A Fall Full of Fun in Old Town Bay St. Louis

Saturday in the Bay - July 2026

Whatever you like to do for fun, Bay St. Louis has something for you this fall! Read on to see a breakdown of what's in store.

​- Story by Old Town Merchants Association and Kirby Rhodes

Booker Fest celebrates the life and creative genius of BSL native James Booker Labor Day weekend.

The Old Town Merchants Association represents over 100 local businesses in the Bay offering fabulous shopping, delectable dining, and comfortable accommodations just steps away from the Gulf. Live music pours out onto the streets nearly every night, and you can find karaoke, a game of Mahjong, or an opportunity to challenge your friends at a trivia night in a casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere. If a stroll and a sweet treat sound good, you can find those, too.

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There is no end to the unique experiences and festive fun Bay St. Louis offers. Join us on August 8 for Second Saturday to celebrate the Mockingbird Café’s 20 birthday. The annual “Birdstock” will celebrate this favorite local hangout with live music, food, and beverages all day. Find the full details HERE. 

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The Bay St. Louis Little Theatre will offer various shows and events, including Episode Two of The Good Earth’s podcast, Tones and Traditions, and a full production of On Golden Pond in September.  

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Every Labor Day weekend, Booker Fest returns to 100 Men Hall. This three-day music festival celebrates James Carroll Booker III, a celebrated piano player who was born in New Orleans and raised in Bay St. Louis. Check out the details on 100 Men Hall’s website and see their other monthly events, like their popular Blues Brunch on Sundays.

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Wrap up your Labor Day weekend at the second annual Driftapalooza. On September 18-19 the Driftwood Hotel will be jamming with live music, local art, and food vendors from across the Coast! Find details and purchase tickets HERE. 

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Art created by local artists will be on display and available for purchase at the Art Without Walls Art Market (AWOW). The market is set up in the sculpture garden at the Maimie Hillery Arts Center, home of The Arts Hancock County. Markets are scheduled for September 12 and October 17 from 10 am to 2 pm. 

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September is only the beginning of very busy fall. The Coast will jump into October with both feet, kicking off the 30th Cruisin’ the Coast on October 4. Billed as “America’s largest Block Party,” Cruisin’ is a wonderful, family-friendly opportunity to stroll Old Town and reminisce about the good old days while perusing classic cars. 

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Cruisin’ the Coast will wrap events on October 11, but festivities in the Bay don’t stop there! The sixth annual Boo in the Bay golf cart parade is on Saturday, October 17, followed by the highly anticipated (and regionally famous) BSL Witches Walk on October 24. With a new Friday night welcome party for registered participants, the weekend is going to be tons of spooky fun. The coast’s largest costume party embraces the playful traditions of Halloween in a safe, friendly atmosphere. So dress up, grab your witchy friends, and enjoy the contests, Witch Bingo with prize money, a cauldron dance, and shopping and drink specials all over town.
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While their brooms were recharging, we snapped this photo of SOME of the witches at the 2025 Witches Walk!

Whether it is a special event or just everyday enjoyment, life is good in Bay St. Louis. There is always something to do and people to meet. To learn more about Old Town head over to OTMA’s website, baystlouisoldtown.org. 

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