Page 14 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2025

COAST NOTE
This Is Me
story by Cherie Ward
photo courtesy of the Gulf Coast Equality Fest
Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 25, when
the Great Lawn of Harrah’s Gulf Coast at 280 Beach Boulevard in Biloxi will burst into color and celebration for the 9th Annual Gulf Coast Equality Fest. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., this lively event themed “This Is Me” will bring together community members, allies, and visitors for a day dedicated to unity, pride, and inclusion along the Gulf Coast.
Hosted by Gulf Coast Equality in partnership with Harrah’s Gulf Coast and Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, the festival has become a cornerstone of the region’s cultural calendar. Each year it grows bigger and brighter, offering live entertainment, vendor booths, food trucks, and family-friendly activities that showcase the Coast’s diversity and spirit.
Festivalgoers can expect a vibrant mix of performances and interactive experiences, from music and dance to local artisans and community organizations. The atmosphere is one of joy and connection, providing a welcoming space for everyone to come together in celebration of equality. As it moves closer to a decade, Gulf Coast Equality Fest continues to shine as both a party and a platform—raising visibility, fostering acceptance, and reminding the Coast that pride is for everyone.
Gulf Coast Equality Fest www.gcequality.org
Coast Episcopal School invites you to its annual fundraiser, Toast to the Coast, on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 845 E. Scenic Drive in Pass Christian.
Founded in 1950, the school proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary this year—a milestone born from Father Charles Johnson’s visionary commitment to education. Proceeds from this special evening will help ensure that his legacy of learning continues for generations to come.
Toast to the Coast, A Diamond Jubilee, promises
to dazzle, with signature dishes from top Gulf Coast restaurants, themed cocktails at the Starlight Bar, and live music from local favorite Crow the Culprit.
The evening kicks off with an exclusive Patron Party
for our generous sponsors—an intimate preview of the excitement ahead. At 7 p.m., guests will step through the gates of the beachfront Ramsey property, greeted with a glass of champagne, as the event welcomes guests 21 and over. Attendees will stroll the lush grounds and stop by the silent auction tent to bid on incredible art, jewelry, and experiences. They’ll be lured by delicious aromas from the restaurant tent, and then head to the stage to dance the night away under the stars.
www.toasttickets.org
14 | October 2025
Gulf Coast Equality Fest