events

During Miatas at the Gap, we coordinate a range of meetups and events, contingent upon volunteer involvement. Our events list is updated as August approaches to ensure maximum participation from confirmed volunteers. Our events list is similar each year with variations in drives and meet-ups. If you have an event idea that's not listed, please reach out to us via our contact form no later than July 1st.

Miatas Before the Gap
Aug
6

Miatas Before the Gap

Join us for an exciting track day at Road Atlanta! With over an hour and 40 minutes of seat time, you'll experience the thrill of high-performance driving on one of the most iconic race tracks in the country. Whether you're a seasoned driver or new to the track, this event promises an unforgettable day of fast laps, friendly competition, and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience Road Atlanta!

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Lunch Run to Iron Works Grille
Aug
7

Lunch Run to Iron Works Grille

Join us for a lunch run to Iron Works Grille in Tellico. Everyone is welcomed and this drive is an easy pace designed so everyone can enjoy. Staging starts at 9:30AM and this drive is around 2 hours and 70 miles on way. This drive goes across the entire Cherohala Skyway and then we will enjoy lunch at Iron Works Grille.

Meet up 9.30a; Departure 10.00a

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Bridal Veil Falls Cruise
Aug
7

Bridal Veil Falls Cruise

Cruise from the top of Fontana Dam to Bridal Veil Falls to take pictures and hang out. Bring a bathing suit as there are many swimming holes to stop and take a dip if you desire! 

Parking at the falls can be tight so we’re capping this drive at 50 cars! 

Meet up 10.15a; Departure 10.30a

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Sunset Run
Aug
7

Sunset Run

Our most popular run at MATG and the “first'' official event of MATG. This is a group drive leaving from the Fontana Village General Store to the Cherohala Skyway. Our arrival time will allow for a gorgeous view of the sunset. Staging starts at 6:30PM and the drive is normally an hour and around 40 miles one way. We pull off at Santeetlah Scenic Pulloff and overflow cars stop at the Sunset Overlook. |

Meet at 6.30p; Departure 7.00p

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Bonfire
Aug
7

Bonfire

Do you want to chill out and enjoy the sounds of Miatae mixed with nature and recap your amazing day or plan for tomorrow? Come hang out by the fire and relax courtesy of Miatas at the Gap.

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Balsam Overlook BRP Run
Aug
8

Balsam Overlook BRP Run

This will be a slow speed cruise up the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Richland Balsam overlook, the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and views of the Smokie mountains on this run.

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Lifted Miatas at the Gap
Aug
8

Lifted Miatas at the Gap

Join us for the Lifted Miata Meets & Cruise on Thursday, Aug. 7th at 10.00am during the weekend of Miatas at the Gap event. Please note that this is an Offroad Trails and will require that you must have a lifted kit on your miata. Stock suspension will get you stuck on the offroad trail. The meet will begin at 9am, followed by the cruise. Be prepared for an all-day event and bring your own food, water, and make sure to fill up your gas beforehand. The meeting spot is the Boat Dock down the road from Fontana Village, near the bottom of the Fontana Dam.

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FRIDAY MORNING SPIRITED RUN
Aug
8

FRIDAY MORNING SPIRITED RUN

Our annual spirited drive to various twisty roads in the area. We have a firm limit of 40 cars allowed due to traffic. Meet at 9:30AM for staging and the drive leaves at 10:00 AM SHARP. Friendly reminder, this is a SPIRITED run and when staging you should be considerate of your own pace. 

Meet at 9.30a; Departure at 10.00a

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Hoppy Trout Run
Aug
8

Hoppy Trout Run

This mildly spirited beer run takes us through the Nantahala Gorge to 28 towards Franklin dangerously close to Lazy Hiker, but that’s another run. We go on to Wayah Road across to Hoppy Trout in Andrews for beer and pizza. Bonus stop for anyone interested is Buck Bald in Murphy for dessert.

