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Check out the most comprehensive list of car shows, rod runs and other hot rod events in the Smokies and be sure to share it with your friends! You’re sure to find car shows in this list that you hadn’t heard about!
Even if you’re not a big car show fan, I’m sure you’ve heard about the awesome shows and Rod Runs that happen annually in Pigeon Forge. But did you know that other towns around the Smokies have lots of other car shows, too?
The Shades of the Past Car Show is held at Splash Country – Pigeon Forge, TN
There is something for everyone to love about the Smokies, so whether you’re a spectator or a classic car guru, these car show events are really something to see.
THOUSANDS of cars line both sides of the 4+ mile “the strip” in Pigeon Forge during the big shows. And yes, traffic gets congested. But I’ll bet you’ve never seen this many classic cars in one location!
Cars line the 4 miles of the Pigeon Forge Parkway at the Spring Rod Run
Do what most folks do and park a lawn chair (but not this kind – they are not allowed along the Parkway!) along the sidewalk, sit back and relax, and watch the classics drive by. You can use this type of chair, as long as the umbrella is built into the chair. Or take your time and cruise the slow lane while admiring the masterful paint jobs on these magnificent hot rods.
Not all of the car shows and rod runs cause heavy traffic in the area, so don’t let a show date scare you away from a fabulous Smoky Mountain vacation. HEAVY TRAFFIC shows are noted in the list below.
There are also several side streets and routes around the Parkway that are much less congested during the heavy traffic weekends. You’ll also find that with the Parkway’s three traffic lanes, normally the left-hand third lane is not terribly congested and traffic flows fairly quickly.
To get a good look at the THOUSANDS of hot rods parked along both sides of the 4 miles of Parkway, pick the right-hand slow lane, sit back and enjoy the car show weekend.
If you’re aware of ANY shows around the Smoky Mountains that I have missed, please email me at connie@midlifelivin.com or text me at 304-550-4161 and I will be sure to get it added to this list.
If you’re looking forlodging, be sure to check out our two vacation rental properties – Asbury Cottages. The rentals are right off the Parkway in Downtown Pigeon Forge. Both houses are 3 bedrooms/2 baths, plenty of level parking with carports (perfect if you’re bringing your classic car or a trailer) and reasonably priced at $75-$120/night! Call or text Connie at 304-550-4161 or email info@asburycottage.com for more information. Check rates, availability, get a quote and book online on our website http://www.asburycottage.com
Spring Corvette Expo – Horsepower & Hotrods & Chevelles in the Smokies – LeConte Center – Pigeon Forge, TN
Corvette Expo is proud to have Corvettes of Statesville as its featured Corvette Club of 2019. This year Corvette Expo will have two featured clubs sharing the spotlight, Corvettes of Clarksville, a ground based club, and MAD Vettes, a Facebook based club. Both clubs will be well represented with members displaying their Corvettes inside the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge. Don’t miss the incredible display of “The American Dream.” Judging 1953 to 1999 Corvettes. REGISTRATION: Vendors, Show Cars, Sales Corral PHONE: 865-687-3976 / FAX: 865-689-2874 SHOW INFORMATION: INFO@CORVETTEEXPO.COM MAILING ADDRESS: COOPER EVENTS LLC, P.O. BOX 5162 KNOXVILLE TN 37928-0162 http://corvetteexpo.com
1967 Mustang Fastback. The unique thing about this car is the paint color. It is a 1969 mustang color and was only put on about 300 cars. The color is called Indian Fire Red. The owners saw it in a magazine and immediately had to have it on this car. They have never seen it on another car. The car will change colors in the sun and shade. It will be copper in the shade and mauve in the sun.
