Jeepin’ the Coast set for May 28 to June 1
By Toni Miles
It won’t be long until Jeeps from all over the nation roll into South Mississippi for this year’s Jeepin’ the Coast event, May 28 to June 1, and event organizers are expecting yet another record-breaking year.
Jeepin’ the Coast (JTC) has gained traction since it first launched in Long Beach back in 2011, with record participation with each new year. Now attracting Jeepers and Jeep enthusiasts from all corners of the United States, JTC is considered the kickoff to the Jeeping season, with thousands of Jeeps officially registering each year, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the five-day event.
Jeep Central, located at 506 Jeff Davis Avenue in Long Beach, will be the main hub of activity for the week-long event. Registration pick-up starts at 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Jeep Central on Wednesday, May 28, where there will also be a kick off concert with live entertainment by Aaron Foret from 5 to 8 p.m., followed by an after party at Triple Tails in Bay St. Louis at 10 p.m.
On Thursday, May 29, registration continues from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Jeep Central, and the scavenger hunt begins. Vendor Village will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. at Jeep Central. Thankful Thursday with C4AC (Costumes for a Cause) will take place at Sully’s in Gulfport from 6 to 9 p.m. The Light & Sound Competition judging will start at 6 p.m., with awards given at Jeep Central on the main stage in Long Beach on Friday, May 30, at 6 p.m. C4AC silent auction and Jeep Raffle tickets can be purchased, with the prize drawing planned for Saturday, May 31. An after party with live entertainment will follow at 10 p.m. at Triple Tails in Bay St. Louis.
On Friday, May 31, registration at Jeep Central continues. Vendor Village will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jeep Central, as well. The Poker Run will also begin Friday at 10:30 a.m. to Saturday at 2 p.m. The Beach Crawl will start in Bay St. Louis at South Beach at Washington Street Pier from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will also take place at the same time in Long Beach. Show & Shine judging takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. Participants must be in designated parking area behind the main stage by 1 p.m. Awards will be given at 6 p.m. There will be a Friday Night Concert from 7 to 11 p.m., also at Jeep Central’s main stage, with live music by D Jr. & the Soul Band, followed by a fireworks show. An after party will follow at 10 p.m. at Triple Tails.
A Mardi Gras-style Jeep parade is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, on Jeff Davis Avenue in Long Beach as part of the JTC festivities. (Photo Credit: Toni Miles)
On Saturday, May 31, registration will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and will be the last chance to pick up registration. Vendor Village will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be a Beach Crawl in Long Beach, east of the harbor, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Scavenger Hunt and Poker Run will also continue. Poker Run cards can only be turned in between 2 to 4 p.m. at Jeep Central. A block party is scheduled to take place at Jeep Central at 6 p.m. Locals and visitors are urged to bring their own chairs and stake out a spot for the Mardi Gras-style Jeep parade at 6 p.m. along Jeff Davis Avenue. Parade line-up and parking behind the Town Green for participating Jeepers starts at 2 p.m. and must be lined up no later than 4:30 p.m. A Concert in the Streets will follow from 7 to 10 p.m. at Jeep Central with live music by Kings of Neon, followed by an after party at Triple Tails.
JTC will wrap on Sunday, June 1, with a church service from 9:30 to 10 a.m. at the Long Beach (Harper McCaughan) Town Green. Participants are asked to bring chairs. Cards for the Scavenger Hunt can be turned in between 9 to 10:45 a.m. at the white tent across from Coastal Daiquiri in Long Beach. The drawing will begin at 11 a.m.
Schedule locations and times are subject to change prior to the event. It is a rain or shine event.
The JTC 2025 pre-registration deadline is April 30. To register online, get more information and see updated schedule information, visit JeepinTheCoast.com.
