While many folks love coming to the Smoky Mountains each spring to enjoy the beautiful weather, gearheads will recognize this popular time of year as “car show season”! There are several major automobile enthusiast events throughout the spring, but the big daddy of them all is the Pigeon Forge Rod Run! Don’t miss the chance to see thousands of hot rods, muscle cars, and other classic rides as they cruise up and down the Parkway all weekend long! Here are the top 4 things to know about the Pigeon Forge Rod Run:
1. What to Expect
The Pigeon Forge Rod Run is such a huge event that it actually takes place TWICE each year, once in the spring and once in the fall! The spring event features the top 25 awards, the ultimate 5 awards, and a big cash giveaway, as well as a massive swap meet with hundreds of show cars and car corrals! The event takes place at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, where there is plenty of free parking and a complimentary shuttle service. Even if you don’t attend the official event, you can count on seeing the streets packed with hot rod owners showing off their rides!
2. Dates, Times, and Admission
The dates for this year’s Spring Rod Run are from April 13 to 15, 2023, so be sure to mark your calendar! The show hours are from 9 AM to 6 PM on Thursday and Friday, and from 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday. The cost of admission is $15 per day and per person, but you can also purchase a 3-day pass for $35 on Thursday. Note that tickets are sold on-site and not in advance, and credit cards are not accepted (there will be 2 ATMs on site).
3. History of the Rod Run
The Pigeon Forge Rod Run originally started in Gatlinburg in the 1970s as an unofficial event hosted by a car club from Maryville called “Shades Of The Past”. By 1982, the event moved north to the Grand Hotel in Pigeon Forge and was renamed “The Grand Run”. MCS Promotions took over the Grand Run event in 1991, which was only held in September at that time. The spring show was added 4 years later and in 2014, both shows were renamed the Pigeon Forge Rod Run!
4. Where to Stay
Due to the popularity of the Pigeon Forge Rod Run, you’ll want to make your lodging reservations as soon as possible! If you want to stay close to the action, consider booking one of the hotels directly on the Parkway! You’ll find everything from your favorite hotel chains to local mom and pop owned motels. There are plenty of other accommodations available in the Smokies too, including condo rentals, campgrounds, and cabin rentals of all sizes!
Now that you know all the exciting details about the Pigeon Forge Rod Run, check out the top reasons why our bar is the best place to hang out after a car show! We look forward to seeing you this spring!
