Cruisin’ The Coast revs up South Mississippi with new events. Here’s the full schedule. (2024)

It’s known as “America’s Largest Block Party,” and this year Cruisin’ The Coast extends into all 12 cities in South Mississippi and will have a bonus sampling of free shrimp.

The 27th annual antique, classic and muscle car show rolls Sunday, Oct 1 and continues for eight days until Sunday, Oct. 8. It’s the most popular event in Mississippi and brings a $36 million economic impact.

Cruisin’ The Coast was crowned “Best Car Show” in the country by USA Today, because the event is packed with parades, parties and poodle skirts, along with miles of white sand beaches and thousands of owners and spectators just crazy about these colorful cars and trucks.

New this year, Waveland will host an event for the first time since 2006, stretching out the block party nearly from state line to state line. Hot Rods & Hospitality will fill Coleman Avenue in Waveland with cars, music and food on Wednesday.

Also new, Mississippi Gulf Fresh Seafood is the presenting sponsor of Cruisin’ this year and will be handing out free samples of boiled shrimp Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at Cruise Central at Centennial Plaza in Gulfport.

The Beach Boys are back at the Beau Rivage and free concerts are Friday and Saturday at Hollywood Casino. Oscar Mayer is sending its Wienermobile to Cruisin’ and several car celebrities will be mingling with fans. It’s the first year for Chris Jacobs, host of Overhaulin’ on Velocity, who will be grand marshal of the Long Beach parade.

It’s already a record-breaking year, said Woody Bailey, executive director of Cruisin’ The Coast, with 8,515 antique and classic cars, hot rods and trucks pre-registered by Aug. 15, That’s 492 more than last year. Another 1,000 to 1,200 Cruisersregister during the event, he said, but last year that number soared to 1,600.

They’re coming from 43 states, Canada and England, he said, with the Cruiser from England saying on Facebook he’s returning and he’s bringing friends. They thought he’d arrive in an Austin Martin, MG or other British car, Bailey said, but he went Cruisin’ the Coast ‘22 in a ‘79 Ford Thunderbird.

Bailey said the core of Cruisin’ The Coast is much the same as its been for 27 years — a combinations of hospitality, food, scenery and events. “It all seems to work pretty well,” he said.

Here’s the list of Cruisin’ events:

SUNDAY

▪ 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, U.S. 90, Gautier, Noon-6 p.m. Drive-in Movie — Smokey & The Bandit at 5:30 p.m.

▪ Chris Jacobs appearances: Hardy Court, 9-11 a.m.; Downtown Gulfport, 1-4 p.m.

▪ Feature Car appearances: Hardy Court, 9 a.m.-noon; Downtown Gulfport, 2-5 p.m. Casino Entertainment

▪ Jesse Hill, Scarlet Pearl Casino, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

▪ Eugene Eash, Scarlet Pearl Casino, 6-10 p.m.

▪ Triggerproof, Beau Rivage, 8 p.m.-1 a.m.

MONDAY

▪ KOTO spins the oldies at Cruise Central, Gulfport, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

▪ 2023 Registration package pick-up, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. for last names A-K only; Cruise Central, Centennial Plaza, Gulfport

▪ 2023 Onsite registration, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Cruise Central, Gulfport

▪ Autocross, Coast Coliseum (west parking lot), 1-5 p.m. Open to registered vehicles only.

▪ New: Mississippi Gulf Fresh Seafood Sampling, Cruise Central at Centennial Plaza, 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

▪ Long Beach Parade. Open to registered vehicles only. First 600 to arrive will be in the parade. Line up at 1 p.m. at Long Beach High School, parade starts at 5:30 p.m.

▪ Chris Jacobs appearances: Cruise Central, Gulfport, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Grand Marshal, Long Beach parade, 4-6 p.m.

▪ Tip Tops play at Long Beach Harbor, 6-9 p.m.

TUESDAY

▪ KOTO spins the oldies at Cruise Central, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

▪ 2023 Registration package pick-up, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for last names L-Z only. Cruise Central, Centennial Plaza, Gulfport

▪ 2023 Onsite registration, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Cruise Central, Gulfport

▪ Feature Car appearance at Margaritaville Resort Biloxi, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

▪ Autocross at Coast Coliseum (west parking lot), 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Open to registered vehicles only.