Hundreds of Ford Mustangs gather at the Sevierville Event Center to produce a car show with some of the best Ponies on the planet! The Car Show will be held on Friday @ The Sevierville Events Center. Visit registration to get your spot in the car show while they last!. The cars will be on display outside on a paved parking lot adjacent to the events center. The show will be open to all Mustang’s, Fox Chassis cars & SVT products. The event center will also be open during the day of the show and will feature a large indoor air conditioned area featuring many vendors as well as several special vehicle displays including The 56 display which will feature one example of each year Mustang, 1964 to 2019. The 56 will have one set of judges(MCA) and the outdoor lot will have another set. Scoring criteria is based on cleanliness and execution for the given classes. Awards will be given for Top 75 along with various specialty awards which will be announced a little closer to show time. The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday. https://poniesinthesmokies.com/
Our Events are Designed to be more than just a show! We have organized family-friendly events, both at the showgrounds and in the area, throughout the weekend. There will be games and contests for the kids, organized sightseeing drives, and much more. There is no better way to have fun with your Bronco or Ford Truck! http://www.broncodriver.com/index.php/events/bronco-super-celebration/
Classic cars don’t get much better than this! Spring Rod Run – LeConte Center – Pigeon Forge, TN
Spring Rod Run, a spectacular 3 day event for any car enthusiast! $10,00.00 cash giveaway, Top 25 Awards, Ultimate 5 Awards and King of the Hill. Huge swap meet with hundreds of showcars and car corral. Join the many automotive enthusiasts and come on out to the Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run, the area’s largest automotive event! The Rod Show will be returning to its original location at The LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge. The newly renovated location will allow for even more show cars, vendors and entertainment. Don’t miss this incredible event! For registration and show information contact MCS Promotions at (865) 687-3976. http://www.rodrun-pigeonforge.com/
Welcome back to the Dragon! This FIAT family (including our Alfa cousins) weekend will feature organized, family‐friendly driving and scenic events, both at the host hotel and throughout the area. Activities include spirited and casual sightseeing drives, an organized meal, bonfires, social times at Talley Ho’s big field and parking lot, vendor booths, tech times, raffle prizes, and of course lots of FIATs and Alfa Romeos! http://fiatonthedragon.com/
Don’t miss the annual Spring Cherokee Rod Run. Hundreds of pre-1985 classic cars and thousands of car enthusiasts and custom parts vendors turn out for the Southeast’s premier car show, the Fall Cherokee Rod Run at the Acquoni Expo Center. Participants in this fall tradition compete for cash prizes, feast on local BBQ and cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway and country roads surrounding Cherokee, N.C. It’s held at the Cherokee Fairgrounds on Tsali Boulevard. Enjoy a vintage car show at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds featuring hundreds of restored and enhanced vintage cars. Chat with their owners to get each car’s unique history, enjoy pristine paint jobs, and have your fill of polished chrome. This show will have food, memorabilia, and automobile parts vendors and will be hosted with music by a professional DJ for lots of old-fashioned fun. Admission is $5 per person and free for children 10 and younger. Tickets can be purchased at the event. Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds 545 Tsali Blvd. Cherokee, NC 28719 Contact: Ann Ball Phone: 828.497.2603 https://cherokeerodders.com/ CALL 828-488-5835
If you love the Smoky Mountains in early summer and bright beautiful colors then make your way to Pigeon Forge Tennessee for this first May weekend and take in the Annual Yellow Mustang Registry. This annual event located at The Christmas Place Inn on the parkway in Pigeon Forge is a celebration of Fords “pony” car. View over 70 mustangs dating back to the 60’s to current models all the while taking a stroll down memory lane. Enjoy meeting new friends and getting reacquainted with old friends. http://www.yellowmustangregistry.com/Events.html
Largest & Oldest Rally in Maggie Valley! Friday 11am-11pm, Saturday 9am11pm, Sunday 9am-3pm. Tour Rides, 25+ Vendors, $1,000 Bike Show, 3 Hours of Bike Games with a $1,000 Prize, Concerts, Fire Dancers, the Latest Bikes & Products on display, Church Service and more! http://www.ThunderInTheSmokies.com or call 828-246-2101.
Each year, the Gathering draws cars from all states surrounding and including Tennessee and as far north as Michigan, as far south as Florida and many other places in between. Owners range from teenagers to Senior Citizens! https://blountbritishcars.org/annual-car-gathering/
The Grand National F-100 Ford Reunion show is for 79 and older Ford F-100 Pickups and Panels only. Sorry no Broncos or Rancheros. Swap Meet and New Parts Vendors from all over the U.S. For more information on the Grand National F-100 Ford Reunion, visit http://gnf100fordreunion.com.
This show was previously held at Music Road Resort, but has now moved to the LeConte Center for 2019.
May 17 & 18, 2019 Tri-Five Chevy Classic Roundup The Inn at Christmas Place Pigeon Forge, TN
The Tri-Five Chevy Show is held at Christmas Place Inn
Springtime in Pigeon Forge is a beautiful time to visit and it is also a great time to visit the Annual Tri-Five show celebrating the American icon classic Chevrolets from 1955-57. See over 100 modified and restored Chevys. Event location is The Inn at Christmas Place Pigeon Forge. Music and Food vendors will also be on site.
