Pigeon Forge car shows are among the most popular events in the Smoky Mountains drawing in visitors from all over the world to see incredible hot rods, trucks, classic cars, and other vehicles. The number of cars and people are simply mind-boggling and it’s definitely something to experience…especially if you love cars! The car shows in Pigeon Forge are among the largest cars shows in the United States each year with the biggest being the Spring Grand Rod Run, Shades of the Past, and the Fall Grand Rod Run. There are many more car shows, truck shows, bike rallies, etc in Pigeon Forge but those three are the major Pigeon Forge car shows. Below, we break down various tips and info for attending car shows in Pigeon Forge and also provide a full 2013 Pigeon Forge car show schedule to help you figure out the best time to visit Pigeon Forge, TN!
Pigeon Forge Car Show Traffic
We won’t sugarcoat this…Pigeon Forge car shows bring lots of cars…therefore lots of traffic. Lots of traffic. Locals often refer to it as “gridlock” and visitors who roll into town not knowing a car show was going on end up leaving and saying they will never be back. Simply put, make sure you know the dates of Pigeon Forge car shows! We even provide “traffic alerts” on our Pigeon Forge Calendar of Events to help people plan their visit accordingly. Pigeon Forge rod runs and car shows can be a ton of fun if you just know what to expect and come prepared.
Spectating
During car shows and rod runs in Pigeon Forge, it’s common to see fold-up chairs lined up and down the parkway with people packed shoulder-to-shoulder with coolers, cameras, and friends. While there are official “locations” of the actual “car shows” (where they judge, award prizes, setup vendors, etc) the majority of visitors just sit on the sidewalks, parking lots, and hotel balconies as all of the action takes place up and down the parkway. Numerous cars park in spots lining the parkway making it easy to walk up and down the sidewalks checking out all of the rides and speaking to their owners. Just remember what your mom use to say when you were a child going into a fancy store…look but don’t touch!
Pigeon Forge Car Show Video
Here is a video that a visitor posted to Youtube of the Spring Grand Rod Run to give you an idea of the cars, people, sidewalks, parking lots, and everything else to expect if you were driving through Pigeon Forge during a car show.
2013 Pigeon Forge Car Show and Rod Run Schedule
Below you will find the list of every “official” car show and rod run in Pigeon Forge for 2013. We say “official” because we only list the ones that we can verify and provide contact information for whether it is a phone number or website. Dates, locations, and even cancellations can change at any moment so be sure to check with the official website/contact before making plans to attend any Pigeon Forge car show or rod run.
Pigeon Forge Car Shows in April 2013
Location: Grand Resort Hotel & Convention Center
More info: Pigeon Forge Spring Grand Rod Run
Pigeon Forge Car Shows in May 2013
Location: The Inn at Christmas Place
Website: http://www.innatchristmasplace.com/events.cfm
Location: Pigeon Forge City Municipal Parking Lot
Phone: 423-623-4644
Website: 2013 F-100 Supernationals Pigeon Forge
Location: The Inn at Christmas Place
Phone: 865-984-3758
Website: http://www.innatchristmasplace.com/events.cfm
Pigeon Forge Car Shows in June 2013
Location: Music Road Convention Center
Phone: 865-379-9595
Website: http://www.pontiacsinpigeonforge.com/
Location: The Grand Hotel
More information: 2013 All Chevy Supernationals
Pigeon Forge Car Shows in September 2013
Location: Dollywood’s Splash Country
Phone: 865-995-2009
More info
Final Thoughts about Pigeon Forge Car Shows
If you know of any other cars shows or rod runs in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee that we may have missed then please let us know using the comments section below! Also let us know if you hear about changes or cancellations in any of the above mentioned car shows.
If you plan on visiting Pigeon Forge during a car show, then be sure to check out our ultimate guide of Pigeon Forge coupons to save some money during your visit!
