You know it’s coming when you see the Parkway in Pigeon Forge lined with lawn chairs and mobility scooters.
Rod Run in Pigeon Forge is a hugely popular car show that normally takes place twice annually – with one event in the spring and one in the fall.
The spectacular 3-day event features a huge swap meet, a car corral and even cash prizes. It attracts thousands of automobile enthusiasts, hot rod owners, classic cars and muscle cars each year.
It’s the area’s largest automotive event. But Rod Run is more than just a car show – around here it’s basically a county-wide festival.
While the main show is held each year at the LeConte Event Center, the entire town gets into the act.
And it’s not at all unusual to see the entire Pigeon Forge Parkway lined with classic hot rods, lawn chairs and car owners on bikes and mobility scooters hopping from one parking lot to the next to scope out each other’s wares.
The unofficial “street” show is arguably just as much fun as the actual event. Unless you have somewhere to be that is – as traffic tends to be a nightmare. But more on that later.
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What date is the spring Rod Run in Pigeon Forge?
This year’s spring show will take place April 13-15, 2023 at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge.
Show hours are as follows:
- Thursday, April 13: 9 am-6 pm
- Friday, April 14: 9 am-6 pm
- Saturday, April 15: 9 am-5 pm
There will be an awards ceremony on Saturday at 5 pm.
Admission to this cash-only event will be available for purchase on-site. Tickets are $15 per day per person.
A three-day pass is also available for $35.
But don’t worry, ATMs will be on standby at the LeConte Event Center in case you forget to bring cash.
What date is the fall Rod Run in Pigeon Forge?
This year’s fall show will take place Sept. 14-16, 2023 at the LeConte Event Center in Pigeon Forge.
The event will feature a $10,000 cash giveaway, awards for the top 25 and a huge swap meet.
Additional details are not yet available for the fall show, but it typically follows the same schedule as spring, which is 9 am-6 pm on Thursday and Friday and 9 am-5 pm on Saturday.
Like the spring show, admission to this cash-only event is usually available for purchase on-site. Tickets are $15 per day per person. A three-day pass is also available for $35.
And again, there are ATMs on-site in case you forget about the cash part. Fees may apply.
Where is Rod Run in Pigeon Forge?
This year, Rod Rons will once again be held at the LeConte Event Center. The LeConte Event Center is located at 2986 Teaster Lane in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
According to the Pigeon Forge Rod Runs website, the show’s return to this recently renovated original location allows for more show cars, vendors and entertainment options.
Rod Run Pigeon Forge tickets: Where to buy and how much they cost
While the Parkway “street show” is free, the actual Rod Run exhibits at the LeConte Event Center will require an admission ticket.
Tickets are not sold online, but they are available for purchase at the door and are cash only.
Admission tickets are $15 per person per day. This year, a three-day pass will also be available for $35.
If you wish to showcase your car at the official event at LeConte Event Center, you will need to register ahead of time by contacting MCS Promotions at (865) 687-3976.
Rod Run parking: Is the Pigeon Forge Municipal Parking Garage still free?
Free parking will be available at the LeConte Event Center and a shuttle service will be provided, but the lots are expected to fill up quickly.
You may also want to try parking at Old Mill Square beside Patriot Park and taking a trolly ride to the event.
However, it’s important to note that parking spots will be limited throughout Pigeon Forge for the entirety of the weekend. Arrive early, stay late and plan on a lot of walking.
Advice on Rod Run crowds and traffic
The Pigeon Forge Rod Run events are two of the biggest car shows for Pigeon Forge. This usually results in massive crowds, heavy traffic congestion and packed hotels.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot one can do to avoid these inconveniences. The best advice is to arrive early and plan ahead as needed.
When Rod Run traffic is at its peak, the normally 30-minute drive from one side of the Parkway to the other turns into a 2-3 hour journey.
Read Also: Watch Two Guys Line Dance in the Road While Stuck in Gatlinburg Traffic
If you are traveling with the family, get your bathroom breaks in before you hit the Parkway.
Also, consider packing snacks. Local restaurants are also often packed during the event and reservations are hard to come by.
Read Also: 16 Restaurants in Pigeon Forge That Take Reservations
Are golf carts street-legal in Pigeon Forge?
Finally, we would like to remind visitors that golf carts, while often a popular way to beat the traffic, are illegal on public roads, alleys, public parking lots and sidewalks in Tennessee.
The only exception to that rule applies to golf carts that have been modified to meet all of the lower or medium-speed vehicle requirements.
Pigeon Forge police will be scouring the area to enforce these rules and regulations. A number of citations are given out each year to people who fail to comply with golf cart restrictions.
Visit the Rod Run website for additional details.
Do you love the bi-annual Rod Run event in Pigeon Forge TN? Do you plan to attend this year? Let us know in the comments!
Thank you for letting me know when to avoid this event!!!!!
Was wondering when the dates for rat rod will be for the 2022 Event
Looking for a place on strip to stay any suggestions