Dolly Parton’s Stampede Pigeon Forge – 2024 Insider’s Guide

Hold your horses, because this flashy spectacle is no one-horse-show. You won’t want to miss out on all the American frontier fun!

Can you hear the low rumble of the stampede in the distance? Then, get ready to stomp your feet, tap your toes, and clap your hands. Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is waiting for your arrival so the show can begin!

Families, friends, and couples alike will enjoy gathering around the 35,000 square-foot arena of the “Color Me America” singer’s Dolly Parton Stampede dinner attraction in Pigeon Forge.

Feast your eyes on an exciting swirl of colorful costumes and, of course, talented horses dashing across the dirt as you enjoy a literal feast. It’s so deliciously fresh. Our mouths are watering already!
Fun Fact: Employees of Dolly Parton’s attractions, such as Dolly Parton Stampede, receive free college tuition!

You can take it straight from the horse’s mouth. This dinner show is an undeniably good time! Read on for all of our Dolly Parton’s Stampede tips to make the experience that much grander.

Dolly Parton Stampede Pigeon Forge Tickets

To get in on all the deliciously exciting fun, you’re going to have to grab tickets first! Book tickets online ahead of time to secure your seats. Check out Dolly Parton Stampede seating chart on Tripster. And if you’re wondering how much are tickets for Dolly Parton’s Stampede are, get the lowest ticket price when you purchase from Tripster.

You can’t leave Pigeon Forge without the complete Dolly Experience. Make sure to carve out some time at one of the best amusement parks in the world! The award-winning Dollywood Theme Park features over 50 rides and attractions, world-class festivals and events. Check here for the best online rates available.

Dolly Partons Stampede tickets from Tripster cost $59.99, which is a great value considering it covers both a high-quality dinner and show. For an in-depth look into the Stampede on countless ways you can save even more, check out our Ultimate Guide to Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge: Coupons, Discounts, and Deals.

Also, if you’re planning a trip to Pigeon Forge, we have even more quick budgeting tips for choosing hotels, bundling packages and stretching your dollar to its fullest.

can you buy Dixie Stampede tickets at the door? Yes, you can! The gate to Dollywood offers Dixie Stampede Pigeon Forge Tennessee tickets for walk-ins.

The money you’re saving from landing cheaper tickets? Put it toward your very own creamy vegetable soup mix, available for purchase in the Dolly Parton Stampede gift shop! Re-create this dinnertime favorite in the comfort of your very own home to take the flavor beyond the arena.

If you’re bringing kiddos three or younger, you won’t be required to purchase a ticket for them. However, they won’t get their own seats, so be ready to have them sit on your lap and dine on food from your plate.

Family with Horse at Dolly Parton's Stampede - Branson, Missouri, USA

Why You Should Go?

Dinner and a show. It’s a timeless pair. Now, add an entire cast of both talented people and horses, trick riding that’s nothing short of outlandish showing off, and side-splitting comedy that takes the whole extravaganza to another level. Time to check Dollywood Stampede on your bucket list!

Be sure to arrive early so you can take your time as you promenade down the famous Horse Walk. Meet and greet the stars of the show before it even begins!

Photo Alert: Everyone has a favorite horse on the Horse Walk. Find yours and take a photo to remember your favorite forever!

Once you’re inside, kick off the night with Dolly Parton Stampede pre show entertainment. Comedy and music will do the trick of priming you for the main event: Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner.

Finally, it’s time for the moment you’ve been waiting for! So take your seat in the arena and get ready for a delicious dinner (more on that later!) and the delightful entertainment that’s about to burst to life before your very eyes.

Once the riders come onto the scene, prepare to ooh and ah at impressive horsemanship made even more spectacular with music and pyrotechnics. Of course, the setting itself lends itself to the show’s awe, too. Immerse yourself in the American frontier and the Great Smoky Mountains landscape at different times throughout the show.

Pro Tip: Those with medical conditions that cause light or sound sensitivities should be aware that the show incorporates uses of these effects, which could cause issues.

The show is rounded out by comedy acts and some old-fashioned, friendly competition in the form of pig races and chicken chases. The best part of all, however, may be dinner!

Food & Drink

Admirers know Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner attraction as “The Smokies Most Fun Place to Eat,” and for good reason. So indulge in a fabulous four course feast served seamlessly with the show’s schedule.

Pro Tip: You’ll have the opportunity to grab a snack at the pre-show, but we recommend forgoing this option to save room for the filling meal during the show!

The Dolly Parton Stampede menu includes creamy vegetable soup, buttery homemade biscuits, rotisserie chicken, pork loin, corn on the cob, herb-basted potatoes, and dessert (apple turnover is simply delish). The dinner is anything but sparse in the dinner theater!

Does Dolly Parton Serve Alcohol?

We’re getting full just thinking about it all. The drink lineup includes Coca-Cola products, tea, and coffee. If you’re wondering “Does Dolly Parton Stampede serve alcohol,” keep in mind that alcohol is not served. There is no such thing as Dolly Parton Stampede alcohol.

In addition, a unique characteristic of the dinner is that utensils are not provided. So don’t be afraid to get messy as you use your hands to dig in. Moreover, wet wipes are provided at the end of the night so you can clean up!

Suppose you’re too full to finish the abundance of delicious food, no worries. Pack up any leftovers in a doggie bag! Tomorrow’s lunch will be taken care of.

roast chicken on a plate with traditional sides, soup and a dessert with coffee

When to Go?

There’s no wrong time of year to visit Dolly Parton’s Stampede, as the experience is located indoors! Therefore, you can book your tickets for any time that suits your schedule. The only thing to consider is you may be a little chilly while enjoying the Horse Walk before the show during the winter months.

