Hot rods, muscle cars and other classics took over Grand Avenue in Escondido as the 2026 Cruisin’ Grand season kicked off Friday.
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Cruisin’ Grand has been an Escondido staple since 2000. Each year, hundreds of pre-1974 cars and their owners line Grand Avenue and the side streets showing off their engines and modifications and cruisin’ like they would have back in the day.
“I never thought it would turn into what it has become,” said Steve Waldron, founder and organizer of Cruisin’ Grand.
This year’s season runs from 4 to 9 p.m. every Friday beginning this week and ending Sept. 25. Each week is hosted by a different car club and follows a different theme, with the Poway Cruisers slated to host this year’s opening night. Weekly awards are granted to five different cars and live music from local bands and DJs add to the festivities.
“You’ll come out, see live music (and) thousands of people walking up and down the street,” Waldron said. “It’s a great event.”
Some notable themes for this year’s season include Nitro Night, a traditional season closer dedicated to vintage race cars, a Fourth-of-July celebration on July 3 honoring Escondido Medal of Honor recipient Royce Williams and a first responder night in honor of 9/11.
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“They are basically drag racing down Grand Avenue,” said Carol Rogers, CFO of the Downtown Escondido Business Association about Nitro Night. “That is a remarkable thing to see.”
For the community, the event pays homage to the city’s love for cars and provides a boost to downtown businesses during the slower summer months.
“From a downtown business standpoint, it brings thousands of people downtown,” Rogers said. “Cars have been a favorite in Escondido forever..and it’s a legacy that families passed down from generation to generation.”
This year’s Cruisin’ Grand season is sponsored by Harrah’s Resort Southern California, O’REILLY Auto Parts, Heatshield Products, Best of Show Coachworks, Upper East Restaurant, Escondido Coin and Loan, Esco Gelato, Dr. Boocharts, American Mini Storage, Burger Bench Restaurant, Walker Industries, Cability Inc., Enlow Family Trust and Best Pizza & Brew. The event is free to attend.
To learn more, visit Cruisin’ Grand’s website, www.cruisingrand.net, or follow their Facebook, CruisingGrand, and Instagram @Cruisin_Grand.
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