The United States of America will celebrate its 249th birthday on Friday, with towns in every part of Mississippi joining in on the Independence Day festivities with fireworks, festivals, and patriotism.
Here’s a rundown of the Magnolia State’s biggest red, white, and blue birthday bashes:
Bay St. Louis | 41st Annual Crab Festival | Learn more
What: The longtime community event hosted by Our Lady of the Gulf is a weekend full of seafood, live music, and fireworks.
Where: Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church
When: July 3-5 from 10 am to 11 pm each day
Brandon | Freedom Fest | Learn more
What: Brandon will kick off Independence Day celebrations on Thursday with a festive array of kids’ activities, food trucks, live music, and fireworks.
Where: Brandon Amphitheatre
When: July 3 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Freedom Fest is held the evening of July 3 at the Brandon Amphitheater and serves as a kickoff, complimentary event for Independence Day celebrations. A variety of attractions—inflatables for the kids, a Cornhole tournament, facepainting, food trucks and much more – culminate in a patriotic concert and fireworks display.
Columbus | Fireworks on the Water | Learn more
What: Free event featuring live entertainment, food vendors, family friendly activities, and fireworks.
Where: East Bank of Stennis Lock and Dam
When: July 4 beginning at 5 p.m.
Diamondhead | 4th of July Community Celebration | Learn more
What: A free event offering live music by Joni Compretta and Baytown Groove, food and drink available for purchase, and fireworks beginning at 9 p.m.
Where: South of I-10 Exit 16 at Harbor Circle
When: July 3 from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Gulfport | 4th of July Fins, Fireworks, & Frosty Beers | Learn more
What: A special after-hours event at The Mississippi Aquarium will feature a beer garden, local food trucks, and exclusive access to the west lawn to view the city of Gulfport’s fireworks display. Admission is $15.
Where: The Mississippi Aquarium
When: July 4 beginning at 6 p.m. with final entry at 7:30 p.m.
Gulfport | Fourth of July Fireworks Show | Learn more
What: The City of Gulfport will set off their annual fireworks show that is visible across the city.
Where: Viewing areas include the beach south of Highway 90, Jones Park, and the Municipal Marina.
When: July 4 beginning at 8:45 p.m.
Hattiesburg | Star-Spangled Celebration | Learn more
What: A free event in the Hub City that includes kids’ zones, food vendors, live music, and fireworks.
Where: Petal River Park & Hattiesburg’s Chain Park
When: July 3 beginning at 6 p.m. with fireworks starting at 9 p.m.
Hernando | Front Porch Fireworks | Learn more
What: A free event that will include food trucks, craft vendors, a live DJ, and fireworks.
Where: Civic Center Ballfields
When: July 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Jackson | Fondren Yard 4th of July Grill Out | Learn more
What: A full day of food, music, and family activities in the capital city. Admission is free.
Where: Fondren Yard
When: July 4 (All day event)
Jackson | Fireworks Extravaganza | Learn more
What: A kids zone, live music, food vendors, and a fireworks show are available for free to those in the capital city looking to celebrate America’s independence.
Where: Smith Wills Stadium
When: July 3 from 5 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Long Beach | 4th of July Jubilee | Learn more
What: The coastal town will host a packed day that includes a free festival, block party, and fireworks.
Where: 201 Jeff Davis Avenue
When: Festival begins at 11 a.m., block party begins 7 p.m., fireworks begin at 8:45 p.m.
Meridian | 4th of July Celebration | Learn more
What: The Queen City hosts their annual Independence Day celebration, an evening of live music, food trucks, and fireworks over Bonita Lakes.
Where: Bonita Lakes
When: July 4 beginning at 3:30 p.m.
Morton | Roosevelt State Park July 4th Celebration | Learn more
What: An all-day event held at the state park includes a car show, live entertainment, family activities, a boat parade, and fireworks.
Where: Roosevelt State Park
When: July 4 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Natchez | Live at Five on the Fourth | Learn more
What: Natchez is hosting a blowout concert and fireworks extravaganza for Independence Day, including local live music, food, yard games, and fireworks.
Where: River Bluff Park
When: July 4 beginning at 5 p.m., fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
Nettleton | Annual Independence Day Parade | Learn more
What: Nettleton’s annual parade will be complemented by food trucks, live entertainment, and a firework show.
Where: Roy Black Park
When: July 5 beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Ocean Springs | Independence Day Celebration | Learn more
What: Coastal residents of all ages are invited to enjoy a waterfront celebration including a live DJ, food vendors, and fireworks.
Where: Fort Maurepas
When: July 3 beginning at 6 p.m. with fireworks starting at 9 p.m.
Olive Branch | Independence Day Fireworks | Learn more
What: At the conclusion of Christian music festival Light the Way, a free event which will include food vendors, a kid zone, and live music, the city will treat residents to fireworks.
Where: Olive Branch City Park
When: From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Oxford | 4th of July Parade and Fireworks | Learn more
What: An Independence Day parade will start the day on Oxford’s historic square, with celebrations concluding later Friday night at mTrade Park for a fireworks show.
Where: Oxford Square (parade), mTrade Park (fireworks show)
When: Parade begins at 10 a.m., while fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Pearl | Mississippi Mud Monsters Fireworks | Learn more
What: Mississippi’s newest professional baseball team will treat fans to a post-game fireworks celebration on back-to-back nights at the ballpark.
Where: Trustmark Park
When: July 4 (game begins at 6:30 p.m.) and July 5 (game begins at 6 p.m.)
Pontotoc | Independence Day Celebration | Learn more
What: Live music, food, and a fireworks display following the annual 4th of July parade.
Where: Fire Choice Gateway Pavilion
When: July 4 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sherman | Independence Day Celebration | Learn more
What: Sherman’s community-wide festivities include a parade, live music, kids splash pad, food trucks, and fireworks.
Where: Sherman Park
When: July 5 from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Southaven | Annual Southaven Fireworks Extravaganza | Learn more
What: The annual free event will include a kid’s zone, food and craft vendors, live music, and fireworks.
Where: BankPlus Amphitheater
When: July 4 from 5 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
Tupelo | 39th Annual All-America City Family Picnic in the Park | Learn more
What: One of Tupelo’s marquee events includes activities for all ages, live music, food and drink vendors, and a fireworks show.
Where: Ballard Park
When: July 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Vicksburg | Riverfront Independent Day Celebration | Learn more
What: Vicksburg continues to celebrate its bicentennial with a riverfront party for all ages, complete with live music, food, and a “spectacular fireworks show.”
Where: Washington St. in downtown Vicksburg
When: July 4 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Yazoo City | Freedom Festival | Learn more
What: A free, all-day celebration will offer family activities, live music, and a fireworks show to conclude the festival. There will also be a free clothing and grocery giveaway for families in need.
Where: 1255 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
When: July 4 beginning at 11 a.m.
