Thousands of drivers cross the Mackinac Bridge, the seventh-longest bridge in the world, each day, but this weekend a gathering of Mini Cooper drivers will take over the bridge as they try to set a world record.
“MINI”acs from across the country — driving as many as 1,113 Mini Coopers — will cross the Mackinac Bridge in a parade in their annual effort to set a record for the largest parade of the United Kingdom created vehicles, which stands at 1,450 cars.
The MINI on the Mack parade, part of a larger weekend festival, is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. Aug. 2, starting in St. Ignace.
The event also includes a pair of charity car washes in St. Ignace, a sunset cruise on Aug. 1, a drone show on Aug. 1, bounce houses, games, live music and fireworks on Aug. 2 in St. Ignace.
Here’s what to know about the MINI on the Mack:
When is MINI on the Mack in 2025?
MINI on the Mack will take place at 3:45 p.m. on Aug. 2, 2025. MINIs are counted as they exit Little Bear Arena in St. Ignace.
Do I have to register to participate?
According to the parade website, you must register to participate in the rally. Registration closed on July 24.
What events are part of the festival?
A car wash is slated for noon Aug. 1 at Little Bear Arena in St. Ignace.
A sunset ride takes place at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 1, starting at the arena. A drone show takes place at dusk in downtown St. Ignace.
On Aug. 2, Mini Cooper staging begins at 10 a.m. at Little Bear Arena.
Inflatables, a bounce house and games open at noon. The band Knee Deep plays at 1 p.m.
At 3:45 p.m. the Mini Cooper bridge rally begins.
Fireworks take place at dusk on Aug. 2 in downtown St. Ignace.
When did the MINI on the Mack parade start?
The parade started in 2013, trying to set a record for most Minis in one place. Organizers hope to top 1,451 vehicles. More than 1,100 drivers are registered for 2025.
How to check Mackinac Bridge weather conditions
Current bridge conditions can be found on the Mackinac Bridge Authority’s website.
Additionally when traveling in the in the Mackinac Straits area, motorist can listen to 530 AM or 1610 AM for updates.
Want to check out the Mini Coopers from home? How to view Mackinac Bridge cams
Travelers can check the Mackinac Bridge Cam online for updates. The images from multiple cameras are configured to automatically update every 60 seconds.
Cameras capture the administration building looking south, the dock in St. Ignace, looking south; Bridge View Park in St. Ignace, looking south; from Mackinaw City, looking north; and St. Ignace, along Interstate 75.
How many vehicles pass over the Mackinac Bridge?
The Authority said 374,000 vehicles passed over the bridge in May 2025.
Bridge traffic in August 2024 topped 640,000 — the most vehicles since at least 2014.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mackinac Bridge event gathers Mini Coopers. What to know about MINI on the Mack
Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
