New Year’s Eve is officially upon us, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate. From creative drops to parties to concerts, Mississippi is full of New Year’s Eve events. Here’s a short list of our favorites.
New Year’s Eve events
Bay St. Louis Oyster Drop
While it’s not Times Square in New York City, there are a handful of local drops taking place across the state. For the fifth year in a row, officials in Bay St. Louis will drop a giant oyster to mark the turn of the new year. On top of the giant oyster being dropped from the top of 200 North Beach Restaurant and Bar, there will be live bands, fireworks, and other pyro effects to celebrate. We suggest getting there early as thousands will be lining the streets of downtown Bay St. Louis.
Pascagoula Anchor Drop
100 miles east of Bay St. Louis, crews in Pascagoula are ready to start a New Year’s Eve tradition of their own. For the first time, a giant, lighted anchor will be dropped from the City Centre building at 3207 Magnolia Street. The event starts at 8 p.m. with musical entertainment throughout the downtown area. Fireworks will follow the anchor drop.
Hal & Mal’s Catfish Drop
The state’s longest-standing New Year’s Eve drop takes place in the capital city as the crystal catfish will descend from the top of Hal & Mal’s at exactly midnight. The night will kick off with the New Year’s Eve Catfish Ball, beginning at 8 p.m. and featuring a three-course meal. Dinner will be followed by a New Year’s Eve party complete with drinks, entertainment, and music from the Southern Komfort Brass Band.
Hub City Sign Drop
Huge crowds are expected to bring in the New Year in Hattiesburg. Over 10,000 revelers hung out to see the Hub City sign drop last year, and the crowds are expected to be even bigger this year. Several downtown restaurants have extended their hours and are offering a VIP experience. Roads will close around 4 p.m., the Confetti Countdown at the Pocket Museum Alley opens at 6:30, there will also be music and live entertainment before the sign drops at midnight, and they’ll wrap up the fun with fireworks.
Tupelo New Year’s Eve Party
Tupelo’s New Year’s Eve Party is returning for another year with a diverse lineup of bands setting up on two different stages downtown. BankPlus KidsFest gets the night started as the fun will continue with music, fireworks, and more.
Fireworks on the River
Take in the fireworks at one of Mississippi’s most breathtaking scenes. The River City will ring in the new year with a dazzling firework show on the Natchez Bluff. The first match is lit at 6:30, and the event is free to attend.
A Southern Soul New Year’s Eve Celebration
Located at the Vicksburg City Auditorium and beginning at 7 p.m., A Southern Soul New Year’s Eve Celebration will feature music from P2K, Marcellus The Singer, Kue, Big Yayo, Earl Jackson, and many more. Tickets are $25.
Concerts
There are plenty of concerts going on across the state on New Year’s Eve. In Jackson, rising electronic music star Soulacybin will be at Martin’s. Ground Zero Blues Club in Biloxi will feature tunes from The Chitlins and Ra’Shad The Blues Kid. Hollywood Vagabonds will take the stage at Pier 15 in Biloxi while The Tree-Oh and Unfazed Show & Band will be live from Government Street in Ocean Springs.
New Year’s Eve pre-events
There are some pre-events on Saturday for those who want to celebrate early or simply plan to get a full night’s sleep on Sunday.
Noon Year’s Eve
If you have kids, this event is perfect. Hosted by the Mississippi Children’s Museum in Jackson, Noon Year’s Eve will feature confetti cannons, a traditional style countdown, and a balloon drop to mark the end of the museum’s annual holiday event. Taking place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the event is free for museum members and $10 for others.
Almost New Year’s Eve Party 2023
Go home and take a nap and then scoot back over to the Lefleur Museum District for the Museum of Natural Science’s Almost New Year’s Eve Party. Paired with its ongoing Permian Monsters exhibit – which looks at life before dinosaurs – there will be prizes, chances to interact with live nocturnal animals, and all the refreshments you can imagine. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., this party is $10 for members and $12 for non-members.
2023 XJXN Soulabration
A more adult-oriented event going on Saturday is Jackson’s annual Soulabration Concert, which will take place at the Coliseum. Hosted by comedians Nardo and Alice Marieth, there will be performances by King James, T.K. Soul, and other artists. Doors open at 7 p.m. with tickets going for $57 per person.
