It’s the most colorful time of the year in South Mississippi as Cruisin’ The Coast returns Oct. 5-12.
This year, Cruise Central returns to Jones Park in Gulfport and from there the antique, classic and muscle cars and trucks roll along the beach to all 12 Coast cities, from Waveland to Pascagoula.
Favorite events like View the Cruise and the Long Beach parade are back and some new events are on the schedule. Here’s where to go, what celebrities to see and music to hear each day:
Sunday, Oct. 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.
Mississippi Gulf Fresh Seafood Sampling, Cruise Central at Jones Park, 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
Autocross by Autocross Guys at Scarlet Pearl Casino, D’Iberville (north surface parking lot), 1-5 p.m. Registered vehicles only.
Long Beach Show & Shine, Jeff Davis Ave., Long Beach. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Long Beach Parade – 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. Rochelle Hicks, director of Visit Mississippi, is Grand Marshal
Chris Jacobs appearances: Cruise Central, Jones Park, Gulfport, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; CTC Kick-off Parade serving as celebrity guest, Long Beach, 4-6 p.m.
The Tip Tops play at Long Beach Harbor, 6-9 p.m.
Casino Entertainment
Chris Gavin, Beau Rivage Casino, EIGHT75, 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 7
KOTO spins the oldies at Cruise Central, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
2025 Registration package pick-up, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for last names L-Z only. Cruise Central, Jones Park, Gulfport
2025 Onsite Registration, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.. Cruise Central, Jones Park, Gulfport Mississippi Gulf Fresh Seafood Sampling, Cruise Central at Jones Park, 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
Autocross by Autocross Guys at Scarlet Pearl Casino, D’Iberville. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free and open to registered vehicles only.
“Salute To Our Veterans,” 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Cruise Central with Garry “Elvis” Wesley
Cruisin’ The River City, Moss Point, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Margaritaville Cruise-in, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Margaritaville Resort Biloxi
Chris Jacobs appearance: Margaritaville, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Courtney Hansen appearance: Cruise Central, 10 a.m.-noon; Margaritaville, 2-4 p.m.
Vicari Auto Auction vehicle check-in at Coast Coliseum, 2-5 p.m.
Flame-throwing competition at Island View Casino in Gulfport, Live Entertainment by Ty Taylor & The Kinfolk, 4 p.m., Registration at 5 p.m. Event begins at dusk. $1,000 cash prizes and trophies
Wednesday, Oct. 8
KOTO spins the oldies at Cruise Central, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
2025 Registration package pick-up, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for all registrations
Biloxi Block Party, Downtown Biloxi, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Mississippi Gulf Fresh Seafood Sampling, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Beau Rivage Cruisin’ Events – “Britishmania Beatles Tribute” Party, Beau Rivage Theatre, $20. Doors open at 6 pm. Also Meet & Greets with Dennis Gage of My Classic Car, Cristy Lee, Courtney Hansen and Joe & Amanda Martin from 6-7:30 p.m. See Johnny Dawg of NaNaSha and The Triggerproof All Stars, at EIGHT75, 8 p.m.-1 a.m
Thursday, Oct. 9
KOTO spins the oldies at Cruise Central, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Registration at all Cruisin’ Venues is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
2025 Registration continues, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 2026 Registration opens, noon-5 p.m., Cruise Central, Jones Park, Gulfport
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’s CTC Swap Meet open at Coast Coliseum, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Buffett & Bumpers Block Party, Downtown Pascagoula, 5:30-8:30 p.m. featuring Buffett Beach Band
Friday, Oct. 10
KOTO spins the oldies at Cruise Central, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Registration at all Cruisin’ Venues is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
2025 and 2026 Registration continues, 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’s CTC Swap Meet open 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.
Dennis Gage appearance: Bay St. Louis, 9-11 a.m.
Cristy Lee appearance: Ocean Springs, 10 a.m.-noon
10 p.m. – midnight: Eugene Eash, Scarlet Pearl Casino, Butler’s
Sunday, Oct. 12
All events at Cruise Central 2026 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 Truck Giveaway and unveiling of the 2026 Raffle Vehicle Live entertainment by Hip Pocket, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Casino Entertainment
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Jesse Hill, Scarlet Pearl Casino, Scarlet’s Steaks & Seafood, Brunch
4-10 p.m.: Hank Berumen, Scarlet Pearl Casino, Butler’s