Gulf Coast Equality Fest
Festival Day Information
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 11 AM–5 PM
Admission: Free
Location: The Great Lawn at Harrah’s Gulf Coast
Address: 280 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530
The Great Lawn:
Gulf Coast Equality Fest will take place on The Great Lawn at Harrah’s Gulf Coast, a 10-acre property located on the beach side of the resort in Biloxi. The festival will occupy the western quarter of the property.
Parking:
Standard parking is available across the street from The Great Lawn in the Harrah’s Gulf Coast parking garage. You may use the sky bridge or the pedestrian walkway near the traffic light on the first floor to cross Highway 90. Please note: Parking is not permitted at The Blind Tiger Biloxi restaurant adjacent to The Great Lawn.
Accessible Parking:
Accessible parking only is available on The Great Lawn in the designated parking area. A valid handicap parking placard or tag must be displayed and presented to security for entry. Additional accessible parking is available on the first floor of the Harrah’s Gulf Coast parking garage. Please keep in mind that The Great Lawn is an outdoor venue with grassy terrain, which may affect accessibility in certain areas.
Festival Information and Assistance:
Have a question or need assistance during the festival? Visit the Gulf Coast Equality Tent near the stage. Our team will be happy to help.
Vendors, Food, and Shopping:
Explore nearly 70 vendors offering a wide variety of products and services, including food and beverages, clothing, pet products, gifts, health and beauty items, artwork, crafts, and community information.
Family-Friendly Activities:
Gulf Coast Equality Fest is a family-friendly event!
The Junior Auxiliary of Biloxi–Ocean Springs and Lynn Meadows Discovery Center will host arts and crafts activities for children. A bounce house will also be available in the designated kids' area.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to relax on the grass while enjoying the day's entertainment.
Festival Rules:
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please observe the following rules:
Weapons of any kind are prohibited on The Great Lawn.
Coolers, outside food, and outside beverages are not permitted. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from festival vendors.
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted outside the designated festival area.
No political items are allowed on the festival grounds.
Security:
Security personnel will be present throughout the festival. If you experience a problem or need assistance, please contact a security officer or a member of the Gulf Coast Equality staff.
First Aid:
First aid assistance is available at the Gulf Coast Equality Tent near the main entrance.
Raffle Tickets and Drawings:
Purchase raffle tickets at the Gulf Coast Equality Tent near the main entrance for your chance to win one of our exciting prizes.
You do not need to be present to win. A complete list of raffle prizes is available on our Facebook event page or at the Gulf Coast Equality Tent.
Official 2026 Festival T-Shirts:
Take home a piece of the celebration! Official 2026 Gulf Coast Equality Fest T-shirts will be available for purchase for $18.00 at the Gulf Coast Equality Tent, with a variety of sizes available while supplies last.
Photo Booth:
Stop by the photo booth near the stage to capture a memory of the celebration. Use our themed backdrop and props to take a fun photo and commemorate the 10th anniversary of Gulf Coast Equality Fest.
ATMs:
ATMs are available inside Harrah’s Gulf Coast.
Pets:
Well-behaved, non-aggressive pets are welcome on The Great Lawn. Pets must always remain on a leash, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them.
Entertainment and Schedule:
Gulf Coast Equality Fest will feature a full day of live entertainment, music, drag performances, and community speakers.
A complete performance schedule is available below, on our Facebook event page, in the festival program, and at the Gulf Coast Equality Tent.
Hosts:
Alexa Avery
Jawakatema Davenport
Drag Performers:
Kitty Woods
Tara Shay Montgomery
Misty Love
Jezebell Sinn Avery
Catastrophe Nicole Knight
Pharrah Dynamics
Regina de Laurentiis
Live Music:
DJ “Dolla” Bill
The Kelsey Moran Band
STARZ BAND LIVE!
Community Speakers:
Kimberly Allison
Juno “Junie” Joseph
Brett Kenyon (Papa Mississippi)
Sipps Official Afterparty:
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Showtime: 10 PM
Cover: $10
Location: Sipps Bar
2218 25th Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501
Equality Sunday at Just Us Lounge:
Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
Time: 5 PM
Admission: No cover charge
Location: Just Us Lounge
906 Division St, Biloxi, MS 39530
Join the Celebration:
Gulf Coast Equality Fest is more than a festival. It is an opportunity to bring people together, celebrate our community, recognize our supporters, and continue working toward a more inclusive and affirming Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Thank you to our sponsors, vendors, performers, volunteers, community partners, and everyone who makes this event possible. We look forward to celebrating 10 incredible years with you!
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