Pigeon Forge Car Shows 2023 - Your In-Depth Guide

January 9, 2023

From classic cars, and hot rods, to the most stylish pickup trucks. Automotive enthusiasts from all over flock to Pigeon Forge each year to showcase their own revving works of art.

Gearing up to attend all the major car shows in Pigeon Forge this year? You won’t miss a single event because our list of Pigeon Forge Car Shows 2023 is here to get you up to date. Discover the car show schedules of the most-awaited Spring and Fall Rod Run 2023, the family-friendly Smoky Mountain Pedal Car Show, and much more.

Is this your first time attending a car show? Don’t worry! We have insider tips on where to stay when attending a Pigeon Forge car show, how to avoid traffic, and things to do in your downtime.

No matter what time of year you’re visiting, you’ll be good to go with our In-Depth Guide to Pigeon Forge Car Shows 2023!

Pigeon Forge Car Shows 2023

Ponies in the Smokies

Car Show Schedule: March 21-25, 2023
Location: Sevierville Convention Center
Website: https://poniesinthesmokies.com/

Did you enjoy Ponies in the Smokies 2022? This year will be even grander with 108,000 square feet of indoor vendors and special displays! Kick off the 2023 car show season in Pigeon Forge with a car show spot at Ponies in the Smokies.

Classic cars at a show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA

photo credit: Flo Garman via Facebook

Spring Corvette Expo

Car Show Schedule: March 24-25, 2023
Location: Leconte Center
Website: https://www.corvetteexpo.com/

Ready to feast on your eyes on a festival of great cars? There’s more to experience at Spring Corvette Expo! Experience a swap meet, sales corral, park 'n show, awards show, and the most awaited corvette cruise.

Chevelles in the Smokies

Car Show Schedule: March 24-25, 2023
Location: Leconte Event Center
Website: https://www.facebook.com/chevellesinthesmokiesshowdown/

Looking for the best car shows in Pigeon Forge 2023? Don’t miss Chevelles in the Smokies! Eighteen of the nation’s finest Chevelles will compete for the titles “Best of Show” and “The Most Outstanding Chevelle in the Smokies,” as well as prizes such as trophies, dash plaques, winner's decals, special awards, and cash.

Spring Rod Run 2023

Car Show Schedule: April 13-15, 2023
Location: Leconte Event Center
Website: http://www.rodrun-pigeonforge.com/

Pigeon Forge Rod Run 2023 dates begin with the Spring Rod Run 2023 Pigeon Forge. Join automotive enthusiasts to celebrate the largest automotive event in Pigeon Forge! This spectacular 3-day event features a $10,000 cash giveaway, Top 25 Awards, Ultimate 5 Awards and King of the Hill, and much more.

car with flame design in outdoor parking lot beside other cars at Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA

photo credit: Gorilla Motorsport via Facebook

Bronco Super Celebration

Car Show Schedule: April 19-22, 2023
Location: Talley Ho Inn
Website: https://www.broncodriver.com/

Bronco Super Celebration is more than just a car show. It’s also an annual family attraction that features games and contests for the kids, organized sightseeing drives, and much more. If you’re looking for a family getaway with your Bronco or Ford truck, there is no better way than joining Bronco Super Celebration!

Smokey Mountain Street Dreams

Car Show Schedule: April 27-29, 2023
Location: Townsend Visitor Center
Website: https://smokeymountainstreetdreams.com/

If your automotive dreams are made of the sharpest antiques, street cars, and motorcycles, Smokey Mountain Street Dreams will be a paradise for you. And if you think you have what it takes to vroom with a prize, drive in and claim the prizes up for grabs!

Grand National F-100 Reunion

Car Show Schedule: May 18-20, 2023
Location: Leconte Event Center
Website: https://gnf100show.com/

If you’re only planning to attend one car show, Pigeon Forge, let it be the world’s largest classic Ford truck show! Shop the greatest collection of new and original F-100 parts and enjoy the awards banquet and food vendors.

a picture of a broken car with lots of people at the backSmoky Mountain Pedal Car Show

Car Show Schedule: May 17-20, 2023
Location: Music Road Resort & Convention Center
Website: https://www.smokymountainpedalcarshow.com/

Of all the car shows in Gatlinburg 2023, Smoky Mountain Pedal Car Show is arguably the most interesting, especially if you’re into cream-of-the-crop vintage pedal cars and vintage pressed steel toys. Kids are welcome to learn and enjoy, which makes this family trip one for the books!

Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge

Car Show Schedule: June 2-4, 2023
Location: Leconte Event Center
Website: http://www.pontiacsinpigeonforge.com/

Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge 2023 is all about classic GTOs, Firebirds, and flaming hot vehicles to pine over. Well-deserved automobiles can look forward to Best in Show and Best in Stock awards.

Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion

Car Show Schedule: August 24-26, 2023
Location: Leconte Event Center
Website: https://gsmji.com/

Of all the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg car shows, Jeep enthusiasts look forward to the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion the most. Indulge yourself in leading Jeep parts and accessories and stay until the evening to witness the Jeep Show, where several trophies are awarded.

smoky mountain jeep outfitters logoFall Rod Run 2023

Car Show Schedule: September 14-16, 2023
Location: Leconte Event Center
Website: http://www.rodrun-pigeonforge.com/

Saving the best for last, Fall Rod Run Pigeon Forge is the year-ended for Pigeon Forge car shows in 2023. For only $15 per day, join the rest of the automotive enthusiasts for a huge swap meet with hundreds of show cars and car corrals.

Where to Stay During 2023 Pigeon Forge Car Shows

If you're in Pigeon Forge for a car show, book a room at Willow Brook Lodge, Hampton Inn & Suites Pigeon Forge On The Parkway, or the Ramsey Hotel and Convention Center for a great vantage point as the cars make their way up and down the Parkway through town.

All of these locations are about a 7-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the LeConte Convention Center, so you won’t have to worry about a long commute. No need to rev your engine! You can take a joy ride to the car shows.

How to Avoid Traffic During Car Shows in Pigeon Forge

Car shows in Pigeon Forge, TN, are an annual tradition, but everyone will agree it causes a bit of mayhem due to the large crowds these car shows attract each year. Pigeon Forge Rod Run traffic is arguably the worst, considering the event’s massive popularity.

To avoid sitting in your car while on your way to a car show, use these tips:

  • Book a hotel near the car show for minimal transportation time.
  • Avoid rush hours and opt to drive as early as possible. Bring folding chairs and a cooler so you can sit comfortably while waiting for the parade.
  • Use local shortcuts, including Veterans Boulevard and Chapman Highway.
  • Do your research before hopping in the car. Scour the GPS for back roads instead of listening to Siri without a second thought.
  • Ride the Fun Time Trolley in Pigeon Forge instead of driving! The trolley travels between Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg–a.k.a all of the locations where the most important car shows are set up.

And, if you do happen to get stuck in traffic, at least you'll be surrounded by exceptional cars! For even more tips on how to avoid Pigeon Forge Traffic, check out our complete guide!

a picture of a lots of repairing cars

photo credit: Pigeon Forge via Facebook

Things to Do in Pigeon Forge on Your Downtime

See a Pigeon Forge TN Show in Theaters

You can visit a Pigeon Forge car museum as part of your Pigeon Forge Car Show 2023 itinerary, but with more time on your hands, you can always squeeze in a Pigeon Forge theater show!

A Salute to Elvis remains a classic favorite, but you can also check Tripster’s list of Pigeon Forge Shows for more concerts, dinner shows, and comedy nights at the theater.

Enjoy the Outdoors in Anakeesta

Unlimited scenic rides, panoramic Smoky Mountain views, and restful clifftop dining. These are the things you’ll reward yourself with and more when you spend a day in Anakeesta. This mountaintop park offers excellent family value!

aerial view of Anakeesta surrounded by trees with mountains in distance during day in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA

photo credit: Anakeesta via Facebook

Book a Smoky Mountain Pink Jeep Tour

It’s going to be a bumpy ride! But given the hidden gems that you’ll see and the fun facts you’ll learn from your expert guide, booking a Smoky Mountain Pink Jeep Tour is worth it.

Travel in a Jeep Wrangler and explore the breathtaking scenery that makes the Smoky Mountain a top Pigeon Forge attraction year-round.

Spend a Day at Dollywood’s Splash Country

This beautifully landscaped water park continues to be a favorite family attraction two decades after its opening. At Dollywood’s Splash Country, the kids will enjoy the excitement of giant water slides while the adults relish the serenity of a poolside retreat.

Close up of the Lightning Rod coaster at Dollywood full of people going down hill on a sunny day in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA

photo credit: Dollywood

Book Your Trip to a Pigeon Forge Car Show 2023

Make a vacation out of it! Expand your trip to Pigeon Forge by bundling your hotel reservations with attraction and show tickets through a Pigeon Forge Vacation Package on Tripster. You can gawk at cars and enjoy Pigeon Forge's greatest experiences in one trip.

Put the pedal to the metal! Book your Pigeon Forge car show vacation today.

Which Pigeon Forge Car Show Will You Be Attending?

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Written By Nicole

There are only two things that make Nicole really happy–books and travel! When her head’s not buried in a book, she’s most likely exploring the great o ...

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