Classic cars, entertainment, beaches, and meeting new friends. This is what Cruisin’ the Coast is all about. Who doesn’t like to see a beautiful 1957 Chevrolet? There is much more than just looking at great cars. This event is about family and camaraderie. As you walk around these great cars and trucks, notice the owners beaming with pride. These car owners put blood, sweat, and tears into their cars for you. Do you need an excuse to visit the beach in October when it’s cold up north? Use the Cruisin’ the Coast event as your reason.
I mentioned the entertainment, and of course, there is lots of oldies entertainment planned all over the Mississippi Gulf Coast. One of the most unique things about this event is that it is not just held at the fairgrounds. It’s literally held all over the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Events are planned for every city. Vintage cars are displayed on streets closed off for the event at the time. On the day of the event, you can walk around the cars parked on closed streets and enjoy food and live entertainment. I like talking with the vehicle owners.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5
- View the Cruise, Downtown Gulfport, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Cruise-In with KOTO, Hardy Court Shopping Center, Gulfport, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Cruisin’ Through The Decades, Gautier, Noon-6 p.m.; Drive-in Movie — Stroker Ace, 5:30 p.m.
- Chris Jacobs appearances: Hardy Court, 9-11 a.m.; Gulfport, 1-4 p.m.
- Casino Entertainment: Jesse Hill (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.), Eugene Eash (5 – 9 p.m.), Chris Gavin (8 p.m. – 1 a.m.)
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6
- KOTO spins the oldies at Cruise Central, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- 2025 Registration pick-up (A-K only), 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Seafood Sampling, 9-11 a.m. & 1-4 p.m.
- Autocross, 1-5 p.m.
- Long Beach Parade, line-up at 1 p.m., parade at 5:30 p.m.
- Chris Jacobs appearances: Cruise Central 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Long Beach 4-6 p.m.
- The Tip Tops, Long Beach Harbor, 6-9 p.m.
- Casino Entertainment: Chris Gavin (8 p.m. – 1 a.m.)
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7
- KOTO spins the oldies, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- 2025 Registration pick-up (L-Z), 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Seafood Sampling, 9-11 a.m. & 1-4 p.m.
- Autocross, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- “Salute To Our Veterans”, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Cruisin’ The River City, Moss Point, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Margaritaville Cruise-in, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Chris Jacobs, Cristy Lee appearances at Cruise Central and Margaritaville
- Vicari Auto Auction check-in, 2-5 p.m.
- Flame-throwing competition, 4 p.m. – dusk
- Casino Entertainment: Chris Gavin (8 p.m. – 1 a.m.)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8
- KOTO spins the oldies, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Biloxi Block Party, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Seafood Sampling, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Autocross, Car Corral, Vicari check-in, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Waveland Hospitality, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Diamondhead event with music, 1 – 7 p.m.
- Celebrity appearances at Biloxi, Beau Rivage, 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Britishmania Beatles Tribute Party, 6 – 9 p.m.
- Casino Entertainment: Johnny Dawg, Triggerproof All Stars, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9
- KOTO spins the oldies, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Registration and all Cruisin’ Venues open, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- 2026 Registration opens, Noon – 5 p.m.
- Country Cruisin’ Breakfast, 7-10 a.m.
- Vicari Auction & Swap Meet, Car Corral, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Burn ‘Em Up In The Pass, 5 p.m. – dusk
- Buffett & Bumpers Block Party, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
- Live Music at all venues across the coast
- Casino Entertainment: Multiple locations
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10
- KOTO spins the oldies, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Registration and all Cruisin’ Venues open, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Country Cruisin’ Breakfast, 7-10 a.m.
- Vicari Auction & Swap Meet, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Celebrity appearances across venues
- Gulf Coast Nationals at Gulfport Dragway, 5 p.m.
- Ocean Springs Sock Hop & Street Party, 5:45 – 9:30 p.m.
- “Pass In The Night”, Pass Christian, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
- Free concert at Hollywood Casino, 7 p.m.
- Casino Entertainment: Jamey Johnson, Triggerproof, Jesse Hill, Tucker Wetmore
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
- KOTO spins the oldies, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- All Cruisin’ Venues open, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Country Cruisin’ Breakfast, 7-10 a.m.
- Vicari Auction, Swap Meet, Car Corral, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Dennis Gage appearance: Ocean Springs, 2-4 p.m.
- Gulf Coast Nationals, 1 p.m., Gulfport Dragway
- SUPER SATURDAY CONCERT: Journey Tribute Band, 7 p.m., Hollywood Casino
- Live Entertainment at all Cruisin’ venues
All of the cities are involved in Cruisin’ the Coast
Not only are all of the cities involved in the event, but casinos are also as well. One of the biggest events is at the Beau Rivage. In 2024, the Beach Boys played. Considering the number of cars dating from when the Beach Boys became popular, their music was a perfect fit. South Mississippi is literally inundated with new people, and many people from Canada drive down for the event and part of the winter.
