Pigeon Forge is a place where entertainment and dining collide in the most spectacular fashion. The town is famous for its dinner shows, a unique blend of a hearty, Southern-style meal and a dazzling live performance. From thrilling horse-riding stunts to hilarious comedy and swashbuckling pirates, there is a show to delight every member of the family. These productions are more than just a meal and a show; they are an experience, a memory in the making, and a quintessential part of any Smoky Mountain vacation. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned regular, the dinner shows of Pigeon Forge offer an evening of unforgettable fun and fantastic food.
Key Takeaways
- Pigeon Forge is renowned for its diverse and entertaining dinner shows.
- Shows range from equestrian extravaganzas and pirate adventures to comedy acts and lumberjack competitions.
- Most dinner shows include a multi-course Southern-style feast.
- Many shows offer discounts for groups, online booking, and through local coupon books.
Dolly Parton's Stampede: A Smoky Mountain Tradition
For many visitors, a trip to Pigeon Forge isn't complete without experiencing Dolly Parton's Stampede. This iconic dinner show has been a staple of Smoky Mountain entertainment for decades, and for good reason. The show is a grand spectacle of horsemanship, music, and friendly competition, all wrapped in a patriotic theme. As you enter the 35,000-square-foot arena, you are transported to a world of thrilling stunts and spectacular special effects. The show features 32 magnificent horses and a cast of talented riders who perform daring feats of skill and speed. The friendly rivalry between the North and the South, with audience members cheering for their respective sides, creates an electric atmosphere of excitement and fun.
The four-course feast is as much a part of the experience as the show itself. You will be served a whole rotisserie chicken, hickory-smoked barbecued pork loin, creamy vegetable soup, a homemade biscuit, corn on the cob, and a hot fluffy potato. And for dessert, a delicious apple turnover. It is a meal fit for a king, and you will need every bite to keep your energy up for all the cheering you will be doing. The Stampede is a fantastic choice for families, with its wholesome entertainment and engaging storyline. Children and adults alike will be captivated by the incredible horsemanship and the dazzling costumes.
Local Tip: Arrive early to enjoy the pre-show entertainment in the Saloon. You can meet the horses and enjoy some live music before the main event. It is a great way to get into the spirit of the show.
Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud: A Hilarious Family Squabble
Get ready for a foot-stompin’ good time at the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud. This show puts you in the middle of the legendary family feud, with a hilarious twist. The Hatfields and McCoys battle it out in a series of outrageous stunts, comedic antics, and musical performances. The show is packed with singing, dancing, and jaw-dropping feats of strength. One of the highlights is the 22-foot-deep swimming hole where the performers make a splash with their diving and water-based stunts. The show is highly interactive, with the audience encouraged to cheer for their chosen family. It is a rollicking, high-energy show that will have you laughing from beginning to end.
And then there is the food. The all-you-can-eat Southern feast is a highlight in itself. You will be treated to Feudin’ Fried Chick’n, Open Pit Pulled-to-Pieces Pork Barbeque, Southern Style Creamy Soup, Smashed Mashed Taters, cole slaw, and a dinner roll. It is a hearty and delicious meal that will satisfy even the biggest appetites. The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud is a great choice for families looking for a fun and lighthearted evening of entertainment. The show’s blend of comedy, action, and music makes it a hit with all ages.
Local Tip: The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud is part of a larger complex that includes other attractions. You can often find combo deals that include admission to the dinner show and other nearby activities.
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show: A Swashbuckling Adventure
Ahoy, mateys! Get ready for a swashbuckling adventure at the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. This action-packed show features the famous pirate Blackbeard and his quartermaster Calico Jack as they lead their crews in a battle for treasure. The show takes place in a 15-foot-deep indoor lagoon with two full-sized pirate ships. You will witness thrilling sword fights, incredible acrobatics, and daring high-dives. The show also features live animals, including sea lions and tropical birds, which add to the immersive experience. The stunning special effects, including fire and pyrotechnics, make this a truly spectacular show.
The four-course pirate feast is a bounty of delicious food. You will enjoy a Voyager Creamy Vegetable Soup, a Buccaneer Biscuit, Cracklin’ Pan-Fried Chicken, a Bone-in Pork Chop, Matey’s Mac ‘n’ Cheese, and a Walk the Plank Peach Turnover for dessert. It is a meal that will satisfy even the hungriest of pirates. Pirates Voyage is a fantastic choice for families who love action and adventure. The show’s thrilling stunts and engaging storyline will keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
Local Tip: For the best view of the action, try to get seats in the middle of the theater. And be sure to cheer for your crew, whether you are on the Crimson or Sapphire side!
