Free, family-friendly event to take place March 21-22 at the Gulf Coast Coliseum and Convention Center
GULFPORT, Miss., Feb. 23, 2026 – In just a few weeks, the Gulf Coast Celebration of Hope with Will Graham will take place at the Gulf Coast Coliseum and Convention Center. The free outreach, scheduled for March 21-22, will feature concerts by award-winning musical guests, and messages of hope from evangelist Will Graham.
“People around the world are praying for the Gulf Coast right now. There is a burden to see the Gospel proclaimed in this pivotal region,” said Graham. “I’m going to share what the Bible has to say and point to the Savior—Jesus Christ—who gave His life and conquered the grave so we can find eternal hope in Him.”
More than 145 churches from across the region are involved with the Gulf Coast Celebration of Hope.
“Now is the right time to share the Gospel at the Gulf Coast Celebration of Hope,” said Pastor Rossie L. Francis of Grace Truth Baptist Church in Gulfport. “We’re going to see changed lives and changed families. A door of opportunity is open to us to share the love of God.”
The Gulf Coast Celebration of Hope will kick off at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, with music by DOE and Charity Gayle. The second and final event of the Celebration will take place at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, with music by Terrian and Charity Gayle. Each program will feature messages from Graham about the hope and love of Jesus.
Other events taking place in the lead up to the Gulf Coast Celebration of Hope include:
Night of Prayer & Worship: Feb. 26, 7 p.m., iMPAC Center (409 Debuys Road, Gulfport)
The entire community is invited to this free event, where Pastor Jim Cymbala and the Brooklyn Tabernacle Worship Team will lead an evening of prayer and praise in preparation for the upcoming Gulf Coast Celebration of Hope.
Pastors Event: Feb. 27, 8 a.m., First Baptist Gulfport (12190 Hwy 605, Gulfport)
All pastors and church leaders are invited to this free, half-day event led by Jim Cymbala, pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle and author of Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. Pastor Cymbala will share an inspiring message about being equipped for ministry in the 21st century.
Kidzfest: Feb. 28, 2 p.m., Grace Truth Baptist Church (13344 Old Highway 49, Gulfport)
This fun-filled afternoon event will feature interactive games, live music and a message of hope for children and families. Food will be provided, and a free T-shirt is available to the first 700 kids.
For information on the Gulf Coast Celebration of Hope, visit GulfCoastCelebration.com.
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Media Availability: Will Graham will be available for interviews on Friday morning, March 20. Please contact Erik Ogren at (704) 577-2109 or eogren@bgea.org to request an interview.
Press Operation: Media credentialing will take place at the press area, which will be located near the front stage. Please bring your outlet-assigned press badge to use for verification in credentialing. Special seating for working press will be available. The event press kit can be accessed at billygraham.co/GulfCoastMedia.
About Will Graham: Will is the third generation of Grahams to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ under the banner of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). He is the grandson of Billy Graham and the oldest son of Franklin Graham. Will has spoken to more than 1.2 million people on six continents since beginning his evangelistic ministry in 2006.