Smoky Mountain Car Shows & Rod Runs – the complete list!

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!

PIN this post for later!

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? 

NOTE:  The Shades of the Past Car Show, previously held at Splash Country – Pigeon Forge, TN, ended with the Sept. 2022 show. 

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!  

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.

Smoky Mountains – Family Friendly Fun! Online Smoky Mountain Travel Guide

To keep up on all that’s happening in Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains, get our email newsletter. 

And be sure to check out our Smoky Mountains – Family Friendly Fun Facebook group.  We post lots of Smoky Mountain news, events and area discounts here.

If you’re looking for lodging, be sure to check out our vacation rental property – Asbury Cottage.  The rental is right off the Parkway in Downtown Pigeon Forge.  There are 3 bedrooms/2 baths, plenty of level parking with a carport (perfect if you’re bringing your classic car or a trailer) and reasonably priced!  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

 “LIKE” us on Facebook! Asbury Cottage

Get more information about Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains through our blog posts:

FREE Smoky Mountain Activity Book!

3 Best Pizza Restaurants in Pigeon Forge, TN

St. Somewhere Spa – The Island in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

5 Photography Tips for Cades Cove

2022-2023 Smoky Mountain Car Shows, Rod Runs & Hot Rod Events

October 1-2, 2022

Appalachian Volkswagen Association – Circle Yer Wagens

Sevier County Fairgrounds

Sevierville, TN

The Appalachian Volkswagen Association presents the Circle Yer Wagen VW Show at the Sevier County Fairgrounds. Top 75+ show and dash plaques to the first 150 entrants. Early setup and registration will be available on Friday at noon before the show. Keep your ticket stubs to participate in cash giveaways at the event.

The two day VW show includes a huge swap meet, contests for cash prizes, stereo contests, engine sound-offs, and riverbank camping in the show area. Camping is primitive without hookups, but showers and clean restrooms will be available. The event is held rain or shine, with free secure truck and trailer parking inside the show area. The Boy Scouts of America will have breakfast available at concessions on Saturday and Sunday.

Circle Yer Wagons Sponsors

Sponsors include Bugstuff, Keith’s Auto Parts, Creative Car Craft, Raby’s Aircooled Technology, Harper Volkswagen, Jarett Import Car & Truck, Tri-County V-Dub, The Bug Shop, Cross Air Cooled, Gil’s Custom Buggies, West Coast Core, and The Dub Barn.

All pets must be leashed. Please clean up after your pet. There will be no skateboarding, roller blading, bicycle or scooter riding allowed in the show area before 5:00 pm.

For more show information, please call (865) 654-8009 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm on weekdays or email info@avwa.com.

October 5 – 8, 2022
Maggie Valley Spyder Rally
Maggie Valley Fair Grounds
Maggie Valley, NC

Gathering of Can-Am Spyder Owners & Enthusiasts. Vendors for Can Am Products and Parts, Food Vendors and Live Music!  Contact:  Teresa or Rick from Value-Accessories with any questions. E-Mail: valueacc@valueaccessories.net       440-259-4793 or visit http://www.valueaccessories.net/SpyderAdventures.htm

October 14 & 16, 2022
Cruise the Smokies Fall Rod Run
Cherokee Fair Grounds
Cherokee, NC

Thursday, October 14 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

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 feature live music for some real good fun. Free for spectators!

Some event highlights include:

Special Guest Car: Christine!

50/50 ticket sales Friday and Saturday

Motor raffle ticket sales each day with giveaway on Saturday

Cruising poker run thru the mountains starting at 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Cash drawings Friday and Saturday at 4 p.m.

Random cash giveaways throughout the day

Racing simulator with cash prizes

Poker cruise at 1 p.m. Friday

Poker walk at 1 p.m. on Saturday

Live band (Sugah and the Cubes) at 5 p.m. on Friday

Live band (Jim Plemmons and the Wreckers) at 2 p.m. on Saturday

Over $10,000 in cash giveaways for the weekend

Location:

Cherokee Fair Grounds

545 Tsali Blvd.

Cherokee, NC 28719

Contact: Cherokee Rodders

Phone: 828.226.6853

https://visitcherokeenc.com/events/detail/cruise-the-smokies-fall-rod-run

October 27-30, 2022
Fiats on the Dragon
Talley Ho Inn
Townsend, TN

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! FIAT on the Dragon | Facebook

