Last updated: November 9, 2026
Pigeon Forge car shows run from March into September, and the Rod Run is the biggest car weekend we have. It happens twice a year, once in spring and once in fall, and the show itself is at the LeConte Center on Teaster Lane. Thousands of hot rods and classic trucks come to town, and for those few days the Parkway turns into one long car show, even if you never buy a ticket.
Rod Run dates
- Spring Rod Run 2027: May 20-22, 2027. Note the change. The spring show has been an April event for years and moves to May starting in 2027.
- Fall Rod Run 2027: September 16-18, 2027.
Both dates come from the event listings on PigeonForgeRodRuns.com and the LeConte Center events calendar. Dates do shift now and then, so check one of those before you book a room.
Pigeon Forge car shows in 2027
Besides the two Rod Runs, the LeConte Center and nearby venues host a string of single-make shows. These are the 2027 dates listed on PigeonForge.com and the LeConte Center events calendar.
- Ponies in the Smokies: March 21-27, 2027, a week-long Mustang show at the Sevierville Convention Center. See our Ponies in the Smokies guide.
- Chevys in the Smokies and the Spring Corvette Expo: April 8-10, 2027, at the LeConte Center. 2027 is the 50th Corvette Expo. See our Corvette Expo guide.
- Grand National F-100 Show: May 13-15, 2027, at the LeConte Center, for Ford trucks from 1996 and older.
- Spring Rod Run: May 20-22, 2027, at the LeConte Center.
- Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge: June 3-5, 2027.
- Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion: August 19-21, 2027.
- Fall Rod Run: September 16-18, 2027, at the LeConte Center.
Dates move now and then, so check the event listing before you book a room. For the Fall Rod Run, PigeonForge.com lists show hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Where it is held
The LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, 2986 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. Teaster Lane runs behind the Parkway, so you can get there without sitting in Parkway traffic the whole way.
What you will find there
Inside and outside the LeConte Center there is a big swap meet and a car corral with cars for sale. There are hundreds of show cars on the grounds, with Top 25 and Ultimate 5 awards on Saturday and a cash giveaway. Spectator parking at the LeConte Center lots is free.
Admission is charged at the gate. Prices and payment rules have changed over the years, so look at the event listing for the current price before you go and bring some cash in case.
A few tips from living here
- Book your room early. Rod Run weekends fill hotels and cabins in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville months ahead. Our Pigeon Forge lodging page has places close to the LeConte Center.
- Expect slow going on the Parkway in the evenings. A lot of people come just to sit in a lawn chair and watch the cars roll by. If you need to get somewhere, use Teaster Lane or Veterans Boulevard.
- Eat early or late. Restaurants on the Parkway get long waits at normal meal times that weekend. See our Pigeon Forge restaurants list for ideas off the main strip.
- The show runs Thursday through Saturday. The setup days before that are not open to the public.
Questions people ask
What car shows are in Pigeon Forge in 2027?
The 2027 shows listed for the area are Ponies in the Smokies on March 21-27, Chevys in the Smokies and the Spring Corvette Expo on April 8-10, the Grand National F-100 Show on May 13-15, the Spring Rod Run on May 20-22, Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge on June 3-5, the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion on August 19-21 and the Fall Rod Run on September 16-18.
Where are the Pigeon Forge car shows held?
The Rod Runs and most of the single-make shows are at the LeConte Center, 2986 Teaster Lane. Ponies in the Smokies is at the Sevierville Convention Center, just north of Pigeon Forge.
When is the 2027 Spring Rod Run in Pigeon Forge?
May 20-22, 2027, at the LeConte Center. It moved from April to May for 2027.
When is the Fall Rod Run?
The Fall Rod Run is September 16-18, 2027. The fall show is always in September.
Is parking free?
Spectator parking in the LeConte Center lots is free.
Can I watch the cars without going to the show?
Yes. Plenty of people watch from the sidewalks and parking lots along the Parkway. Be respectful of private lots, and many businesses post their own rules for that weekend.