Weekend preview: Paul Jr., bikes, arts, and soul

Bikers and fans of everything on two or three wheels have a new way to celebrate this Labor Day weekend, and meet the younger star of cable TV’s “American Chopper.”

The inaugural Bike the Beach, billed as the largest bike event ever held on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, is a four-day, family event that benefits Make-A-Wish Mississippi.

Festivities begin with a free party at the The Dock Bar & Grill in Gulfport this evening from 6 to 10 p.m., followed on Saturday with the main event at Bike Central, a.k.a. MGM Park from 1 to 6 p.m.  Paul Teutul Jr. of cable TV’s  “American Chopper” will be the special event host and available for autographs and photos from 2 to 5 p.m.  The main event will also feature a Best in Show motorcycle contest, kids area with inflatables and games, vendor booths, food, and live entertainment by Derek Norsworthy and DJ AD.

Other activities include a poker run on Saturday, a free pub crawl in Ocean Springs on Sunday and a free Labor Day Celebration at Point Cadet Plaza on Monday.  The Monday celebration from 1 to 4 p.m. will feature Tim Smith from Moonshiners, DJ Hyphee, and the Best in Show winner will be announced.

General admission to the main event is $10 and free for ages 10 and under.

Elsewhere this weekend:  Biloxi Main Street’s First Friday series continues tonight with #artontherue in the Downtown Biloxi Arts District, Kenny G. will be at the Beau Rivage, and The Temptations & The Four Tops perform at the IP.  Over at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, Southern soul fans can enjoy and outdoor music festival on Sunday featuring soul-blues legend Willie Clayton, R&B crooner Tucka and Southern soul singers Jeff Floyd and Lebrado.
See the entire weekend lineup

 

News and notes

Pool Party: The Parks and Recreation Department holds its annual Back-To-School Pool Party tonight from 6 to 8 at the Biloxi Natatorium.  The pool party is free and open to all ages. See the flyer

More time to swim: Beginning Monday, Sept. 19, the Biloxi Natatorium will open at 5 a.m. weekdays to allow for more swimming time. Details: 228-435-6205

Holiday schedule: Non-emergency municipal offices in Biloxi will be closed Monday for the Labor Day holiday. All offices will resume their normal hours on Tuesday.