Car season is upon us here in the Smokies, and the thundering sounds of engines are already beginning to echo throughout the mountains. Gearheads and car enthusiasts from all over the country flock to the area to take part in some of the most exciting shows around. Keep reading to get the scoop on our favorite 2022 car shows in the Smoky Mountains!
Ponies in the Smokies
March 23, 2022 – March 26, 2022
Kick off car season with a bang at Ponies in the Smokies, one of the hottest Mustang shows in town. The festivities take place at the Sevierville Convention Center, where vendors and special displays fill the massive 108,000 square-foot space. Come to admire the cars, or enter the judging competition yourself. Enjoy drifting exhibitions, an autocross, ride alongs, drag racing, and so much more!
Visit their website here for all the details.
Pigeon Forge Rod Run
April 7, 2022 – April 9, 2022
September 15, 2022 – September 17, 2022
The Pigeon Forge Rod Run is a jam-packed 3-day car show that is so popular that they put it on twice a year. So, if you miss the Spring show, you’ve got another shot to get in on all the action in the Fall. This is a must-see event for any car enthusiast. Roam around the massive swap meet and check out hundreds of show cars plus a car corral. Try your luck at prizes like a $10,000 cash giveaway, plus tons of awards are up for grabs. And take advantage of the abundant spectator parking available at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge. Don’t forget to grab a t-shirt on your way in!
Get more information at http://www.rodrun-pigeonforge.com.
Annual Southeastern Mini Truckin’ Nationals
April 22, 2022 – April 24, 2022
Head to the iconic Maggie Valley Festival Grounds over on the North Carolina side of the Smokies for an easy-riding and laid back time at this open car and truck show. Hang out with fellow car enthusiasts and make new friends as you drag the Maggie Valley strip all weekend. You’ll find parts vendors, food vendors, and even enjoy a live DJ who will play the kind of jams that get the bobblehead on your dashboard rocking.
For more information contact Jason at Bell’s Rod Shop at 865-742-7403, email minitruckinnats@gmail.com or visit http://www.minitruckinnats.com/.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/minitruckinnats/
Thunder in the Smokies Motorcycle Rally
April 29, 2022 – May 1, 2022
June 24, 2022 – June 26, 2022
September 9, 2022 – September 11, 2022
Motorcycle lovers will not want to miss Thunder in the Smokies! Join in on the largest and oldest rally in Maggie Valley when thousands of bikers roll into the Great Smoky Mountains for a fun weekend every spring, summer, and fall. Maggie Valley is a biker friendly town where a rumbling weekend like this is a welcome sight – and sound.
Enjoy tour rides, vendors, a bike show, bike games, prizes, concerts, all the latest bikes and products, a Sunday morning church service, and more! What’s better than cruising a winding mountain road and soaking up the beautiful surroundings while hugging the curves on the Tail of the Dragon? But besides all the rides, don’t miss the fantastic Bike Games, the winner gets $1,000 in cash and another grand goes to the Bike Show winners. Check out these motorcycle-friendly hotels for your visit!
BMW Riders Association (BMWRA) National Rally
May 12, 2022 – May 15, 2022
Possibly one of the biggest events of the year, this motorcycle show in Maggie Valley is a must-attend weekend. Tickets are on sale now, and if you haven’t booked yours yet, go to their website and do it now. Then book your room, cabin, or cottage at the Meadowlark Motel before spots are gone!
KKOA Icons of Hotrodding Festival
May 13, 2022 – May 14, 2022
Gear up for a great time at this popular hotrod car show in Maggie Valley. The Kustom Kemps of America (America’s oldest and largest Kustom car and truck association) is hosting their 4th annual festival. All cars and trucks are welcome at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Bring your pre-1969 and older “mild to wild” Kustomized cars and get ready to see the best of the best. Find chopped and dropped leadsleds, channeled and hopped-up hotrods, sectioned and bubble-top creations, roadsters, coupes, American Graffiti style 40s, 50s, 60s, and so much more! Visit this page on our website to learn more about the show and how to register.
Slingshots in the Smokies
May 31, 2022 – June 4, 2022
Get ready for the Super Bowl of the Slingshot Events with the 8th Annual Slingshots in the Smokies! One of the most dynamic car shows in Maggie Valley, this post-Memorial Day weekend event will include new and exciting additions for 2022. There will be an attempt to break the world record for Slingshots in a parade, beating the record from 2019. Enjoy an autocross, group rides led by experts, an LED lights night ride, new competitions, live music, parties, vendors, and so much more!
WNC Jeep Fest
June 10, 2022 – June 11, 2022
Benefitting Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation, this car show in Maggie Valley is an event with heart. You can feel good about giving back while exploring the one-of-a-kind trails that you can only find in the Western North Carolina Smokies. Enjoy both automotive and food vendors as well as a ton of other exciting attractions. And be sure to get in on the guided rides, all of which are stock friendly.
Camaro & Firebird Car Show/Maggie Valley Swap Meet
June 16, 2022 – June 18, 2022
July 15, 2022 – July 16, 2022
September 22, 2022 – September 24, 2022
Whether you’re in town in spring, summer, or fall, you can get in on the Maggie Valley Swap Meet & Car Show. Discover everything from street rods, classics, rat rods, muscle cars, customs, pickups, antiques, and so much more. There is a $5 Daily Admission for ages 13 & up. Held at the Maggie Valley Fairgrounds, the car show is open Thursday & Friday from 8am – 6pm and Saturday, 8am – 4pm. Call 423-608-4519 for more information or email rodneybuckner@att.net.
Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion
August 25, 2022 – August 27, 2022
The Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion will be coming to the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge this August. If you’re a Jeeper – or just love Jeeps – this car show is the place to be. Thousands of Jeep fans travel to the Smoky Mountains for events like the Show and Shine competition, the perfect opportunity to show off your ride. There will be over 100 vendors offering up fantastic items for raffle prizes. The Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion is a proud sponsor of the charitable organization, Smoky Mountain Service Dogs, who prophecies service animals to veterans. Get in on the special drawing that will support the work this incredible charity is doing.
Shades of the Past Rod Run
September 9, 2022 – September 10, 2022
Another fantastic Pigeon Forge car show is the Shades of the Past Rod Run. And this one just happens to take place at Dollywood’s Splash Country, making it a great opportunity to plan a family-friendly vacation around the big events. Admire the incredible displays of hot rods, custom cars, and classics.
Visit their website to get more details and find out how to register!
