Dinner, Horses & a Little Dolly Magic at Dolly Parton's Stampede

If you’re planning a trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dolly Parton’s Stampede belongs on your itinerary. The experience is part dinner theater, part equestrian spectacular, and part Southern entertainment.

Dolly Parton’s Stampede opened in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in 1988 (just two years after Dollywood opened). The high-action dinner show features a four-course feast, live animals (including 32 horses and trick riders), and musical numbers featuring Dolly Parton’s original music.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Dolly Parton’s Stampede and experience its Christmas production on opening night! It was a fun way to kick off the holiday season in Pigeon Forge, but the attraction is worth knowing about year-round.

Here’s what to expect when you visit Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge!

What Is Dolly Parton’s Stampede?

Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a dinner attraction in Pigeon Forge that combines live entertainment, horsemanship, music, comedy, and a hearty Southern-style meal.

The experience takes place in an indoor arena, where guests sit around the performance floor. Throughout the show, you’ll watch talented riders and performers showcase their skills with beautiful horses while enjoying a friendly competition between two sides of the arena. It’s part dinner theater, part live sporting competition, and part variety show.

You don’t have to be a horse enthusiast to enjoy it. The combination of entertainment, music, comedy, and food makes it a fun outing for families, couples, and groups visiting the Smoky Mountains. I even went alone and still had a great time enjoying the show with the other guests I was seated next to. Everyone sits side by side in rows surrounding the arena.

The Horses & Entertainment

One of the biggest highlights of Dolly Parton’s Stampede is the horses! 32 magnificent horses, along with their riders, perform routines throughout the show. The horses are a big part of what makes the Stampede experience so unique, showcasing demonstrations, stunts, and performances.

The entertainment doesn’t stop at the arena floor. Music, comedy, and friendly competition keep things moving throughout the production. The Dolly Parton’s Stampede experience begins before you even enter the main arena. Guests can arrive early to enjoy pre-show entertainment and get a closer look at the horses. Arrive an hour before showtime for a pre-show concert in the Saloon with Mountain Rukus. You can purchase drinks and popcorn if you’d like.

The Four-Course Feast at Dolly Parton’s Stampede

One of the best parts of visiting Dolly Parton’s Stampede is that your ticket includes a four-course meal served during the show. My favorite was the chicken – it was well-seasoned and tender.

The famous feast features Southern comfort food, including:

Creamy vegetable soup (very popular and available in the gift shop to make at home)
A hot, homemade biscuit
Whole rotisserie chicken
Hickory-smoked pulled pork
Buttered corn on the cob
Homestyle mashed potatoes
A delicious dessert (I had an apple turnover)
Unlimited Coca-Cola products, tea, or coffee (including Coke Zero – which is important in my book)

Vegetarian and gluten-free meal options are also available upon request, so be sure to mention any dietary needs when making your reservation.

Beyond the Stampede

Take a stroll along the Horse Walk to see the beautiful horses up close. It’s a great opportunity to appreciate these magnificent animals before they take the arena floor or after the show (if it’s the last show).

Browse the merchandise and souvenirs before or after the show. It’s a fun place to pick up a little something to remember your visit. I’d recommend allowing plenty of time to enjoy these extras.

Experiencing the Christmas Show on Opening Night

I had the opportunity to visit Dolly Parton’s Stampede on opening night of its Christmas production, which let me experience the attraction with a little extra holiday magic! The seasonal performances, festive atmosphere, and beautiful live Nativity made it a memorable addition to my time in the Smoky Mountains.

While the regular production is entertaining year-round, the Christmas show adds seasonal performances, festive scenery, and plenty of holiday surprises. If you’re visiting Pigeon Forge during the holiday season, here are a few highlights to look forward to:

A Friendly North Pole vs. South Pole Rivalry: The North Pole and South Pole elves face off in a series of entertaining challenges featuring the horses, performances, and holiday fun.
The Magic of Toys & Elegance on Ice: The Sugar Plum Fairy brings toys to life in a magical holiday performance, and ice skaters glide across the ice in the beautiful Elegance on Ice.
Santa Claus & Christmas Surprises: See Santa Claus himself in his horse-drawn sleigh.
Live Nativity: The live Nativity scene brings the true meaning of Christmas to life with wise men riding live camels and an angel suspended from the roof.
Horse Walk & Pre-Show Entertainment: Take a stroll along the World Famous Horse Walk to see the beautiful horses up close, then head inside the Saloon for live bluegrass, country, and Christmas music before the stampede.

Experiencing the Christmas production on opening night was a fun way to kick off the holiday season in the Smokies. If you’re planning a Christmas getaway to Pigeon Forge, add this seasonal attraction to your itinerary.

Tips for Visiting Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Book tickets in advance: Popular dates, especially during the holiday season, fill up quickly.
Arrive early: Give yourself time to enjoy the Horse Walk and pre-show entertainment.
Come hungry: Your ticket includes the four-course meal, so plan accordingly and don’t eat beforehand.
Mention dietary restrictions: When booking, ask about vegetarian or gluten-free meal options.

Planning Your Pigeon Forge Trip?

Looking for more things to do, places to stay, and seasonal experiences in the Smoky Mountains? Check out my other travel guides for Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg for more ideas to help plan your next trip.