There are few pastimes that capture American culture quite like a car show. I spent my youth immersed in car shows and racing events, with a father who always had a project in the driveway (something I naturally inherited). But don’t let that make you think you wouldn’t be welcome if you're not a traditional “car person”. Car shows are about more than just the cars; they’re a way for owners to showcase their finest achievements and builds. Since COVID has passed, destination-style, weeklong car shows have grown in popularity, celebrating not just the rides themselves but the culture and camaraderie that surround them.

So, while you might not own a 1934 Ford truck, a Tri-Five Chevrolet, or a performance hot-rod in general, these shows offer stunning vehicles to admire and plenty of family-friendly entertainment for even the youngest enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or just someone looking for a great weekend activity, car shows have a way of bringing people together. Cruisin’ The Coast is no different. 

Swap Meets, Rare Finds, and Local Treasures

While cruising Beach Boulevard is a great way to see and hear classic cars rumble, and, of course, catch a whiff of an old, carbureted engine, (a scent long forgotten since fuel injection took over the industry in the late ’80s) the real action happens in the parking lot. Row upon row of vintage classics, modern sports cars, and the occasional air-cooled Volkswagen gather in one place, creating an atmosphere that’s as much about community as it is about the cars themselves.

Once inside the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center gates, you’re immediately greeted by a lively swap meet featuring classic car part vendors and skilled craftsmen, from woodworking to metalworking, all with an automotive twist. One of the best parts of this area is the sheer amount of free swag vendors hand out. For example, AutoZone gave away 5,640 five-gallon buckets, which were gone by noon on the first day. Beyond being handy at home, these buckets made it easy for showgoers to stash their growing collection of random tools, catalogs, and, of course, t-shirts.

Inside the vendor area at Cruisin’ The Coast, there’s a little bit of everything for car enthusiasts. Rows of booths showcase classic car parts, performance upgrades, restoration tools, specialty lubricants, and detailing products, along with custom upholstery and paint solutions. Mixed in are nostalgic automotive memorabilia, apparel, and garage décor. It’s the perfect place to track down rare parts, grab a few souvenirs, or pick up something special for the car lover, or future car lover, in your family.

Inside the buildings, you’ll find even more vendors selling a variety of items. But the true hidden gem lies in the last building, where you’ll discover the auction house. This auction showcases the rare, the random, and the low-mileage, along with a few beloved fan favorites. When’s the last time you saw a pristine, stock Suzuki Samurai or even remembered there was a Gremlin X model? Add in some supercharged Pro Street builds, wild color schemes on classic rides, and all-out custom trucks, and you’ve got yet another car show within the show.

A Celebration of American Car Culture

To some, this might seem like just another gathering of car enthusiasts. But if you look a little closer, you’ll realize these shows are more than just people tooting their own horns about their builds—they’re providing a generational connection built through a shared love of the automobile. From young to old, everyone comes to see something cool, even if it’s not in their wheelhouse. While the automotive industry helped revolutionize America, these car shows keep the passion for vehicles, and the pride in one’s craftsmanship, alive and well. I hope to never see events like this fade away and judging by the crowds at the 2025 Cruisin’ The Coast, that dim future seems a long way off.