Calling all car lovers! If you appreciate hot rods and classic rides, Pigeon Forge is the place to be. The Smokies host an amazing collection of car shows throughout the spring, summer, and fall that are sure to delight car fans of all ages. We’ve put together a handy guide to all of the great car shows in Pigeon Forge that you can attend throughout the year.
List of Car Shows in Pigeon Forge
Each year, crowds come to the Smoky Mountains to experience one or more of the many car shows. You can bring your own hot rod to take for a spin around town or just sit back and see all the other incredible cars. You’ll have plenty of options of car shows to choose from, and we’ve made a list with info about all of them to help you decide which one you want to attend!
- Spring Corvette Expo: Held in March at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge
- Chevelles in the Smokies Showdown: Held in March at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge
- Horsepower & Hot Rods: Held in March at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge
- Ponies in the Smokies: Held in March at the Sevierville Convention Center
- Bronco Super Celebration: Held in April at Talley Ho Inn
- Spring Rod Run: Held in April at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge
- Yellow Mustang Registry: Held in May at The Inn at Christmas Place
- Smoky Mountain Pedal Car Show: Held in May at Country Cascades
- Grand National F-100 Reunion: Held in May at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge
- Chevy Classic Round Up: Held in May at The Inn at Christmas Place
- Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge: Held in June at Mainstay Suites
- Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion: Held in August at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge
- Shades of the Past: Held in September at Dollywood’s Splash Country
- Fall Rod Run: Held in September at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge
- Great Smoky Mountain Auto Fest: Held at the Smokies Stadium
Most Popular Car Shows in Pigeon Forge
Now that you know the names of all the car shows in Pigeon Forge, it’s time to learn about some of the best! Here are the 3 most popular car shows in Pigeon Forge:
1. Spring Rod Run
The Spring Rod Run is a showcase for muscle cars of every make, model, and year. The official car judging will take place at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, but you are bound to see hot rods all along the Pigeon Forge Parkway. Many spectators just set up lawn chairs on the Parkway and spend the day admiring the parade of classic cars! This 3-day event is one of the area’s largest events, along with the Fall Rod Run held later in the year. The Rod Run will give away $10,000 in cash to the most impressive cars. There’s also a Top 25 Awards, an Ultimate 5 Awards and a King of the Hill award. If you are a hot rod owner, you must register your muscle car on the official website in order to be eligible for prizes. If you’re not planning on competing, there is no need to register your car!
2. Shades of the Past
Since 1983, Shades of the Past has been a Smoky Mountain tradition. This excellent show focuses on the classics — all of the featured cars were made before 1972! Shades of the Past is held at Dollywood’s Splash Country each year. Spectators typically pay a $10 for admission, and children under 12 are free. Classic car owners must register their cars online in order to compete for prizes. More than 200 hot rods compete each year for the grand prizes: a 1932 Ford Hi-Boy Roadster and a $10,000 cash prize.
3. Fall Rod Run
If you can’t make it to the Spring Rod Run in April, don’t worry! The Fall Rod Run is another chance to see the greatest collection of muscle cars in the Southeast. Just like its sister car show, the Fall Rod Run is held at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge. This rod run has an $8,000 cash prize giveaway, Top 25 Awards, Ultimate 5 Awards and King of the Hill. While there is a small entrance fee to attend the event, being a lawnchair spectator on the Parkway is always free! If you are planning to compete for $10,000 in prizes, you must register your car online in advance.
Where to Stay
Aunt Bug’s Cabin Rentals is close to all of the awesome car shows coming to the Smokies this year. With stunning mountain views, bubbly hot tubs, and pet friendly accommodations, our cabins in Pigeon Forge have everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. Whether you’re visiting with your sweetheart, your family, or a big group of friends, we have a cabin for you.
While you’re in town to see one of the car shows in Pigeon Forge, take some time to explore the exciting area attractions! Check out the most popular attractions in the Smoky Mountains, then start planning your visit.
