Thanksgiving Car Shows Near You: 2026 Turkey Trots & Holiday Events

Last updated: September 7, 2026 By the NearbyCarShows Editorial Team

Are there car shows on Thanksgiving weekend?

Yes, many communities host car shows and charity events over the long Thanksgiving weekend. These shows, often called "Turkey Runs" or "Turkey Trots," are a popular alternative to traditional Black Friday shopping, offering a family-friendly way to enjoy classic and custom cars while supporting local causes. Events typically take place on the Friday, Saturday, or Sunday after Thanksgiving Day.

What Are Thanksgiving Car Shows?

A Thanksgiving car show is a community automotive event held on the weekend following the Thanksgiving holiday, usually on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Unlike typical competitive shows, these events often double as fundraisers or food drives, earning names like "Turkey Run" or "Turkey Trot." The focus is on community gathering, charity, and enjoying a relaxed day admiring cars before the official start of the winter holiday season.

Why Attend a Thanksgiving Weekend Car Show?

For car lovers, a holiday weekend show is a perfect escape. It breaks up the routine of dinners and shopping with fresh air and horsepower. For families, it's an engaging and often low-cost activity that gets everyone out of the house. Many of these events have a charitable component, such as collecting canned goods for food banks or toys for holiday drives, allowing you to have fun while making a positive impact in your community.

Finding these shows can be tricky, as they are often hyper-local and may not be advertised widely. Using a dedicated car show finder is the most reliable way to see what's happening near you.

Major Annual Thanksgiving Car Shows

While hundreds of local shows happen nationwide, a few large, recurring events have become Thanksgiving traditions. Here are some of the most notable ones to look for each year.

Daytona Turkey Run (Daytona Beach, Florida)

Easily the largest and most famous Thanksgiving car event, the Daytona Turkey Run takes place for four days (Thanksgiving Day through Sunday) at the Daytona International Speedway. It features thousands of classic cars for show and sale, a massive swap meet, and an artisan marketplace. It's a bucket-list event for serious enthusiasts.

• Location: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL
• Typical Dates: Thursday to Sunday of Thanksgiving week.

O'Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama (Dallas, Texas)

Billed as "America's Premier Custom Car Show Series," the Dallas AutoRama is a major indoor event held over Thanksgiving weekend at the Dallas Market Hall. It draws some of the best custom, hot rod, and restored vehicles in the Southwest. It's a great option if you prefer a climate-controlled indoor environment.

• Location: Dallas Market Hall, Dallas, TX
• Typical Dates: Friday to Sunday of Thanksgiving week.

Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show (Pomona, California)

While the Pomona Swap Meet happens multiple times a year, its post-Thanksgiving event in early December is a massive draw for West Coast collectors and fans. You can expect to see thousands of classic cars on display and for sale, plus acres of parts, automobilia, and collectibles. It's an essential event for the Southern California car show scene.

• Location: Fairplex, Pomona, CA
• Typical Dates: The first Sunday of December, immediately following the Thanksgiving holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I find a "Turkey Run" car show near me?

The best way to find a local "Turkey Run" is to use a specialized search tool. The free search on our homepage uses AI to help you find shows by name, type, or location, making it easy to see what's happening in your area. Local auto club websites and community Facebook groups are also good resources.

Are there car shows on Black Friday?

Yes, Black Friday is a very popular day for car shows. Many organizers create "Avoid Black Friday" or "Black Friday Burnout" themed events as a fun alternative to crowded retail stores. These are often more casual cruise-ins focused on community and conversation.

What kind of cars are at Thanksgiving shows?

You can expect a diverse mix. Most Thanksgiving events are open to all makes and models, so you'll see everything from classic American muscle and pre-war antiques to modern sports cars, custom trucks, and imports. The variety is a big part of the appeal.

Do I need to register my car in advance?

For major shows like the Daytona Turkey Run, pre-registration is highly recommended as spots fill up quickly. For smaller, local charity shows, you can often register the day of the event, but it's always best to check the official event page beforehand. A good car show checklist can help you prepare.

The Bottom Line

Thanksgiving weekend is a fantastic time for car enthusiasts to get out and enjoy the hobby. Whether you attend a massive national event or a small charity show in your town, it’s a memorable way to spend the holiday with family and friends. To find an event, simply use our free, AI-powered search to discover Thanksgiving car shows near you.

Sources and Methodology

Our editorial team researches and verifies events using official event websites, news reports, and listings from automotive clubs and organizations. All event details mentioned are based on the typical schedules for these recurring shows. We recommend verifying specific 2026 dates and times directly with event organizers, which you can often do through the links provided in our car show listings. NearbyCarShows.com is a 100% free resource for finding car shows across all 50 states.