Step Into the World of Irish Culture & Dance

Feisin' the Coast is an Irish Festival and Dance Competition created to promote, foster, and advance awareness in Irish culture and heritage through dance, song, and music.

Saturday 8am-4pm

Sunday 8am-3pm

Free Admission!

Compete in Music, Singing, Language, Art and Baking

Tir na Nôg dance contest for kids 7 and under!

Watch Irish Dancing Competitions

Irish culture workshops

What does the name "Feisin' the Coast" mean?

A feis (pronounced "fesh") is an Irish festival and dance competition.

At our feis, we will have dancing, photo ops, and cultural competitions inside the Frank Gruich Center with vendors, food trucks, and cultural demos. We have themed Saturday with 1950's and classic cars. Sunday's theme is all things beach, fun, and eco-friendly.

Don't forget our free Irish ceili at Margaritaville Cafe to close out the day on Saturday! All Celtic musicians are encouraged to attend and play at our ceili.

Any age is welcome to attend and get involved - we offer Irish cultural competitions for all ages and experience levels!

Embrace Your Passions

Whether you're a music enthusiast, an art lover, or a baking prodigy, Feisin' the Coast has something for everyone.

Cultural Competitions

All ages and levels of experience are encouraged to participate!

You do not need to be affiliated with an Irish dance school to participate in the cultural competitions. All are encouraged to register! Competitions will be split by age if needed. All competitions will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Registrations are allowed on the day of the event until 10:00am at the information table.

Each cultural competition is $10 each to enter. One submission per person per category.

Irish Art

Create a piece of art inspired by Ireland. Open to all types of Celtic art including, but not limited to, painting, mixed media, drawing, photography, glass, sculpting, sewing and pottery. Please label the back of your piece with your name, age, and telephone number and bring to the registration table between 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM.

Judging will occur and awards will be announced in the awards room at lunch. Full schedule will be released the week prior to the event.

Irish Baking

Prepare a baked good inspired by Irish food, drinks, or flavors. Open to all types of baking including, but not limited to, breads, scones, cakes, cupcakes and pies. Please prepare your baked good the day before (Oct 16) and bring covered or wrapped with a label on the bottom or on the covering with your name, age, and telephone number and bring to the registration table between 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM.

Judging will occur and awards will be announced in the awards room at lunch. Full schedule will be released the week prior to the event.

Irish Language

Entrants may recite prose, prayer(s), recitation, or conversation. Language competition schedule will be released 1-2 weeks before the event.

Judging will occur and awards will be announced in the awards room at lunch. Full schedule will be released the week prior to the event.

Irish Music

Music competitors will play one Irish or Celtic tune twice through. All instruments are welcome!

Judging will occur and awards will be announced in the awards room at lunch. Full schedule will be released the week prior to the event.

Irish Singing

Singing competitors will sing an Irish or Celtic song in either English or Irish in traditional style meaning no accompaniment - just vocals.

Judging will occur and awards will be announced in the awards room at lunch. Full schedule will be released the week prior to the event.

Tir na Nôg

This competition is for children 7 and under who have never had Irish dance lessons or are new to Irish dance and don't know any steps yet. A great opportunity for young children and aspiring dancers who want to go on stage like the big kids! Dancers are encouraged to perform their best Irish dance (whether they know one or not!) for 16 bars to a reel at speed 122. Irish themed outfits/costumes are encouraged. Everyone is a winner and will receive a prize!

The dance contest will occur immediately after lunch. Full schedule will be released the week prior to the event.

Watch LIVE as Irish Dancers Compete All Day Long

Have a seat in the auditorium where Irish dance competitions for all ages and levels will be happening starting at 8am and going until all competitions are finished.

Consider This Your Invite to the After Party!

After the events conclude at the Frank Gruich Sr. Community Center, head on over to our FREE Irish Ceili and Musician Jam Sesh hosted by Feisin' the Coast.

ALL MUSICIANS are invited to join this relaxed and informal jam session and Irish dancers will be present to accompany the musicians as the songs permit.

With Special Guests

  • Niall O'Leary, Accordion and Spoons (Dublin, Ireland)

  • Claire Shirey, Fiddle (Nashville, TN)

  • All Celtic Musicians are Invited to come and play!

  • Irish dancers

When: Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 6pm-9pm

Where: Margaritaville Cafe | 195 Beach Blvd, Biloxi

Who: All are invited to attend! Any and all Celtic musicians are invited to bring their instrument or singing voice to share a song or several.

How: Free admission - purchase your own food and drinks to support the restaurant.

Don't Miss Out!

Stay updated on our latest events and activities by following our social media @feisinthecoast on Facebook and Instagram.

Need to reach us?

Email [email protected]

Text/Call (510) 567-iJig (4544)

© 2024 Feisin' the Coast and Mississippi Gulf Coast 501(c)3. All rights reserved.