A Guide to the Best Shows in the Tennessee Smokies
When it comes to family entertainment in the Tennessee Smokies, theater takes one of the leading spots. There are a variety of shows you can choose from, whether you are looking for a musical production accompanied by a delicious meal, a classic Tennessee family feud with audience interaction or a show that brings Christmas cheer and becomes a new family tradition. The theaters in the Smokies are truly one-of-a-kind and offer a wide range of family-friendly performances that never fall short of amazing.
Located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, The Comedy Barn Theater is now 30 years and counting of providing good, clean family comedy. Known as “The Most Successful and Most Attended Clean Comedy Theater in the World,” it’s a family attraction with new acts and new laughs! Featuring a wide range of entertainment including comedians, ventriloquists, jugglers, magicians, barnyard animals and live music, this show will get laughs from your entire group.
Want to watch a divine performance but haven’t eaten dinner yet? Head over to The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud and become a part of the longest-running feud in history. This family-friendly show in Pigeon Forge is a hilarious hit production inspired by real-life events. Watch the divin’ Hillbillies and divin’ dogs, in the swimmin’ hole with some All New Splashing Fun at Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud! The show features extraordinary country, bluegrass and gospel musical performances, plus award-winning hillbilly musicians, cloggers, diving dogs and a huge mountain feast. Granny’s all-you-can-eat southern style meal includes fried chicken, pulled pork barbecue, smashed taters, creamy coleslaw, special dessert and more!
But that’s not the only famous family feud that goes down in the Smokies. Billed as the Smokies’ “Most Fun Place to Eat,” Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction in Pigeon Forge is where you will experience a friendly North and South competition, thrilling horse riding stunts, spectacular special effects, musical productions and, of course, a delicious four-course meal with a dessert. The show’s new magical segment called Butterfly Dreams showcases a stunning aerialist display, winged horses, blooming flowers and colorful butterflies.
Also in Pigeon Forge, the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show is Dolly’s newest dinner show and is a one-of-a-kind experience that will transport you and your family to the exotic islands of the South Seas. This South Pacific Celebration is full of towering tikis, blooming flowers and pirates! Come experience unbelievable performances from sword fighting to fire dancing, plus much more. Also enjoy a tasty four-course pirate feast including pan-fried chicken, sugar-cured ham, corn on the cob, mac ‘n cheese and other delicious foods.
The Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Pigeon Forge features multiple comedy murder mystery shows that rotate during the week and a three-course meal that is to “die” for! The different productions include “Moonshine Murders,” “Who Shot the Sheriff!” and “Marriage Can Be Murder,” plus a recently added show called “Killer Prom: A 1980s Disaster.” This small and intimate theater has grown in popularity over the years due to its fun, interactive shows and delicious dinner.
Another show that the entire family will surely enjoy is the Red Skelton Tribute Theater, honoring the legacy of American entertainer, Richard “Red” Skelton and his career including his popular television show, “The Red Skelton Show,” which aired on television for 20 years. Audiences in Pigeon Forge will enjoy many laughs thanks to funny one-liners and skits with Brian Hoffman impersonating the comedian. Also check out Patty Waszak and Greg Stout’s entertaining shows, which are both full of musical tunes.
As the weather cools, and your thoughts start drifting toward the most wonderful time of the year, your favorite shows in the Tennessee Smokies get a Christmas makeover. If you want to add a little humor to your holiday show, come see Comedy Barn Christmas, with music, magic and the same knee-slapping comedy you love from The Comedy Barn’s main season show. If you like watching The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, then you’ll love their holiday show, Christmas at Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, a night of food and holiday hijinks. For a Christmas extravaganza like no other, you won’t want to miss Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede. The Stampede arena is transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, your favorite holiday music as well as a playful rivalry between North Pole and South Pole elves.
While in the Smokies, be sure to spend a special night out with the family at one of the area theaters for some laughter, amazing performances and unforgettable memories!
