Quick Facts
About Dinner Shows
Pigeon Forge is home to some of the most famous dinner show theaters in the country. These unique entertainment experiences combine a full meal with spectacular performances, creating memorable evenings for the whole family. From horse-riding stunts to slapstick comedy to musical extravaganzas, there is a show to match every taste.
Dinner shows are a Smoky Mountain tradition dating back decades. The format is simple but effective: you are seated at tables facing a stage or arena, served a hearty meal while watching top-notch entertainment. The experience typically lasts 2 to 2.5 hours, making it a perfect evening activity after a day of hiking or attractions.
Approx drive time from our cabins: 20 to 25 minutes to the Pigeon Forge Parkway where most dinner shows are located.
Book your dinner show tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer and holidays. Popular shows can sell out days or even weeks ahead. Most venues offer online booking with the ability to select your seating section.
Dolly Parton's Stampede
The Experience
Dolly Parton's Stampede is the most famous dinner show in the Smokies and one of the most visited attractions in the entire region. The show takes place in a massive 35,000-square-foot arena where guests are divided into North and South teams to cheer on their favorite performers in a friendly competition.
The show features 32 magnificent horses and riders performing remarkable stunts, aerial performances, music, comedy, and special effects. The horses are the true stars, demonstrating incredible training and athleticism as they race, dance, and perform intricate choreography.
The Meal
Dinner is a generous four-course feast served while you watch the show. The menu includes a whole rotisserie chicken, hickory-smoked pork loin, corn on the cob, herb-basted potato, homemade biscuit, creamy vegetable soup, and a dessert. Vegetarian options are available with advance notice. No utensils are provided; you eat with your hands, which is part of the fun.
Best For
- Families with children of any age
- Horse lovers
- Anyone wanting the "must-do" Pigeon Forge experience
- Large groups looking for shared fun
Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud
The Experience
Based on the legendary family feud from Appalachian history, the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud brings this famous rivalry to life with comedy, stunts, music, and audience participation. Like Stampede, guests are divided into teams (Hatfields vs. McCoys) and encouraged to cheer loudly for their side.
The show features singing, dancing, stunts including diving from high platforms, comedy skits, and impressive musical numbers. The mountain theme resonates with the Smoky Mountain setting, and the show embraces its Appalachian roots with good humor. Swimming pigs, diving dogs, and other animals add to the entertainment.
The Meal
The all-you-can-eat feast is Southern comfort food at its finest: fried chicken, pulled pork, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, coleslaw, homemade bread, and a special dessert. Like Stampede, utensils are not provided. Vegetarian options are available with advance notice.
Best For
- Families wanting comedy mixed with spectacle
- Anyone who appreciates slapstick humor
- Groups looking for audience participation fun
- Those interested in Appalachian history and folklore
Stay Close to the Entertainment
Our cabins are just 20 minutes from Pigeon Forge dinner shows. Enjoy an evening of entertainment and relax in your private hot tub afterward!
Check Cabin AvailabilityComedy Barn
The Experience
The Comedy Barn is a pure comedy show rather than a dinner theater, though concessions are available. It is included here because it is one of the most popular evening entertainment options in Pigeon Forge. The show features clean, family-friendly comedy including ventriloquism, physical comedy, audience participation, live country and gospel music, and talented comedians.
What sets Comedy Barn apart is its focus on clean humor that works for all ages. There is no blue material, making it comfortable to bring grandparents and young children to the same show. The performers are highly skilled at working the crowd and keeping everyone laughing.
The Format
Unlike the dinner theaters, Comedy Barn operates as a traditional theater show without a meal. Popcorn, drinks, and snacks are available for purchase. Shows typically run about 2 hours with an intermission.
Best For
- Multi-generational families wanting clean comedy
- Anyone who prefers not to eat during shows
- Groups who already ate dinner elsewhere
- Comedy lovers of all ages
Other Shows
Smoky Mountain Opry
A large-scale musical variety show featuring country, rock, gospel, and pop music performed by a talented cast. The show includes dancing, elaborate costumes, and special effects. It is a great choice for music lovers who want variety.
Pirates Voyage
Another Dolly Parton production, Pirates Voyage features a battle between crimson and sapphire pirates on a full-sized indoor lagoon. Acrobatics, diving, sea lions, and a four-course pirate feast make this show particularly popular with kids who love adventure themes.
Biblical Times Dinner Theater
A faith-based dinner show that brings biblical stories to life through dramatic performances and music. Includes a Middle Eastern-inspired meal. Popular with church groups and families seeking religious-themed entertainment.
If you are staying multiple nights, consider attending two different shows. Each has its own personality and appeal. Stampede and Hatfield McCoy are similar in format but different enough in content to both be worth experiencing.
Which Show to Choose
Choosing between shows depends on your group's preferences:
- First-time visitors: Dolly Parton's Stampede is the iconic, must-see experience
- Comedy lovers: Hatfield and McCoy or Comedy Barn
- Horse enthusiasts: Dolly Parton's Stampede
- Young children: All shows are family-friendly, but Stampede and Pirates Voyage tend to capture kids' attention best
- Music fans: Smoky Mountain Opry
- Groups who ate dinner already: Comedy Barn (no meal included)
- Adventure/pirate themes: Pirates Voyage
Tips for Your Visit
- Book ahead: Popular shows sell out, especially during peak seasons
- Arrive early: Most shows recommend arriving 30 to 45 minutes before showtime for seating
- Pre-show entertainment: Most venues offer gift shops and pre-show areas worth exploring
- Dietary needs: Contact shows in advance for vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergy accommodations
- No utensils: Stampede and Hatfield McCoy serve hands-only meals (napkins provided)
- Photography: Most shows allow photography before and during certain portions
- Parking: All venues have free parking
- Dress code: Casual attire is fine
- Tipping: Servers appreciate tips for excellent service
Nearby Attractions
Most dinner shows are located along the Pigeon Forge Parkway near other popular attractions:
Approx Drive Time from Our Cabins
| Location | Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Our Cabins to Pigeon Forge Dinner Shows | Approx 20 to 25 minutes |
