Rat’s Nest Run-In 2026: Where Rust, Chrome and Horsepower Come Alive

Saturday, August 15th, my bro Brian and I headed over to the Blackthorne Resort in East Durham for the 17th Annual Rat’s Nest Run-In, and once again, this place proved why it has become one of the biggest and coolest Rat Rod and Hot Rod events around! 

With more than 500 Pre-’72 Hot Rods, this place was packed with incredible cars, crazy creations, rusty treasures and some of the coolest rides you’ll ever see.

There was so much more than just cars! The weekend featured a huge Hot Rod and Antique Swap Meet, hundreds of vendors, live pinstriping, a mobile tattoo parlor, live bands, Ratwood Derby races, a Pin-Up Contest, charity auction, cruise night, movie night and, of course, the legendary Burnout Pit. With lodging and hundreds of campsites right at the Blackthorne, you could make a whole weekend out of it.

One of the highlights for me was Saturday afternoon right after the National Anthem, when the Rat Rods fired up for a Red, White and Blue Burnout! Tire smoke filled the air as these wild machines laid down the rubber, and you could see the action from all over the resort. It was loud, crazy, patriotic and absolutely AWESOME!

I've been to the Rat’s Nest Run-In before, but honestly, this was the biggest and best one yet! Brian and I had a ball walking around, checking out the cars, talking with people and taking in everything this incredible event had to offer. I love watching great events grow bigger and better, and Rat’s Nest has definitely done that, it's become a monster! 

If you love Rat Rods, Hot Rods, old cars, Kustom Kulture, loud engines, tire smoke and just having a damn good time, Rat’s Nest Run-In is an event you do NOT want to miss! Bring the whole family, bring your friends, bring your ride and make a weekend of it. 

There’s something here for everyone!

Hopefully we'll see you all at Rat’s Nest Run-In next year! 

For more information and future event details, check out RatsNestRunIn.com. Come for the cars, stay for the party, and get ready for one hell of a weekend!

I am your Bro LJ James follow me at Facebook.com/LJJamesTheBikerDJ ;

And I will see you around the Mountain!