It started with a mission to extend the tourist season, and now 25 years later, Cruisin’ The Coast is the largest event in Mississippi and was voted USA Today’s favorite car show.
Cruisin’ The Coast was the idea of casino executives and other Coast business leaders when it began in 1996 in Biloxi with 374 antique and classic cars.
The events now stretch across the Coast for eight days, from Oct. 3-10 this year. When early registration ended in mid-August, 8,043 car owners from 45 states already had signed up, which is 718 more than the previous record-breaking year in 2019.
For the first time, a vehicle from Wyoming will join “America’s Largest Block Party,” said Executive Director Woody Bailey, leaving classic car owners from just five states that haven’t yet made the trip to South Mississippi.
Equally remarkable, he said, “1,268 are first timers to Cruisin’ The Coast,” or 17% of those pre-registered.
For a 25-year old event to still attract that many new people — I’m excited about that,” he said.
Mississippi Department of Transportation announced that road construction along U.S. 90 will cease during the event. Traffic will be heavy along the beach as fans of the hot rods and classics find a spot to watch the cars pass by.
The highlights this year start even before Cruisin’ officially begins. A free drone and fireworks show at the beach in Gulfport kicks off the event on Friday, and View the Cruise in downtown Gulfport extends two days, to both Saturday and Sunday this year, to give those who arrive early a place to show their cars and listen to a concert.
A free Motown concert at Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast in Bay St. Louis on Saturday night will be a salute to 25 years, complete with fireworks and free cake.
Here’s the schedule of events:
PREVIEW EVENTS
Friday, Oct. 1
▪ Hancock Whitney Sea of Stars benefit for Mississippi Aquarium. 5-9 p.m. on the beach in Gulfport. The free fireworks and drone show at 8 p.m. will be choreographed to music, with 500 drones creating illuminated 3D marine life images, such as alligators and dolphins, in the sky. Free at Jones Park, U.S. 90 and 49, Gulfport, with food trucks and music. VIP tickets to watch the show at the aquarium include cocktails, coastal cuisine and animal encounters. Sponsor and patron tickets are $150 per person and $250 per couple. Must be 21 or older.
Saturday, Oct. 2
▪ View the Cruise in downtown Gulfport expands to two days. See the cars and enjoy the free sunset concert that begins at 7 p.m. in downtown Gulfport featuring Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys and Rockin’ Doopsie, Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters.
CRUISIN’ THE COAST EVENTS OCT. 3-10
SUNDAY, OCT. 3
▪ View the Cruise in downtown Gulfport 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with cars and music. First United Methodist Church presents Cruising for Christ at the Barksdale Pavilion at Jones Park, U.S. 90, at 9 a.m.
▪ Cruise-In, Hardy Court Shopping Center, Gulfport. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
▪ Cruisin’ Through the Decades at Gautier 4-6 p.m. Drive-In Movie “Grease 2” at 6:30 p.m.
▪ Joe and Amanda Martin, Martin Brothers Customs/Iron Resurrection appearances: Hardy Court in Gulfport 9:30-11:30 a.m. View The Cruise Gulfport 1:30-4 p.m.
MONDAY, OCT. 4
▪ Registration pick-up 11 a.m.-5 p.m. for last names A-K only at Cruise Central, Centennial Plaza, Gulfport
▪ Onsite registration, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Cruise Central, Centennial Plaza, Gulfport
▪ Autocross at Coast Coliseum west parking lot, 1-5 p.m., for registered vehicles only. Presented by Scarlet Pearl Casino and Autocross Guys
▪ Long Beach Parade. First 600 registered vehicles to arrive will be in the parade. Lineup at 1 p.m. at Long Beach High School. Parade starts at 5:30 p.m.
▪ Joe and Amanda Martin, Martin Brothers Customs/Iron Resurrection appearances: Cruise Central, Gulfport 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Long Beach Parade kick-off 4-6 p.m.
▪ The Tip Tops play at Long Beach Harbor, 6-9 p.m.
TUESDAY, OCT. 5
▪ Registration pick-up 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for last names L-Z only at Cruise Central, Centennial Plaza, Gulfport
▪ Onsite registration, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Cruise Central, Centennial Plaza, Gulfport
▪ Vicari Auction vehicle check-in at Coast Coliseum, Biloxi. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
▪ Autocross at Coast Coliseum west parking lot, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., for registered vehicles only. Presented by Scarlet Pearl Casino and Autocross Guys
▪ Salute to Our Veterans at Cruise Central with Garry Wesley, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
▪ Cruisin’ The River City, Moss Point, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
▪ Mississippi Power Electric Car Guest Drive, Edgewater Mall, Biloxi. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
▪ Margaritaville Resort Biloxi Cruise-in, U.S. 90, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
▪ Joe and Amanda Martin, Martin Brothers Customs/Iron Resurrection appearances: Margaritaville, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Cruise Central 2-4 p.m.
