Look, if you’re still calling them just "old trucks," you’re missing the point. For anyone deep in the square-body or Action Line world, 2025 is shaping up to be a massive year. The smell of unburnt premium fuel and the sound of a cammed LS swap idling in a parking lot—that’s the vibe. We aren't just talking about shiny paint here. We’re talking about the community that makes c10 truck shows 2025 worth the drive, the hotel costs, and the inevitable sunburn.
Why the C10 Scene is Exploding Right Now
The market for 1960–1987 Chevy and GMC trucks has gone absolutely nuclear. You’ve probably noticed. What used to be a $2,500 farm truck is now a $25,000 "project." Because of that, the shows have leveled up. They aren't just dusty swap meets anymore. They are full-blown lifestyle events.
Honestly, the 2025 season feels different. It’s less about who spent the most at a catalog shop and more about the "built not bought" ethos, even if that "built" involves a high-end chassis from GSI or Porterbuilt. People want to see the engineering. They want to see how you tucked those 22-inch wheels under a stock fender.
The Heavy Hitters: C10 Nationals and Beyond
If you only pick one event, most people gravitate toward the C10 Nationals. For 2025, the Texas event at Texas Motor Speedway remains the crown jewel. It’s huge. Like, intimidatingly huge. You’ll see thousands of trucks. It’s not just a show; it’s an autocross event, a drag race, and a massive burnout contest all wrapped into one weekend.
Then there’s the Salt Lake City leg. It’s a different vibe—cooler air, mountain backdrops, and a slightly more relaxed pace than the Texas heat.
C10s in the Park: The Texas Tradition
Down in Waxahachie, Get Toasted puts on C10s in the Park. This one is special. Why? Because it’s limited. They cap the entries. It’s held in a beautiful park with actual shade trees—a rarity in the truck show world. It’s probably the most "family-friendly" of the bunch, mostly because you aren't walking five miles across scorching asphalt.
But don't let the "park" name fool you. The quality of trucks here is insane. You’ll see trucks that were featured at SEMA just months prior sitting right next to a daily-driven patina truck that looks like it just rolled out of a barn. That’s the magic of the C10 community. No egos. Just trucks.
The Southeast Is Taking Over
The Smokey Mountains are basically the unofficial home of the lowered truck. C10s in the Smokies in Pigeon Forge is a staple. If you’ve never been to Pigeon Forge, imagine a mountain resort town that is completely overtaken by the sound of Chevy V8s. It’s chaotic in the best way possible.
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The "strip" is where the action happens at night. People set up lawn chairs just to watch the cruise. You’ll see trucks dragging frame, throwing sparks, and doing the "Carolina Squat" (though we don't talk about that last part much in the C10 world).
- Location: Pigeon Forge, TN
- The Vibe: Touristy but high-energy.
- Pro Tip: Book your hotel six months in advance. Seriously.
C10 Slobber: A Different Kind of Name
Yeah, the name is weird. But C10 Slobber in Arkansas has become a "must-attend" for the midwest crowd. It’s smaller than the Nationals, but it feels more intimate. You actually get to talk to the owners. You can ask about their suspension setup without being shoved aside by a crowd of influencers.
What Most People Get Wrong About 2025 Shows
A lot of newcomers think you need a $100k build to show up. That’s a lie.
Actually, the "Patina" movement is stronger than ever for the c10 truck shows 2025 circuit. A truck with original, faded paint, a clear coat, and a modern drivetrain is often more respected than a trailer queen. People love a story. They love seeing the dent your grandpa put in the tailgate in 1974.
Nuance matters here. There is a divide between the "purists" who want every bolt to be factory-correct and the "restomod" crowd. In 2025, you'll see these two worlds colliding more often. It’s not uncommon to see a bone-stock 1967 Longhorn parked next to a body-dropped 1985 Squarebody with a twin-turbo LS.
The Rise of the Suburban and Blazer
Don't be surprised to see a massive influx of K5 Blazers and Suburbans at these shows. While they aren't "C10s" by the strict definition (C means two-wheel drive, K means four-wheel drive), the community has fully embraced them. The 1967-1972 Suburbans are currently some of the most expensive vehicles at these auctions, and they'll be out in force in 2025.
Technical Trends to Watch For
If you’re heading to a show to get ideas for your own build, keep your eyes on these specific areas:
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1. Interior Integration: We’re moving away from the "tacked-on" tablet look. Look for 3D-printed dashes that make modern screens look factory.
2. Independent Rear Suspension (IRS): The days of the simple C-notch are fading for high-end builds. People are swapping in Corvette or aftermarket IRS systems to make these trucks handle like modern sports cars.
3. Electric Swaps: It’s controversial. People will grumble. But there will be at least a handful of EV-swapped C10s at the major 2025 shows. Whether you love the sound of a V8 or not, the engineering on these silent builds is worth a look.
How to Prepare Your Truck (and Yourself)
Driving your C10 to a show is a rite of passage. Trailering is fine, but there’s a certain respect earned when you drive 500 miles in a truck with no cruise control and questionable A/C.
If you are showing a truck in 2025, detail the wheel wells. Most people spend ten hours on the hood and zero on the frame. Judges notice. Even if you aren't looking for a trophy, a clean undercarriage makes a huge difference in how the "pros" view your build.
Bring a wagon. Not for your truck, but for your stuff. Walking around a swap meet or a massive show field carrying a heavy alternator or a bunch of merch is a rookie mistake.
Logistics and Planning
Most of these shows happen between April and October. The "season" kicks off with the Lone Star Throwdown (LST) in Conroe, Texas. While LST is for all types of lowered trucks, the C10 presence is massive. It’s often where the big shops debut their newest builds for the year.
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- February: Lone Star Throwdown (The "Unofficial" Opener)
- May: C10 Nationals (Texas)
- June: C10s in the Smokies
- September: C10s in the Park
The Reality of the "C10 Tax"
Let's be honest for a second. The popularity of these shows has driven prices through the roof. If you're going to a show hoping to find a "deal" in the swap meet, bring more cash than you think you need. The "C10 tax" is real. Parts that were $50 five years ago are $200 now.
However, the upside is the availability of parts. You can basically build a brand-new 1969 Chevy truck using nothing but a catalog. At the 2025 shows, pay attention to the vendors. Companies like Holley, Brothers Trucks, and LMC Truck usually have massive displays where you can actually touch the parts before you buy them. This saves you a fortune in shipping returns later.
Actionable Steps for Your 2025 Show Season
If you want to make the most of the c10 truck shows 2025 calendar, stop scrolling and start planning.
First, pick your "Big One." Don't try to hit every show or you'll burn out (and go broke). If you want the biggest crowd, go to the Nationals. If you want the best scenery, head to the Smokies.
Second, get your hotel now. Seriously. For events like C10s in the Park or LST, hotels within a 20-mile radius sell out months in advance.
Third, if you’re bringing a truck, finish the "small stuff" now. Don't be the person wiring your lights in the hotel parking lot at 2:00 AM the night before the show. We’ve all been there. It’s not fun.
Finally, engage with the community online before you go. Join the Facebook groups or the forums specific to the show. Often, there are "pre-show" cruises or meetups at local diners that aren't on the official flyer. That’s where the real bonds are formed.
The 2025 season isn't just about the metal. It’s about the people who keep these trucks on the road. Whether you’re driving a pristine '72 Cheyenne or a rusted-out '84 Scottsdale, just get out there. The trucks are the excuse, but the community is the reason to stay.