March 21 – 25, 2023
Ponies in the Smokies
Sevierville Event Center
Sevierville, TN

 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.[/caption]

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

March 24 & 25, 2023
Spring Corvette Expo – Horsepower & Hotrods & Chevelles in the Smokies

LeConte Center Pigeon Forge, TN

The Corvette Expo is presented by Cooper Events, LLC and is held in March in beautiful East Tennessee at the LeConte Center. The 2023 Corvette Expo is the 46th anniversary of the Smoky Mountain car show. Events include a swap meet, sales corral, park ‘n show, awards show, and a corvette cruise on the Tail Of The Dragon. Stay tuned for more information about the 2023 Corvette Dragon Cruise and much more. http://corvetteexpo.com

*HEAVY TRAFFIC!*

April 13 – 15, 2023
Spring Rod Run *HEAVY TRAFFIC*
LeConte Center
Pigeon Forge, TN

 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 has returned 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/

April 19 – 22, 2023
Bronco Super Celebration
Talley Ho Inn
Townsend, TN

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/ or Bronco Super Celebration – Pigeon Forge Rod Runs

April 21 – 23, 2023
Annual Southeastern Mini Truckin’ Nationals
Maggie Valley Fair Grounds
Maggie Valley, NC

Open car & truck show!  Friday & Saturday 8am-5pm, Sunday 8am-2pm.  Part vendors, Food vendors with DJ!  Contact Jason @ Bell’s Rod Shop @ 865-742-7403, email minitruckinnats@gmail.com or visit http://www.minitruckinnats.com/.   

Late April 2023
Cherokee Spring Rod Run
Cherokee Fair Grounds
Cherokee, NC

Enjoy a vintage car show 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. 

Location:

2093 Tsali Blvd
Cherokee, NC 28719

Contact: Mike Bryson
Phone: 828.736.0422

Early May, 2023
Yellow Mustang Registry
The Inn at Christmas Place
Pigeon Forge, TN

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

Late April/Early May, June and September, 2023
Thunder in the Smokies Spring Motorcycle Rally
Maggie Valley Fair Grounds
Maggie Valley, NC

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! https://handlebarcorral.com/  or call 828-246-2101. 

May 18 – 20, 2023
Grand National F-100 Ford Reunion
LeConte Center
Pigeon Forge, TN

 1951 F100 Restored by Ernie Johnston 

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 https://gnf100show.com/.

Visit our online Smoky Mountain Gift Shop

https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/connie-johnston/shop

Wall art, shower curtains, beach towels, blankets, pillows, tote bags, cell phone covers, greeting cards and more!

May 19-21, 2023
Tri-Five Chevy Classic Roundup
The Inn at Christmas Place
Pigeon Forge, TN

 The Tri-Five Chevy Show is held at Christmas Place

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.

May, 2023
Studebaker Car Gathering
Talley Ho Inn
Townsend, TN

Enjoy the classic styling of various Studebaker’s.

Late May/Early June 2023
Slingshots in the Smokies 
Maggie Valley Fair Grounds
Maggie Valley, NC

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. 

Early June 2023
Viper Owners Association – Alabama-Tennessee Viper Club Car Rally 14th Annual Tail of the Dragon Weekend
Greystone Lodge
Gatlinburg, TN

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 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/

June 1-4, 2023
Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge
LeConte Center
Pigeon Forge, TN

 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 23rd Annual show on June 1-4, 2023.  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.com   http://www.pontiacsinpigeonforge.com/  

June 15 – 17, 2023
Camaro & Firebird Show/Maggie Valley Swap Meet
Maggie Valley Fair Grounds
Maggie Valley, NC

$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. 

Late June, 2023
Thunder in the Smokies Summer Motorcycle Rally
Maggie Valley Fair Grounds
Maggie Valley, NC

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. 

July 14 & 15, 2023
F-100s Ford Truck Show / Southeastern Gas & Petroleum Expo / Moonshine Valley F-100s / Maggie Valley Swap Meet
Maggie Valley Fair Grounds
Maggie Valley, NC

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/.  

