Rev Up for the Best Car Shows in the Smoky Mountains 🚗🏁
The Smoky Mountains are not just a haven for outdoor lovers—they’re also a hotspot for car enthusiasts! Every year, the region hosts some of the biggest and best car shows, rod runs, and swap meets, drawing thousands of visitors who love classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars, and everything in between. Whether you’re a serious collector, a casual fan, or just looking for a fun weekend event, these Smoky Mountain car shows offer something for everyone!
1. Pigeon Forge Rod Run – Spring & Fall
📅 Spring: April 10-12, 2025
📅 Fall: September 11-13, 2025
📍 LeConte Center, Pigeon Forge
The Pigeon Forge Rod Run is the biggest and most anticipated car event in the Smokies! Featuring hundreds of classic cars, a massive swap meet, and cash giveaways, this show is a dream for gearheads. The event draws thousands of spectators, and the streets of Pigeon Forge turn into an unofficial cruise-in with hot rods and muscle cars everywhere you look.
Highlights:
✔️ Top 25 awards & Ultimate 5 awards
✔️ Massive car corral with vehicles for sale
✔️ $8,000 cash giveaway
2. Shades of the Past Hot Rod Roundup
📅 TBA – Event Under Transition
📍 Pigeon Forge, TN
While this legendary event officially wrapped up in 2022, its spirit lives on, and enthusiasts continue to host mini pop-up gatherings during the fall. Shades of the Past was one of the top pre-1972 hot rod shows in the country, known for its high-end builds and stunning restorations. Keep an eye out for updates on potential future events or gatherings inspired by this classic show!
3. Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion
📅 August 21-23, 2025
📍 LeConte Center, Pigeon Forge
If you’re a Jeep lover, this is the ultimate event for you! The Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion is one of the largest Jeep expos in the nation, featuring custom builds, off-road gear, and all things Jeep. From Wranglers to Gladiators, Jeep enthusiasts from all over the country come to show off their rigs and hit the Smoky Mountain trails.
Highlights:
✔️ Indoor & outdoor Jeep show
✔️ Hundreds of vendors with off-road accessories
✔️ Meet & greet with Jeep influencers
4. Ponies in the Smokies
📅 March 25-29, 2025
📍 Sevierville Convention Center
Mustang lovers, this one’s for you! Ponies in the Smokies celebrates America’s favorite pony car, featuring a massive indoor Mustang showcase, a cruise-in, and a swap meet. You’ll see everything from classic 1965 Mustangs to the latest GT500s and custom builds.
Highlights:
✔️ Indoor Mustang museum-style display
✔️ Dynamometer for power runs
✔️ Historic Mustang generations on display
5. Corvette Expo & Horsepower and Hot Rods
📅 March 21-22, 2025
📍 LeConte Center, Pigeon Forge
Vette lovers unite! The Corvette Expo showcases some of the most beautiful and powerful Chevrolet Corvettes in the country. From classic Stingrays to modern Z06 monsters, this event is a must-see for Corvette fans. The event also includes Horsepower and Hot Rods, bringing in a variety of high-performance vehicles.
Highlights:
✔️ Swap meet & vendors
✔️ Corvette cruise to the Tail of the Dragon
✔️ Indoor & outdoor car showcase
6. Spring & Fall Smoky Mountain Street Dreams Cruise-In
📅 TBA – Spring & Fall 2025
📍 Pigeon Forge, TN
This event may not be as massive as the Rod Run, but it’s still a must-attend for classic car fans! The Smoky Mountain Street Dreams Cruise-In brings together vintage cars, hot rods, and muscle cars for a laid-back yet exciting gathering of auto lovers.
Highlights:
✔️ Classic car cruise-ins
✔️ Food vendors & live music
✔️ Great opportunity to meet fellow car lovers
Why the Smokies Are the Perfect Destination for Car Enthusiasts
🚘 Scenic Drives – The Smoky Mountains offer some of the best driving roads in the country, like the Tail of the Dragon, Foothills Parkway, and Newfound Gap Road.
🏁 Car-Friendly Towns – With places like Pigeon Forge and Sevierville hosting so many car shows, the entire area is built to welcome auto enthusiasts.
🔧 Huge Car Culture – From swap meets to restoration shops and custom garages, the Smokies are home to a thriving classic car scene.
Whether you’re bringing your own show car, looking for parts to restore your dream ride, or just want to enjoy the amazing vehicles on display, the Smoky Mountains are the place to be for car lovers.
So polish that chrome, rev up that engine, and get ready for some of the best car shows in the country—right here in the heart of the Smokies! 🚗🔥