The Cruisin’ Nats have been going strong since the early 80’s and despite changing locations from the hallowed grounds of Paso Robles to Santa Maria a few years back, the show continues to grow. One of the biggest outdoor traditional Rod and Custom shows in the US it draws a crowd from all over the world. 

For 33 years, West Coast Kustoms has continued to put this event together and it never fails to disappoint, especially with the inclusion of a Friday Night Cruise which began last year. The show itself is a blast, with more cars than you can see in a single day, but the Cruise is one of the things that makes the event truly special. The city shuts down a few miles of the main drag, allowing the rods and customs to take over the street for a couple of hours. If you’ve never taken part in such a cruise, you’re missing out. Being on the street in your old car while surrounded by other old cars is probably the closest thing to a time machine any of us will ever come!

Saturday morning the actual show takes place at the Santa Maria Fairpark. The grounds themselves are pretty expansive, every square inch of which is packed with every type of traditionally styled ride you can wrap your greasy head around.

There are two large buildings filled with a variety of vendors with a Kustom & Vintage Bicycle show and a model car contest taking place in one of them. Live bands keep things jumpin’ all throughout Saturday. Saturday also affords you the opportunity to meet the Legends of Kustomizing and watch the Hall Of Fame induction ceremony. If you’re into pinstriping and lettering, there’s a Panel Jam and auction as well, with proceeds going to charity. The show continues on Sunday and a swap meet goes down on the grounds as well. 

This year’s show takes place on May 23rd-25th, Memorial Day weekend. Event registration is open to pre-’61 US made vehicles only, though ’62-’65 vehicles are ok, but they must have custom mods and must not be “muscle cars”. Otherwise, you can try your luck by registering via mail with a picture of your ride. Pre-reg deadline is May 9th, so get it mailed out quick! For more details, check out the flyer or feel free to contact West Coast Kustoms directly. Rod Authority will be there and we hope you will be too!