Pigeon Forge car shows started way back in the ’70s, with the rod run series gaining traction back then. It developed to be one of the iconic events in Smokies’ car showbiz, attracting thousands of spectators. It goes without saying that where there are car enthusiasts, you cannot miss car shows, and hundreds of cars are on display at each of the annual events listed here.
Judges compare the competing cars in the listed categories and announce the best overall. A winning car can fetch an attractive price, way above the prices of other similar vehicles.
Cash rewards are up for grabs for the top entrants in the major car shows in Pigeon Forge. Other perks may include dash plaques, winners’ decals, garage signs, and merchandise from sponsors.
Each show has its entry criteria for participating vehicles. A simple visit to the official website will inform you of the requirements for entry and the dates of the specific competition and show. This article will look into each car show in Pigeon Forge in 2026 to give you a brief overview of the event. So, pimp your classic ride and get ready to offer a killer display at the upcoming show.
Car Shows Schedule in Pigeon Forge
Many Pigeon Forge car events happen in the spring, summer, and early fall for obvious reasons. No one wants to freeze while watching a car show. Winter weather can still affect travel in the Smokies, especially in the mountains, so check local conditions before you go.
The shows listed below are officially announced with published dates; you can start your preparations. Participation is capacity-based, especially for enclosed or indoor shows due to space. Make early reservations following each show’s outlined registration method not to miss out. It’s always good etiquette to call ahead and ask for official details of the specific event if you plan on showing your car.
Here are the 2026 car shows happening in Pigeon Forge:
1. Spring Corvette Expo
- Date: March 13-March 14, 2026
- Venue: LeConte Center, 2986 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States
The Spring Corvette Expo held the first show in 1977. The annual show features great cars and classics in the expo. The show is presented by Cooper Events LLC and is held alongside Chevelles in the Smokies and Horsepower & HotRods.
The show participants and guests will have an opportunity to swap meet, buy parts and cars in the sales corral, attend the diamond awards show, showcase their rides in the park, and attend other show events. There is free parking at the entrance of the venue, LeConte Center.
The two-day show can include special cruises and related activities. Check the current schedule on the event website before planning around a specific drive.
Register for the event with details of your car by following the current registration information available on the website. You can book more than one space if you have more vehicles you would like to show. Show terms and conditions do apply.
2. Chevelles in Smokies Showdown
- Date: March 13-March 14, 2026
- Venue: LeConte Center, 2986 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States
Chevelles in the Smokies Showdown happens every spring. Cooper Events LLC organizes this event too. The car show is held in conjunction with Horsepower & HotRods, the Corvette Expo, and Ausley’s Chevelle Parts.
You are treated to a competition of 18 of the best Chevelles in the Smokies region. Every entrant gets a collector’s garage sign from ET MotorGear. Other awards are dash plaques, branded merch, trophies, and cash rewards.
Judges also choose the best Chevelle in all the categories listed who receive recognition and rewards. The “Best of the Show” and “The Most Outstanding Chevelle” awards are to look forward to, including the coveted Ausley’s Hot Pick award.
Chevelles in the Smokies car show ticket prices, show hours, parking rules, and participant details can change by year. Check the official event information before you go.
3. Horsepower and HotRods
- Date: March 13-March 14, 2026
- Venue: LeConte Center, 2986 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States
Horsepower & HotRods is another car show by Cooper Events LLC. The car show collaborates with Hunters Automotive, featuring the Corvette Expo at LeConte Center. Classic cars and hotrods will be displayed, with judges announcing the winner. The show looks at the performance and overall attractiveness of the vehicle, hence the name.
Come to witness the lost glory of vintage vehicles and get to take one home through swap meets and sales corrals. “Old is gold”-at the Horsepower & HotRod car show, old is elegant and powerful!
The show takes place at LeConte Center together with the Chevelle in the Smokies Showdown and the Spring Corvette Expo, so don’t miss out. Winners take home cash, trophies, and other car enthusiasts’ awards.
4. Spring Rod Run
- Date: April 16-April 18, 2026
- Venue: LeConte Center, 2986 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States
The annual Spring Rod Run has become a signature event, attracting droves of visitors and local spectators to the Smokies hill town. Heavy traffic is imminent when the show is on, as cars get in line for the show at the LeConte Center. The Black Fox Lodge hotel is opposite the LeConte Center, a Pigeon Forge landmark you can’t miss.
Show hours and set-up days for participants and vendors are posted by the organizers and can vary by year.