▪ New: Mississippi Gulf Fresh Seafood Sampling, Cruise Central at Centennial Plaza, 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

▪ “Salute To Our Veterans,” 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Cruise Central with Garry Wesley

▪ Cruisin’ The River City, Moss Point, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

▪ Margaritaville Cruise-in, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Margaritaville Resort Biloxi

▪ Chris Jacobs appearance: Margaritaville, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

▪ Cristy Lee appearance: Cruise Central, 10 a.m.-noon; Margaritaville, 2-4 p.m.

▪ Flame-throwing competition at Island View Casino, Gulfport, Live Entertainment by Ty Taylor & The Kinfolk, 4 p.m., Registration, 5 p.m., begins at dusk. 2 Categories for cars and trucks. $1,000 in cash prizes and trophies.

WEDNESDAY

▪ KOTO spins the oldies at Cruise Central, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

▪ 2023 Registration package pick-up, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for all registrations;

▪ Biloxi Block Party, Downtown Biloxi, 8 a.m.-3 p.m, with feature car from 8 a.m.-noon

▪ Autocross at Coast Coliseum, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Registered vehicles only.

▪ Vicari Auto Auction at Coast Coliseum, doors open at 8:30 a.m. Auction begins 10 a.m.

▪ Car Corral and vehicle check-in, east of Treasure Bay, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

▪ New: Hot Rods & Hospitality, Waveland, Coleman Ave., 10 a.m-2 p.m. Entertainment by Assumed Risk, Dave Maley, and DJ Greg B.

▪ Diamondhead, Blessing of the Classics, 4-7 p.m. Line up at 1:30 p.m., Entertainment by B Jr. & The Shine Soul Band, 1:30-4 p.m., and the Beau King Band, 4-7 p.m.

▪ Beau Rivage Cruisin’ Official Party, 6-10 p.m., Beau Rivage Theatre. $20 admission. Meet & greets 6-7:30 p.m., with Dennis Gage of “My Classic Car,” Cristy Lee, Courtney Hansen and Joe & Amanda Martin. The Molly Ringwalds concert at 7:30 p.m.

▪ Joe & Amanda Martin appearances: Biloxi Block Party, 10 a.m.-noon. Beau Rivage, 6-8 p.m.

▪ Cristy Lee appearances: Biloxi Block Party, 10 a.m.-noon. Beau Rivage, 6-8 p.m.

▪ Courtney Hansen appearances: Biloxi Block Party, 10 a.m.-noon; Beau Rivage, 6-8 p.m.

▪ Dennis Gage appearance: Beau Rivage, 6-8 p.m. Casino Entertainment

▪ Hank Berumen, Scarlet Pearl Casino, 6-10 p.m.

▪ Johnny Dawg & The Triggerproof All Stars, Beau Rivage,8 p.m.-1 a.m.

THURSDAY

▪ KOTO spins the oldies at Cruise Central, 9-11 a.m.

▪ Registration and all Cruisin’ Venues open 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

▪ Cities with bands: Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Gulfport Cruise Central, Edgewater Mall, D’Iberville, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula

▪ 2024 Registration opens, noon-5 p.m., Cruise Central, Gulfport

▪ New: Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, Pass Christian, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

▪ Country Cruisin’ Breakfast, Long Beach Yacht Club, 7-10 a.m.

▪ Vicari Auto Auction at Coast Coliseum. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Auction begins 10 a.m.

▪ Vicari Auction CTC Swap Meet open at Coast Coliseum, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

▪ New: Mississippi Gulf Fresh Seafood Sampling, Cruise Central at Centennial Plaza, 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

▪ Car Corral open and vehicle check-in, east of Treasure Bay, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

▪ Feature Car appearance at Edgewater Mall, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

▪ Burn ‘Em Up In The Pass at new location, Fleitas Ave., Pass Christian, 5 p.m.-dusk. Entertainment by Heather & The Monkey King.

