Gulfport council approves name change and moves to secure MOUs for Gulfport–Biloxi music and film festival

The Gulfport City Council on Feb. 10 amended and approved a resolution asking staff to pursue memoranda of understanding with partners so a proposed Mississippi Gulf Coast Music and Film Festival can move forward. Teresa Youngblood, a consultant with UnityOne Entertainment, told the council the multi-venue event — planned to include five stages, a celebrity golf tournament and partnerships with local nonprofits — needs city MOUs before investors will release funds.

The council altered the resolution to reflect a new event name that explicitly includes Gulfport and Biloxi and approved items 3–6 on the consent/resolution slate. "We will also utilize [local venues] and we're looking at all of those," Youngblood said, describing plans to hold performances at Milner Stadium, the Mississippi Aquarium and other Gulfport sites. She said the festival is intended to be recurring and to include a charitable give-back component, with scholarship funding from a golf tournament.

Why it matters: Council approval to pursue MOUs does not confirm final contracts or funding, but it clears the way for organizers to obtain investor commitments. Youngblood said investors are withholding funds until formal city agreements are in hand.

Councilmembers asked for dates and safety planning; Youngblood said the weekend currently under consideration is in November 2026 and that organizers have engaged local tourism and lodging associations. The motion to change the event name and proceed with the resolution carried after the amendment vote.