Headlights Shine on Biloxi During Record-Breaking Cruisin' the Coast

Over these past couple of years since Biloxi Shrimp Co. was started during the pandemic, through this blog we’ve tried to bring our followers a little background, history and insight into our namesake city of Biloxi. Our city and our culture are infused into our brand and our love for bringing you the best-tasting shrimp in the world.

This week we wanted to tell you about an event that has been happening in Biloxi and on the Mississippi Gulf Coast since 1996. It’s called – Cruisin’ The Coast, and it is an annual antique car event that has grown every year and is hailed as America’s Largest Block Party.

Last week, we shared an article about the history of Biloxi’s deep love of all things automobile, including a snippet about Cruisin’ the Coast while the engine revving celebration was still in full swing. Now that it’s in our rear-view mirror, we recap this year’s record-breaking event.

For those of you who need a refresher, Cruisin’ the Coast is an annual,week-long celebration spanning the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast from Bay St. Louis to Pascagoula. The Mississippi Gulf Coast has about 62 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, and Highway 90 runs along the beachfront for about 25 of those miles, providing a perfect setting for antique car lovers literally “cruise” their way along the coast with the incredible view of the Gulf.

This particular time of year is also especially accommodating for the numerous events where cruisers literally line up, lift their hoods and show off every detail of their beautiful restorations. This year the weather was picture perfect cool fall weather without a drop of rain all week. As seen in the photo above, one of our Biloxi Shrimp Co. trucks joined in on the action during Biloxi’s event!

Cruisin’ the Coast drives car enthusiasts from across the country together to admire or show off their antique, classic and specialty vehicles. Locals never get tired of the annual infusion of amazing and colorful vehicles this one week in October…even if it does mean taking a few detours to avoid the events and car parades to get to and from work.

The first Cruisin’ the Coast kicked off in 1996 over a four-day weekend. Its official registration was a mere 374 vehicles. Today, thousands of registered cruisers make their way to the coast to partake in block parties that turn back time with concerts featuring cover bands crooning nostalgic music, complete with Elvis impersonators, celebrity appearances, great food and car contests. Coastal cities take turns each day to host their own unique series of events to wow cruisers. The city of Biloxi’s Block Party takes place in the heart of downtown on Wednesday of Cruisin’ the Coast week.

Car lover and comedian Jay Leno, center, went to his first Cruisin' The Coast at the Ocean Springs venue, where he is joined by Cruisin' Executive Director Woody Bailey, left, and Ocean Springs Mayor Kenny Holloway. Photos by Mike Garza, The Sun Herald

As we mentioned earlier, Cruisin’ the Coast 2022 was one for the books, setting a new record of a whopping 9,618 cars registered during last week's event! Shattering last year’s record of 9,045 by 573 vehicles, with more than 1,800 first-time cruisers.

Even those running this year’s Cruisin’ were surprised at the high turnout. “I just thought we were on such a pedestal with our 25th anniversary last year, it would be very difficult for us to top those numbers, but we did it this year, and I’m very proud of that,” said Woody Bailey, Executive Director of Cruisin’ the Coast.

Biloxi’s local news station,WLOX-TV,interviewed multiple cruisers while they took in the festivities, who also had plenty of praise to give for this year’s event.

Long-time cruiser Lisa Adle said, “I’ve been coming for 20 years, and I enjoy the excitement of the bands… Everything was perfect.”

“We had people coming from all over the place. I met two people from Alaska who didn’t bring their car with them this year but said they’re definitely bringing it next year,” said another Cruisin’ enthusiast Shellie Moses.

It was a truly momentous occasion, and we could tell just from walking through downtown Biloxi! If you have never been to Cruisin’ the Coast, we highly recommend it and hope to see everyone there next year. Cruisin’ The Coast 2023 will take place October 1-8, 2023. Online Registration starts November 1, 2022 – CLICK HERE to learn more and reserve your spot!