▪ Dennis Gage appearances: Edgewater Mall, 10 a.m.-noon; D’Iberville, 2-4 p.m.

▪ Courtney Hansen appearances: Pass Christian, 10 a.m.-noon; Bay St. Louis, 2-4 p.m.

▪ Joe & Amanda Martin appearances: Pascagoula, 10 a.m.-noon; Ocean Springs, 2-4 p.m.

Cruisin’ Site Entertainment

Bay St. Louis

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — No Dice

▪ 1-2 p.m. — Garry “Elvis” Wesley

▪ 3-4:30 p.m. — Lazerus

Pass Christian

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — Jezebel

▪ 1-2:p.m. — Cool Rayz

▪ 3-4:30 p.m. — Unfazed

Gulfport Cruise Central

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — Charles Grant

▪ 1-2 p.m. — Martini Shakerz

▪ 3-4:30 p.m. — Departure

Edgewater Mall

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — Shack N Up

▪ 1-2 p.m. — Gretsch

▪ 3:30-4:30 p.m. — Vince Vance & The Valiants

D’Iberville

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — Rocko

▪ 1-2 p.m. — B.B. Band

▪ 3-4:30 p.m. — Na Na Sha

Ocean Springs

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — Black Velvet

▪ 1-2 p.m. — Tommy Morse

▪ 3-4:30 p.m. — The Style Band

Pascagoula

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — Saxman

▪ 1-2 p.m. — Platinum Café

▪ 3-4:30 p.m. — Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster

Casino Entertainment

▪ The 3Cs, Silver Slipper Casino, “Rumble on the Gulf,” Beach Bar, 6-9 p.m.

▪ Nick Perkins Elvis Tribute, Silver Slipper, 9 p.m.

▪ Hank Berumen, Scarlet Pearl Casino, 6-10 p.m.

▪ Matt & Amber, Beau Rivage, 6-10 p.m.

▪ Triggerproof, Beau Rivage, 8 p.m.-1 a.m.

FRIDAY

▪ KOTO spins the oldies at Cruise Central, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

▪ Registration and all Cruisin’ Venues are open 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

▪ Sites with bands: Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Gulfport Cruise Central, Edgewater Mall, D’Iberville, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula

▪ New: Oscar Mayer Wienermobile at Cruise Central at Centennial Plaza, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

▪ Country Cruisin’ Breakfast, Long Beach Yacht Club, 7 a.m.-10 a.m.

▪ Vicari Auto Auction at Coast Coliseum. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Auction begins 10 a.m.

▪ Vicari Auction’s CTC Swap Meet at Coast Coliseum, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

▪ Feature Car appearance: Ocean Springs, 9 a.m.-noon

▪ Car Corral, east of Treasure Bay in Biloxi, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

▪ Dennis Gage appearance: Bay St. Louis, 9a.m.-11 a.m.

▪ Courtney Hansen appearance: Ocean Springs, 10 a.m.-noon

▪ Joe & Amanda Martin appearance: Cruise Central, 10 a.m.-noon

▪ Ocean Springs Sock Hop & Street Party, 5:20-9 p.m. featuring Garry “Elvis” Wesley, 5:20-6 p.m., Na Na Sha, 6-7 p.m. and Departure, 7:30-9 p.m.

▪ “Pass In The Night,” 6:30-9:30 p.m., Pass Christian. Entertainment by Sons of uh Beech

▪ New: Free outdoor concert at Hollywood Casino, Bay St. Louis, Mustache The Band, 7 p.m.

