet. It also features a variety of local cuisine, a kid’s zone, a car and boat show, a fishing rodeo, and live music.

Scattered amongst 300-year-old oak trees in downtown Ocean Springs will be the 44th Annual Peter Anderson Festival from 9 am until 5 pm on Nov. 5 & 6. This festival is named in honor of the late master potter, Peter Anderson, and celebrates the arts with more than 400 booths of artists and crafters from throughout the United States. From oil paintings to pottery, hand-made jewelry, digital portraits, American folk toys, metal works and so much more, spectators can enjoy a festive weekend of live music, coastal fare, and more than 100 shops, restaurants, and galleries. Organizers will ask for a $2 donation at each entrance.

The Mermaids Arts & Crafts Show in Bay St. Louis will be on Nov. 12 & 13 on the shady grounds of the historic train depot. The Krewe of Nereids sponsors the event that includes easy access to downtown shopping, restaurants, campgrounds, and several hotels and casinos.

Cherie Ward is an award-winning Mississippi Gulf Coast journalist with decades of experience in writing and photography. Connect with her by email at chereliseward@gmail.com with story ideas or find her @cherieward on Instagram. She would love to hear from you.

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