All programs are advertised on the website calendar upper right-hand corner or on the mobile app calendar per National Park guidance these are the primary locations where programs are supposed to be advertised. Programs are also advertised on the park’s Facebook page.
Programs are subject to change due to manning or weather. Visitors can also verify the daily schedule in person at the visitor center or at the fort’s entrances. All programs are provided free of charge, entrance station fees may apply.
Reminder the Fort Pickens and Fort Barrancas Visitor Centers in Florida are closed. For questions please visit the entrance to the Historic Fort Pickens. William M. Colmer Visitor Center in Mississippi is staffed from 9 AM to 4 PM. Passport Stamps can be collected at visitor centers and the park store located inside Fort Pickens opens daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Current park hours are 5 AM to 8 PM in fee areas.
The Pensacola City Bay Ferry Service will begin March 1 operating round trips on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday transportation to Fort Pickens. The Ship Island Excursions ferry service to Ship Island will begin March 16, operating Wednesday through Sunday.
Gulf Islands is seeking a traffic volunteer for Blue Angels days. Watch them flyover Fort Pickens while you serve on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. To sign up visit Volunteer Opportunity Detail.
Special Programs
April 6
Park Day Cleanup of Fort Pickens Seawall: Sign up: Volunteer Opportunity Detail (Limited to first 20 volunteers)
April 20
Fee-Free Day (National Park Week): Description: Enjoy free entrance into any national park that requires a fee on April 20 in honor of National Park Week. This does not include the ferries.
April 20
Mary C. Cultural Center Earth Day: Location: Mary C. Cultural Center Ocean Springs
FLORIDA DISTRICT
Naval Live Oaks
Program: First Saturday Hike
Dates: April 6 at 9 a.m.
Location: Park Headquarters at the Naval Live Oaks Area
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Type of Event: Hike, walk
Description: Join us for a ranger-led hike through a forest of oak and pine to learn about the history of the Deer Point Naval Live Oak Plantation. Easy to moderate 0.8-mile hike. . Note: The First Saturday Hike involves walking on unpaved surfaces and over narrow, uneven sandy walkways. As a result, it is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Accommodations for people with special needs will be made as best as possible. Programs are subject to change and/or cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Fort Pickens
Program: Guardian on the Gulf
Days: Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 2 p.m.
Duration: 30 minutes
Type of Event: Talk
Description: Join us for a 30-minute talk to learn about the history of Fort Pickens. All programs will take place at historic Fort Pickens. Note: Guardian on the Gulf is accessible to people with special needs. Programs are subject to change and/or cancelation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
MISSISSIPPI DISTRICT
Davis Bayou
Ranger’s Choice Hike
Registration: Walk-up
Location: Starts at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center
Time: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 1 p.m.
Duration: 45 minutes
Type of Event: Talk/Walk
The Beautiful World of Birds at Davis Bayou
Registration: Walk-up
Location: Starts at the Davis Bayou Public Boat Launch
Time: Sunday, March 14 and 28 at 11 a.m.
Duration: 45 minutes
Type: Walk/Talk
Twelve Miles to Freedom
Registration: Walk-up
Location: William M. Colmer Visitor Center Auditorium
Time: Sunday, April 7 and 21 at 11 a.m.
Duration: 20 minutes
Type: Talk
The Dynamic Bayou: Kayaking Tour
Registration: Call 228-230-4121
Location: Davis Bayou Public Boat Launch
Time: Tuesday, April 23 and 30 at 10 a.m.
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Type: Tour/Water program
Ship Island
Guardian of the Sound: The Story of Ship Island and Fort Massachusetts
Registration: Walk-up
Location: Inside Fort Massachusetts
Time: Wednesday – Sunday at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
Duration: 45 minutes
Type of Event: Talk/Walk
The Life of a Ship Island Soldier (Musket Program): The East Pascagoula Raid
Registration: Walk-up
Location: Inside Fort Massachusetts
Time: Saturday, April 6, 13, and 27 at 11:30 a.m.
Duration: 20 Minutes
Type: Living History/Historic Weapons
