Coming to South Mississippi for Black Spring Break? Here’s what you need to know
Crowds are expected to return to the beaches in South Mississippi this weekend as Black Spring Break is back in Biloxi and Gulfport from April 10 to 13.
Events are planned day and night from Thursday through Sunday, mostly at clubs in Gulfport.
It starts with a Bounce Fest Welcome Party Thursday for ages 18 and up at Club Thirty IV in Gulfport. Tickets start at $20 and a $1,000 twerk contest is part of the festivities.
The weekend wraps up Sunday with an R&B brunch and a hangover party, both in Gulfport. Admission to most events starts at $20 to $30, and admission to the beach is free.
The weather forecast is for sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s throughout the weekend.
Some hotels on the beach in Biloxi are reporting on social media they aren’t filled up as of Wednesday. A check on hotels.com and other booking websites show room availability this weekend at casinos and along the beach. Rates generally start at around $200 per night.
It may be turning into a day trip spring break, said Linda Hornsby, executive director of the Mississippi Hotel Motel Lodging Association.
“I just don’t know how many are from out of town and how many are locals,” she said.
Fun with a nod to the past
This is the 15th Mississippi Black Spring Break, the group said in a news release. The event is tied to the wade-in events that eventually led to a federal court ruling in 1968 that opened the beaches to everyone.
“We want to reflect and commemorate what our ancestors went through for us to be able to enjoy the Mississippi Gulf Coast beach,” the news release said. “Each April the spring break commemorates and celebrates the struggles and fortitude to keep going, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”
Parking and getting around
While most of the spring break events are in Gulfport, Biloxi Police are preparing for crowds on the beach and heavy traffic.
“No event’s been planned but people still will come,” said Officer Jonathan Johnson, public information officer for Biloxi Police Department.
Spring breakers can park in the bays along Beach Boulevard, just like any other weekend, but can only take up one space and not pull behind something like a barbecue trailer, he said. They can’t park in neighborhoods, he said.
There aren’t any concerts or events at the Coast Coliseum in Biloxi this year, so the parking lots and garage won’t be open.
Organizers didn’t turn in an application for a special events permit in Biloxi. Without a permit that is required of all medium and large events in the city, no parking lot permits were allowed.
“We can’t issue any permits for an event that’s not been approved,” said Jerry Creel, community development director for the city.
He expects flash events will be posted again on social media for pop-up parties, and those will be monitored in case they are again held in residential areas that can’t handle the crowds and traffic.
Coast Transit Authority buses will operate on a limited schedule during the weekend and major delays are anticipated along U.S. 90 and Pass Road. A temporary, nonstop Express Route will operate between the Gulfport and Biloxi Transit Centers for passengers.
Pedestrians and orange cones
Those who don’t want to get into the Spring Break traffic should stay away from the beach and Pass Road on Friday night and Saturday afternoon into the night, when traffic typically is heaviest.
“The cones will come out if needed,” Johnson said, and Biloxi’s event traffic plan will be enforced. If needed, the inner lanes of traffic along Beach Boulevard will be closed to all but emergency personnel, while the outside lanes remain open.
The areas to watch for people crossing the highway to the beach in Biloxi extend from Treasure Bay Casino to Edgewater Mall.
Safety on the beach
Harrison County Sand Beach Authority has safety rules in place on the beach for spring break and every day.
They include:
▪ No amplified music
▪ No glass
▪ No animals of any kind on the beach
▪ No fires allowed without a permit to use a firepit
▪ No food trucks or other sales on the beach
▪ No firearms, weapons or fireworks
Schedule of events
Thursday, April 10
Welcome Party, BSB Bounce Fest, 9 p.m. at Club Thirty IV, Gulfport, from $20. $1,000 twerk contest
Friday, April 11
Day Party and Twerk Tournament, noon, Empire Sports Bar, Gulfport, from $20
The Jumpoff, 9 p.m. at Elaine’s Place to Be, from $20
Saturday, April 12
ABC Day Party at Empire Sports Bar, Gulfport, from $20
The After Party, 9 p.m. at Elaine’s Place to Be, from $30
Sunday, April 13
Sunday Brunch, 11 a.m. at Elaine’s Place to Be, Free admission
Donkmaster Car Show at Gulfport Dragway, 1 p.m.
Hangover, 8 p.m., The Playhouse Bar & Nightclub, Ocean Springs, from $20
This story was originally published April 10, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
