When is the Turkey Rod Run in Daytona Beach?

The Turkey Rod Run is one of the largest hot rod and classic car shows in the world, held annually in Daytona Beach, Florida With over 5,000 show cars, a massive swap meet, and events spread over 4 days, pinpointing exactly when the Turkey Rod Run takes place is key for any enthusiast looking to attend.

A Brief History of the Turkey Rod Run

The Turkey Rod Run has been a Daytona Beach tradition since 1973, when it was started by the Daytona Beach Street Rods car club. The first event drew just 109 vehicles to the infield of the Daytona International Speedway but it quickly grew year after year as word spread. The swap meet was added in the 1980s and has become a huge draw, with over 2,000 vendor spots The name “Turkey Rod Run” comes from the fact that the event is always held over Thanksgiving weekend in late November

When is the Turkey Rod Run in 2023?

The 51st Annual Daytona Turkey Rod Run will take place from November 23-26, 2023 This follows the tradition of the event always falling on Thanksgiving weekend Below is a breakdown of the Turkey Rod Run schedule for 2023

• Thursday, November 23rd – Gates open at 8 AM. The swap meet, car corral, and show car field open and run until 4 PM. Turkey Rod Nites at Daytona International Speedway from 6 PM to 10 PM.

• Friday, November 24th – Gates open at 8 AM, events run until 4 PM. Turkey Rod Nites from 6 PM to 10 PM.

• Saturday, November 25th – Gates open at 8 AM, events run until 4 PM. Turkey Rod Nites from 6 PM to 10 PM.

• Sunday, November 26th – Gates open at 8 AM. All events wrap up and close at 2 PM.

So if you want to catch the 2023 Turkey Rod Run, be sure to mark your calendars for November 23-26 and head to Daytona Beach!

Finding Out When Future Turkey Rod Runs Will Be Held

The Turkey Rod Run always takes place over Thanksgiving weekend, so it’s easy to plan for future years if you know when Thanksgiving falls each year.

Here are the dates for upcoming Turkey Rod Runs:

• 2024 Turkey Rod Run – November 28 – December 1

• 2025 Turkey Rod Run – November 27 – 30

• 2026 Turkey Rod Run – November 26 – 29

• 2027 Turkey Rod Run – November 25 – 28

You can find out when Thanksgiving weekend will be for years even further out by searching online for a Thanksgiving calendar. The Daytona Beach Street Rods also announce next year’s Turkey Rod Run dates at the current year’s event, so you can look for that information on their website.

Hours, Tickets, and Attractions

The Turkey Rod Run takes over the Daytona Beach area for 4 full days. During show hours from 8 AM to 4 PM (8 AM to 2 PM on Sunday), you’ll need event tickets to access the car show field, swap meet, and car corral. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online once available.

Turkey Rod Nites at the Speedway are free to attend and run from 6 PM to 10 PM nightly. The arts and fashion area also opens at 8 AM each day and does not require event tickets.

Popular attractions at the Turkey Rod Run include:

• The car show – With over 5,000 hot rods, customs, classics, muscle cars, and more all on display, this is the main draw. You’ll find makes from Ford, Chevy, Dodge, and many more and models from the 1900s to today.

• Swap meet – The massive swap meet has over 2,000 vendor spots selling automotive parts, memorabilia, and anything you could need for restoring and modifying classic vehicles.

• Car corral – The car corral is a huge area for buyers and sellers to trade classic cars of all kinds. You never know what rare beauties you might find for sale.

• Arts and fashion – This area has over 100 artisans selling their wares like jewelry, pottery, clothing, and other handcrafted goods. It’s a great spot for finding unique gifts and fashion.

• Turkey Rod Nites – Check out hundreds of classic cars on display under the lights next to the Speedway during these free evening events.

Making the Most of Your Trip

Attending the Turkey Rod Run is a bucket list event for any car enthusiast. With so many events packed into just 4 days, planning ahead helps make sure you maximize your time.

Here are some tips for making the most of your Turkey Rod Run experience:

• Book lodging early – Hotels in Daytona Beach sell out well in advance for the popular car show weekend. Reserve your room a year in advance if possible. The Daytona Beach CVB website lists hotels with availability.

• Allow time to walk through the entire show – The show field is massive with thousands of cars, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. It takes most attendees 2-3 days to see everything.

• Bring supplies – Pack sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, comfy clothes and walking shoes. An empty duffel bag folds up small to carry all your purchases.

• Arrive early – Gates open at 8 AM but hardcore enthusiasts start lining up well before dawn to get prime parking spots. Arrive early at least one day to increase what you can see.

• Download the app – The Turkey Rod Run app has maps, schedules, vendor info, and announcements. Turn on notifications so you don’t miss activities.

• Come hungry – Food vendors offer tasty treats like turkey legs, Bloody Marys, funnel cakes, BBQ, ice cream, and more.

An Automotive Tradition Lives On

For over 50 years, the Turkey Rod Run has been bringing old school hot rod style to Daytona Beach every Thanksgiving. With thousands of cars, miles of swap space, and car shows under the lights, it delivers an automotive overload. By noting when the Turkey Rod Run falls on the calendar each year, you can start planning your trip to what has become a can’t-miss event for enthusiasts. Just be warned – after attending once, you’ll be hooked! See you in Daytona Beach!