About the Event The Ducktail Run Rod & Custom Car Show is one of the Midwest's premier automotive celebrations, drawing over 50,000 visitors and more than 2,500 vehicles to the charming town of Gas City each late September. This isn't just a car show—it's a four-day automotive festival where passionate collectors, builders, and enthusiasts gather to celebrate American hot rod and custom car culture. The event welcomes vehicles from 1972 and earlier, with special allowances for chopped, channeled, sectioned, and tubbed vehicles that represent the pinnacle of custom automotive artistry. What makes Ducktail Run truly special is its inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere. Unlike many car shows, spectators enjoy free admission, making it accessible to everyone. Attendees speak of the event as a reunion of sorts—a place where car enthusiasts return year after year to reconnect with friends, share stories about their vehicles, and celebrate a shared passion for classic American automotive culture. The event has earned a reputation for bringing communities together and creating lasting memories. ## The Surrounding Area Gas City is a historic small town of about 6,000 residents nestled along the banks of the Mississinewa River in Grant County, roughly 70 miles northeast of Indianapolis. The town has deep roots in American history, having been established in 1882 following the discovery of natural gas in the region. Though the natural gas industry declined, Gas City has maintained its character as a genuine piece of Americana, and the community embraces the Ducktail Run as a vital economic and cultural event. The event takes place at the scenic Eugene "Beaner" Linn Park, a beautiful 90-acre venue shaded by mature trees and featuring a peaceful duck and swan-filled lake alongside the river. The park's natural beauty provides an idyllic setting for the automotive spectacle. Gas City's location near Fairmount, home to the James Dean Festival, makes the area a destination for classic car enthusiasts during late September. ## Activities & Attractions The Ducktail Run offers far more than just cars on display. Throughout the four-day event, you'll experience: Car Shows & Cruising: Browse thousands of meticulously restored and custom vehicles parked throughout the park. Many cars actively cruise the nearly one-mile paved road circling the pond, allowing you to see them in motion and appreciate the craftsmanship up close. Flame-Throwing Competition: One of the event's most thrilling attractions, this Saturday night spectacle features cars equipped with flame kits competing to create the most impressive displays. Local car clubs bring out their "big guns" with injected flames shooting over 30 feet into the air—it's like a Fourth of July celebration with automotive flair. Massive Swap Meet: With over 400 vendors, the swap meet is a treasure trove for car enthusiasts. You'll find vintage and modern car parts, performance upgrades, tools, garage memorabilia, and automotive collectibles. Live Entertainment & Atmosphere: The event features period music from the 1960s and 70s, and many attendees dress in vintage styles, creating an immersive retro experience. A petting zoo operates near the car show for family entertainment. ## Schedule & Logistics The Ducktail Run runs Thursday through Sunday in late September. An early Duck Cruise kicks off Thursday evening, with the official show beginning Friday. Most major activities and the flame-throwing competition occur throughout the weekend, with steady car cruising all four days. Admission: Spectator admission is completely free. Vehicle entry is $35 for the entire weekend, with flexibility to come and go as you please. Parking: Spectator parking is limited within the park, but nearby residential areas offer yard parking for $3-$5 per space. Plan to arrive early for premium viewing locations. ## History & Heritage The Ducktail Run began in 1995 when organizers threw flyers around the community and were amazed when over 1,600 cars showed up for that first year. What started as a local initiative has blossomed into one of the country's premier rod and custom car shows. Originally called the Rebel Run in the early 1990s, the event has grown steadily, regularly attracting record-breaking numbers of vehicles and visitors. By the early 2010s, the show was regularly exceeding 3,000 vehicles, with organizers continually setting new attendance records. The event has become a cherished tradition that revitalizes Gas City's economy each September, benefiting local restaurants, hotels, convenience stores, and businesses throughout the community. For many participants and spectators, Ducktail Run has become more than an event—it's an annual family reunion celebrating the artistry, passion, and community spirit that defines American car culture.