Jazz in the Pass

Jazz in the Pass turns War Memorial Park in Pass Christian into a waterfront concert ground on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. Set directly on the Mississippi Sound along the Gulf of Mexico, the festival celebrates the coast’s musical heritage with live jazz, local food, and artisan crafts. You can settle in beneath massive live oaks, take in the salty breeze, and spend the afternoon with smooth sets from local and regional performers.

Plan for an easygoing day that starts at noon and gathers momentum through the evening. Music runs from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with rotating jazz acts throughout the afternoon, followed by a fireworks finale over the water. Between sets, you can browse a makers market of handmade goods and choose from food and drink vendors serving festival staples plus local seafood.

Arrive early if you want shade, the best spots under the oaks fill quickly. Bring folding chairs or a blanket for the grass, and pack sunscreen and a hat for open areas, humidity is part of the deal. Small coolers are typically allowed, but we recommend supporting the festival by buying drinks at the official committee tents, and picking up event merchandise like shirts and posters at the red jazz tent.

Parking is available on nearby streets and in public lots, with the easiest access in the morning. The event is free and very pet friendly as long as dogs stay leashed. If you are staying overnight, look at beach house rentals or historic inns in Pass Christian or Long Beach so you can walk to the park and skip holiday traffic, with additional regional options available along the Mississippi coast through Lake.com.