After my visit to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, I stopped at Dolly Parton’s Stampede for an unforgettable experience for people of all ages. The show is billed as “The Greatest Show In The Smokies” and it did not disappoint. The Stampede is a dinner show attraction in the heart of the downtown tourist area in the Smoky Mountains. The show features 32 horses and their riders, as well as aerial performances and a four-course feast.
Dolly Parton was inspired to create the Stampede from memories of her childhood where her family would sit around the kitchen table enjoying a meal and making memories. She wanted to bring this experience to her guests and offer them a show they would remember for a lifetime.
Once inside the venue, guests were instructed to wait inside of the two-tier saloon where live entertainment performs country classics in the middle of the room. The walls were decorated with old-timey saloon memorabilia, giving off vibes of the old wild west. The saloon offers an array of spirits, and of course the classic Tennessee moonshine. Guests can purchase a signature Dolly Parton Stampede cup shaped like a cowboy boot.
Once the food is on the stove and the horses are at the ready, you’ll walk into the 35,000 sq. ft. arena area surrounded by seating where guests will enjoy the events planned for the night. A projection of “Dolly Parton Stampede” shines onto the arena floor, leaving guests in anticipation of the show to come. No matter where you’re sitting, you’ll have a good view of the show.
When guests book their tickets for the show they can choose between sitting on the North or South side of the show. Since we booked last minute we were only able to book with the North Side. We did choose the VIP experience where we were able to meet show performers for pictures and autographs before the show. Our seats were also in the front row and close to all the action.
At the end of the arena is a large LED backdrop with water features and changing lights. The large piece is made to look like the edge of a mountain, with a waterfall coming down the side. The LED background changed throughout the performance to depict different scenes of the Great Plains to go along with the storytelling of the performance.
The menu offered at the show is prix fixe and includes an appetizer, entreé, and dessert. Also included in the price are unlimited drinks like tea and soft drinks. The appetizer is the venue’s famous Original Creamy Vegetable Soup along with a hot homemade buttered biscuit. Like a true cowboy, guests are encouraged to not use silverware and sip the soup from the crock it is served in. This was by far the best bite of the meal and I want to know the soup recipe immediately.
As everyone got their appetizer, the show began. Performances took place during the entirety of the meal and included fun interactive competitive games, horseback riding tricks, tons of pyrotechnics, and aerial routines. With the arena was divided into the North and South, fueling a friendly rivalry during the competitive games. There was never a dull moment in the arena. We were continuously entertained by the creative storytelling and talented performers and at times members of the audience were brought into the show as participants.
The entreé was a delicious and tender whole rotisserie chicken, hickory smoked pulled pork, buttered corn on the cob, and herb roasted potatoes. The stampede offers special menu options for those with dietary restrictions upon request.
Finally, we were served a crispy and sweet apple turnover, the Stampede’s signature dessert. As we all enjoyed our apple turnover, the performance continued along to an original song written and performed by Dolly Parton.
Adult admission is $59.99 and child admission (ages 3 to 9) is $34.99. Prices may vary depending on the time of the performance you attend. For an additional $40.00 per person, you can have a VIP experience where you get to meet the performers, have front row seats, and are gifted Dixie Stampede memorabilia.
Overall the experience was very unique and entertaining. You could see how much time and energy the performers and servers put into every aspect of the show, and the food was amazing.