East Tennessee Road Culture: Moonshine, Muscle Cars & Mountain Adventures
The spirit of Prohibition still echoes through the winding roads of East Tennessee, where moonshine, roaring engines, and backroad adventure come alive each spring and summer weekend. In the 1950s and ’60s, these curves and hollows weren’t just scenic—they were the proving grounds for drivers hauling illegal whiskey at high speeds, shaping a legacy that still fuels car culture today.
Now, those same roads welcome a new generation of enthusiasts. From classic car meetups to scenic cruises, East Tennessee is a hub for automotive passion. Car lovers gather to swap stories, showcase restored rides, and admire polished chrome, while newcomers can experience the thrill of seeing vintage and custom vehicles up close.
For adventure seekers, the region offers even more. Dual-sport and ADV riders can explore miles of rugged backcountry routes, while rally drivers test their skills on the gravel roads of the Cherokee National Forest.
Here is a list of the upcoming shows to put on your calendar:
- 4/16-18 Spring Rod Run–Pigeon Forge
- 4/29- May 3 RDZ Rendezvous Adventure Bike Rally– Tellico Plains
- 5/3 May Day Car Show and Festival– Harriman
- 6/5-6 Popcorn Sutton Jam– Newport
- 6/19-20 42nd Annual Moonshine Rod Run Newport
- 7/25 Schaeffer Oil Southern Nationals Tazewell
- 8/1 10th Annual Dylan Kennedy Memorial– Wartburg
- 8/12 Outlaw Society Deuce Coupe Showdown– Maynardville
- 8/20-22 Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion- Pigeon Forge
- 9/18-19 ARA National and East Regional Overmountan Rally– Newport
- 9/26-10/2 Annual Smoky Mountain Bike Week– Maryville
