Fall in Ocean Springs — Festivals, Events & Coastal Traditions
In Ocean Springs, fall doesn’t arrive with fanfare — it drifts in quietly, like the sound of a saxophone spilling out of a downtown doorway or the smell of coffee and salt air on a cool morning. The light gets softer, the breeze lighter, and suddenly the whole town feels like a small-town postcard again.
It’s festival season — the stretch of months when locals and visitors fill the streets for art, cars, food, and music. If you’re planning a trip (or just an excuse to wander), here’s your guide to what’s happening this fall along the Coast — and where to stop along the way.
Start the Day Local
Before you hit the crowds, fuel up at Buzzy’s Breakfast Joint, a neighborhood favorite known for its Southern plates and friendly, no-rush vibe. Then head downtown for a cappuccino at District Coffee Co., where the locals linger and the espresso is always strong.
While you’re there, pop into Buff City Soap for something handcrafted — it’s part of the Ocean Springs experience to leave smelling faintly of shea butter and sea salt.
Festivals, & Art Under the Oaks
From October through early November, downtown becomes a carousel of creativity and community.
Witches Ride of Ocean Springs (October 25, 2025)
Hundreds of costumed riders take over downtown — part parade, part party, and pure local fun. The after-party spills out into the street, with music, food, and plenty of laughter.
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics (October 26, 2025)
For something slower and more atmospheric, The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center hosts this candlelit concert — a hauntingly beautiful night that sells out early every year.
Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival (November 8-9, 2025)
The season’s grand finale: more than 400 artists, makers, and performers fill the streets for a two-day celebration of craftsmanship and community. If you only make it to one event this fall, make it this one.
Where to Pause Between the Fun
Festivals in Ocean Springs aren’t just about the events — they’re about the in-between moments.
Between booths and music sets, duck into Field’s Italian, a chic italian spot and bar that’s perfect for a lunch or an afternoon sip.
Or, stop by Palmette, the flower shop tucked inside The Springs Hotel, where hand-tied bouquets and soft lighting make it one of downtown’s most photo-worthy corners.
By the time the sun dips behind the oaks, downtown feels like a movie set — people spilling out of galleries, kids with cotton candy, and that easy Gulf Coast kind of joy that can’t be planned.
Saturdays at the Fresh Market
Even outside of festival weekends, the Ocean Springs Fresh Market keeps the community pulsing. Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., you’ll find fresh flowers, handmade goods, and neighbors greeting each other under the oaks. Grab something warm to sip, stroll the stalls, and listen to the street musicians who make the morning feel like a small concert.
Plan Your Stay with Rain Travel Collection
When the fall calendar fills up, finding the perfect place to stay is half the fun.
Browse Rain Travel Collection to discover the full lineup of Ocean Springs’ boutique hotels — each with its own distinct charm:
The Roost Boutique Hotel – timeless elegance beneath the oaks.
The Beatnik – modern architecture and private plunge pools.
The Springs Hotel – vibrant and stylish, home to the lovely Palmette flower shop.
The Hemingway – coastal sophistication just off Government Street.
Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort – historic and waterfront, with sunset views that steal the show.
From breakfast at Buzzy’s to late-night festival strolls, fall in Ocean Springs is all about connection — to the art, to the people, and to the slower rhythm of life along the Gulf. Come for the festivals, but stay for the feeling that lingers long after the music fades.