Pigeon Forge is often termed the ‘Las Vegas of the South’ (minus the gambling) due to it’s many hotels, restaurants, attractions, and shows. Every time that I visit Pigeon Forge I make it a point to see at least one show. I have seen quite a lot of them in my many visits to this great mountain city and I have a few favorites that I keep going back to time after time. Here is a breakdown of a few of my favorites that you absolutely must see if visiting Pigeon Forge:
HATFIELD & MCCOY DINNER SHOW
This show has been around for a few years, but I just saw it for the first time a few days ago. Wow, I have seriously been missing out. This show has comedy, dancing (I especially loved the clogging) and some terrific singing and yodeling. The show tells the story (well, a loose interpretation) of the feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys, but with a fun country twist to it. And let’s not forget about the food… Yummm! Before the show started we chowed down on creamy vegetable soup (this was my favorite! I need the recipe ASAP), fresh bread, fried chicken, barbecue pork, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and a delicious chocolate dessert. Okay, close your mouth before you drool on your keyboard.
Tickets for this dinner show are $49.95 for adults and $19.95 for children. Click here to book your tickets.
LUMBERJACK FEUD
The Lumberjack Feud is an authentic experience that you can only get in Pigeon Forge. I have seen this show twice now and would happily go see it again because it’s just that fun! The show plays out as a competition with one group of lumberjacks competing against another group. The arena is split down the middle so that the audience can cheer for the lumberjack team on their side as well. I love shows like this that really get the audience engaged. There are 16 exciting events and competitions with the lumberjacks and their furry four-legged companions, the timber dogs. These dogs perform some awesome tricks and can jump insanely high. As a dog lover, this is probably my favorite part of the show. Aside from the show, there is also a dinner option if you’re interested. Dinner includes delicious herb roasted chicken, pork loin, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, green beans, rolls, and an apple fritter for dessert.
Tickets for the dinner & show are $49.95 for adults and $24.95 for children. If you want to watch the show without dinner, then tickets are only $26.95 for adults and $7.95 for children if booked online.
SMOKY MOUNTAIN OPRY
Unlike the other shows that I mentioned, this one is not a dinner show. Instead, it is a 2 hour fun-filled variety show with something for everyone. There is dancing, comedians, magic, and singers that perform popular songs from every genre. My favorite performance of the night was The Lion King’s “Circle of Life”. The set was African themed and a real lion was even brought out! It was in a cage luckily though so no fear of getting attacked if you are sitting in the front row. Another one of my favorite parts was the aerialists, who did a beautiful dance in the air to several songs. If you are wanting to see a more relaxed show and don’t really care to eat while watching it, then the Smoky Mountain Opry is a terrific option.
Tickets for this show are $39.95 for adults and $9.95 for children. Click here to book your tickets to America’s ultimate variety show.
DIXIE STAMPEDE
This is perhaps the most popular dinner show in Pigeon Forge, as it is owned by none other than Dolly Parton herself. I’ve been to the Dixie Stampede several times and I never get tired of it. It’s an action packed show where the North versus the South in competitions, with horse riding stunts being the main attraction. The arena is split down the middle so you will either be on the North side or the South side. The show is very interactive and audience members are chosen to compete several different times throughout the show. My mom was chosen once and had to ride a horse (a wooden one) across the arena as fast as she could. She was competing against someone from the other side and my mom won! The competitions are all extremely exciting and the food will make your tummy excited also. You will get creamy vegetable soup, cheddar biscuits (yum!!!), a whole rotisserie chicken, barbecue pork loin, corn on the cob, herb basted potatoes, and a dessert. There is no silverware though so be prepared to get a little messy.
Tickets for this show are $50 for adults and $25 for children. Click here to book your tickets to the Stampede today.
Whether you are going to Pigeon Forge for your first time or your fifth time, there is a show for you to see. These are some of my favorites, but there are many more and new shows come to Pigeon Forge on a regular basis. Have a fun time being entertained in the beautiful mountains of Pigeon Forge!
Have you been to Pigeon Forge? What’s your favorite show?
*Thank you to My Pigeon Forge for making this article possible by partnering with Curb Free with Cory Lee! All opinions expressed are my own.
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The Lumberjack Feud is the one I would pick! I am a dog lover to:)The food all sounded outstanding. My son would enjoy all of these shows as well.
Tracey recently posted…Missing Colombia
That show is fantastic! And the dogs really are so talented. I wish my dogs could perform half the tricks that they do.
I have always wanted to visit Pigeon Forge. I would love to see the Hatfields- McCoy show, have heard great things! (Plus FOOD!)
Jess recently posted…My Night in a Canadian Castle: The Fairmont Château Frontenac- The Most Photographed Hotel in the World
OMG yes!! The food is to die for!!
The Smoky Mountain Opry sounds especially fun. I’m surprised i’ve never heard of Pigeon Forge, what a cool place!
Yeah, the Opry is a lot of fun because there’s a ton of different stuff happening. I really loved the comedian. Let me know if you ever decide to visit! 🙂
When we went there we didn’t get to see any shows (due to time). I am so disappointed that we didn’t. Guess that means a trip back!!! Just wish it wasn’t so far away. Would love to just pack up and go as the area just has so much to offer.
Deborah recently posted…Rolling on the River
Yes, you need to plan a trip back! New stuff is always coming to Pigeon Forge so I’m sure that it’s different/better than when you visited. If you do come back, let me know and I can give you some more recommendations 🙂
Wow, I’ve heard of Pigeon Forge but always just thought it was an amusement park with an emphasis on country music. I had no idea they had all those shows. I love the facades of these different shows. Does it feel hokey or authentic? Some of the dinner shows I’ve been to in the past (Like Moulin Rouge) were so touristy and the food was terrible but then again so shows in Vegas (like Cirque) are amazing so I’d be interested in checking it out.
