Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show

Jump start your summer season with the Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show!

Car enthusiast? Gear head? Just want a good reason to enjoy the rays and admire unique vehicles? The Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show hosts a huge collection of antique, retro, and custom cars every year for all to appreciate. Their 29th annual event is no different, set to exhibit a wide variety of cars free to view with their parade, cruise, and showcase event.

Cruisin' Morro Bay Car Show

When: April 30-May 2, 2026

Admission: Registration required for cars | Free for attendees

In 2005, a handful of auto buffs worked to create a weekend for local enthusiasts to share their interests and flaunt their cars. What started as a simple community bonding event boomed in the two decades that followed into a huge display of retro and custom cars.

After seeing the success of their first get-together, the team of enthusiasts turned the event into the Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show. To this day, the auto show continues to bring together car enthusiasts and car owners alike in the first weekend of May.

By 2025, over 500 vehicles registered for the event, making it Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show’s biggest one yet. Every year, the show floods the streets of Morro Bay with an almost 50-mile drive, a multi-block parade, and a street fest with vendors and awards for competing contestants.

Event Schedule

Thursday | April 30, 2026

Registration Check-in

Times: 5 PM - 8 PM
Where: Haven Properties | 850 Main Street

For those who have registered vehicles in the show, check-in is required on Thursday night. Be sure you’re registered prior to arriving, and enjoy the evening reception with fellow car enthusiasts.

Friday | May 1, 2026

Ragged Point Cruise

Times: 10 AM Staging | 11 AM Departure time
Where: Rock Harbor Christian Fellowship | 1475 Quintana Rd

As part of the festivities of the car show, Cruisin’ Morro Bay brings the lineup of unique vehicles to Highway 1. Registrants will drive alongside the coast from Morro Bay up to Ragged Point in a 49.3-mile route. Curious where you might spot the car show’s lineup? Check out their map for the cruise’s itinerary.

Cruise Night

Times: 5 PM Staging | 6 PM - 7 PM Cruise
Where: Intersection of Morro Bay Blvd & Shasta Ave

For those in Morro Bay, a smaller, more local parade will take place around the blocks of downtown. The line of cars will drive around the six-block route, with the best viewing locations on Harbor Street and Morro Bay Boulevard between Market and Pinley.

For registrants, arrive early for staging and directions on the evening event.

Saturday | May 2, 2026

Show and Shine Car Show and Awards Ceremony

Times: 9 AM - 4 PM
Where: Main Street & Morro Bay Boulevard

Check out all the cars at the event throughout the streets of Morro Bay at the Show and Shine Car Show. Participants’ cars will line the streets for an all-day exploration of one-of-a-kind vehicles. In addition to the exhibit, there will be a limited selection of vendors, including some of the event’s sponsors.

Event Awards

The awards for the event don’t fit into traditional categories and don’t operate under a standard voting process. Awards are selected by the event’s trophy sponsors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I stay?

There are dozens of nearby hotels that are perfect for those who are traveling into town for the car show.

Nearby Accommodations:

Want more options? Check out our selection of hotels, motels, and inns.

Is the event accessible?

The parade will have plenty of sidewalk space for those to view the many cars registered for the event. Be mindful that it fills up quick, so for space to accommodate for your needs, arrive early.

For the showcase, attendees will move through the streets of Morro Bay, which provide paved and flattened surfaces. Again, be aware that this event can get incredibly crowded.

How do I register?

The car show’s entry spots are nearly sold out for their 2026 event. Put some pedal to the metal before their slots are all gone and register your vehicle here.

Is the Morro Bay Car Show dog-friendly?

Dogs are welcome! The car show only asks that you be mindful of other attendees and keep your pet on a leash while attending the event.

Where should I park during the Morro Bay Car Show?

Street parking is available all around the event’s multiple locations.

Make the car show your reason for a getaway and plan to visit us in Morro Bay!

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