Miatas at the Gap 2025 Recap + What to Expect for 2026

Every August, hundreds of Mazda MX-5 Miata enthusiasts gather in the Smoky Mountains to celebrate their love for the world’s most beloved roadster. Miatas at the Gap (MATG) is more than just a car meet – it’s a tradition, a family reunion, and a bucket-list event for every Miata driver. With 318 curves in just 11 miles, the legendary Tail of the Dragon sets the stage for an unforgettable weekend of spirited drives, community, and celebration.

Miatas at the Gap 2025 – 29th Edition

The 29th annual Miatas at the Gap took place from August 7–10, 2025, with its home base at the beautiful Fontana Village Resort in North Carolina. This year’s event was one of the biggest yet, bringing together drivers from all across the United States (and beyond).

Highlights included:

Scenic runs and cruises across Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, Wayah Road, and other breathtaking mountain routes.
Vendor Alley on Friday and Saturday, where participants browsed performance parts, unique Miata merchandise, and official MATG event gear.
Community gatherings, from the annual group photo to bonfires under the stars.
Themed meets and runs like the ND Run, Mazdaspeed Meetup, Blue vs. Yellow Meet, Ladies Miata Meet, and the ever-popular Bridal Veil Falls Cruise.

For many, MATG is not just about the drive – it’s about connecting with a community that shares the same passion.

(Looking to upgrade your MX-5 for next year? Check out our Miata Performance Parts to get your car ready for the mountains.)

Miatas at the Gap

Special Drives and Experiences

One of the best things about MATG is the variety of runs that cater to every kind of Miata driver. Whether you’re chasing the adrenaline of a spirited morning run on the Dragon or enjoying a relaxed cruise to a waterfall, there’s something for everyone.

Popular 2025 runs included:

Friday Morning Spirited Run – for those who love the thrill of carving corners early in the day.
Hoppy Trout Run – a scenic drive ending with good food and drinks.
Ladies Miata Meet – showcasing the growing number of women in the Miata community.
Fat Buddies BBQ Run – combining two passions: Miatas and barbecue.

(Don’t forget to check out our Miata Apparel & Lifestyle Collection so you can look the part at your next meet!)

Miatas Before the Gap – A Perfect Warm-Up

The fun doesn’t start at the Gap itself. On August 6, 2025, the day before MATG, Miata enthusiasts gathered at Road Atlanta for Miatas Before the Gap, a track day organized by JZilla Track Days. This pre-event gave drivers the chance to push their cars to the limit on one of America’s most iconic racetracks before heading to the mountains.

For track-focused Miata owners, this is a must-do addition to the MATG experience.

Looking Ahead: Miatas at the Gap 2026 – The 30th Anniversary

As amazing as 2025 was, the excitement is already building for next year. Miatas at the Gap 2026 will take place from August 7–9, 2026, and it promises to be the biggest celebration yet as the event marks its 30th anniversary.

What to expect in 2026:

A larger and more diverse Vendor Alley, featuring more aftermarket Miata specialists.
Expanded community activities to celebrate the 30-year milestone.
Even more themed runs and group drives through the Smoky Mountains.
A chance to be part of history as MATG celebrates three decades of bringing Miata enthusiasts together.

(Stay up-to-date with future gatherings by checking our Miata Event Calendar.)

Why MATG Belongs on Every Miata Owner’s Bucket List

From the challenging curves of the Dragon to evenings by the bonfire, Miatas at the Gap is more than an event – it’s an experience.

It’s a place to test your skills, show off your car, discover new mods, and most importantly, connect with people who share your passion.

Whether you’ve been attending for years or are planning your very first trip, MATG 2026 is one event you don’t want to miss. Start prepping your Miata, book your stay at Fontana Village early, and get ready for the ride of your life.

For more details, visit the official event site at GapMiatas.com and don’t forget to share your own experiences with the community in our T opMiata Community.

Picture from https://www.gapmiatas.com/