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LADIES MIATA MEET
Aug
8

LADIES MIATA MEET

Boat Ramp / Dock Near Fontana 
Dam on Moonshiner 28

Jo, a multi-event veteran, has taken the reins of an organized a meet for fellow female enthusiasts and to take a group picture. After the picture, there will be a drive to a local pineapple whip stand. The picture will take place from 1-1:30 and will leave right after to head for dessert. Meet at the Boat Ramp / Dock on Moonshiner 28 near Fontana Dam. 

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ND Run
Aug
8

ND Run

Do you have an ND and want to experience some of the best roads near Fontana Village? Join us for the ND run out NC 28 to the Crossroads of Time, down 129 through Robbinsville and then back to the Village in time for the photo via a short run up US 74 and back on the northern end of Moonshiner 28. 

Departure from the base of Fontana Dam

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NB Run
Aug
8

NB Run

Join me for a mildly spirited run starting at The HQ, leading us through Joyce Kilmer memorial forest to the Cherohala. From there we will stop at the Huckleberry Knob trailhead and enjoy a casual 1.7 mile roundtrip hike to the top. After the hike, we will ride back into Robbinsville for ice cream at Mountain View Creamery. 

Due to limited parking around the trailhead, max number of people I can have is around 12-15. Some drivers will have to park at the overflow lot approximately 500 feet from the trailhead. Remember to bring water and comfortable shoes as well. I'll have a radio for ease of communication in case the pack gets broken up. 

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Friday Afternoon Spirited Run
Aug
8

Friday Afternoon Spirited Run

Round 2 this year! We will leave by 1:45 pm for a twisty spirited journey through a variety of lesser known roads with much less traffic that will bring many smiles. This was an adventure last year and this years will be more adventurous! Numerous stops on the route. Would suggest bringing snacks. (Eating light is key) This is going to be a really Fun Run! I have been asked the past two years if there is a prerequisite. While technically none, here they are for maximum fun and safety: Good Brakes, Good Tires and Good Suspension. In that order!

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Florida Man Lunch Run to 129 Hub
Aug
8

Florida Man Lunch Run to 129 Hub

Looking for a late lunch run across the Dragon? This ride is open to anyone who embodies the FloridaMan Spirit. Everyone can hang out, get a bite, and head out when they like. This is usually more of a spirited run so if you don't want to be running a faster pace stay towards the back.

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Fat Buddies BBQ Run
Aug
8

Fat Buddies BBQ Run

The annual Friday afternoon fun run across Wayah Road for barbecue. Not to be confused with the Spirited runs this is an easy paced ride across one of the great roads in the area. Staging at 3.30 with a 4.00 departure, please let the leaders know how many are planning on eating at the restaurant.

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Hotbois in the Heat
Aug
8

Hotbois in the Heat

Hey all! Scottie (Spinnywoosh) and Dalton wanted to plan a fun meet at the infamous photo spot, the Tail of the Dragon Boat Ramp. Anyone with liveries, stickers, underglow from Spinnywhoosh or otherwise, come hang out and chat

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Blue vs. Yellow Meet
Aug
8

Blue vs. Yellow Meet

TrackPrep Performance is hosting a little Blue and Yellow miata meet! With an optional spirited Dragon run ending off Calderwood Highway.

Meet at 5.00p; Departure soon after

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Bridal Veil Falls Cruise pt. Deux
Aug
8

Bridal Veil Falls Cruise pt. Deux

A second cruise to Bridal Veil Falls from the base of Fontana Dam to take pictures and hang out. Bring a bathing suit as there are many swimming holes to stop and take a dip if you desire! 

Parking at the falls can be tight so we’re capping this drive at 50 cars! 

Meet up 10.15a; Departure 10.30a

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Friends of Bill W Meet
Aug
8

Friends of Bill W Meet

Bring a lawn chair and join us for a sober meet-up on the ball field at 7 pm on Friday, August 2nd. This meet up will closely follow the structure of a traditional Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, except with Miatas!

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Bonfire
Aug
8

Bonfire

Do you want to chill out and enjoy the sounds of Miatae mixed with nature and recap your amazing day or plan for tomorrow? Come hang out by the fire and relax courtesy of Miatas at the Gap.