How Long Is Dolly Parton Stampede?

Wondering how long does the Dolly Parton Stampede last? Plan for the show to last about 1.5 hours. If you want to catch the pre-show, it starts about 50 minutes before the main show and lasts 15 to 20 minutes.

Pro Tip: For the pre-show, snag seats upstairs to take it all in from a bird’s eye view! This is the best angle to see everything and will also make for a smoother transition to the main arena upstairs.

There’s also no right or wrong time to explore Pigeon Forge. Make sure to take a closer look at all the wondrous activities through the four gorgeous seasons in When is the Best Time to Visit Pigeon Forge.

Dolly Parton’s Stampede Insider’s Tips

Follow our handy tips to make the entire experience more enjoyable. We’ve gathered all the secrets and Dolly Parton Stampede tips you’ll need to know!

Wondering what to wear to Dolly Parton Stampede? There is no Dolly Parton Stampede dress code. However, you may want to skip the fancy outfit and opt for more comfortable duds, especially if you want to participate in one of the arena competitions throughout the show. The dirt floor won’t mix well with high heels or freshly pressed pants.

Pro Tip: Leave the stroller at home, as they aren’t allowed in the main arena.

You’re free to use your phone to take Dolly Parton’s Stampede photos during the show. However, please use extra care to ensure the flash is not on, as flashing lights can disrupt or scare the horses. We don’t want any horses taking off in the middle of the show!

Don’t forget to keep some cash on you. Your Dolly Stampede Pigeon Forge ticket doesn’t include a tip for the hard-working servers, and you’ll want to be sure to let them know they did a great job making the whole experience that much more enchanting.

Where is the best place to sit at Dolly Parton Stampede Branson? The best seats at Dolly Parton Stampede Branson are the best seats at Dixie Stampede in the front row of the middle section on each side of the arena. View a Dixie Stampede seating chart Branson for a visual.

Lastly, hang around at the end of the show to meet the horses and riders. You can even get your ticket autographed by the riders. Moreover, purchase a Stampede flag from the gift shop before the show starts for the cast to sign!

As a bonus, sticking around a little longer means the Dolly Parton Stampede parking lot will be tamer when it’s finally time to say goodbye.

What’s New?

This year, Dolly Parton’s Stampede is where the wild things are, thanks to a brand new aerial act! Riders gallop around the arena on “wild horses” before taking to the sky using their aerial talents.

Dolly Parton herself is part of the performance through the background music! Her new original song called “Wild Horses” fills the arena during the stunning performance at the Stampede Dolly Parton.

performers on horseback at Dolly Parton's Stampede dinner attraction arena in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA

Where to Stay?

After the dinner show, you’ll need a place to rest and enjoy sweet dreams of galloping ponies and delectable dessert. Luckily, Pigeon Forge is home to some great places to get some shuteye.

Even better, when you book your hotel with Tripster, you know you’re getting a great deal! Here are some of our top hotel and resort picks:

Transportation & Parking

You won’t have to worry about parking because Dolly Parton’s Stampede boasts a giant, free parking lot located at 3849 Parkway. And yes, Dixie Stampede Gatlinburg also refers to the same place!

We know you’ll probably be tempted to journey to the show via horseback, but it’s best to leave your horse at home. There’s no hitching post, and there will already be plenty of horses to interact with while you’re there!

The Pigeon Forge Trolley makes a stop at Dolly Parton’s Stampede for a fun alternative to taking the car. Purchase a $3 wristband and hop on! You can use it to navigate the whole city all day long.

Where Else to Go?

While Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a stellar attraction in Pigeon Forge, there’s even more to do and see.

Bustling theme parks, entertaining museums, and adrenaline-rushing rides are all available to add to your itinerary. Before it’s time for dinner, fill your day up with some of these fan favorites:

aerial view over Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA, from The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
photo credit: Phil Nancy Bergstresser via Facebook

Dolly Parton Stampede Pigeon Forge FAQs

Dolly's Stampede in Pigeon Forge is absolutely worth it if you're looking for a fun and entertaining experience for the whole family. It combines a delicious four-course meal with a captivating show featuring 32 magnificent horses, talented riders, impressive stunts, special effects, and live music.

During the Dolly Parton Stampede show, you'll be transported to a world of friendly North and South competition as skilled riders perform daring feats on horseback.

You'll also enjoy musical productions, comedic acts, and an emotional patriotic tribute. Check out these Dixie Stampede photos to get a sneak peek of the action.

The entire Dolly Parton Stampede experience, including the pre-show, meal, and main show, typically lasts around two hours. This allows ample time to savor your delicious feast and enjoy all the excitement and entertainment the show has to offer.

Dolly Parton Stampede Pigeon Forge Reviews

Want to find out what other readers think of Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge? Check out the most recent Dolly Parton’s Stampede reviews.

Have Any Additional Dolly Parton’s Stampede Tips to Add to Our Guide?

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Written by Michaela Satterfield

Michaela is a journalist who views every story she writes as an adventure, leading her to explore new places and meet new people....


3 comments about “Dolly Parton’s Stampede Pigeon Forge – 2024 Insider’s Guide”

Ruth L

September 20, 2022 at 8:18 pm

Post starting times would be helpful for planning our day!


avatar of Teresa in blue tripster shirt

Teresa

September 26, 2022 at 11:39 am

Hi Ruth, weekday Pigeon Forge shows begin at 6:00 pm. On Most Fridays and Saturdays, you can catch shows at 6:00 or 8:00 pm! Most Sunday shows are at 3:30 pm or 6:00 pm. Be sure to check Tripster.com for the most up-to-date showtimes!


Abby A Carr

June 4, 2023 at 5:06 pm

I came here on June 6 and they did serve beer wine and moonshine


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