This is one of two vacations that my husband and I take because we both have antique cars.I really enjoy the car show and it would be nice if when the antique cars are cruising at night if they could be the only ones cruising on the inside lanes so that when we are sitting in our chairs we could see only antique cars.We could respect those who want to get to there Motels and let them in so they could get to there rooms.We really can`t see them cruise because of all the newer modle cars.That would be great to see them cruise up and down the strip.We have to be careful not let our cars overheat so therefore we have to get off the road because of traffic.
I grew up during the muscle car era when they were new. Always liked the sound of dual exhaust on a v-8 engine, be it small block or big block. My wife and I spent the entire week of shades of the past rod run in pigeon forge. luckily we have a time share there. Really enjoy walking both sides of main st. (Hwy 441), taking pictures and talking with car owners. So much to see. The Care taking on restoration is remarkable.
A lawn chair placed along main st ( Hwy 441) permits a opportunity to listen to those v-8s. Late evening and at night is the best time to use the chair. I Don’t mine the heavy traffic, just love being there. Good luck everyone. See you in September!!
If anyone needs a great place to stay in town for the Sept 14-16, 2012 Rod Run let me know. I have a 2 bedroom condo that I rent out for the weekend. Let me know and I’ll give you a good deal.
myself my wife, & brother & wife wants a place on the 13th 14th & 15th. of sept. for car show.
We own a beautiful two level log home that would be a great location for the car show. It is just 5 miles off of the Parkway (at light 3 in Pigeon Forge). Our cabin sleeps 7 and has two private master bedroom suites. Check it out on our vrbo website. I am sure you would love it and we are priced very reasonable. Thanks.
I am wanting to take my mom out for her birthday, and have a good time my dad just passd away and she needs her own time now! how much am I looking at for you condo?
I will be happy to send you a quote for our beautiful log home in a log home community that is in a perfect spot for this event. Check out our cabin at http://www.vrbo.com/298590 and feel free to contact us for a quote. Thank you.
deniserrp@sbcglobal.net or (989) 684-1758
My wife and I with another couple was down there from Cincinnati on 9/6/12 through 9/9/12 this was our 3rd time and we love the time we had the people are so very freandly and in one or two years my wife an I are going to fix up a car or truck and bring it down and join in with other car owners as people look at what we put a lot of work into.
Its so nice to get away from time to time to do something you realy like.
I LOVE COMING TO THE CAR SHOWS WITH MY BOYFRIEND I WISH YOU COULD BRING BACK THE CHEVELLE, NOVA & CAMARO CAR SHOW 3 OF MY FAVORITE CARS
I have a nice condo, ground floor, at Mountain View. This is close to the Titanic. You can
walk to all events. 2 bedroom( King beds) 2 bath, queen sleeper sofa. If interested contact
me or Sunset Cottages-800-211-4599 to book property. Unit is 5102. Great rates.
You can view condo on the Sunset Cottaages website.
Used to drive one of my old cars down during the Spring & Fall show weekends, but gas prices have put a halt to that in the past few years. Driving from Indiana costs enough in a car that gets good gas mileage let alone something that gets 13-16 mpg.
I would like to know if the 55,56,and 57 car show that is usually in may around the 16,17 and 18th of may is going to be there. it was at the new Christmas hotel last year. I would appreciate if some one could email me and let me know what is happening. it was not on the car shows for 2013.we have been coming down for the past 6 years to see it. please let me know
Hi Don,
We just confirmed that the Smoky Mountain Chevy Classic Roundup is scheduled to be at The Inn at Christmas Place again May 17-19, 2013. We’ve added it to the schedule above and added a link to their page at http://www.innatchristmasplace.com/events.cfm .
Thank you and enjoy the show!
We are looking for someone in the Pigeon Forge area to sale Our Wood Swings . We come often and could save on shipping . Just check us out at http://www.woodtreeswing.com
Thanks We will enjoy the rod run this year hope weather is GREAT see you there
Deron and Helen