Here’s everything you need to know about the 2019 Dollywood line up of live entertainment.
Your Guide to the Entertainment at Dollywood
There’s so much to do when you visit Dollywood. The theme park boasts thrilling rides, award-winning dining and year-round events and more. What’s sets Dollywood apart from most amusement and theme parks is the array of live entertainment offered. This year, a trip to Dollywood is a chance to see some classic performances and new favorites. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2019 Dollywood line up of live entertainment.
Dollywood Entertainment
Dollywood has several live performances that take place almost all season.
Year-Round Live Music
Musical performances abound across Dollywood.
Complementing the mountain charm of the park, hear bluegrass music at the Showstreet Gazebo, performed by the Smoky Mountain String Band.
Southern gospel quartet Kingdom Heirs will perform their greatest, award-winning hits at the Pines Theater.
Visit Miss Lillian’s Chicken House to sing and dance with Miss Lillian herself.
Outside of Dolly’s Closet is where you can find the Gem Tones performing 1950s and 60s acapella music. Get even more nostalgic hits during Dreamland Drive-In at the Pines Theater. This show takes audience members down memory lane with song and dance.
The Back Porch Theater features singers and musicians performing the country’s favorite hits during Live at the Back Porch.
Sing a long to country hits during Country Crossroads at the Valley Theater.
Dollywood is a family-friendly park, and nothing says family more than a musical performance from Dolly’s brother Randy and other members of the family. During My People, My Music, members of Dolly’s family will share songs of their family’s faith, belief in Dolly and their love of the Smoky Mountains.
Not all of Dollywood’s entertainment is based around dancing and music. Get an up-close look at some of earth’s majestic wonders during Wings of America Birds of Prey.
Experience a multi-sensory film experience as Dolly Parton takes you on a journey through the Smoky Mountains during Heartsong. Dolly will share her story and love of the Smokies with you.
Spring Entertainment at Dollywood
Festival of Nations Live Music
During Dollywood’s Festival of Nations, experience live music and dance from cultures all over the world. This festival, from March 16–April 14, will feature musical performances that will not only move you, but also show you how music unites us as people.
Atahualpa is a favorite at the Festival of Nations. This performance showcases native Incan instruments to celebrate the culture of the Andes Mountains.
Get transported to Cuba during Cuba Vibra! This show brings the heat of Havana through Cuban music and dance from the 1950s.
Heading west, enjoy the Caribbean flair of Trinidad and Tobago with Invaders Steel Orchestra. Returning to the Festival of Nation’s this high-energy steel drum orchestra brings the islands to Pigeon Forge.
Drumstruck offers more drum theater with exhilarating African beats. This show embodies the heart of African music and culture.
De Temps Antan and Lew Grands Hurleurs bring entertainment from our neighbors up north. De Temps Antan, from Quebec, perform their twist on traditional tunes and tell stories through these French-Canadian melodies. Also hailing from Quebec are Les Grands Hurleurs. Their traditional classical, Manouche, electronica and folk music are best experienced live.
Summer Entertainment at Dollywood
Barbeque & Bluegrass Live Music
Bluegrass music can be heard throughout the park during Dollywood’s Barbeque & Bluegrass. From May 24–June 2, some of the best bluegrass artists perform free concerts at the theme park. This year’s event will include over 20 bluegrass performers roving the park and performing in the theaters.
From June 14–Aug. 4, children can watch a story book come to life on stage at Heartsong Theater. The Little Engine Playhouse features 20-minute sing-along musicals that will keep kids engaged and entertained.
Summer nights, from June 22–August 4, will have the sky lit up during Dolly’s Night of Many Colors. Spectacular firework shows are synchronized to live music written by Dolly, as well as other songs that will put you in the summer spirit.
Fall Entertainment at Dollywood
Visit Dollywood from September 27–November 2, during Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, for the Great Pumpkin LumiNights. You won’t want to miss the thousands of decorated jack-o-lanterns, artistic sculptures, festive scenes and more throughout the park.
Winter Entertainment at Dollywood
From November 9–January 4, Dollywood is in the holiday spirit during Smoky Mountain Christmas. This festival celebrates the holiday season with live Christmas shows, both classic and new. Watch performances of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life. O’ Holy Night tells the story of the first Christmas.
Other musical performances include Christmas in the Smokies, an ensemble cast performing holiday favorites; Appalachian Christmas, blending the holidays with acoustic Appalachian music; and The Kingdom Heirs: Heart of Christmas, featuring southern gospel hymns and songs.
Kids will love meeting Rudolph and all of his friends at Craftsman’s Valley, and you certainly won’t want to miss the Parade of Many Colors on Showstreet.
No matter what time of year you visit, you’re sure to catch a musical performance and more entertainment at Dollywood.
Images from Dollywood Parks & Resorts
