Every year, the sci-fi fans from all over the South flock to the coastal city of Biloxi, where for three days the city turns into a world of fantasy. CoastCon is Mississippi’s longest-running science fiction, fantasy, and gaming convention. The event has evolved from colorful and elaborate cosplay to numerous panels with the participation of authors and artists, and has become a cultural landmark for people who are inspired by other worlds.
The 48th edition of CoastCon is following suit, as it still offers the best mix of art, the beauty of the coast, and the warmth of the South. Despite being able to enjoy panels, workshops, gaming tournaments, art shows, and costume contests for three days, all these activities are within walking distance of the Gulf’s blue and shining shoreline. The event, with its double character, a festival of fandom and a beach holiday, wins the hearts of people with the charm of Biloxi.
The setting at CoastCon 48: Biloxi’s coastal allure
For CoastCon, Biloxi is the place that is beyond compare, and it is located on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. Their vast, white beaches, old lighthouses, and little seafood restaurants are the perfect relaxing trio to the energetic convention halls.
The Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center is the main venue where CoastCon is held. Several hotels located on Beach Boulevard, including the ones near the convention center, offer easy access, and most of them are just a few steps from the sea. The soothing sound of the waves and the invigorating salty air are a perfect combination that makes a nice contrast between the excitement of conventional life and the tranquility of the coast.
Travelers can conveniently arrive at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, which is less than 30 minutes from the city.
The city drive introduces the traveler to the marshes, docks, and seafood shacks that are the local flavor of Biloxi and gives them a quick view of it.
A Weekend at CoastCon 48 – Biloxi, Mississippi
Day 1: The grand opening
Friday at CoastCon is, in a nutshell, the energy and the fun. As attendees are checked in, the lobby is getting full of life with costumes, ranging from space explorers to anime heroes and comic book icons. The dealer’s room opens its doors early and is already packed with collectibles, artwork, and handmade crafts, attracting fans of all ages.
The opening ceremony makes a perfect start to the weekend and is full of fun, applause, and a feeling of being part of the bigger family. The panels include authors, voice actors, and creators who talk about everything from writing fantasy worlds to the art of costume design. The con, by evening, is charged with excitement, and the gaming room is getting crowded with tabletop fans preparing for their all-night sessions.
Day 2: The heart of the convention
Saturday is the most crowded day and the one every fan marks on their calendar with a big red circle. The cosplay competition takes up the main stage, attracting a mind-blowing creative display. Participants dress up in the detailed costumes they have been perfecting for months.
The artist alley is also a big draw, with artists from the area and those who come with interesting ideas, presenting prints, fan art, and works of art. However, the boardroom phase is a hive of activity, from anime trivia contests to Q&A sessions with special guests.
As the families are wandering through the kid-friendly events and workshops, the gamers are already immersing themselves in the competitions. At the end of the day, the night is one of the most beautiful moments with the themed dance and after-party. It is a night of music, laughter, and celebration, a reminder that CoastCon is not only about fandom.
Day 3: Departure and Fun
The third day of the event is characterized by a laid-back and somewhat sentimental atmosphere. Participants are wandering the vendor hall for the last time to find something to remember the event or to get an autograph. There are some final panels that mainly talk about the fans and community moments, and usually they include thank-you speeches from organizers and guests.
In the late afternoon, it is the moment to bid farewell, but not before taking one last set of pictures with new friends and favorite characters. For a lot of people, CoastCon isn’t just an event, but it’s a reunion of like-minded souls who come back year after year.
Beyond the convention: Exploring Biloxi, Mississippi
When the convention is done for the day, Biloxi will definitely be part of the new experience. The city’s coastal charm, warm weather, and delicious food create a great setting for a fan weekend.
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Biloxi beach:
Biloxi Beach is just a few minutes away from the convention center and is a place that one can go to get away from the noise and chaos. People visiting the beach can take a stroll on the beach, rent jet skis, or admire a beautiful sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
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Biloxi lighthouse:
The Biloxi Lighthouse is just a short drive away. This historic landmark is among the most photographed places in Mississippi. For those who need some fresh air and spectacular views of the coast after hard work at the convention, this is a perfect spot to do so.
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Local eats:
Food in Biloxi is one more reason to go there. Have shrimp and grits at The Reef, eat oysters at Mary Mahoney’s Old French House, or have casual food at Shaggy’s on the Beach. Every meal becomes a treat after a day of panels and cosplay.
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Biloxi’s Nightlife:
In case you still have electricity in your veins after CoastCon’s after-party, then you can always go to Biloxi’s casino resorts, where you have a wide choice of live shows, gaming, and rooftop bars with ocean views.
Tips for first-time visitors to CoastCon 48- Biloxi, Mississippi
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Book early: There is a limited number of hotels near the convention center, and they are usually fully booked pretty fast. Staying close to the place will make your daily trips to the convention much more convenient and time-saving.
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Pack smart: You will need a pair of comfortable shoes, water, and some food that can be quickly consumed. As the event will take most of the day, and being on your feet will be the usual practice, these items will be considered as necessities.
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Plan your panels: CoastCon’s scheduling is crowded, so do not wait to examine the lineups. Pointing out your must-see events is another good move.
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Bring cash: Most artists and small vendors make it a preference to have cash in hand, and it is especially for smaller purchases that they are very much inclined towards that method.
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Join the Community: Don’t be shy, as CoastCon is friendly and welcoming. Whether being part of a tabletop game or talking at a panel line, new relationships become easily.
Why is it worth visiting the CoastCon 48- Biloxi, Mississippi?
CoastCon not only stands out among other pop culture conventions but also is a part of the Gulf Coast tradition. It has contributed to the community by the way it unleashed people’s creativity, luring art aficionados, and planting the seeds of excitement for fans in an endless manner. What forms the essence of CoastCon is the volunteers, vendors, and attendees who come back year after year, thereby perpetuating the fandom culture and wreaking havoc with their passion for the same.
From a simple country gathering of science fiction fans in the late 70s to a complex, multi-genre event, CoastCon has maintained its gradual progress without sacrificing its roots. In the very same place where all the conventions take place, one finds friends instead of strangers, and in each costume, story, and smile, one could perceive an expression of the general theme of creativity that pervades the stay of the people at the convention.
Once everything is packed up for the last day, and the convention light is turned off, the sunset over the Biloxi shoreline is just perfect, the ideal closure to a weekend of joy, creativity, and mutual love. In fact, every fan, be it on a first-time visit or a long-awaited return, will be left with the CoastCon experience and will be ready to embark on the next journey, still daydreaming about it.