Tamara recently posted…Facing your Fears Through Travel
They are all authentic to the area, with an emphasis on country music, stories, etc. I really enjoy them all though because they’re so different from shows elsewhere.
Looks like a great show and a lot of fun! Anything with dogs, count me in 😀
Samantha recently posted…Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica – Guest Post By Justin from True Nomads
Haha I’m the same way. I like dogs more than I like most humans. Lol!
I have to admit that I’d never heard of Pigeon Forge before reading this post so thanks for introducing me to something new! It reminds me a bit of Myrtle Beach where they have tons of entertainment and shows. Have you been there?
sarah recently posted…Diner En Blanc Vancouver 2014
Yes, I went to Myrtle Beach last Summer for the first time. I love it too!
This place looks so much fun! I love seeing shows like this, every time I’ve been on a cruise I always went to the variety shows. The lumberjack feud and dixie stampede look brilliant
Sounds like a crazy fun time! I have heard the story about the Hatfields and the McCoys so that show would be fun to watch. The food sounds delicious – I love southern style food and am a regular at Miss Peaches Soul Kitchen here in Sydney
Katie recently posted…Island time on Florida’s quirky Key West
Very cool, those all look like fun shows, would love to visit the area and check some of these out some day.
noel recently posted…Vegas night scenes – Travel Photo Mondays
Love it when shows are interactive, makes it so much more fun for everyone! I had not heard of Pigeon Forge, so great to read this, thanks. Sounds like you enjoyed it!
I would love to see the LumberJack show. I like watching the real competitions. I’ve only driven thru Pigeon Forge, but I do want to go back and really enjoy it. Thanks for sharing great highlights! And yes, cheddar biscuits YUM! 😉
Nancie Lee recently posted…The Myrtles Plantation – A Bit of the ExtraOrdinary
These shows look like some down-home family fun and would be a great option for families visiting the Smokies.
Brianna recently posted…Why I’m personally banning Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice Latte
Great post Cory- I don’t know much about pigeon forge and certainly hadn’t thought of it in terms of Vegas ( minus the gambling of course!) The lumberjack feud sounds hilarious!
This reminds me of a show I saw in Canada, along the lines of making fun of Canadian hosers 😉 Very fun!
Tamara (Globe Guide) recently posted…Exploring Kota Kinabalu and beautiful Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
I drove through here when I was a kid on a family trip to Florida! We unfortunately didn’t stop (it was a long drive from Canada to Florida after all with two kids), but I love your post and it definitely makes me want to stop by for a visit!
Lauren recently posted…Swimming With Dolphins: The Dark Truth
I want to go! My kids would LOVE that.
Is it weird that I seem to be the only one who’s never heard of Pigeon Forge here? Looks like a grand ol’ time! If there’s BBQ pulled pork, I’m there 🙂
Ryan O’Rourke recently posted…4 Lifestyle Design and Travel Myths Busted
I can’t believe I’ve never heard of Pigeon Forge. I feel out of the loop! Looks like a lot of fun! Being a dog lover, too, I’d love to check out the Lumberjack show and see the dogs in action. How cool!
Amy recently posted…Monday Moment of Zen: Seneca Lake
Oh going is a must!!!!
Christa Thompson recently posted…Dancing Baby Groot Video, this Will Make You Smile Anytime
I haven’t heard of Pigeon Forge either, so thank you for the introduction! It would have to be the Dixie Stampede for me, but it all sounds like such great fun.
They look fun! Dinner shows in particular are always entertaining.
Karyn @ Not Done Travelling recently posted…Elephant Tourism And The Power Of Hindsight
Oh wow! Looks like you had an awesome time! Lumberjack Feud is my pick! 🙂
Penny @ Travelling Penster recently posted…Casco Viejo, Panama
I am so happy that you are living life intentionally Cory. There are so many in this world that live off excuses as to why they can’t follow their dreams and do what they love. You are a huge inspiration and I hope all your dreams come true. Great article. I love Pigeon Forge, the Tomb and Magic Quest being my favorite places to have fun. I also love Gatlinburg and going into the Smoky Mountains. I did a Moonshine adventure trail from Pigeon Forge to the Smokies, if you ever have time swing over and search moonshine or gatlinburg and you’ll find some fun stuff! Great work! xoxo
Christa Thompson recently posted…Dancing Baby Groot Video, this Will Make You Smile Anytime
Oh my gosh, I saw a lumberjack feud once back in Minnesota and it was SO much fun! I would definitely go see this! I haven’t made it down to Pigeon Forge yet myself but it’s definitely on the list!
Mandie @ RamblingMandie recently posted…The Versatile Blogger Award!
If I ever find myself in Pigeon Forge, I have to do one of these shows! Looks like a ton of fun 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Will Tang recently posted…Travel Blogger’s Toolkit #7 – 7 SEO Basics and How To Rock At It
I’ve never heard of Pigeon Forge before but it looks like a lot of fun. I love shows of any kind really as long as they are entertaining whether it be singing, dancing, comedy or something completely left of field. I’ve heard about a few lumberjack shows in North American and since I’ll be in Canada next year, I’ll be looking to check one out hopefully.
Jen Seligmann recently posted…Things to Do in Amsterdam
I’ve never been to nor heard of Pigeon Forge but it sure sounds like there’s plenty to see. I’d probably opt for the Dixie Stampede. That one looks like a lot of fun.