Dollywood’s Festival of Nations celebrates world cultures
Want to travel the world in just a matter of days? While we can’t actually send you on a tour across the continents, you can get a taste of that same experience. This spring, take a trip to Dolllywood for the Festival of Nations. The annual spring event presented by Humana celebrates cultures from around the world with an entire month of music, dance, food, and art. This year’s event will be March 19 – April 18 and will feature annual favorites with all new entertainment. Dollywood is always a great place to visit when the weather’s warm, with roller coasters, musical numbers, restaurants, games, and shops. It’s one of the most popular attractions in the area! But during the Festival of Nations, Dolly Parton’s theme park in Pigeon Forge transforms. It becomes an even more exciting place to be, offering you the chance to taste foods, hear music, see dances, and watch cultural demonstrations from talented performers representing countries across the world.
Festival of Nations Performances
Mother Africa | Showstreet
Be amazed by incredible acrobatics, traditional African dance, and live music that celebrates the long-standing traditions of African culture.
Los Pampas Gauchos | Showstreet
This high-energy show features traditional Argentinian music, dances and even comedy! Enjoy folk dancing and the exciting music of the Andes!
Atahualpa | Showstreet
Learn a bit about Ecudaor at the Atahualpa show on Showstreet. The rhythms of the Andes are showcased with native Incan instruments and contemporary accompaniments. Their hope is to “promote brotherhood, friendship and peace to all the people of the world” through their blend of traditional music of the Andes and South American dance music.
Celtic Coast | Rivertown Junction
Be swept away to Nova Scotia, Canada, with original music and traditional Celtic sounds brought to you by some incredibly talented performers. Award-winning singer/songwriter and Cape Breton Island musical ambassador Buddy MacDonald performs alongside Rachel Davis (fiddle) and Darren McMullen to bring the sounds of the highlands to you.
David Charrier | Throughout the park
Charrier is a French musician who has become well known for playing the Hang. He has a passion for new and unique sounds, and he’s multi-talented – a self-taught guitarist, vocalist, and percussionist. Throughout the year, he travels around the world with his unique instrument, and this spring, he’ll be wowing Dollywood guests!
Duo Del Sol | Rivertown Junction
Guitarist Tom Farrell and violinist Javier Orman come together to bring a unique and powerful sound to Dollywood audiences. They were recently nominated by the Independent Music Awards for Best Instrumental Album!
The United Kingdom Ukulele Orchestra |Jukebox Junction
Blending comedy, music from around the world, and the soothing sounds of the ukelele, The United Kingdom Ukelele Orchestra is a show unlike any other. It’s part British comedy, part traditional Hawaiian sounds – something you won’t want to miss!
Via Romen | Craftsmans Valley
This fun, unique performance by Via Romen features traditional and modern Romani (gypsy) music from all over the world. Ukranian violinist Arkadiy Gips blends gypsy music with improv, fancy footwork, and toe-tapping sounds.
Zebra Stelzentheater of Germany | Throughout the Park
A favorite at Dollywood’s Festival of Nations, Zebra Stelzentheater of Germany brings German stilt dancers in original costumes to the streets of Dollywood. They perform their routines while showcasing their stilt talents all throughout the park!
Along with the many wonderful performances from artists across the world, Dollywood’s Festival of Nations also features food and drink from around the world. You can get a taste of many different countries, or you can just try some of the Dollywood favorites that can always be found in the many restaurants and cafes in the park. Of course, there are plenty of other things to do while you’re at Dollywood for the Festival of Nations. Explore the park, playing carnival games, winning prizes with the kids, getting a thrill on roller coasters, or watching an animal show! Also be sure to check their schedule for the other exciting events throughout the year, including Barbeque & Bluegrass, Great American Summer, National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration, and Smoky Mountain Christmas!
And if you’re still looking for a place to stay during Dollywood’s Festival of Nations, browse our Pigeon Forge cabins. We have great options for honeymoons, anniversaries, reunions, retreats, family vacations, girls’ getaways, and everything in between!