1950s and 1960s Hotrod and Custom Car, Truck & Van event for 1969 and older models, 50s & 60s music, Automotive & Vintage Vendors, Pin-stripers, Food Vendors, Judging with Awards & Trophy presentation. Family friendly event! For more info visit http://kustomkempsofamerica.com/.
May 17 & 18, 2019 Studebaker Car Gathering Talley Ho Inn Townsend, TN
Enjoy the classic styling of various Studebaker’s.
Annual Slingshot Owners event! We will have Great Vendors, Seminars, Group Rides & Entertainment! This is the leading Slingshot Owners Event in the USA! For more information visit http://www.slingshotroadsters.com.
Vipers, Lamborghinis, Ferraris and a handful of other exotic cars will be making their presence known in Gatlinburg at the Alabama-Tennessee Viper Club Car Rally. Events will include a motor tour and group run. A parade in downtown Gatlinburg and other festivities beginning at 4:30 p.m on Saturday. Please plan on joining us for the 14th annual Tail of the Dragon weekend. It’s a great event with a kick off and registration on Thursday at the Greystone Lodge, Friday a trip to the Tellico Plains to begin our sojourn through the scenic Cherohala Parkway, US 129 (the Dragon), and the Foothills Parkway. Saturday is dealer’s choice, followed by an awesome parade through downtown Gatlinburg. This is a great event brought to you by the AL/TN and Carolina’s Viper Clubs. Hope to see you there! http://driveviper.com/calendar/
The Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge show is held at the Music Road Resort
The Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge Car Show has been happening now for well over a decade. If you want to see some of the most gorgeous Pontiacs around, be sure to attend the 19th Annual show on May 31 – June 2, 2019. The show will be held at The Music Road Hotel in beautiful Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Be sure to bring the whole family as there is something here for everyone! Whether you want to hit the waterslide into the heated pool at the host hotel, visit Dollywood Amusement Park for some serious thrills, or shop till you drop at the many outlet malls, we assure you that no one will be bored. If you have questions about the car show, contact Mike Blackburn mailto:mike.blackburn@pontiacsinpigeonforge.com. For vendor related inquiries, contact Joe Blackburn mailto:joe.blackburn@pontiacsinpigeonforge.comhttp://www.pontiacsinpigeonforge.com/
$5 Admission Daily for ages 13 & up; Open Thursday & Friday from 8am – 6pm, Saturday, 8am – 4pm. Call 423-608-4519 for more information or email rodneybuckner@att.net or visit http://www.surfboardpromotion.com.
Largest & Oldest Rally in Maggie Valley! Friday 11am-11pm, Saturday 9am-11pm, Sunday 9am-3pm. Tour Rides, 25+ Vendors, $1,000 Bike Show, 3 Hours of Bike Games with a $1,000 Prize, Concerts, Fire Dancers, the Latest Bikes & Products on display, Church Service and more! http://www.ThunderInTheSmokies.com or call 828-246-2101.
8 am–6pm Friday, 8am4pm Saturday. Old Gas Station Items, Old Pumps, Old Signs & Tags, Toys, Car Shows! Call 423-608-4519 or email rodneybuckner@att.net or visit http://www.surfboardpromotion.com/.
Knox Volks Motor Club. Knoxville’s premier Volkswagen Club with a membership made up of a wide range of ages and abilities with an emphasis on VW knowledge and education, family and fun. Come out for a weekend of fun and cool cars. http://www.knoxvolksmotorclub.com/
August 17, 2019 SoWo Fall Tour Maggie Valley Fair Grounds Maggie Valley, NC
Our Events are Designed to be more than just a show! We have organized family-friendly events, both at the showgrounds and in the area, throughout the weekend. There will be games and contests for the kids, organized sightseeing drives, and much more. There is no better way to have fun with your Bronco or Ford Truck! https://www.broncodriver.com/index.php/events/fall-ford-truck-festival/
The Shades of the Past Car Show is held at Splash Country – Pigeon Forge, TN
Roll on into Dollywood’s Splash Country for the 36th annual Shades of the Past Hot Rod Roundup. This roundup will be one for the ages with over 2,300 hot rods expected to compete for the grand prizes consisting of a 1932 Ford Hi-Boy Roadster and a $10,000 cash prize. Shades of the Past is one of the largest car shows in Pigeon Forge, TN. Not only will you see thousands of classic hot rods at the actual show at the Dollywood Splash Country parking area, but there are thousands of spectacular street rods and classic cars of all kinds that line the 4+ mile Strip in Pigeon Forge. Bring your lawn chair and relax along the sidewalk of the Parkway while the cars cruise by. At the show: Spectators fee is only $10 a day with children under 12 allowed free admittance. Roam the grounds and take a look at all of the hot rods or find a deal at the giant swap meet. Vendors will also be set up throughout the event. http://shadesofthepast.com/
Largest & Oldest Rally in Maggie Valley! Friday 11am-11pm, Saturday 9am-11pm, Sunday 9am-3pm. Tour Rides, 25+ Vendors, $1,000 Bike Show, 3 Hours of Bike Games with a $1,000 Prize, Concerts, Fire Dancers, the Latest Bikes & Products on display, Church Service and more! http://www.ThunderInTheSmokies.com or call 828-246-2101.
