How to Enjoy the Best Pigeon Forge Entertainment at Dolly Parton’s Stampede

• Arrive 60 minutes early for the Horse Walk, “Join the Stampede” fun, and live music in the Saloon.
• Book VIP for the best seats, a meet & greet, and keepsakes you’ll treasure.
• Savor a four-course Southern feast with vegetarian and gluten-free options on request.
• Don’t miss the Christmas show (late Oct–early Jan) with a live nativity and festive acts. Book early.
• Expect breathtaking equestrian stunts, aerial acts, and family-friendly comedy throughout the 1.5-hour show.

The fastest way to enjoy the best Pigeon Forge entertainment is to plan your Dolly Parton’s Stampede visit like an insider: arrive early, bring your favorite people, upgrade to VIP, and come back for the Christmas spectacular. With 32 magnificent horses, trick riding, aerial performances, and a hearty Southern feast, it’s no wonder this is "The Smokies’ Most Fun Place to Eat" and one of the world’s most visited dinner shows!

From our world-famous Horse Walk and toe-tapping Saloon pre-show to our dazzling Butterfly Dreams segment, your night flows from wow-moment to wow-moment (all designed for families and groups to make memories together).

Insider Steps: Get Every Ooh-and-Ahh from Our Pigeon Forge Entertainment

Arrive an hour early.
Beat the rush and unlock extra fun. Get here as early as 60 minutes before showtime to stroll the Horse Walk and meet the four-legged stars in their stalls. Then, head inside to Join the Stampede with makeovers (kid-favorite!) and enjoy live bluegrass and country music in the Saloon.

Come hungry, leave happy.
Our four-course Southern feast pairs perfectly with the action. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available on request; just let us know when you make your reservations.

Get the best seats in the house with VIP.
Upgrade to VIP for the best seats in the house, an exclusive cast meet and greet, a digital souvenir photo, a cheering flag, and a VIP lanyard (an easy way to make it a night you’ll never forget).

Don’t miss Butterfly Dreams.
Our newest addition, Butterfly Dreams, blends winged horses, vibrant flowers, and aerial acrobatics for a showstopping, immersive experience.

Plan a holiday visit (late Oct to early Jan).
The arena transforms into a winter wonderland with a live nativity, festive music, and larger-than-life toys that come to life (plus, a special appearance by Santa).

Summary: Arrive early, book VIP, and plan for seasonal magic; those three moves guarantee you’ll see (and savor) the best of Dolly Parton’s Stampede.

What You’ll See, Hear, and Taste

Equestrian Stunts and Trick Riding
Expect high-speed horseback riding stunts, dazzling precision, and special effects that keep all ages on the edge of their seats.

Aerial Performances and Family-Friendly Comedy
Dramatic acrobatics meet laugh-out-loud moments; fan-favorite characters like Skeeter bring the humor, making the show perfect for kids and kids-at-heart.

Live Music Before the Show
Arrive early for live bluegrass and country music in the Saloon (like getting two shows for the price of one).

The Feast
Creamy vegetable soup, a tender and whole rotisserie chicken, hickory-smoked pulled pork, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, a hot biscuit, dessert, and unlimited soft drinks, tea, or coffee; vegetarian and gluten-free options available on request.

Summary: The Stampede blends stunt riding, aerial thrills, music, comedy, and a hearty Southern dinner; no wonder it’s a must-see family favorite.

VIP vs. Standard: Which Ticket Is Right for You?

Tip: VIP often sells out on peak dates, especially during the summer and the Christmas season. Book early to lock in the best seats in the house!

Holiday Magic: The Christmas Show (Late Oct to Early Jan)

This limited-run favorite transforms the arena into a winter wonderland with a live nativity, holiday music, ice skating scenes, and toys that come to life (plus a special visit from Santa). It’s a completely different experience from the regular season, making a return trip a no-brainer for many families.

When: Late October through early January
Why go: A fresh storyline, festive acts, and traditions you’ll talk about for years
How to plan: Book earlier than usual; holiday dates fill fast

Summary: Our Christmas show is a separate, must-see experience; plan ahead and make it your Smokies holiday tradition.

Quick Logistics (So You Can Relax and Enjoy)

Duration: About 1.5 hours of non-stop entertainment
Parking: Free, with easy access
Accessibility: Fully accessible for guests with special needs; let us know how we can help
Dress code: Casual is perfect
Beverages: Specialty drinks available for an additional cost
Why book in advance: Pigeon Forge welcomes 10+ million visitors a year, and peak nights can sell out (holiday and summer most of all)

Summary: Easy parking, casual dress, accessible seating, and a blockbuster crowd; book ahead for the dates you want.

Plan With Confidence

Check show dates and showtimes: See current availability and performance times on our Pigeon Forge show schedule.
Special diets: Vegetarian and gluten-free meals available on request; note at the time of booking.
Groups (20+): Ask about special pricing and seating.
Getting around: The Pigeon Forge Trolley is a convenient, budget-friendly way to arrive.

FAQs

What time should I arrive for Dolly Parton’s Stampede?
Arrive up to 60 minutes early to enjoy the Horse Walk and the live music pre-show in the Saloon before the main event.

How long is the show?
The performance lasts about 1.5 hours, not including pre-show time.

What’s on the menu, and do you offer special diets?
The four-course feast features Southern favorites, and vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on request.

Is Dolly Parton’s Stampede good for kids?
Yes (families love the equestrian stunts, aerial acts, music, comedy, and pre-show activities like the Horse Walk). Characters like Skeeter are kid favorites.

When is the Christmas show?
The Christmas show typically runs from late October through early January each year.

How to Enjoy the Best Pigeon Forge Entertainment at Dolly Parton’s Stampede (Step-by-Step)

• Arrive 60 minutes early.
• Visit the Horse Walk and Join the Stampede.
• Settle into the Saloon for live bluegrass and country music.
• Upgrade to VIP for the best seats and a meet and greet.
• Capture your souvenir photo (VIP includes a digital download).
• Enjoy Butterfly Dreams and spectacular equestrian stunts.
• Plan your return for the Christmas show (late Oct to early Jan).
• Book early for peak dates (summer and holidays) as seats fill fast.

Key Takeaway: Arrive early, go VIP if you can, and plan a holiday visit (the perfect trio for the best night out in Pigeon Forge).

Enjoy Our Pigeon Forge Entertainment

When it comes to Pigeon Forge entertainment, nothing compares to Dolly Parton’s Stampede. We can’t wait to welcome you to see what our show is all about! Take a look at our show schedule, and get your tickets to our Pigeon Forge dinner show today.