Free costumed tour of Biloxi's kings and queens, from Mardi Gras to Elvis in 1957: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday and 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at 1166 Irish Hill Drive.

This event has passed. The 20th annual tour ran Oct. 18 and 20, 2026; it returns each October.

The Old Biloxi Cemetery Tour turns 20 this weekend. Actors will tell the stories of the city’s kings and queens among the tombs on Irish Hill Drive.

This year’s theme is “Where Royalty Rests.” The tour is free and runs twice, the city said in its Oct. 12 release:

  • Sunday, Oct. 18, 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 20, 5 to 7 p.m.

Both are at the Old Biloxi Cemetery, 1166 Irish Hill Drive.

Who you will meet

The tour covers the people crowned in Biloxi’s traditions, the city said:

  • kings and queens of Mardi Gras
  • kings and queens of the Blessing of the Fleet
  • Miss Biloxi pageant winners of the early 1900s
  • Camellia Queens
  • elementary school king and queen balls
  • the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, who “called Biloxi home during the summer of 1957”

“We will take an in-depth look at the Kings and Queens of Mardi Gras, the Kings and Queens of Biloxi Blessing of the Fleet, the Miss Biloxi pageant winners of the early 1900s, Camellia Queens, the elementary schools, king and queen balls, and one very special storytelling of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” said Kay Miller, a committee member and executive director of Biloxi Main Street.

The performers are the “Not Ready for the Afterlife Players.” The city said they are local theater actors and descendants of the people they play. There are 11 portrayals, and each actor repeats the performance through the afternoon or evening. The city’s list of Halloween events describes it as 14 characters at 11 stops.

How the tour works

It is self-guided. Pick up a program and a map at the entrance and walk the cemetery at your own pace.

  • Parking: free at the Biloxi Elks Lodge next door and along Irish Hill Drive, according to the event flyer.
  • What to wear: light clothing and comfortable walking shoes, the city said.
  • Refreshments: served both days.
  • Cost: free. Donations go to repairing and restoring the oldest tombs, the flyer said.
  • Questions: 228-435-6339.

Who puts it on

Preserve Biloxi runs the tour. The city describes it as a joint effort of the City of Biloxi, Biloxi Main Street and the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area. The flyer also lists the Mississippi Coast Historical Society as a member.

What it means for you

  • Pick your slot. Sunday’s tour runs in the afternoon. Tuesday’s runs from 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Go early for parking at the Elks Lodge lot next to the cemetery.
  • Bring a few dollars if you want to help pay for tomb repairs.

The tour and the rest of the month’s events are in our Biloxi Halloween guide. For older landmarks across the city, see our history and landmarks guide.