The Fall Rod Run is held in the LeConte Center – Pigeon Forge, TN
A spectacular 3-day event for any car enthusiast! $8000.00 cash giveaway, Top 25 Awards, Ultimate 5 Awards and King of the Hill. Huge swap meet with hundreds of show cars and car corral.
Join the many automotive enthusiasts and come on out to the Pigeon Forge Rod Run, the area’s largest automotive event! The Rod Show will be returning to its original location at The LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge.
Don’t miss this incredible car show! For registration and show information contact MCS Promotions at (865) 687-3976. http://www.rodrun-pigeonforge.com/
2019 Calendar Paper Life Planner – Smoky Mountain Theme 40 pages! Get organized!
Camping Journal – Smoky Mountain Theme 36 Pages of printables to create a journal of camping memories and store important and useful information about campsites, camper maintenance, pre-departure checklists and more!
September 20 & 21, 2019 VWs in the Valley Maggie Valley Fair Grounds Maggie Valley, NC
Volkswagen Car Show & Swap Meet! Live DJ, Cash Prizes and Trophies! Open Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday from 7am – 6pm. For more information contact Robert @ 276-620-1246, email eastwoodr@yahoo.com or visit http://www.vwaircooledassociation.com.
The Wings Over the Smokies Goldwing Rally is held in Waynesville, NC
Calling all Honda Goldwing Fans! The 35th Annual Wings Over the Smokies Goldwing Rally is the “go-to” Goldwing event in the East. We will have lots of vendors so you can find that perfect piece of chrome or some great lights that you have been looking for. Lots of activity during each day with door prizes, 50/50 daily and grand 50/50, and MUCH more! You WILL NOT want to miss our giveaways! Haywood County Fairgounds, Waynesville NC 758 Crabtree Rd. http://www.gwrranc.org/index_files/WOS.htm
Gathering of Can-Am Spyder Owners & Enthusiasts. Vendors for Can Am Products and Parts, Food Vendors and Live Music! Call 704-847-8454, email leah@mfmnc.com or visit https://www.matthewsfunmachines.com/.
Enjoy a vintage car show at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds featuring hundreds of restored and enhanced vintage cars. Chat with their owners to get each car’s unique history, enjoy pristine paint jobs, and have your fill of polished chrome. This show will have food, memorabilia, and automobile parts vendors and will be hosted with music by a professional DJ for lots of old-fashioned fun. Admission is $5 per person and free for children 10 and younger. Tickets can be purchased at the event. https://cherokeerodders.com/
Pre 1949 Car Show! Vintage Street Rodders of America event with DJ, Food Vendors, Crafters & other Swap Meet Vendors! Contact Ron Goben @ 502/648-0142, ronhotrod@yahoo.com or visit http://www.vsra-usa.com.
Lodging
Be in the middle of the car show and Rod Run action!
2019 Smoky Mountain Calendar (December photo) 2019 Smoky Mountain Calendar – January -May 2019 Smoky Mountain Calendar – June – November
A perfect gift for that special person whose heart remains in the Smokies! Beautiful color photos of some of the most picturesque scenes throughout the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Cades Cove and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Enjoy twelve months of reminiscing about your Smoky Mountain Vacation as you flip the calendar to a different scene each month. $12.95 (FREE shipping) 11″ x 17″ Wall Calendar on Premium Glossy Card Stock 12 Month Calendar – January – December, 2019 Pictures from Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Pigeon Forge, TN Order online in our Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/listing/560721774/2019-calendar-cades-cove-smoky-mountains?ref=shop_home_active_4&frs=1
2019 Smoky Mountain Calendar (December photo)
2019 Smoky Mountain Calendar – January -May
2019 Smoky Mountain Calendar – June – November