Holding the event during the first week of October each year allows the hotels, vacation rentals, and others to provide accommodation without competing with the summer crowds. The event has actually created its own tourism season. Many people come to Cruisin’ the Coast to see the vehicles and enjoy the live bands for the first time. Some decide that the Mississippi Gulf Coast will be their new vacation venue.
You need not go to any of the events to see these hot rod automobiles; just drive along the beautiful 30-mile stretch of beachside highway, and you will see plenty of vehicles to distract you while driving. The best part is that the entire event is free to the public. Of course, food, drink, and accommodations have a cost, but there are no entry fees. The massive event is largely held outside. There are drag races, and even the city of Long Beach Parade of classic cars is something to see.
Top 10 most valuable American-made cars
| Rank | Car | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Split Window Coupe | $3 million – $4 million |
| 2 | 1965 Ford GT40 | $10 million – $12 million |
| 3 | 1954 Nash Healey Le Mans | $6 million – $8 million |
| 4 | 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | $1 million – $1.5 million |
| 5 | 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 | $5 million – $7 million |
| 6 | 1955 Lincoln Continental Mark II | $1 million – $1.5 million |
| 7 | 1953 Chrysler Imperial Crown | $750,000 – $1 million |
| 8 | 1953 Packard Caribbean | $750,000 – $1 million |
| 9 | 1954 Nash Ambassador Custom | $500,000 – $750,000 |
Facts about the 2022 Cruisin the Coast event:
- The oldest car registered was a 1909 Ford Model T.
- The most valuable car registered was a 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 KR. (est value $1M+)
- The longest parade of cars was 1.5 miles long.
- The event raised over $100,000 for local charities.
- 1.5 million spectators
- 9,618 registered vehicles +1.000 from 2021
- The largest special event in the state of Mississippi
- Cruisin the Coast is the largest attended automobile show in the United States. #2 is Chicago with 1.2 million
America’s largest block party
Cruisin’ the Coast is called America’s largest block party, a term that fits. Basically, vehicles are parked for blocks and you can walk around with adult beverages. Often, the temperature at this time in October is warm, so walking around with a cold beer or iced tea (sweet) cools you off. Live music is everywhere. It seems that every band in a three-state area is here providing entertainment. This is considered a car show but it’s much more than that.
Car enthusiasts can share their mutual affection for these vehicles. If you have been around for a while, you may remember a car that you would have killed to have when you were younger but could not afford. Many of these old cars bring a tear to our faces as we remember something important about them. Perhaps your memory is driving a 1965 Mustang to the drive-in with a girlfriend or boyfriend.
Or the family vacation in your 1959 Ford station wagon. In my opinion, this show is all about memories. Classic car owners often buy a model vehicle that has memories for them. Then they make new memories, such as attending the Cruisin’ the Coast event and meeting new people.
Flame-throwing competition
Cruisin’ the Coast is the largest event on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Yes, it’s a bit slow driving on Beach Blvd, our great scenic highway. Hot rods everywhere you look. I don’t mind the slow traffic because it gives me time to see the cars and trucks safely. So far, I have talked mostly about just the cars, but there is so much more going on. There was a flame-throwing competition at the Island View Casino last year. The city of Diamondhead held the Blessing of the Classics.
A favorite event is the Ocean Springs Sock Hop. Yes, right out of the 1950s. Everyone seemed to have a great time as nostalgic music was played. These and other related events keep visitors busy. There are so many things to do along the Mississippi Gulf Coast at any time, such as 12 casinos, fishing, boating, and more. Add to this the biggest special event of the year, and you can see why Cruisin’ the Coast is the place to be the first week of October.
Spectator parking is available all over the Gulf Coast, and it’s generally free. A few homeowners may offer their property for parking for a small fee. The Vicari Auto Auction is a highlight of the show for those looking to acquire their own hot rod vehicles.
Car auctions and people selling their cars
In addition to the car auction, some people just hang signs on their cars. You can buy event merchandise such as t-shirts. I own a few with different dates. Of course, all of the great shops in Ocean Springs and Bay St. Louis are open even during special events or Cruise-in.
Among the best places to see vehicles are Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, downtown Gulfport, and downtown Ocean Springs. Other venues are nice as well; these areas tend to have larger turnouts. The swap meet is usually held at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum.
2025 from Oct 5 through Oct 12
The dates for 2025 are October 5 through October 12 a week long event. Be sure to book your accommodations well in advance. Christies Gulf Beach Rentals offers vacation rental properties on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. After mid-July, if vacation rental properties are not all booked for Cruisin’ the Coast, they may have some on hold.
Check out our calendar. If no vacancies show up, send a text or call for availability of last-minute cancellations or held properties. Call Brian at 228-669-3058.
You can book on Airbnb and VRBO or use the ChristiesGulfBeachRentals.com site to book directly. Cruisin’ the Coast generally causes all accommodations on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to be booked in advance of the event. Don’t wait.
For more current information, check out the extensive article at RetireCoast.com, or you can go to the cruisinthecoast.com site.
