LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The 2026 Mid America Trucking Show (MATS) is set to launch Thursday morning — along with the 35th annual PKY Truck Beauty Championship. The three-day show runs from March 26-28 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Each year, the show invites fleets, owner-operators, custom builders and truck enthusiasts from across North America to compete, observe and celebrate the comradery and innovation of heavy-duty trucks.
This year’s PKY Championship promises even more excitement, as the Big Rig Build-Off returns for 2026, along with the PKY Light Show, PKY Parade, and the PKY Awards Ceremony. Follow MATS on Facebook and Instagram for updates about the builders and more.
Here’s a quick rundown of this year’s show highlights:
2026 Big Rig Build-Off – March 26-27, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and March 28, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Big Rig Build-Off — held on the show lot (aka “Lot N”) — pits four of the industry’s most talented and innovative builders in a winner-takes-all competition that is the highlight of the PKY Truck Beauty Championship. Each custom build will be evaluated on creativity, craftsmanship, and overall execution. The winner will take home a $20,000 cash prize.
PKY Light Show – March 26, dark-9:30 p.m.
Come on out to the show lot Wednesday evening for a dazzling nighttime display. This year’s contest entrants will illuminate the show grounds, highlighting custom lighting, designs and unique features in a spectacular visual presentation.
PKY Awards Ceremony – March 28, 10 a.m.
Don’t miss the big awards ceremony on Saturday, where we’ll recognize winners across multiple categories including Best of Show and People’s Choice. It’s time to honor the skill, creativity and dedication of the builders and owners of the vehicles displayed in this year’s PKY Truck Beauty Championship.
PKY Parade – March 28, 7:15-8:15 p.m.
The annual PKY parade, presented by Big Rig Videos, takes place on the parking lot outside the Circle of Champions. The celebratory procession of competing and featured trucks proceeds around the show grounds, giving attendees a chance to see each rig up close and appreciate the artistry and detail of every entry.
“The PKY Truck Beauty Championship is more than a competition—it’s an industry spectacle that brings together builders, owners, drivers and fans to showcase the best in truck design and craftsmanship,” said Toby Young, President of MATS. “We’re excited to welcome the custom truck enthusiast community back to Louisville in 2026 and raise the bar even higher.”
For more information about this year’s championship, visit truckingshow.com/pky-truck-beauty.
Linda Garner-Bunch has been with The Trucker since 2020, picking up the reins as managing editor in 2022. Linda has nearly 40 years of experience in the publishing industry, covering topics from the trucking and automotive industry to employment, real estate, home decor, crafts, cooking, weddings, high school sports — you name it, she’s written about it. She is also an experienced photographer, designer and copy editor who has a heartfelt love for the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-suite.
