Cool nights and hot cars at Cool Cruisin’ Nights

Last updated: August 30, 2021

It’s not too early to start planning for those hot, summer nights.  Cool Cruisin’ Night will welcome back summer with their annual cruise-in every third Saturday, May through October.

Hundreds of classic, muscle and custom cars will line Mercer Street, starting at 5 p.m.  This free event encourages visitors and locals to bring chairs and enjoy a relaxing summer evening in downtown Princeton with music and food.  From a 1960s yellow mustang to a bright red Chevy truck, you will find it all on Mercer Street. A creation of the Princeton-Bluefield Hot Rod Association, Cool Cruisin’ Nights bring to life a popular activity – cruisin’!

For years, people would come from miles around to cruise the “strip” on Mercer Street on the weekends. It became a high school ritual in southern West Virginia for many years. A few marriages were even born from couples meeting on the strip while cruising in their cars with friends.  Most of those cruisers are now in their 40s, 50s and 60s.

A lot of folks come back to reminisce about old times, talk about cars and enjoy a night out. It’s basically a street party with one focus point – the cars. You might see a 1930 Model A Ford 5-window coupe,  a 1946 Ford or a 1964 Chevy II in just one night. All cars are welcome and there is no registration fee to cruise and park on the street.

Against the downtown backdrop of artist murals and historic buildings, it’s a great view, especially when the sun goes down.  Throughout the year,  watch out for special events such as a Halloween Creepy cruise-in and much more!

For more information, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/Cool CruisinNights. Mercer Street in downtown Princeton is located off Exit 9 off Interstate 77.  There are also several hotels, located a few miles from the event.