Ready! Set! Roll! Jeepin’ the Coast set to roll out May 27-31
By Toni Miles
Ready! Set! Roll!
Jeepin’ the Coast (JTC) is just around the corner, set to roll out Wednesday, May 27, through Sunday, May 31. The Mississippi Gulf Coast will once again rumble with the sound of off-road engines when the five-day event gears up in Long Beach, where the event started.
The Friendly City still serves as the main hub for JTC events, except for on opening day, when registration pick-up will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. at Bacchus, located at 111 West Scenic Drive in Pass Christian, followed by the Kick-Off Party in the Pass, also at Bacchus, with live entertainment by Autumn Risen from 5 to 8 p.m.
Activities shift to Long Beach the following day, with the event headquarters, commonly referred to as “Jeep Central,” will once again be located at 517 Jeff Davis Avenue in downtown Long Beach.
Jeepin’ the Coast is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, through Sunday, May 31, this year. (Photo credit: Toni Miles)
As in years past, thousands of Jeepers, Jeep enthusiasts and spectators are expected to arrive in Long Beach for five days of coastal cruising, beach rides and family-friendly entertainment.
Rare opportunities for a Beach Crawl will be open for Jeepers on Friday, May 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. east of the Long Beach Harbor. There will be live entertainment each night except for Sunday, and a fireworks show will take place, along with a live concert by Philman & 3 C’s Band, at Jeep Central’s Main Stage in Long Beach Friday night.
Other highlights of the event include a Block Party at Jeep Central Saturday, May 30, along with a Mardi Gras-Style Jeep Parade at 6 p.m. along Jeff Davis Avenue in Long Beach, followed by a concert in the streets from 7 to 10 p.m. Themed meet-ups, live entertainment, food, and a vendor village showcasing Jeep accessories and merchandise will also be a part of the lineup.
Now considered one of the fastest-growing Jeep gatherings in the Southeast, the annual event attracts Jeep owners from across the United States who come to showcase their vehicles while experiencing the scenic shoreline of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Organizers say the event highlights the region’s hospitality, natural beauty and vibrant Jeep culture.
The five-day event is designed for Jeep owners and fans alike. While registered Jeep vehicles participate in official activities such as beach runs and parades, spectators are welcome to attend many of the festivities and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere along the coast. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs.
Local businesses and tourism leaders also welcome the event for the economic boost it provides. Hotels, restaurants and shops across the coast often see a surge of visitors during the festival, as Jeep enthusiasts explore the area’s attractions.
Pre-registration for Jeep owners is available online, with a deadline of midnight on April 30 for. According to the JTC official web page, pre-registration for Jeeps throughout the entire five-day event is $98.24. On-site registration will cost $125. Registration is a one-time cost that covers the Jeep and all passengers (within seatbelts).
Only Jeeps are authorized to drive on the beach during the beach crawl and to ride in the JTC Parade procession.
For more information about JTC or to pre-register, visit the event’s official website at jeepinthecoast.com or the Jeepin’ the Coast Facebook page. The events will be held rain or shine.
