About This Festival
Event Overview
Ducktail Run Rod & Custom Car Show is a major annual gathering for vintage car enthusiasts, drawing over 2,000 classic vehicles from more than 40 U.S. states and even Canada. The show is held at Gas City Park in Gas City, Indiana, within Grant County’s East region. The event is renowned for its lively, nostalgic atmosphere, reflecting the golden era of American car culture with a focus on automobiles from 1972 and older, plus select modified vehicles. Attendees and participants are treated to a packed schedule of car displays, entertainment, competitions, and vendor markets.
Area Surrounding the Event
Gas City is a quaint Midwestern town with easy access from major highways, making it a convenient destination for out-of-town visitors. The event takes place in Gas City Park, a central, accessible location with ample space for large crowds and vehicle displays. The surrounding area offers local diners, motels, and several parks, catering to the influx of visitors each September. The event itself is a focal point for the community, bringing together locals and car enthusiasts from across the country. The nearby city of Fairmount, Indiana—known for its connection to actor James Dean—also hosts related activities, creating a broader regional car culture festival that attracts thousands.
Vibe of the Event
Ducktail Run is celebrated for its friendly, all-ages atmosphere and deep sense of camaraderie among car lovers. The environment is relaxed, family-friendly, and steeped in nostalgia—think 1950s and 60s music filling the park, vintage attire, and plenty of chrome gleaming under the Indiana sun. There is a strong social component, with many attendees returning year after year, forming a tight-knit community. The event is designed to encourage casual exploration, with no formal admission fee for spectators and freedom for registered participants to come and go throughout the weekend. The vibe is inclusive, with provisions for accessible mobility, though personal scooters and similar vehicles are restricted to preserve the classic car atmosphere.
Event Activities and Schedule
Registration & Entry
- Who: Car owners with 1972 and older vehicles (or modified beyond standard specifications).
- Cost: $30–$35 for the weekend, allowing in-and-out privileges.
- Hours: Thursday noon–dusk, Friday & Saturday 7am–dusk, Sunday 8am–3pm.
Vehicle Displays
- Over 2,000 classic cars, hot rods, street rods, custom vehicles, old trucks, and antique automobiles.
- Featured vehicle types include lead sleds, muscle cars, and a wide array of American classics—Chevrolet Bel Airs, Ford Roadsters, Oldsmobiles, Hudsons, and more.
Special Awards & Competitions
- Best of Show
- Chrome Duck Award
- Best Duck Display
- Cruise’In Award
- Muffler Rapping Contest: A unique showcase of mechanical artistry.
- Flame-Throwing Contest (Saturday at dusk): A crowd favorite, held after dark for maximum effect.
Swap Meet & Vendor Markets
- Swap Meet: Huge selection of automotive parts, memorabilia, and collectibles—400+ vendors in recent years.
- Crafts & Commercial Vendors: Local artisans, food trucks, and businesses selling everything from souvenirs to specialty plates.
Live Entertainment
- Music: Live 50s and 60s bands and DJs perform throughout the weekend, enhancing the retro vibe.
- Family Activities: Interactive crafts, games, and photo opportunities.
Special Events
- Early Duck Cruise-In (Thursday night): Kick-off event for early arrivals, featuring a casual cruise and social gathering.
- Daily Cruise-Ins: Informal gatherings, parades, and opportunities to see the cars in motion.
Rough Event Schedule
| Day | Time | Event/Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Noon–Dusk | Early Duck Cruise-In, Registration Opens | Early arrivals, cruise, socializing, initial displays |
| Friday | 7am–Dusk | Show Hours, Swap Meet, Vendor Booths | Car displays, shopping, food, live music |
| Saturday | 7am–Dusk | Show Hours, Special Events, Flame-Throwing Contest | Main day for competitions, crowd favorites, evening highlight is flame-throwing |
| Sunday | 8am–3pm | Show Hours, Awards, Final Cruise-In | Last chance to see cars, award ceremonies, closing cruise |
Main Locations: Gas City Park (show, swap meet, vendors, entertainment, competitions)
History and Founding
Ducktail Run has grown from a local car enthusiast gathering into one of the largest and most respected classic car shows in the Midwest. The event’s origins trace back to a group of vintage car lovers in the Gas City area who sought to celebrate the golden age of American automotive culture. Over the years, the show expanded to include thousands of cars, elaborate swap meets, and a variety of entertainment, cementing its reputation as a must-attend event for collectors, restorers, and fans of classic American cars. The event’s name, “Ducktail Run,” reflects both the era of the vehicles and the playful, community-driven spirit at its heart. The show has become a cornerstone of the local identity, drawing visitors from across the country and fostering a unique blend of nostalgia, craftsmanship, and small-town hospitality.