Deep rumbling engines, bright and shiny paint jobs, and the intriguing cross-section of artistry and automobile…it’s that time of year again, the 2019 Spring Rod Run in Pigeon Forge will be here before you know it! Parked all along the Parkway, travel back in time as you pass by soft-topped Auburns, rounded-body Ford trucks, beachy cruising Wayfarers, and rumbling muscle-cars like Camaros. From Mad Max-esque “rat rods” to fun classics like 1950s-style ice cream trucks and mobile living VW vans, this isn’t an event just for the owners and dedicated mechanics who restore cars!
Oftentimes, the owners are hanging out in lawn chairs to answer questions while shiny engines, exquisite leather interiors, and glossy bodies capture your gaze, for those of us who are more car-curious than enthusiasts, proving to be a memorable experience for every visitor to Pigeon Forge during the Rod Run. We are here to give you the low-down on these low-riders – and hundreds of impressive autos while you are staying in a Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Cabin!
When Are the Cars Rolling In?
April 11-13, 2019 (Friday-Sunday)
Throughout the weekend, these classic beauties will be cruising around the city before parking in their designated areas. As this event has drawn more crowds and grown in popularity over the 30+ years of its existence, attendees are also using the Parkway. All this to say, when these rods hit the roads of Pigeon Forge, so do many other vehicles. There are simple solutions, however. You may be able to walk to the Parkway from one of our Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Cabins located close to downtown or use the nearest Fun Time Pigeon Forge Trolley stop!
Where To See the Rare Rides?
While you tour the Parkway visiting all your favorite Pigeon Forge attractions, peruse the classic beauties and quirky, artistic autos without having to take any detours. Head to the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, located on Teaster Lane, to see some of the most awarded and impressive vehicles, professionally restored classics, and automotive vendors – and pose for a photo op with special guest, Erik Estrada, from the NBC classic show CHiPs! (Take the Fun Time Trolley that has a stop directly in front of the LeConte Center to avoid parking troubles; however, event parking is FREE.)
What Makes This Event So Popular?
Attendees are more than those who restore the classics and knowledgeable mechanics who are into gawking over the hundreds of cars. Even for those who normally wouldn’t label themselves as an enthusiast or “into” cars will be pleasantly surprised by how much fun they have during the Pigeon Forge Rod Run. I’m only 30, but I’m old enough to remember my dad’s old 1985 VW van that had the engine in the back instead of the front and my granddad’s 70-something Ford truck that he and I constantly worked on, even when it ran just fine. Seeing, hearing, and touching some of these cars is a unique nostalgia that brings a smile to mine and so many other faces.
Reminiscing with car owners and other visitors about the autos that took us to school and our first family vacations are some of my favorite memories and one of my favorite things about attending this event. In between shopping and wine tastings in the Old Mill District, mini golf and laser tag in LazerPort Fun Center, and dining along the Parkway, I can wander through the parking lots of classic cars and talk to the friendly folks who are there enjoying Pigeon Forge and the Rod Run, too.
Roll into Town in Your Hot Rod and Jockey For The Prize!
Been looking for some motivation to finish those last couple little projects on your classic beauty? The Pigeon Forge Rod Run is your chance to win one of numerous awards and up to $10,000 in a cash giveaway! If you pre-register, there are chances for extra cash, so be sure to get on the ball and register on the official website. There are 25 awards for the Top Rods, Ultimate 5 Awards, the Top 5 “Cool Ride” awards ($500 each) and “King of the Hill” along with an enormous swap meet, numerous auto vendors, and professional show cars and a car corral at the Spring Rod Run headquarters at the LeConte Center. With the recent renovations to the LeConte Center, there are even more show cars and vendor tents!
Accommodations
For spectators planning on attending the Rod Run, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Cabins has a wide variety of budget-friendly, luxury, and large-group lodges. If this event coincides with your Spring Break and the kids still want to do some swimming during their vacation, just book one of our cabins with an indoor pool! For those rolling into Pigeon Forge in their hot rods, there’s no need to stay in a boring hotel to stay close to all the action. Book a cabin within quick distance of the Parkway for an easy ride to and from the Rod Run, or to leave your ride at the LeConte Center and walk back to your cabin or catch a ride to a Fun Time Trolley Stop near your cabin!
This event is so big, these classics and creative cars ride into Pigeon Forge twice a year, and attendees have so much fun they often enjoy a Smoky Mountain vacation in the spring and fall! Take a stroll down memory lane and enjoy watching these beautiful cars and listen rumbling engines cruise the strip of the Parkway in between relaxing hot tub soaks and cozy nights by the fire in your Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Cabin.
More 2019 Car Shows
Car shows are a classic and must-see event in Pigeon Forge (unless, of course, you want to avoid the traffic). And the Spring Rod Run isn’t where the fun stops. Pigeon Forge has plenty more opportunities to check out some gorgeous hot rods and classic cars – and Jeeps! – throughout the year. Here’s the 2019 lineup for car shows in Pigeon Forge:
Corvette Expo
March 15 – 16
At the LeConte Center
Grand National F-100 Ford Reunion
May 16 – 18
At the LeConte Center
Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge Classic Car Show
May 31 – June 2
At MainStay Suites Conference Center
Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion
August 23 – 24
At the LeConte Center
Shades of the Past Pigeon Forge Car Show
September 6 -7
At Dollywood’s Splash Country
Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run
September 12 – 14
At the LeConter Center Pigeon Forge
