The Gulf Coast’s signature celebration of classic cars has once again made history. Cruisin’ the Coast, now in its 29th year, has officially broken its all-time registration record, with more than 10,263 vehicles signed up as of Friday morning.
The milestone surpasses last year’s total of 10,070 cars and trucks, setting a new benchmark for what has become one of the nation’s premier automotive events. Organizers noted that registration remained open through the weekend, meaning the final count could climb even higher before the week-long event concludes.
Since its humble beginnings in 1996 — when just 374 vehicles participated — Cruisin’ the Coast has grown into a sprawling regional festival spanning multiple Mississippi Gulf Coast cities. Thousands of enthusiasts gather each October to show off their classic rides, enjoy live music, and take part in parades, swap meets, and beachfront cruising.
Over the years, the event’s steady rise in participation has mirrored its growing national reputation. Despite interruptions such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and pandemic restrictions in 2020, attendance has continued to surge. Recent years have regularly topped the 9,000-vehicle mark, with car owners traveling from across the country — and even overseas — to take part.
In early 2024, Cruisin’ the Coast was named the Best Car Show in the U.S. by USA Today, a recognition that helped boost visibility ahead of this year’s record-breaking turnout.
Registration for next year’s event is already open, with more than 460 vehicles signed up so far — a sign that the passion for this coastal classic shows no sign of slowing down.
For locals and visitors alike, Cruisin’ the Coast remains more than a car show — it’s a rolling celebration of history, horsepower, and community.
Source/Image Via https://www.facebook.com/Cruisinthecoast/
