GULFPORT, MS — For the seventh consecutive year, Cruisin’ The Coast (CTC) has been voted as the best car event in the nation, announced CTC Executive Director, Woody Bailey.
Considered “America’s Largest Block Party,” CTC came out on top of the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2026 during a month-long social media public vote. A total of 20 car events were nominated by USA Today editors and industry experts .
“When voting began, our participants, fans and followers quickly put us on top, where we stayed for a good portion of the competition,” said Bailey. “Our participants and spectators come back year after year because of the hospitality found along our Mississippi Gulf Coast and keep voting us number one. They tell our story the best and spread the word about CTC across the country. But winning this award is a real testament to the hard work put in by our staff, support of our sponsors and the thousands of hours put in by hundreds of volunteers who make Cruisin’ the event is has become,” he added.
Other prestigious car show events in the running included Back to the 50s Weekend, Triple Crown of Rodding, the Amelia Concours d’Elegance, NSRA Street Rod Nationals, Hot August Nights and the Woodward Dream Cruise. “We are flattered each year to be nominated alongside these great events,” said Bailey. “But to come out on top reassures us that we provide an event that is enjoyed by our participants.”
Cruisin’ The Coast began in 1996, with 374 vehicles participating in the four-day event. The 2025 event was 8 days long and registered a record-breaking 10,334 vehicles from 41 states, Australia, Canada, England and Germany. This year’s event, scheduled for October 4-11, currently has more than 4,500 registered vehicles from 39 states, Australia, Canada, England and New Zealand.
For more information, please contact Woody Bailey at 228-385-3847.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Volkswagen Club is a proud host club of Cruisin’ The Coast. Now in it’s 30th year, this event is a huge boost to the Mississippi Gulf Coast economy and a huge opportunity for host clubs to give back to their community. Please consider donating your time for this event.