The show has classifications, with the Spring event advertising a cash reward of $8,000! No wonder the show is like an earthquake-it shakes the town. Other award categories to watch are the Ultimate 5 Awards and Top 25 Awards, announced at the end. The award-giving ceremony is listed on the event schedule.
Buy tickets to the event at the ticketing booth at the showgrounds. Admission prices and payment policies can change, so check current event information before you go.
Free parking is available to spectators at the LeConte Center parking area. Food trucks are also available to plaster your bowels with snacks and drinks, at your expense, of course.
Branded event T-shirts by ET MotorGear will provide a souvenir besides the photographs you take at the event. Or better still, take part in the competitions for a chance to win the cash giveaway!
5. Grand National F-100
- Date: May 14-May 16, 2026
- Venue: LeConte Center, 2986 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States
The Grand National F-100 Car Show is an all-Ford truck event in Pigeon Forge, attracting multitudes of Ford lovers to swap meets, parts sales, and other showcases to win awards at the event. The show welcomes 1996-and-older Ford trucks and related Ford models that meet the current registration rules, including eligible Broncos.
The vendor area is the ultimate place to get your parts for the Ford rejuvenation you have been postponing. You can easily find that transmission change your truck craves.
Come and witness the finest Ford classics in stock. You never taste the glorious past so sweet as a classical car show. The Ultimate Parkway Cruise from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg is always an epic getaway.
6. Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge Car Show and Swap Meet
- Date: June 5-June 7, 2026
- Venue: LeConte Hotel & Convention Center, 410 Pine Mountain Rd., Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States
Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge Car Show brings the classical adventurer to the Smokies to witness the massive display of custom cars and hotrods. All the oldies are rejuvenated and shining at the park for you to reminisce. It’s an all-out party with the swap meet and car corrals for all things classical collectibles.
Registration details for the event are on the website.
Parking and host-hotel details are posted by the event. Check out the event website for schedules of the 3-day car event.
7. Great Smoky Mountains Jeep Invasion
- Date: August 20-August 22, 2026
- Venue: LeConte Center, 2986 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States
The Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion at LeConte Center is a massive Jeep car show in Pigeon Forge. Hundreds of Jeep owners and collectors assemble annually to be part of a large swap meet, car show, and sales corral for their Jeeps.
The Jeep show has grown from only a few hundred Jeeps when it started into one of the area’s largest annual vehicle gatherings. You will find old Jeep classics, new model cars, and parts collectibles that you will love. Register for this 3-day event and showcase what your beast has to offer.
Admission details, registration packages, vendor access, and Tailgate Experience rules can change from year to year. Check the official event page before buying tickets or registering a Jeep.
No outside food or drinks are allowed in, but the vendors at the event have all kinds of drinks, food, and snacks.
Canopies, tents, and special parking areas are subject to the current event rules.
You can register for the show through the current options posted by the event organizers.
Awards and drawings are announced according to the current event schedule.
Don’t forget to buy memorabilia at the gift shop in vendors’ slots or online on the GSM Jeep Invasion website.
Checkout GSMJI 2021:
8. Shades of The Past
- Date: September 11-September 12, 2026
- Venue: Dollywood’s Splash Country, 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States
The quality of the past is a popular topic in tales of cars made to last. How about taking a look into that past right here in Pigeon Forge during the Shades of the Past car show? Your taste for classical hotrods has never gotten a better treat. There’re 200+ displays of classic vehicles on the Show and Shine grounds.
Host-hotel information and lodging offers are posted by the event organizers each year.
Registration details, deadlines, fees, and award eligibility are available from the event organizers. Download the current registration information and submit it to the management to book a spot at the event.
The show’s award categories, prize details, and specialty picks are announced by the event each year.
Other awards and perks are on the official website of the Shades of the Past event.
9. Fall Rod Run
- Date: September 17-September 19, 2026
- Venue: LeConte Center, 2986 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States
The Fall Rod Run follows the same major-event format as the Spring Rod Run, with a larger advertised cash giveaway of $10,000. There will be car corrals, swap meets, and coveted competitions for the Top 25 and The Ultimate 5 Awards. Grab a spot by registering for the event and securing a spot to be a winner.
Conclusion
Car shows in Pigeon Forge are a must-attend event, especially if you are a car enthusiast. From specialized Ford and Chevelle shows to classical hotrods, you are in for mad fun and exquisite interactions with fellow professionals and car lovers. Make a date for the next car show happening in Pigeon Forge. Who knows, you might find that car to be your sweetheart for the rest of your life!