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NC Run
Aug
9

NC Run

Back for year two! For all the NC owners who want to spend a lot of time on curves, this drive is for you. We will meet at the general store beginning by 745 am to line up and take off on this brisk paced ride. We will stop for fuel and restrooms at Robbinsville and then visit a mix of roads with twisties and more twisties. This will be a semi-spirited run. We will also stop at the Maple Springs Observation Deck at the top of the Chasing The Dragon Hillclimb for those keepsake pictures we treasure. We will be back for the picture.

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Annual MATG Group Photo
Aug
9

Annual MATG Group Photo

The annual photo of Miatas at the Gap.  The shutter snap is at 11:00 sharp! Make sure that you're there plenty early to get a good spot in the photo. Killboy will have them available on his website for anyone to purchase at great prices.

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Mazdaspeed Meetup
Aug
9

Mazdaspeed Meetup

Did you know that the Mazdaspeed Miata represents only about .005% of all the Miatas ever made? Come on over to the base of the dam and visit with other Mazdaspeed owners. Whether your Mazdaspeed is bone stock or highly modified, let’s celebrate one of the coolest Miatas ever made!

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Beer Swap and Wine Tasting
Aug
9

Beer Swap and Wine Tasting

Gather your favorite local adult beverages and share them with the crowd at the annual MATG Beer Swap and Wine Tasting during and after the raffle!

Event will end when everyone finishes.

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Annual Vendor Raffle
Aug
9

Annual Vendor Raffle

The annual raffle starts at 4:00PM and is composed of donated items from our vendors. Raffle tickets are $1 a piece and all proceeds go to our chosen recipient of the year as thanks for showing support for our community and the community we become a part of each year. 

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Miata Regatta
Aug
9

Miata Regatta

Hey yall!! It’s almost time for MATG again!! We out here with 757 Miata’s can’t wait, I just wanted to reach out and try and nail down a time and date for the miata regatta nc meet!

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Where Shall We Go?
Aug
9

Where Shall We Go?

Last year this was a blast! We’ve only picked a starting point. Show up and discuss where you’d like to go with the run leader, Frank. The possibilities are endless as there are a lot of roads to pick from! Departure as soon as the plan is in place. And hopefully no rainstorm at dusk this time but if it happens, that’s ok!

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Ladies Foothills Parkway Run
Aug
9

Ladies Foothills Parkway Run

  • Foothills Parkway Southwest Entrance Sign Parking #1 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Kelsey, our social media specialist, will be leading a Ladies Run across the Foothills parkway. Staging starts at 6:30 PM, right where 129 and Foothills Parkway intersect and will leave promptly at 7:00. This run will be a casual cruise across the foothills and will take around an hour. The route is 33 miles to the far end of the Foothills. Search for “Foothills Parkway Southwest Entrance Sign Parking #1 in your GPS if you’re unfamiliar with the location (maps integration is being a pain).

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Farewell Fun Drive
Aug
10

Farewell Fun Drive

A farewell drive by visiting some less traveled gems of the road amidst the quiet mountains. We will first visit the 129 HUB for a short lunch and then take a scenic drive to this playground and then return back to Fontana. There are places to peel off if your destination is not back towards Fontana so stay as long as you can! If you can make this one, you will be glad you did!

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Fiddies for Life @ DGMR
Aug
3

Fiddies for Life @ DGMR

Want to see something besides a Miata or a slow moving two wheeled apparatus? Swing by DGMR to see the local minibike racing series; Fiddies 4 Life is a multi-part series that runs throughout the summer.

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S'mores Station
Aug
3

S'mores Station

What better to go with bonfires than s’mores? Moss Miata is providing supplies both Friday and Saturday while they last. Let’s toast up those ‘mallows while swapping stories.

