Pigeon Forge Car Show & Swap Meet

Automotive history fills Patriot Park May 8-10, 2026, when the Pigeon Forge Car Show & Swap Meet brings together vintage vehicle displays, parts vendors, and restoration enthusiasts for a three-day gathering that feels part museum, part marketplace, and entirely hands-on. Running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, this event draws serious collectors hunting for rare components alongside casual fans who appreciate the craftsmanship of pre-1980s American automobiles. You’ll find more than 500 cars on display across the park’s paved and grassy sections, with vendors occupying 200+ booths selling everything from NOS (new old stock) carburetors to vintage license plates, service manuals, and reproduction trim pieces. Unlike the Rod Run’s cruise format, this event keeps vehicles stationary, allowing you to examine details like factory-correct engine bays and period-appropriate interiors without traffic noise or movement.

Entry costs $15 per person (children under 12 free), with weekend passes available for $25 if you plan to attend multiple days. The best selection of parts and vehicles appears Friday and Saturday morning, as vendors often pack remaining inventory by Sunday afternoon. Temperatures in early May typically range from 58°F to 75°F, making outdoor browsing comfortable, though the park offers minimal shade, so bring sunscreen and a hat for extended walks. If afternoon thunderstorms develop (common in the Smokies during May), most vendors cover their wares with tarps and continue selling under the park’s pavilions, while car owners either protect their vehicles or relocate to covered parking nearby. Families with younger children may find the event more engaging if you focus on the show cars first, then browse the swap meet sections where colorful vintage signs and automotive memorabilia provide visual interest beyond mechanical parts.

This event works especially well for travelers combining car culture with mountain scenery, as the timing coincides with peak spring wildflower blooms in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and comfortable hiking weather on trails like Cataract Falls and Laurel Falls. Book one of the vacation rentals in Pigeon Forge with garage access if you’re bringing your own project car or hauling parts home, as many properties along Waldens Creek and Wears Valley offer covered parking and easy highway access. If you’re trying to decide between spring and fall mountain trips, this guide to the best time to visit Gatlinburg covers seasonal considerations that apply equally to Pigeon Forge, just six miles away. Parking at Patriot Park is free but limited, so arrive before 10 a.m. or use the trolley from overflow lots at The Island and LeConte Center. For an evening activity after the show closes, consider walking the Parkway to preview setups for upcoming events or visiting Dollywood, which extends its operating hours during May and sits just four miles from Patriot Park.