Peter Anderson Fest is this weekend in Ocean Springs. Here’s where to park, what to see
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- Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival Nov. 8-9 in Ocean Springs; free 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Festival footprint covers Washington and Government avenues; expect closures, towing.
- Program lists hundreds of artists, live music, craft demos, Young at Art and exhibits.
The 47th Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival is this weekend in Ocean Springs, and fans have different reasons they go every November.
For some, it’s the tents full of imaginative arts and crafts in the center of the downtown streets, where they can pick up something special for their home or start Christmas shopping. Others go for the craft demonstrations and to enjoy the entertainment, the food and people watching under the oak trees.
The festival is Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8-9 in downtown Ocean Springs. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days and admission is free.
The list of hundreds of artists, crafters and food vendors is multiplied by the locally owned shops, restaurants and galleries in the downtown.
The festival area is laid out in a big T along Washington Avenue and Government Street, just off U.S. 90. It’s one of the largest festivals in Mississippi each year, so expect big crowds, craft demonstrations, music throughout, festival food and specials at all the downtown shops and restaurants.
Here’s information to navigate the parking and discover the entertainment throughout the festival venue:
Entertainment
Musical entertainment will be spread throughout the festival this year. Look for official “music” signs.
Demonstrations: Artists will show their crafts at their booths by painting, sculpting and even firing up pottery.
A Marine education area will let families experience displays, artifacts and hands-on activities, led by Gulf Coast Research Laboratory of University of Southern Mississippi.
Win prizes with Plinko. Try your hand at Plinko on the lawn of the Mary C. O’Keefe on Government street.
Interactive police box is a replica of the TARDIS from Doctor Who. Those who step inside will feel like they are traveling through time. It will be at the corner of Washington and Porter avenue.
Young at Art is a children’s art market where kids age eight to 18 can exhibit and sell their art creations Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the grounds of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art.
Parking and Shuttles
Festival goers are not permitted to park on private property or along U.S. 90. Park and ride will be available to the festival.
Parking: Coast Transit Authority and YMCA will provide shuttle buses to the festival. CTA will pick up at Greyhound Stadium (off Government Street and Hanley Road). The YMCA buses will pick up at Ocean Springs Upper Elementary and Oak Park (off Government Street and Holcomb Blvd.).
Buses will run every 30 minutes from the parking lots to the festival entrance on Government Street and Porter Avenue or Government Street and Magnolia Ave. Shuttle buses will run from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Downtown Golf Carts will also provide services from Upper Elementary and Oak Park Elementary.
Handicap parking: Limited handicap parking is available at City Hall and Ocean Springs Library, off Porter Avenue. Wheelchair accessible dropoff available at Porter Avenue entrance
Streets closed
These streets will be closed to through traffic from 3 a.m. Saturday through 7 p.m. Sunday:
- Washington Avenue from Calhoun Street to Bienville Boulevard
- Government Street from Washington Avenue to Magnolia Street
- Porter Avenue from Bellande Avenue to Jackson Avenue
- DeSoto Street from Cash Alley to Church Street
- Robinson Street will be open only to residential traffic
Vehicles parked within the festival footprint will be towed starting at 3:30 a.m. Saturday.
More information
Prepare to walk. Golf carts, skateboards and bicycles are not allowed within the footprint of the festival.
Pets are not recommended because of the crowds. Those who do bring a pet should consider carrying them or putting them in a wagon. Pets must be on a leash at all times.
For Information: Staffed information booths are at the five main entrances