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Ladies Foothills Parkway Run
Aug
3

Ladies Foothills Parkway Run

  • Foothills Parkway Southwest Entrance Sign Parking #1 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Kelsey, our social media specialist, will be leading a Ladies Run across the Foothills parkway. Staging starts at 6:30 PM, right where 129 and Foothills Parkway intersect and will leave promptly at 7:00. This run will be a casual cruise across the foothills and will take around an hour. The route is 33 miles to the far end of the Foothills. Search for “Foothills Parkway Southwest Entrance Sign Parking #1 in your GPS if you’re unfamiliar with the location (maps integration is being a pain).

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NB Spirited Run: The Sequel
Aug
3

NB Spirited Run: The Sequel

This is the spiritual successor to the NB Spirited Run of last year (those who were there remember)! Closing out the week with a simple spirited run through local backroads, passing through Franklin for fuel and ending at the Fontana Dam around 7:00. Those interested can continue from there through the Dragon and up Foothills parkway for one of the best sunset views in the area! This will be a spirited run, but with a high emphasis on safety. Stage and drive according to your ability; and it’s HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to bring a radio to stay in communication.

Meet at 3.45p; Departure at 4.00p

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NA Meet Up
Aug
3

NA Meet Up

Pop up headlights only! 
NB’s, NC’s, ND’s, we love you too - but this one is for the superior Miata! (Of course you’re all welcome to show up, just park on the other side 😉)

Meet up at 1.00p

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Suspension Tech Seminar
Aug
3

Suspension Tech Seminar

Want to enhance your knowledge from some of the best in the business? Swing by the 949 booth either Friday or Saturday at 10.00a for a brief Suspension Tech Seminar that includes a Q&A session!

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Drivers' Safety Meeting
Aug
3

Drivers' Safety Meeting

While we’re all milling about early in the morning it’s always good to hear some things to keep all of us safe driving on these amazing roads. Graham County Rescue Squad will cover all safety topics but we have been made aware that a heavy LEO presence is to be expected this year for a few reasons. New pavement means that the nuances you may know well aren’t the same; Incidents including fatalities are up this year over past year and we all want to make it home safe. Ride your own ride!

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MATG Poker Scramble
Aug
3

MATG Poker Scramble

Stop by the SNS booth and pickup a Scorecard between 8.00a and 5.00p from Jamie and try your hand against others for a prize! Our first Poker Scramble includes multiple stops (included on the scorecard) to make the best hand and see some of the area sights. Winners will be drawn after completion of the raffle at 5.00p on Saturday.

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NC Run
Aug
3

NC Run

Back for year two! For all the NC owners who want to spend a lot of time on curves, this drive is for you. We will meet at the general store beginning by 745 am to line up and take off on this brisk paced ride. We will stop for fuel and restrooms at Robbinsville and then visit a mix of roads with twisties and more twisties. This will be a semi-spirited run. We will also stop at the Maple Springs Observation Deck at the top of the Chasing The Dragon Hillclimb for those keepsake pictures we treasure. We will be back for the picture.

Meet at 7.45a; Departure at 8.00a

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S'mores Station
Aug
2

S'mores Station

What better to go with bonfires than s’mores? Moss Miata is providing supplies both Friday and Saturday while they last. Let’s toast up those ‘mallows while swapping stories.

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Bonfire
Aug
2

Bonfire

Do you want to chill out and enjoy the sounds of Miatae mixed with nature and recap your amazing day or plan for tomorrow? Come hang out by the fire and relax courtesy of Miatas at the Gap.

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Cornhole Tournament
Aug
2

Cornhole Tournament

2nd MATG Cornhole Tournament Sponsored By Palm Breeze Detailing & Car Care Specialists. Grab your partner and sign up for an evening of fun with all your Miata Friends. $10 a person or $20 a couple, located right in vendor alley Friday evening. If you don’t have a partner we will find you one. Proceeds will benefit Blount County and or Graham County Rescue. Sign up sheets will be located at the registration tent or at the Palm Breeze Detailing Booth. Even if you don’t play, please come on out and pick a team and cheer them on. Bring a chair your beverage and be ready to have some Dragon Slayer Fun with our Miata Enthusiasts with a game of Cornhole!

