Ford Lovers Take Over Eureka Springs for Thunder on the Mountain
If you own a Ford and haven’t heard of Thunder on the Mountain, this is your sign to finally make the drive. Every Memorial Day weekend, Eureka Springs transforms into a gathering spot for Ford and Mustang enthusiasts from across the region — and the 2026 edition is shaping up to be a solid four days of driving events, car shows, and good company.
The Deets
📅 Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 12 PM – Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 3 PM
📍 Pine Mountain Village, 2075 E. Van Buren, Eureka Springs, AR 72632-8807
🚗 Open to all Ford-powered or Ford-bodied vehicles
🎟️ Free for Spectators | Pre-registration $20/car | day-of $25/car
Hit the Road Before the Show
Thursday opens the weekend with two driving events that take you through the scenic roads around Eureka Springs — the Fuel Mileage Run and the Trivia Circle the Lake Cruise, each priced at $10 per car. You can sign up for either on the day of the event.
Friday shifts into the Team Shelby Road Rally Poker Run, departing from Pine Mountain Village from 9 AM to 4 PM at $20 per poker hand, with a two-hand limit. When the run wraps, the Meet & Greet takes over from 4 to 8 PM. The location is still to be determined — keep an eye on the MBOC Facebook page and website for updates.
Show Day on Saturday
The car show runs on Saturday, May 30 from 8 AM to 3 PM at Pine Mountain Village. Gates open at 8 AM sharp, with only workers and vendors allowed in before then — no exceptions. If you’re coming with a group, plan to arrive together because spots will not be held. Canopies are not allowed on the show field, so factor that into your setup plans. Parade staging also takes place on-site.
Sunday Send-Off
The weekend closes on a community note with a charity breakfast from 8 to 10 AM at Grassy Knob Community Center and Point West Resort. A $10 donation per person goes directly to local causes. Both the Friday Meet & Greet and Sunday breakfast require registration for headcount, so don’t skip that step.
Before You Register
A few deadlines to keep on your radar:
May 4 — Cutoff for food events and T-shirt size orders; payment must be received by this date. No refunds after this date.
May 18 — Final deadline for car show and driving event registration
On-site registration is available Thursday and Friday; Saturday at Room 104, Pine Mountain
Online payments accepted via PayPal, Venmo, debit, or credit card; cash accepted on-site
Prefer to pay by check? Exit the payment screen without clearing your information and you’ll receive a mail-in link. Make checks payable to MBOC and mail to: Attn: Fran Rutherford, 10906 S. Perdue Rd, Grain Valley, MO 64029
Where to Stay
Book your room at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks, 207 W. Van Buren St. Call 479-253-9768 and ask for the Mustang Group Rate. Reservations must be made by phone — the group rate is not available online.
A Weekend That Gives Back
Thunder on the Mountain is hosted by the Midwest Blue Oval Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Proceeds from the event support two local organizations: the Grassy Knob Volunteer Fire Association and the Flint Street Fellowship Food Pantry.
Whether you’re trailering in a show car or just cruising up for the weekend, lock in your spot now and make it a Memorial Day worth remembering. Register at the link here and follow the Midwest Blue Oval Club on Facebook for schedule updates as the event gets closer.
