Tradition is an integral part of Mississippi, especially around any holiday. There has never been a better time to embrace and uphold those traditions after a year of no contact, hugs, and celebrations. If you’re looking for something fun to do this Fourth of July, we’ve got a few suggestions for you:
The Mississippi Hot Air Balloon Festival, Canton/Ridgeland
If you’ve never attended, this is a definite “must-see” for the whole family. Enjoy the great shopping, fabulous food vendors, and toe-tapping music. Then, you can enjoy the beautiful hot air balloons that will glow throughout the town square followed by a fabulous fireworks extravaganza. There will be three days of fun scheduled for the fest, so you have plenty of chances to have a great time. Click here for the full schedule.
The Star-Spangled Celebration on the River, Hattiesburg/Petal
The Star-Spangled Celebration on the River, hosted by Downtown Hattiesburg and the Petal Area Chamber of Commerce, will be a family-friendly event that offers great music, delicious food vendors, fellowship, and even more fireworks to light up the night. The festivities will take place on July 2nd, beginning at 6 p.m., at Hattiesburg’s Chain Park and the Petal River Park.
Firework Extravaganzas, Across the State
From Oxford to Jackson to the Gulf Coast and everywhere in between, there are plenty of firework extravaganzas going on this weekend throughout the Magnolia State. At Trustmark Park in Pearl, the fireworks begin at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 4th. Laurel’s extravaganza will take place on Saturday, July 3rd. The City of Biloxi is expected to have its biggest show ever. And those are just a few of the firework exhibits going on! To find an extravaganza near you, visit our events page.
July 4th Celebration at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum, Biloxi
At the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, the festivities start Saturday, July 3rd, with Lefty Parker spinning classic Americana music on the Plaza. There will also be a cash bar, plus free admission to the museum. You can also come on out Sunday night as there will be live music accompanying the City of Biloxi’s fireworks show. Quintron’s Weather Warlock will kick off the music at 7:30 p.m. and will be joined by several prominent coastal musicians as the fireworks begin. There will also be plenty of food and drink.
Biloxi Schooner Sails for the Fourth of July Fireworks, Mississippi Sound
Come aboard the Biloxi Schooner as the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum invites you to sail on the schooner and enjoy the fireworks display on the water. The ship will depart the Schooner Pier Complex on Highway 90 at 7 p.m. for a regular sail before it makes a stop behind Deer Island to enjoy the fireworks display. You’re encouraged to bring your own food and refreshments. This promises to be a very unique and enjoyable way to take in the nighttime display.
Staycation Celebration, Anywhere
Due to the rise of gasoline prices and the fear COVID has brought to our country, you might want to look no further than your own backyard for the perfect celebration. The Fourth of July was my Pappaw’s favorite holiday, and he would have the grill cooking up from sun up to sundown. We always had more than enough food, and there was quite a crowd when we gathered at my Mammaw and Pappaw’s house. It was an all-day celebration. We, the kids, stayed outside all day long. From slip and slide challenges to kickball tournaments, it was always a blast. As twilight dawned, we ended the day of festivities with our own fireworks show. Every family has some traditions, and this is the year to get out and celebrate those good times of yore.
This is just a sampling of what the Magnolia State has to offer on this year’s edition of July 4th. Come enjoy one of the events above or check out what else is going on right here. Have a fun and safe July 4th!
