Daytona Turkey Run: A Thanksgiving Tradition for Car Enthusiasts

As the holiday season kicks off, car enthusiasts from across the country have something special to look forward to beyond Thanksgiving dinner: the annual Daytona Turkey Run. This massive event, taking place over Thanksgiving weekend at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, transforms the racetrack into a paradise for car lovers, bringing together thousands of unique vehicles, passionate car owners, and fans for an unforgettable experience.

What is the Daytona Turkey Run?

Founded in 1974, the Daytona Turkey Run has grown into one of the largest combined car shows and swap meets in the United States. It spans four days—from Thanksgiving Day to Sunday—each year, drawing around 6,000 vintage, classic, muscle cars, trucks, and other showstopping vehicles. The event provides something for everyone, from seasoned car builders to families wanting a fun, unique outing over the holiday weekend.

The Turkey Run offers an expansive outdoor showcase where vehicles of all makes, models, and years are on display. It’s a place to appreciate rare finds, witness custom builds, and take part in the camaraderie of car culture at its best.

Event Highlights

Here’s a closer look at what to expect at the Daytona Turkey Run:

Car Show and Parade
The Turkey Run car show is the event’s main attraction. Here, thousands of classic cars—from pristine restorations to souped-up muscle cars—fill the infield of the Daytona Speedway, giving visitors a close-up view of unique vehicles and trends in car modification and restoration.Another crowd favorite is the parade, which allows these beautiful machines to take a lap around the track. This is a unique chance for owners to showcase their rides in motion and an iconic sight as historic and modern cars grace the legendary speedway.
Swap Meet
Known as the place for gearheads to find everything they need, the swap meet spans a large portion of the grounds and offers parts, accessories, tools, and even full vehicles for sale. Whether you’re looking to upgrade a restoration project, find rare parts, or just want to browse, the swap meet has it all.
Daytona Turkey Run Nites Enjoy a free evening car show under the stars (Wednesday through Saturday).
Arts and Crafts Bazaar
Not just for car enthusiasts, the event also features an arts and crafts bazaar, showcasing handcrafted goods, unique decor, and a variety of holiday gift items. It’s a great place to find unique pieces and support local artisans while picking up some seasonal gifts.
Kids’ Zone
For families attending, the Kids’ Zone offers activities and entertainment to keep younger visitors engaged. This area typically includes inflatables, games, and kid-friendly car-related activities, making the Turkey Run an all-ages event.
Food and Drink Vendors
The event wouldn’t be complete without food! Vendors offer a range of options, from traditional fair foods to local specialties. With plenty of choices available, you can enjoy snacks, meals, and treats all weekend long.

Why You Should Go

The Daytona Turkey Run is more than just a car show—it’s an experience that captures the spirit of the car community and the Thanksgiving holiday. For car enthusiasts, it’s a must-visit event to see and share the beauty of classic and custom cars. But even for those who may not be into cars, the Turkey Run offers an exciting, family-friendly atmosphere with food, crafts, and entertainment. The event also brings together attendees of all ages and interests, making it a perfect way to spend a long holiday weekend.

Tips for Attending

To make the most of your time at the Turkey Run, here are a few helpful tips:

Get There Early: The event draws huge crowds, so plan to arrive early to find good parking and beat some of the crowds.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: With thousands of cars, vendors, and attractions to check out, you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Bring Cash: Although some vendors may accept cards, cash is always helpful, especially at the swap meet.
Plan Your Visit: Check out the event schedule online to ensure you don’t miss highlights like the car parade or any special showcases.

Event Details

Location: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL
Dates: Thanksgiving Weekend (Thursday-Sunday)
Hours:
- Thursday to Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Admission: Typically, day passes and multi-day passes are available at various price points. Children 11 and under are usually admitted for free.

Why the Turkey Run Is a Thanksgiving Tradition

For many, the Daytona Turkey Run has become a beloved Thanksgiving tradition. What started as a small gathering of car fans in the early 70s has grown into a major event, celebrating the love of classic and custom cars while bringing families together during the holiday. The Turkey Run provides a unique opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends while indulging in a shared passion.

So, if you’re looking for a different way to spend Thanksgiving this year, consider making the Daytona Turkey Run part of your plans. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just looking for a festive outing, this event promises a memorable weekend filled with great cars, friendly people, and Thanksgiving cheer.

Gear Up for the Daytona Turkey Run!

This ain’t your grandma’s Thanksgiving dinner…unless your grandma is a gearhead who loves classic cars, muscle cars, and all things automotive! We’re talking thousands of show cars, a massive swap meet where you can find that elusive part, and enough delicious food to fuel your car-loving soul.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the Turkey Run or a first-timer, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever. So grab your family, your friends, and your appetite for an automotive adventure, and head on down to Daytona!

This isn’t just a car show, it’s an automotive extravaganza! Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

Over 7,000 dazzling classic cars on display: Be amazed by a vast collection of vehicles from every era.

Massive swap meet: Find that elusive car part or discover a unique piece of memorabilia.

Car Corral: If you’re looking to buy or sell a classic car, the Car Corral is the place to be!

Turkey Run Nights: Enjoy a free evening car show under the stars (Wednesday through Saturday).

Family fun and more: Delicious food, vendors, and entertainment for all ages.

Special Guest stars: Giuseppe’s Garage – Joe & Mandi Martin & KBMER. Meet the whole family from Giuseppe’s Garage, and Joe & Mandi Martin from Iron Resurrection at the HUB. KBMER will be showcasing his painting skills just East of the Show Car Registration tent.

The Truck Zone: The Daytona Turkey Run is introducing a brand-new Truck Zone this year, showcasing some of the coolest classic trucks around. You won’t want to miss this epic display of truck awesomeness.