Top 5 Things to Know About the Pigeon Forge Rod Run

While Pigeon Forge is home to several car shows throughout the year, there is nothing quite as epic as the Pigeon Forge Rod Run! This event is the ultimate destination for automobile and hot rod enthusiasts, and it’s so popular that it actually takes place twice a year! If you happened to miss the spring Rod Run, you’ll be excited to know that the fall event is coming up on September 12-14, 2023! Here are the top 5 things to know about the Pigeon Forge Rod Run:

1. What to Expect

The Pigeon Forge Rod Run is a spectacular 3-day event that features a $10,000 cash giveaway, awards for the top 25 and ultimate 5, and a huge swap meet with hundreds of show cars and car corral! The event also features celebrity guests, as well as official event apparel that you can purchase at the show. Whether you are a casual car buff or a serious gearhead, you won’t want to miss the area’s largest automobile event! If you have your own hot rod, this is a chance to show off your ride and perhaps win an award to bring home! 

2. Event Location

The LeConte Center is the event location for the Pigeon Forge Rod Run, which is conveniently located in the heart of town on Teaster Lane! There is free spectator parking in two huge lots with a pedestrian crosswalk to the LeConte Center, and there is also free shuttle service available. If you don’t feel like parking at the LeConte Center, you can rest assured that you’ll see the hot rods cruising up and down the famous Pigeon Forge Parkway all weekend long!

3. Ticket Information

You can purchase a single-day admission to the Pigeon Forge Rod Run for $15, or a 3-day pass is available on Thursday for $35. Note that all of the tickets are sold on-site, and there are no advance ticket sales. Also, keep in mind that credit cards are not accepted for tickets, but there are two ATMS available on-site. 

4. History of the Event

The “Rod Run” originated in Gatlinburg TN in the 1970s as an unofficial event by the Shades of the Past car club. While the event stayed in Gatlinburg until 1982, it moved to the Grand Hotel in Pigeon Forge in 1983 and became the “Grand Run”. In 1986, the event split, and the “Grand Run” stayed at the Grand Hotel while the Shades of the Past show moved to another location. The current promoters took over the “Grand Run” in 1991 with a September-only show, but a spring show was added in April 1995. Finally, the show was moved to the LeConte Center in the spring of 2014, and it was renamed the Pigeon Forge Rod Run!

5. More Things to Do While You’re in Town

If you’re participating in the Pigeon Forge Rod Run and looking for a fabulous night of entertainment while in town, don’t miss the chance to see our Pigeon Forge show! Our award-winning show features 2 dazzling hours of live entertainment with classic and modern country music, dancing, comedy, American patriotism, and more! All the action takes place in our 1,500-seat multi-million dollar theater, complete with state-of-the-art sound and lighting! 

Check out all of the exciting details about our show in Pigeon Forge TN today to make plans to visit us during the Pigeon Forge Rod Run! We look forward to seeing you soon!