Cruisin’ Weekend draws record crowds despite route concerns

By Camille DeVaul · Thu Aug 27 2026

Sold-out Cruise Nite and packed downtown streets mark a successful first year for the event’s new route

ATASCADERO — Despite criticism surrounding the new route for Cruise Nite, Atascadero’s Cruisin’ Weekend drew some of its largest crowds yet, with a sold-out field of 200 vehicles and streets and sidewalks packed with spectators throughout the two-day celebration.

The 33rd Annual Hot El Camino Cruise Nite and 35th Annual Mid-State Cruizers Car Show brought classic cars, live music and thousands of visitors to Atascadero on Aug. 21 and 22. The weekend also included the 10th Annual Dancing in the Streets celebration, extending the festivities into Saturday evening.

The strong turnout came after the new Cruise Nite route became a point of discussion online in the weeks leading up to the event. The route was changed following the recent El Camino Real renovations in downtown Atascadero, prompting some community members to express disappointment and say they planned to boycott the event.

Despite those concerns, the cruise reached its 200-vehicle capacity, while spectators filled the sidewalks and streets to watch the procession of classic cars make their way through the city.

Terrie Banish, the City of Atascadero’s director of Community Services & Promotions, said the weekend's attendance was the best the event has seen.

“The attendance over the Cruisin’ Weekend was the best yet,” Banish said. “The heat did not keep people from coming out and the evenings cooled down perfectly for everyone to enjoy.”

Banish said both Cruise Nite and Dancing in the Streets saw their best attendance yet, while the new cruise route ultimately proved successful.

“The new route flowed much better, and the activity from pedestrian traffic and cruisers also went smoothly,” she said.

The city anticipated that adjustments might be necessary following the route change, but Banish said the response from participants and spectators was largely positive.

“While there are always adjustments to make after a change like this, the overall new route was well received by both cruisers and participants,” she said. “We have received numerous thank-yous and positive feedback.”

The updated route was developed to address traffic circulation and congestion concerns associated with previous Cruise Nite routes while maintaining the event's longtime tradition of bringing classic cars through Atascadero.

The success of the cruise was also reflected in the turnout from the Mid-State Cruizers, the local club responsible for the weekend’s signature car show.

“Mid-State Cruizers had a fantastic turnout,” Banish said.

President of the club, Roy Barba, agreed that the car show was a great success this year.

"We hosted 237 entries this year, a record for us. We had a wonderful representation of some fantastic cars," Barba said. "Plus, the 22 vendors present offered a great variety to choose from. We were also fortunate to have the Atascadero Police Department's 1955 Chevy DARE Car and a current CHP vehicle, along with Officer Armstrong, to field numerous questions from the spectators."

Barba thanked the local law enforcement departments for participating in the show.

Over the years, the club has also donated thousands of dollars to local nonprofit organizations, adding a charitable component to the annual celebration.

"In September, we nominate prospective charities; in October, the club members vote; and in November, we donate to the 10 charities receiving the most votes," Barba explained. "Last year we were fortunate enough to donate $13,000. Next year's car show will again be in the middle of Cruisin' Weekend, on Saturday, August 21, 2027."

The club's history with the event stretches back more than three decades. Founded in 1989, the Mid-State Cruizers originally held its first car show at Atascadero Lake Park with approximately 80 participants. The organization, initially known as Mid State Muscle Cars, eventually expanded to welcome a wide variety of collectible vehicles, from vintage trucks and classic cruisers to muscle cars, hot rods and specialty vehicles.

For more information about the car club, visit midstatecruizers.org

Saturday's car show at Atascadero Lake Park gave visitors another opportunity to admire the vehicles up close, while the evening Dancing in the Streets event brought the celebration back downtown.

The combination of events helped keep people in the city throughout the weekend, according to Banish.

“An event like this one contributes in many ways to the community,” she said. “Just the sheer camaraderie of friends and family getting together, enjoying the festivities, and creating lasting memories makes this event and the tradition it creates very special.”

The weekend also provided a boost for local businesses as visitors and residents moved between the various events, restaurants, and downtown establishments.

“For the food and drink establishments, this series of events over the two days brings people to our city from our local residents to our visitors,” Banish said. “It’s a win-win for everyone and each of the events are free to attend, which makes it even better."

Dancing in the Streets, which followed the car show Saturday afternoon, helped transition the weekend from an automotive-focused event into an evening community celebration. The event featured live local music, food vendors and opportunities for visitors to continue spending time downtown.

Banish said the event's timing is intentional, as many people who come to Atascadero for the car show or Cruise Nite choose to stay for the evening festivities.

“Dancing in the Streets complements the weekend by offering great local bands to experience and providing yet another event to look forward to as a part of Cruisin’ Weekend,” she said. “Many are in town for either Cruise Nite or the Car Show, so it’s another option for people to stay and enjoy the City of Atascadero.”

While this year's Cruisin’ Weekend introduced a significant change to one of its longest-standing traditions, the turnout ultimately demonstrated that the event continues to draw strong support from classic-car enthusiasts and the broader community.

Feature Image: This trio poses as the Pink Ladies from the movie (and Broadway play) "Grease," during the Hot El Camino Cruise Night on Aug. 21 in Atascadero. Photo by Rick Evans/ATN