Cruisin’ Site Entertainment Bay St. Louis

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — Saxman

▪ 1-2:30 p.m. — Gretsch

▪ 3:30-4:30 p.m. — Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster

Pass Christian

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — Black Velvet

▪ 1-2:30 p.m. — Tommy Morse Band

▪ 3:30-5 p.m. — Lazerus

Gulfport Cruise Central

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — Shack N Up

▪ 1-2:30 p.m. — Platinum Café

▪ 3:30-5 p.m. —The Style Band

Edgewater Mall Biloxi

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — Charles Grant

▪ 1-2:30 p.m. — Cool Rayz

▪ 3:30-5 p.m. — Qrisis D’Iberville

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — No Dice

▪ 1-2:30 p.m. — Garry “Elvis” Wesley

▪ 3:30-5 p.m — Miles Flatt

Ocean Springs

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — Jezebel

▪ 1-2:30 p.m. — Martini Shakerz

▪ 3:30-5:15 p.m. — Unfazed Band

▪ 5:20-6 p.m. — Garry “Elvis” Wesley

▪ 6-7 p.m. — Na Na Sha

▪ 7-7:30 p.m. — Chick’s Picks

▪ 7:30-9 p.m. — Departure

Pascagoula

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — Rocko

▪ 1-2:30 p.m. — B.B. Band

▪ 3:30-5 p.m. — Vince Vance & The Valiants

Casino Entertainment

▪ The Beach Boys, Beau Rivage, 8 p.m.

▪ Hank Berumen, Scarlet Pearl Casino, 6-10 p.m.

▪ Sam Donald, Beau Rivage, 6-10 p.m.

▪ John Pierre & The Expressions, Hollywood Casino, 7-11 p.m.

▪ Nick Perkins Elvis Tribute, Silver Slipper, 8 p.m.

▪ Triggerproof, Beau Rivage, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

▪ Eugene Eash, Scarlet Pearl Casino, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.

SATURDAY

▪ KOTO spins the oldies at Cruise Central, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

▪ Registration and all Cruisin’ Venues are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

▪ Sites with bands: Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Gulfport Cruise Central, Edgewater Mall, D’Iberville, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula

▪ Country Cruisin’ Breakfast, Long Beach Yacht Club, 7-10 a.m.

▪ Vicari Auto Auction at Coast Coliseum. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Auction begins 10 a.m.

▪ Vicari Auction CTC Swap Meet at Coast Coliseum, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

▪ Car Corral, east of Treasure Bay in Biloxi, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

▪ Dennis Gage appearance: Ocean Springs, 2-4 p.m.

▪ Super Saturday Concert — The Blues Brothers Soul Band and “Simply The Best” Tina Turner Tribute Show, live at Hollywood Casino Resort in Bay St. Louis. Free event begins at 7 p.m.

Cruisin’ Site Entertainment

Bay St. Louis

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — Charles Grant

▪ 1-2 p.m. — Tommy Morse Band

▪ 3-4:30 p.m. — Na Na Sha

Pass Christian

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — No Dice

▪ 1-2 p.m. — Garry “Elvis” Wesley

▪ 3-4:30 p.m. — Vince Vance & The Valiants

Gulfport Cruise Central

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — Black Velvet

▪ 1-2 p.m. — Cool Rayz

▪ 3-4:30 p.m. — Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster

Edgewater Mall

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — Saxman

▪ 1-2 p.m. — B.B. Band

▪ 3-4:30 p.m. — Departure

D’Iberville

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon —Shack N Up

▪ 1-2 p.m. — Gretsch

▪ 3-4:30 p.m. — Lazerus

Ocean Springs

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — Rocko

▪ 1-2 p.m. — Platinum Café

▪ 3-4:30 p.m. — Qrisis

Pascagoula

▪ 11 a.m.-Noon — Jezebel

▪ 1-2 p.m. — Martini Shakerz

▪ 3-4:30 p.m. — Unfazed Band

Casino Entertainment

▪ The Beach Boys, Beau Rivage, 8 p.m.

▪ Jesse Hill, Scarlet Pearl Casino, 6-10 p.m.

▪ John Pierre & The Expressions, Hollywood Casino, 7-11 p.m.

▪ Nick Perkins Elvis Tribute, Silver Slipper, Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m.

▪ Brandon Bennett, IP Casino, 8 p.m.

▪ Triggerproof, Beau Rivage, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

▪ Eugene Eash, Scarlet Pearl Casino, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.

SUNDAY

All events at Cruise Central

▪ 2024 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 the winners of the cash drawings (40 drawings of $500 each) totaling $20,000

▪ Make-A-Wish Raffle Car Giveaway and unveiling of new 2024 Raffle Vehicle

▪ Live entertainment by the Qrisis, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. All events and times subject to change.