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Friday afternoon Spirited Run
Aug
2

Friday afternoon Spirited Run

We will leave at 3 pm for a twisty spirited journey through some known and equally as fun lesser known roads with much less traffic that will bring many smiles and much joy. Gas stops on the route. Would suggest bringing a snack as well. This is going to be a really Fun Run!

Meet at 2.45p; Departure at 3.00p

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NB Cruise
Aug
2

NB Cruise

We all know that this is the superior 1.8L chassis, so let's indulge on that and enjoy some twisty roads, good conversations, and some great views. This 2.5 hr run will start at the Boat Ramp on 28, lead into Robbinsville, then cut off onto the Cherohala. After a ride through the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, we'll stop at the Maple Springs Observatory Deck, and then finish our run at the end of the dragon at the Tabcat boat ramp or one of the pull offs further down the lake.

Meet up 2.15p; Departure 2.45p

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Florida Man Lunch Run to 129Hub
Aug
2
to Aug 3

Florida Man Lunch Run to 129Hub

Looking for a late lunch run across the Dragon? This ride is open to anyone who embodies the FloridaMan Spirit. Everyone can hang out, get a bite, and head out when they like. This is usually more of a spirited run so if you don't want to be running a faster pace stay towards the back.

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Suspension Tech Seminar
Aug
2

Suspension Tech Seminar

Want to enhance your knowledge from some of the best in the business? Swing by the 949 booth either Friday or Saturday at 10.00a for a brief Suspension Tech Seminar that includes a Q&A session!

View Event →
Drivers' Safety Meeting
Aug
2

Drivers' Safety Meeting

While we’re all milling about early in the morning it’s always good to hear some things to keep all of us safe driving on these amazing roads. Blount County Rescue Squad will cover all safety topics but we have been made aware that a heavy LEO presence is to be expected this year for a few reasons. New pavement means that the nuances you may know well aren’t the same; Incidents including fatalities are up this year over past year and we all want to make it home safe. Ride your own ride!

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Car Wash Station
Aug
2
to Aug 3

Car Wash Station

We all know how much we like to keep our Miatae fresh and clean looking. When you don’t have time for a full detail swing by the Fontana Car Wash Station with additional products provided by Moss Motors while supplies last. Located by the Putt Putt look out for the new products and please leave some for the next enthusiast.

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Balsam Overlook BRP Run
Aug
2

Balsam Overlook BRP Run

This will be a slow speed cruise up the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Richland Balsam overlook, the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and views of the Smoky Mountains on this run.

Meet up at 7.30a; Departure at 8.00a

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Sunset Run
Aug
1

Sunset Run

Our most popular run at MATG and the “first'' official event of MATG. This is a group drive leaving from the Fontana Village General Store to the Cherohala Skyway. Our arrival time will allow for a gorgeous view of the sunset. Staging starts at 6:30PM and the drive is normally an hour and around 40 miles one way. We pull off at Santeetlah Scenic Pulloff and overflow cars stop at the Sunset Overlook. 

Meet at 6.30p; Departure 7.00p

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NC MEET UP
Aug
5

NC MEET UP

Meet at the dam basin parking, or that area by the parking lot for the boat meet!

An NC Miata meet for fellow boat owners and captains! Would love to see all the NC’s come out to the meet, park and meet other 3rd gen owners!

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Lazy Hiker Brewery Drive
Aug
5

Lazy Hiker Brewery Drive

  • Meet Up at Robbinsville Elementary School (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

A nice Saturday drive for lunch and a beer (for those of age) to Lazy Hiker Brewing in Franklin, NC via US 129, US 74 and NC 28. Great scenery abounds along the twisties, join up to see some roads beyond the Dragon!

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Bridal Veil Falls Cruise
Aug
4

Bridal Veil Falls Cruise

A drive down towards Highlands, NC via Moonshiner/Hellbender 28 to see one of the area's attractions. While you can no longer drive behind the falls, you can still walk behind them for a great picture! After checking out the falls you can stay and grab food at Highlands Smokehouse or head back with to FVR with a small group via Wayah Rd.

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