July 14 & 15, 2023

Mustangs in the Valley

Maggie Valley, NC

July 15 & 16, 2023
Summer Jam All Volkswagen Car Show
Talley Ho Inn
Townsend, TN

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 24 & 26 2023
Great Smoky Mountains Jeep Invasion
LeConte Center
Pigeon Forge, TN

The Jeep© Club Invasion gathers thousands of Jeep© enthusiasts to the beautiful Smoky Mountains every year. Over 40,000 people and 20,000 Jeep© vehicles are expected to be in attendance, and we are seeing more interest than ever. Our annual event will be held at The LeConte Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We will be featuring over a hundred vendors within and outside of the Center. Additionally, we are holding a variety of events, including a Show and Shine competition for those wishing to impress with their build. We are also a proud sponsor of Smoky Mountain Service Dogs, a charity which provides specially trained service dogs to disabled veterans. https://www.greatsmokymountainjeepinvasion.com

August 25-26, 2023
Icons of Hotrodding Festival
Maggie Valley Fair Grounds
Maggie Valley, NC

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/.       

September, 2023 (CANCELLED!!)

2022 was the last year for the Shades of the Past Car Show in Pigeon Forge

The Shades of the Past Car Show was held at Splash Country – Pigeon Forge, TN

Early September, 2023
Thunder in the Smokies Fall Motorcycle Rally
Maggie Valley Fair Grounds
Maggie Valley, NC

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. 

*HEAVY TRAFFIC!*

September 14 – 16, 2023
Fall Rod Run *HEAVY TRAFFIC*
LeConte Center
Pigeon Forge, TN

 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/

Entries have included British cars and motorcycles (and now German, Italian, French and Swedish) from as early as the 1930’s. Unusual entries have included amphicars and even an Austin Healey boat! Owners range from teenagers to senior citizens.! https://blountbritishcars.org/annual-car-gathering/

Visit our Etsy Shop – Smoky Mountain Calendar Planners & Camping Journals

Camping Journal – Smoky Mountain Themed printables to create a journal of camping memories and store important and useful information about campsites, camper maintenance, pre-departure checklists and more!

September 15 & 16, 2023
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. 

September 21 – 23, 2023
C-10 Nationals / Maggie Valley Swap Meet / Southeastern Gas & Petroleum Expo
Maggie Valley Fair Grounds
Maggie Valley, NC

$5 Admission Daily for ages 13 & up; Open Thursday & Friday from 8am – 6pm, Saturday 8am – 4pm. Contact Rodney @ 423-608-4519, email rodneybuckner@att.net or visit http://www.surfboardpromotions.com. 

September 7 – 9, 2023
Wings Over the Smokies – Goldwing Rally 
Smoky Mountain Event Center
Waynesville, NC

The Wings Over the Smokies Goldwing Rally is held in Waynesville, NC

Calling all Honda Goldwing Fans!  The 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! Smoky Mountain Event Center, Waynesville NC 758 Crabtree Rd.  http://www.gwrranc.org/index_files/WOS.htm

October, 2023

Blount Brittish Car Club
Talley Ho In
Townsend, TN

See breathtakingly beautiful cars exhibited in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains, as enthusiasts come together to proudly provide a show of colorful paint, polished chrome and works of art!

Springtime in the Smokies, the annual gathering of European automobiles and motorcycles, is always held the second Saturday in May on the grounds of the Talley Ho Inn in beautiful Townsend, Tennessee. The event draws cars from all states surrounding Tennessee; as far north as Michigan, as far south as Florida, and from many other places in between.

Lodging

Be in the middle of the car show and Rod Run action!

Asbury Cottage – Downtown Pigeon Forge, TN 3 Bedrooms/2 Baths Sleeps 8

Book Online:  Asbury Cottages – Vacation Rental Homes in Downtown Pigeon Forge, TN or call/text Connie at 304-550-4161

~ 3 Bedrooms/2 Baths

~ Downtown Pigeon Forge

~ Asbury Cottage sleeps 6 – 2 Kings and 1 Queen

 Asbury Cottage

~ King and Queen beds (linens included)

 Be sure to get on our newsletter mailing list to be notified of all the fun events and attractions happening in the Smokies!

And we also have a Facebook Smoky Mountain Travel Guide – Smoky Mountains Family Friendly Fun! Check us out!

Want to tell your friends about our awesome vacation rentals?  Share it with them on Facebook!

Additional lodging options:  https://www.mypigeonforge.com/lodging