▪ Flame-throwing competition at Island View Casino Gulfport. Entertainment 4 p.m. Registration 5 p.m. Contest begins at dusk, with $600 cash prizes and trophies.
▪ KISS End of the Road World Tour, Mississippi Coast Coliseum, U.S. 90, Biloxi.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 6
▪ Registration pick-up, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Cruise Central, Centennial Plaza, Gulfport
▪ Biloxi Block Party, downtown Biloxi, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
▪ Autocross at Coast Coliseum west parking lot, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., for registered vehicles only. Presented by Scarlet Pearl Casino and Autocross Guys
▪ Vicari Auto Auction Memorabilia Extravaganza, Coast Coliseum, U.S. 90, Biloxi. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
▪ Vicari Auto Auction vehicle check-in at Coast Coliseum, Biloxi. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
▪ Car Corral open and vehicle check-in, east of Treasure Bay Casino, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
▪ Mississippi Power Electric Car guest drive, Edgewater Mall, U.S. 90, Biloxi. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
▪ Diamondhead Blessing of the Classics, 3-6 p.m.
▪ Cristy Lee appearances: Biloxi Block Party, 10 a.m.-noon
▪ Courtney Hanson appearances: Biloxi Block Party, 10 a.m.-noon
▪ Beau Rivage Cruisin’ Event, 6-10 p.m. with Louis Prima Jr. & The Witness at 7 p.m. ‘50s music, dancing, $10 admission.
THURSDAY, OCT. 7
▪ Registration and all Cruisin’ Venues open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
▪ Sites with bands: Bay St. Louis, D’Iberville, Edgewater Mall Biloxi, Gulfport Cruise Central, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, Pass Christian
▪ 2022 registration open noon-5 p.m., Cruise Central, Gulfport
▪ Country Cruisin’ Breakfast, Long Beach Yacht Club, 7-10 a.m.
▪ Vicari Auto Auction at Coast Coliseum, Biloxi. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
▪ Vicari Auction’s CTC Swap Meet at Coast Coliseum 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
▪ Car Corral open and vehicle check-in, east of Treasure Bay Casino, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
▪ Harrah’s Gulf Coast Casino poolside tailgate party, 4-8 p.m. Free to Cruisers. Jordan Chalden Band and poolside games
▪ Burn ‘em Up in the Pass, Second Street, Pass Christian. 5 p.m.-dusk. Entertainment by Starz. Register by Oct. 1 by sending name and phone number to [email protected]
▪ DoubleTree Hotel Biloxi Cruise-In with Cristy Lee, Courtney Hansen and Dennis Gage, 6-9 p.m.
▪ Courtney Hansen appearances: Pass Christian, 10 a.m.-noon. Bay St Louis 2-4 p.m.
▪ Cristy Lee appearances: Ocean Springs 10 a.m.-noon, Edgewater Mall 2-4 p.m.
▪ Dennis Gage appearances: Edgewater Mall 10 a.m.-noon.
▪ The Beach Boys, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Biloxi. 8 p.m.
▪ Cruisin’ Venue Entertainment:
Bay St. Louis
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Eddie Mac
- 1-2 p.m. — Garry Wesley
- 3-4:30 p.m. — Journey Tribute
Pass Christian
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Charles Grant
- 1-2 p.m. — Jezebel
- 3-4:30 p.m. — Na Na
Sha
Gulfport Cruise Central
- 11 a.m.-Noon – Brandie
- 1-2 p.m. – Modern Eldorados
- 3-4:30 p.m. – The Tip Tops
Edgewater Mall Biloxi
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Figure 8
- 1-2 p.m. — Barlow Brothers
- 3:30-4:30 p.m. — Vince Vance & The Valiants
D’Iberville Civic Center
- 11 a.m.-Noon — N Rhythm
- 1-2 p.m. — Cool Rayz
- 3-4:30 p.m. — Chee Weez
Ocean Springs Downtown
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Tanya
- 1-2 p.m. — Martini Shakerz
- 3-4:30 p.m. — Troy Laz
Pascagoula
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Sax Man
- 1-2 p.m. — Tommy Morse
- 3-4:30 p.m. — Unfazed Band
FRIDAY, OCT. 8
▪ Registration and all Cruisin’ Venues are open 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
▪ Sites with bands: Bay St. Louis, D’Iberville, Edgewater Mall Biloxi, Gulfport Cruise Central, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, Pass Christian
▪ 2020 and 2021 Registration continues 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
▪ Country Cruisin’ Breakfast, Long Beach Yacht Club, 7-10 a.m.
▪ Vicari Auto Auction. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
▪ Vicari Auction CTC Swap Meet at Coast Coliseum, 9 a.m.-5p.m.
