Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is widely considered the “Car Show Capital of the South,” and 2026 is shaping up to be one of its most jam-packed seasons yet.
Whether you are a fan of classic muscle, vintage trucks, or modern off-roaders, the scenic backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains provides the perfect setting for these high-octane events.
Compiled By Chris Murphy
If you are planning your trip, here is a comprehensive guide to the 2026 Pigeon Forge car show season.
The 2026 Pigeon Forge Car Show Calendar
Spring: Kick-Starting the Season
- Corvette Expo & Chevys in the Smokies
- Dates: March 19–21, 2026
- Location: LeConte Center
- Celebrating its 49th year, the Corvette Expo is a staple of the region. This event features a massive swap meet, a sales corral, and the legendary “Cruise the Dragon” through the nearby Tail of the Dragon.
- Ponies in the Smokies
- Dates: March 23–28, 2026
- Location: Sevierville Convention Center
- One of the premier Mustang events in the country, this week-long celebration includes a “Shine Run,” autocross racing, and over 100,000 square feet of indoor displays.
- Spring Rod Run
- Dates: April 16–18, 2026
- Location: LeConte Center
- The big one. Thousands of hot rods and classic cars line the Parkway for the Spring Rod Run. Expect a massive swap meet, celebrity guests, and thousands of dollars in cash prizes.
Early Summer: Trucks and Pontiacs
- Grand National F-100 Reunion
- Dates: May 14–16, 2026
- Location: LeConte Center
- Billed as the largest classic Ford truck show in the world, this event is restricted to Ford trucks from 1996 and older. It’s a nostalgic trip back through the history of the Ford F-series.
- Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge
- Dates: June 4–6, 2026
- Location: LeConte Center
- This family-friendly event brings together GTOs, Firebirds, and Fieros for a weekend of judging and a popular Saturday night cruise.
Late Summer: Off-Road Takeover
- Great Smoky Mountain Bronco Stampede
- Dates: August 14–15, 2026
- Location: LeConte Center
- The newest obsession in the automotive world, the Bronco Stampede showcases vintage and modern Broncos with plenty of accessory vendors on site.
- Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion
- Dates: August 20–22, 2026
- Location: LeConte Center
- Thousands of Jeeps descend on the town for one of the largest Jeep-specific events in the nation. It’s an incredible sight to see thousands of customized Wranglers, Gladiators, and Cherokees taking over the Parkway.
Fall: The Grand Finale
- Fall Rod Run
- Dates: September 17–19, 2026
- Location: LeConte Center
- As the leaves begin to turn, the Fall Rod Run provides one last major gathering for classic car enthusiasts. It mirrors the Spring event in scale, with a massive swap meet and the Parkway “cruising” culture at its peak.
Tips for Navigating the 2026 Car Show Season
- Book Accommodations Early: Hotel rooms and cabins often sell out a year in advance for the Rod Runs. If you want a room overlooking the Parkway to watch the cars cruise by, you’ll need to book as soon as possible.
- Prepare for Traffic: During show weekends, the Parkway in Pigeon Forge becomes a slow-moving parade of cars. If you need to get somewhere quickly, use Teaster Lane or Veterans Boulevard to bypass the main strip.
- The “Free” Show: You don’t always have to pay for a ticket to the LeConte Center to see the cars. The Parkway itself becomes an open-air museum as participants park their vehicles along the sidewalk for miles.
- Bring Comfortable Shoes: The LeConte Center is massive, and the Parkway is long. You will do a lot of walking, so leave the dress shoes at home.
- Check for Updates: While these dates are official, it’s always a good idea to check the MyPigeonForge.com official calendar closer to the event for any venue changes or schedule adjustments.
