The City of Gulfport and Gulfport Mainstreet Association has partnered to create

the first ever Gumbo Fest, presented by Mitchell Distributing and Chandeleur Brewing Company! As Mayor Billy Hewes once said, our beloved Coastal Mississippi region is its own pot of gumbo. Each community has their own recipe list for their unique gumbo, but we all come together as “One Coast”. Our goal is to foster this camaraderie through this one-of-a-kind event to establish a festival filled with culture and entertainment for the whole family!

The event will take place at Centennial Plaza, a 48-acre resort complex restored from a former military installation that has been reimagined as the area’s premier traveler destination. The Gumbo Fest will be held on Saturday, November 19, and will feature non-stop activities and entertainment throughout the day! The day will include our Stir Da Roux Gumbo Cook-Off, where homegrown and seasoned chefs vie for the coveted title of “Best Overall Gumbo”, including cash prizes and trophies. A friendly competition will take place as our Coast Mayors will be pitted against each other for the Mayor’s Cup during the Stir Da Roux Gumbo Cook-Off! Along the Coast, everyone’s mama’s gumbo recipe is the best of the best! Here is where the rubber meets the road at our People’s Choice Tasting, and everyone can sample and vote for who has the best one! Throughout the day, you’ll be able to shop for art and other collectibles from renowned regional artists, groove to music from Grammy-winning Cedric Burnside, Amanda Shaw, Bon Bon Vivant and Blackwater Brass, and taste cuisine from some of the Coast’s best food vendors!

All of the Gumbo Fest activities are free to attend and appropriate for all ages! Sponsors may enjoy our Friday night VIP Sponsor Reception on November 18.