The Comedy Barn: A Barrel of Laughs
If you are looking for a night of pure, unadulterated laughter, then The Comedy Barn is the place for you. This isn't a dinner show, but it is one of the most popular and beloved shows in Pigeon Forge. The Comedy Barn offers a clean, family-friendly comedy show that will have everyone in your group, from the youngest to the oldest, rolling in the aisles. The show is a variety act, featuring comedians, jugglers, ventriloquists, and even animal acts. The performers are incredibly talented and have a knack for getting the audience involved in the fun. The comedy is clean and wholesome, so you do not have to worry about any off-color jokes or inappropriate content.
While The Comedy Barn does not serve a full meal, they do have a concession stand where you can purchase snacks and drinks. The focus here is on the comedy, and the show delivers in spades. It is a great option for families who want to enjoy a night of entertainment without the commitment of a full dinner show. The Comedy Barn is a Pigeon Forge institution, and it is a must-see for anyone who loves to laugh.
Local Tip: The Comedy Barn is a great option for a rainy day or a night when you want a break from the bigger, more elaborate dinner shows. It is a more casual and relaxed experience, but just as entertaining.
Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud: An Axe-tion Packed Evening
For a taste of the great outdoors and some friendly, yet fierce, competition, Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud is a must-see. This unique show features real lumberjack athletes going head-to-head in a variety of thrilling events. You will witness incredible feats of strength and skill as the Dawson and McGraw families compete in events like the log roll, speed climb, and axe throw. The show is a high-energy display of athleticism and showmanship, with a healthy dose of comedy mixed in. The outdoor amphitheater is climate-controlled, so you can enjoy the show in comfort, no matter the weather.
The supper at Lumberjack Feud is a hearty, all-you-can-eat meal that is sure to satisfy. The menu features fried chicken, pulled pork, baked beans, mac and cheese, and a dessert. It is the perfect fuel for an evening of cheering on your favorite lumberjack family. The Lumberjack Feud is a great choice for families and anyone who enjoys a good old-fashioned competition. The show is a unique and exciting alternative to the more traditional dinner shows in Pigeon Forge.
Local Tip: After the show, you can try your hand at some of the lumberjack events at the adventure park next door. It is a great way to burn off some of that delicious supper and see if you have what it takes to be a lumberjack.
Country Tonite: A Celebration of American Music
For a true taste of country music and a whole lot more, Country Tonite is a must-see show in Pigeon Forge. This high-energy production has been voted the “Best Show in the Smokies” time and time again, and it is easy to see why. The show features a talented cast of singers, dancers, and musicians who perform a wide variety of music, from classic country to modern hits, as well as gospel and patriotic tunes. The show is known for its dynamic choreography, stunning costumes, and incredible live band. The comedy acts interspersed throughout the show provide a lighthearted and fun-loving atmosphere.
While Country Tonite is not a dinner show, there are concessions available for you to enjoy during the performance. The focus here is on the music and the entertainment, and the show delivers an unforgettable experience. Country Tonite is a great choice for music lovers of all ages. The show’s blend of country, gospel, and patriotic music, combined with its energetic dancing and comedy, makes for a truly entertaining evening.
Local Tip: Country Tonite often features guest performers and special events, so be sure to check their schedule before you go. You might be able to catch a one-of-a-kind performance.
Smoky Mountain Opry: A Variety Spectacular
The Smoky Mountain Opry is a true variety show in every sense of the word. This grand production features a little bit of everything, from country and rock ‘n’ roll to gospel and movie themes. The talented cast of singers, dancers, and musicians will take you on a journey through the decades with their incredible performances. The show is a visual feast, with dazzling costumes, state-of-the-art special effects, and a live band that will have you tapping your feet. The show also features comedians, jugglers, and other specialty acts that add to the variety and excitement.
Like The Comedy Barn and Country Tonite, the Smoky Mountain Opry is not a dinner show, but concessions are available. The show’s focus is on providing a high-quality entertainment experience, and it succeeds on every level. The Smoky Mountain Opry is a great choice for those who appreciate a big, Broadway-style production with a diverse range of music and entertainment. The show’s high production value and talented cast make it a memorable experience for all.
Local Tip: The Smoky Mountain Opry’s Christmas show is a particularly spectacular event, featuring the area’s largest living nativity. If you are visiting during the holidays, it is a must-see.
How to Get Discount Tickets
Everyone loves a good deal, and with a little planning, you can save money on your dinner show tickets. Many of the shows offer discounts for booking online in advance. You can also find coupons in the numerous coupon books and brochures that are available at visitor centers and hotels throughout Pigeon Forge. Websites like PigeonForgetnGuide.com and MyPigeonForge.com are also great resources for discount tickets and promo codes. If you are traveling with a large group of 20 or more, be sure to ask about group discounts, as most shows offer special pricing for large parties. Some shows also offer combo deals with other attractions, so be sure to look for those if you are planning to visit multiple attractions.