▪ Car Corral, east of Treasure Bay Casino, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
▪ Ocean Springs Sock Hop & Street Party, 5:30-9 p.m., featuring The Tip Tops 5:45-7 p.m. and Departure, 7:30-9 p.m.
▪ “Pass In The Night,” 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Pass Christian. Entertainment by Chapel Hart
▪ The Beach Boys at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Biloxi. 8 p.m.
▪ Courtney Hansen appearances: Ocean Springs 10 a.m.-noon
▪ Dennis Gage appearance: Bay St. Louis, 9-11 a.m.
▪ Fantastic Friday — All closing acts at all seven block parties will be in celebration mode. Cruisin’ Venue entertainment:
Bay St. Louis
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Martini Shakerz
- 1-2:30 p.m. —Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster
- 3:30-4:30 p.m. —Groove
Pass Christian
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Barlow Brothers
- 1-2:30 p.m. — Vince Vance & The Valliants
- 3:30-5 p.m. — LeRoux
Gulfport Cruise Central
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Sax Man
- 1-2:30 p.m. — Tommy Morse
- 3:30-5 p.m. — Molly Ringwalds
Edgewater Mall Biloxi
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Tanya
- 1-2:30 p.m. — Unfazed Band
- 3:30-5 p.m. — Purple Madness (Prince show)
D’Iberville
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Eddie Mac
- 1-2:30 p.m. — Troy Laz
- 3:30-5 p.m. — Wet Willie
Ocean Springs Downtown
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Garry Wesley
- 1-2:30 p.m. — Jezebel
- 3:30-5 p.m. — Na Na Sha
- 5:45-7 p.m. — The Tip Tops
- 7-7:30 p.m. — Chick’s Picks Car Contest
- 7:30-9 p.m. — Departure
Pascagoula
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Brandie
- 1-2:30 p.m. — Modern Eldorado
- 3:30-5 p.m. — Chee Weez
SATURDAY, OCT. 9
▪ Registration and all Cruisin’ Venues open 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
▪ Sites with bands: Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Gulfport Cruise Central, Edgewater Mall Biloxi, D’Iberville, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula
▪ 2021 Registration 9 a.m.-Noon
▪ 2022 Registration continues 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Country Cruisin’ Breakfast, Long Beach Yacht Club, 7-10 a.m.
▪ Vicari Auto Auction. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
▪ Vicari Auction’s CTC Swap Meet at Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, 9 a.m.-5p.m.
▪ Car Corral, east of Treasure Bay Casino, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
▪ Dennis Gage appearance: Ocean Springs, 10 a.m.-noon
▪ Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum fly-by at 2 p.m. Aircraft will fly just offshore from Ocean Springs to Bay St. Louis
▪ Legends of Motown show band celebrates 25th anniversary with free concert, fireworks and anniversary cake at Hollywood Casino Bay St. Louis. The 14-member cast of singers and musicians perform live, look-alike and sound-alike tributes to the best groups of the Motown era. 7 p.m.
▪ Cruisin’ Venue Entertainment
Bay St. Louis
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Tanya
- 1-2 p.m. — Tommy Morse
- 3-4:30 p.m. — Troy Laz
Pass Christian
- 11 a.m.-Noon — N Rhythm
- 1-2 p.m. — Gary Wesley
- 3-4:30 p.m. —The Tip Tops
Gulfport Cruise Central
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Eddie Mac
- 1-2 p.m. — Cool Rayz
- 3-4:30 p.m. — Journey Tribute
Edgewater Mall Biloxi
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Sax Man
- 1-2 p.m. — Jezebel
- 3-4:30 p.m. — Na Na Sha
D’Iberville
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Brandie
- 1-2 p.m. — Barlow Brothers
- 3-4:30 p.m. — Unfazed Band
Ocean Springs Downtown
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Figure 8
- 1-2 p.m. —Modern Eldorados
- 3-4:30 p.m. —Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster
Pascagoula
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Charles Grant
- 1-2 p.m. — Martine Shakerz
- 3-4:30 p.m. — Vince Vance & The Valiants
SUNDAY, OCT. 10
All events at Cruise Central, Gulfport
▪ 2022 registration open 8 a.m.-Noon.
▪ Non-denominational prayer service, 8 a.m
▪ Stamping cards must be turned in by 9 a.m.
▪ Cruisin’ The Coast Finale Ceremonies, 9-10:30 a.m. Gene Oswalt Volunteer of the Year Award. Announcements of winners of the Cash Drawings (50 drawings of $500 each), totaling $25,000. Make-A-Wish Raffle Car Giveaway and unveiling of the 2022 Raffle Vehicle.
▪ Live entertainment by Unfazed Band, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Events are subject to change.
