STATEMENT FROM ORGANIZERS:
WE ARE A GO!! We know most of you have been wondering about the weather … we have too. We have made the decision to open ALL STAMPING VENUES as planned. You can have your stamping card stamped at any stamping venue and turned in at Cruise Central or any stamping site. You DO NOT have to get your card stamped at ALL sites to be eligible for the one of 40 stamping cards that will be drawn for the $500 prize.
The Vicari Auction and Swap Meet will also open as planned at the MS Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, as will the Car Corral near Treasure Bay Casino in Biloxi.
Burn ‘Em Up In The Pass will also take place as scheduled in Pass Christian.
And ALL ET Motorgear apparel trailers will be open as well so you can purchase your OFFICIAL CTC gear.
2027 on-site registration will also open Thursday at noon at Cruise Central.
ALL events are planned as scheduled with the only cancellations at this time being the Friday & Saturday outdoor concerts and fireworks events at Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast in Bay St. Louis. The Gulfport Dragway has also canceled the gassers on Friday & Saturday in Gulfport.
We will continue to monitor the weather for the weekend and make decisions accordingly as Mother Nature allows. Follow this OFFICIAL CTC page for the most up to date and accurate information.
Check our schedule for more info:
cruisinthecoast.com/schedule
Enjoy yourselves & keep Cruisin!
Mississippi Gulf Coast officials are watching the forecast as a strengthening tropical storm heads toward the Coast
By TVBikerDad.com
If you came to the Mississippi Gulf Coast this week for Cruisin’ the Coast, you’ve already seen the cars, heard the music and felt the energy that makes this event one of the biggest automotive gatherings in the country.
But now Mother Nature has entered the picture.
Tropical Storm Isaias is strengthening in the Gulf, and its projected path has organizers watching closely as they decide how the storm could affect the final days of the 2026 Cruisin’ the Coast celebration. (Biloxi Sun Herald)
Cruisin’ the Coast is scheduled to run through Sunday, October 11, but the weather situation could force changes to the schedule beyond Thursday.
Cruisin’ the Coast Is Still On — For Now
The good news for cruisers is that Wednesday and Thursday’s events are currently going forward as planned.
Cruisin’ the Coast director Woody Bailey said Wednesday morning that organizers are monitoring the storm’s track and the latest forecasts. As new information comes in, adjustments could be made to activities scheduled after Thursday. (https://www.wlox.com)
That’s an important distinction.
The event hasn’t simply been canceled. Instead, organizers are taking a wait-and-see approach while meteorologists get a better idea of exactly where Isaias is headed and how strong it could become.
And that’s the right approach when you’re dealing with a tropical system that can change significantly in a relatively short period of time.
Isaias Is Getting Stronger
What started as Tropical Depression Nine was upgraded to Tropical Storm Isaias early Wednesday morning. Forecasters are expecting additional strengthening, with the storm potentially becoming a significant hurricane before reaching the northern Gulf Coast. (Biloxi Sun Herald)
Current forecasts call for the storm to approach the Gulf Coast around Friday, which puts it on a collision course with the latter part of Cruisin’ the Coast.
That timing is particularly concerning because Friday and Saturday are two of the busiest days on the Cruisin’ the Coast calendar.
The storm could bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, coastal flooding and other hazardous conditions to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Mississippi emergency officials are already urging residents to prepare. (WDAM)
What Does This Mean for Cruisers?
If you’re already on the Coast, don’t panic — but don’t ignore the weather either.
Cruisin’ the Coast covers a huge area, with events spread across communities from Bay St. Louis to Pascagoula. That means weather conditions can vary, and some activities may be affected differently than others.
For now, the organizers are continuing with Wednesday and Thursday activities while keeping a close eye on the forecast.
But if you’re planning to attend an event later in the week, check for updates before heading out.
Don’t assume that an event listed on the original schedule will necessarily happen at its original time.
Friday and Saturday Could Be the Big Question
Friday’s schedule includes major activities such as the Vicari Auto Auction, the Swap Meet, Gulf Coast Nationals and numerous cruise-ins and entertainment events.
Saturday is even bigger, with additional automotive events, concerts and other activities scheduled throughout the Coast.
Those are exactly the kinds of large outdoor gatherings that become difficult — and potentially unsafe — when tropical-storm or hurricane conditions move in.
The organizers have already indicated that decisions about the schedule after Thursday will depend on how the storm develops. (https://www.wlox.com)
In other words, don’t be surprised if the schedule changes.
If You’re Driving Home, Pay Attention
For those who came from out of town, the storm isn’t just about whether you get to see one more car show.
It’s also about getting home safely.
If you’re towing a trailer, driving a classic car with limited weather protection, or riding a motorcycle, tropical weather deserves extra consideration.
Heavy rain can dramatically reduce visibility. Strong winds can make high-profile vehicles difficult to control. Standing water can create dangerous conditions, and coastal flooding can close roads with little warning.
Motorcyclists should be particularly cautious.
A beautiful Gulf Coast ride can turn into a miserable — or dangerous — trip very quickly when tropical weather arrives.
If your return trip takes you east or west along the Gulf Coast, check the forecast and road conditions before leaving. It may be worth changing your departure time rather than trying to outrun the weather.
Don’t Forget: The Cars Can Wait
This is one of those situations where the old biker rule applies:
It’s better to miss an event than to miss getting home.
Nobody wants to cut short a trip they’ve planned for months. And nobody wants to see Cruisin’ the Coast interrupted by a tropical storm.
But cars can be moved.
Trips can be rescheduled.
And there will be another Cruisin’ the Coast.
The priority should be keeping participants, spectators, volunteers and residents safe.
What Should You Do Right Now?
If you’re attending Cruisin’ the Coast this week:
Keep checking the official Cruisin’ the Coast schedule.
Monitor the National Hurricane Center for the latest storm track.
Don’t rely on yesterday’s forecast. Tropical systems can change direction and intensity quickly.
Secure your vehicle and belongings if you’re staying along the Coast.
Know your evacuation route if you’re staying in a coastal or low-lying area.
Give yourself extra time on the road.
And if officials or event organizers tell you to leave, leave.
Mississippi emergency officials are already encouraging residents to prepare for potentially significant rainfall, flooding and wind impacts as Isaias approaches. (WDAM)
A Wild Way to Celebrate 30 Years
It’s an unfortunate twist for an event that’s celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Cruisin’ the Coast has grown from just 374 vehicles when it began in 1996 to more than 10,000 registered vehicles in recent years. The 2026 celebration brought thousands of classic cars and enthusiasts to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for a week of cruising, music and automotive nostalgia. (https://www.wlox.com)
Now the event is facing one of the few things that even thousands of classic cars can’t control:
The weather.
For now, the engines are still running and Cruisin’ the Coast is still rolling.
But everyone on the Mississippi Gulf Coast should be keeping one eye on the cars and the other on the Gulf.
We’ll keep watching it here at TVBikerDad.com and bring you updates as the situation develops.
Ride safe. Stay weather aware. And if Mother Nature says it’s time to head home, listen to her.
— TVBikerDad.com
Keep Watching the Weather
The situation is changing quickly. The Sun Herald is reporting ongoing updates on Isaias and Cruisin’ the Coast, while local television stations are also monitoring the storm and event schedule. (Biloxi Sun Herald)
Check the latest official Cruisin’ the Coast updates before heading to any event later this week.