Second Saturday in Bay St. Louis: What to Expect

Every second Saturday of the month, Old Town Bay St. Louis shuts down the usual routine and opens its doors wide. Galleries stay open late. Musicians set up on sidewalks and porches. Restaurants push tables outside. The whole strip between Main Street and the Depot Arts District turns into a walkable block party that feels more like a neighborhood tradition than a tourist event — because it is one.

If you are planning a trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and your timing lines up, Second Saturday in Bay St. Louis is one of the best free things you can do with an evening.

What Second Saturday Actually Is

Second Saturday is a monthly art walk and community event centered in Old Town Bay St. Louis. It has been running for years, organized by local merchants and galleries who coordinate to create a single evening where the whole district comes alive at once.

The core hours run from about 4 PM to 7 PM, though many shops and restaurants stay open later. During that window, you will find gallery openings with the artists present, live music on multiple corners and patios, street vendors selling handmade goods, and restaurants offering specials timed to the foot traffic. Some months feature a theme — the March edition often coincides with Souper Mudfest, where local potters sell handcrafted bowls filled with gourmet soup from area restaurants. Other months simply let the galleries and musicians carry the evening.

There is no admission fee. No wristband. You park, you walk, you browse. That is the format, and it works.

What to See and Do During the Art Walk

Old Town Bay St. Louis runs roughly from the harbor along Main Street through the Depot Arts District. On Second Saturday, most of the action clusters along this stretch, and you can cover the whole thing on foot in about 90 minutes if you are browsing at a relaxed pace.

Start at the galleries. Bay St. Louis has one of the densest concentrations of working artist studios on the Gulf Coast, and Second Saturday is when many of them host openings or demos. You will see everything from oil paintings and pottery to metalwork and photography — most of it made locally. The artists are almost always there, which means you can ask questions and watch people work rather than just stare at price tags.

From the galleries, follow the music. Local and regional acts play acoustic sets on porches, patios, and in shop doorways. The style leans toward blues, folk, and Gulf Coast jazz, but it shifts month to month. Bring cash for tip jars.

For food, the restaurants in Old Town run the range from casual seafood to upscale Southern. Many offer Second Saturday specials or extend their patio seating. If you would rather graze, street vendors often set up with tamales, barbecue, or baked goods.

The vibe skews family-friendly during the early hours and slightly more lively as the evening rolls on. Dogs on leashes are a common sight. Kids are welcome.

Why Bay St. Louis Is the Right Town for This

Plenty of Gulf Coast towns attempt a monthly art night. What makes Second Saturday in Bay St. Louis work is the town itself. Old Town is compact, walkable, and architecturally interesting — a mix of pre-Katrina cottages, rebuilt storefronts, and converted warehouses that give the district real texture. The art scene here is not manufactured. It grew out of the post-Katrina rebuilding era when artists moved in because rents were low and the community was rebuilding with intention.

That history shows. The galleries are not chain retail dressed up with easels. The musicians are locals who play here because they live here. The restaurants source from the Gulf and the surrounding farms because that is what is available, not because a branding consultant told them to.

Bay St. Louis also sits in a sweet spot geographically — about an hour from New Orleans, 30 minutes from Biloxi, and close enough to the water that you can smell the salt air while you walk. If you are already on the coast, Second Saturday is a low-effort add to your itinerary. If you are not, it is a good enough reason to reroute.

Staying at Bay St. Louis Beachfront RV Park for Second Saturday

If you are traveling by RV, Bay St. Louis Beachfront RV Park (https://bslrv.com) puts you about a 10-minute drive from Old Town — close enough to make Second Saturday a casual evening plan rather than a day trip.

The park sits directly on South Beach Boulevard with 37 concrete pads, full hookups, and 30/50 AMP service. Every site includes a BBQ grill and picnic table, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi keeps you connected between outings. The park is pet-friendly, which matters if your travel companion has four legs and you want to bring them along for the walk. Bay St. Louis beaches allow leashed pets, and Second Saturday is dog-friendly territory.

One detail worth knowing: the park is self-contained RVs only — your rig needs its own shower and bathroom. That policy keeps the grounds clean and quiet, which is exactly what you want to come back to after an evening in Old Town.

Because the park is right next door to Silver Slipper Casino — less than a minute away — you also have the option to extend your evening after the art walk wraps. Dinner at the casino, a few hands of cards, and a short drive back to your pad. Not a bad Saturday.

For rates and availability, check the park’s site directly (https://bslrv.com) — monthly stays are available if you are planning a longer Gulf Coast visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Second Saturday start in Bay St. Louis?

The main activity runs from about 4 PM to 7 PM in Old Town, though some galleries open earlier and many restaurants stay open well past 7. Plan to arrive by 4 if you want the full experience.

Is Second Saturday in Bay St. Louis free?

Yes. There is no admission fee or ticket required. You simply show up, park, and walk the district. Individual galleries, restaurants, and vendors set their own prices, but the event itself costs nothing to attend.

Where do you park for Second Saturday in Bay St. Louis?

Free street parking is available throughout Old Town, and there are small lots near Main Street and the Depot Arts District. Arrive a bit early on busier months — parking fills up by late afternoon during peak season.

Is Second Saturday in Bay St. Louis pet-friendly?

Generally, yes. Leashed dogs are a common sight during the art walk, and most outdoor areas welcome pets. Individual shops may have their own policies, but the street-level browsing and music are fully dog-friendly.

When is Second Saturday in Bay St. Louis each month?

It falls on the second Saturday of every month, year-round. The event runs regardless of season, though summer and fall months tend to draw larger crowds. Check the Old Town Bay St. Louis website or the Hancock County Chamber calendar for any month-specific themes or featured events.

Ready to book your stay? Reserve a pad at Bay St. Louis Beachfront RV Park → https://bslrv.com

Second Saturday lineups rotate monthly — lock in your dates before the pads fill up.