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 is celebrating over 25 years 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 that features a wide range of entertainment, such as ventriloquists, jugglers, magicians, singers, trained animals and some of the best comedians in the nation! This show has been seen by over seven million visitors and receives standing ovations nightly. Open year-round, The Comedy Barn has a show every night in season.
If you are looking to watch an amazing 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. The Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud in Pigeon Forge is a hilarious family-friendly hit production inspired by real-life events. The show offers guests extraordinary country, bluegrass and gospel musical performances, award-winning hillbilly musicians, cloggers, diving dogs and a huge mountain feast. Granny’s “all you can eat” mountain feast includes fried chicken, pork barbecue, creamy soup, mashed taters, corn on the cob, bread, coleslaw and dessert. Vegetarian/vegan, gluten free and dairy free options are also available.
But that’s not the only famous family feud that goes down in the Smokies. Enjoy dinner in a unique way at Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction, 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. Dolly’s newest dinner show is Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage. The Island in Pigeon Forge is the stage for Crimson and Sapphire pirates to battle on deck, in the water and in the sky while you enjoy a four-course pirate feast.
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 the Patty Waszak Show, full of music and comedy.
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 A 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, The Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Disaster 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!
