5 Truck Shows You Don't Want to Miss in 2027

What are the best truck shows in America? 

Over the years, we've visited them all at one point or another.

Here's a full breakdown of what each U.S. truck show has to offer and how to choose the best one for 2027 and beyond.  

Best Truck Shows to Visit in 2027

#1. Guilty By Association Truck Show (GBATS)

GBATS is hosted by 4 State Trucks in Joplin, Missouri.

It began around 2008 as a small customer appreciation event for our drivers. It quickly became a tradition, growing bigger and better with every following event: more trucks, more activities, and larger crowds. 

This bi-annual trucking festival is dubbed "the working man's truck show."

The 2025 event featured over 690 custom trucks, with over 250 of those driving in the downtown Joplin convoy.

GBATS seamlessly combines cool custom trucks, live entertainent, fun outdoor activities, exhibitor booths, and a community atmosphere together  

#2. Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS)

MATS needs no introduction.

They're frequently dubbed the number one truck show in America. This is the largest convention that the trucking industry has in the U.S.

MATS drops to #2 here only because it is presented as a massive, industry-heavy trade show for the trucking industry, and a custom truck show festival on the backend.

However, it still offers an incredible, can't-miss experience through the Paul K. Young (PKY) Truck Beauty Championship, which features elite custom competition trucks, a nighttime light show, and a truck parade.

#3. Shell Rotella SuperRigs

SuperRigs has strong roots in celebrating working owner-operators. Its signature feature is the annual SuperRigs calendar shoot, where 12 drivers are selected for global inclusion.

The 2026 program featured more than $25,000 in cash and prizes across categories like Best Chrome, Best Lights, and Best of Show.

#4. 75 Chrome Shop Truck Show

It takes place at the 75 Chrome Shop near I-75 (Exit 329) in Wildwood, FL. This show places custom-truck styling at the center of the visit.

It features a great mix of older custom builds and brand-new long-hood rigs competing for the Prime Shine trophy and People’s Choice awards.

#5. Walcott Truckers Jamboree

Hosted at the famous Iowa 80 Truckstop in Walcott, IA, this event began in 1979 to celebrate truck drivers.

It combines a Super Trucks Beauty Contest with a massive antique truck display.

Why Attend Guilty By Association Truck Show?

Guilty By Association Truck Show is characterized by three core themes: 

1. Family: incredible sense of community where truckers are celebrated.
2. Fun: laid-back, zero-stress show.
3. Custom Trucks: deep custom chrome stylings found on vintage and modern big rigs.

Everyone has their own reason for being a GBATS super-fan.

Tony Pettibon, owner-operator at Debrick Truck Line Company, runs a 1998 Peterbilt 378 and has attending the show for over 10 years.

“I like looking at some of the different details that people have done. There is some serious, seriously beautiful detail," said Pettibon. 

Jacob Bonham, owner of Bonham Transportation, LLC in Carthage, Texas, runs a 2007 Peterbilt 379 Legacy truck dubbed the “HaterMade.”

"You get to meet people you've never met," said Bonham. "You maybe see them online or they see you online. For me, that’s what it’s about…that’s the best thing about it.”

GBATS Truck Show Competition Breaks the Rules

Unlike traditional truck shows, GBATS isn't a big pressure situation where judges crawl under the truck to inspect it and score it. 

GBATS has been a pioneer in this regaurd. As a result, more and more truck shows across America are following by example: no judges, no score cards.

Having fun is the focus. 

The trucks still compete through the People's Choice Awards.

The attendees and truck owners alike vote on their favorite truck by type: bobtail, flatbed, etc. 

The coolest-looking trucks get photographed and added to next year's 4 State Trucks calendar edition. 

GBATS vs MATS?

While MATS is, without a doubt, the industry king in terms of traditional truck show conventions, GBATS takes the #1 spot solely because of its unique atmosphere that focuses on celebrating truck drivers and enveloping visitors in an atmosphere of custom truck culture.

Instead of walking through indoor convention halls and visiting various truck industry brand booths, GBATS gives you an outdoor, family-friendly festival with truck part vendor booths standing just outside of the 4 State Trucks retail store. 

It is designed for visitors who want to get up close and personal with custom-built big rigs, from vintage W900 models to souped-up 389 Peterbilts, shake hands with the truckers who built them, and participate in hands-on games like axe throwing, tire rolling, and cargo strap competitions.

Behind-the-Scenes Deep-Dive: GBATS Events and Activities

Plan a trip to Southwest Missouri, near the borders of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Arkansas.

Spend a weekend immersing yourself in custom-truck culture up close and personal.

The atmosphere is a lot like going to an outdoor festival: fun family-friendly events, food trucks, live music concerts, and hundreds of custom truck builds. 

EVENTS:

The Trucker Olympics

The trucker olympics is a big part of the event. It involves a series of mini games and competitions, like tire toss and the winch strap rollup race to name a few. 

Kid-Friendly Activities

There's always something to do that keeps the entire family engaged, especially kids. 

Petting zoos, mini train rides, tricycle races, ice cream trucks, face painting, and more. 

There are also mini-games and activities for spouses and older kids, like axe throwing, for one. 

Food Trucks Galore

Semi Truck Burnouts

Motorcross Stunt Shows

Truck Lights and Exhaust Shows

Live Music Shows

Every evening, after the main events are done, the bands play. Whether it's a ZZ Top cover band or a popular country artist, there's always a great show to end the night. 

If you're looking for something different, there are international truck shows and fleet-centric conventions to attend in 2027. 

Year 2027-28: International Trucking Shows to Consider

 2027 U.S. Trucking & Fleet Conferences

Plan Your GBATS Truck Show Visit for 2027

GBATS is an easy trip to plan and budget. Stop by the largest truck show in Southwest Missouri. Check out our list of frequently asked questions about GBATS before you go.