Tennessee is known for music. From country and bluegrass to rock ‘n roll and soul, the state boasts some of the best talent in the country. Pigeon Forge is no exception. In fact, many of the attractions along the Parkway and in the area are devoted to music. From up on stage, singers, musicians, and performers keep audiences entertained and laughing. During your days exploring Pigeon Forge, don’t miss out on some of the best entertainment around. Read on to learn about some of the best music in the area.
The Smoky Mountain Opry Theater
2046 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
865.428.7469
www.smokymtnopry.com
The Smoky Mountain Opry puts on three shows, with two focused on music. The Smoky Mountain Opry show features more than two hours of live music, special effects, and some fantastic dancing. The music includes everything from big band swing to today’s country hits. It’s the biggest variety show in the area! Along with great music, enjoy laser lights, pyrotechnics, huge video screens, beautiful costumes, and flying musicians! Some of the music you’ll hear there includes:
- Motown hits
- Movie soundtrack favorites
- Disco
- Etta James
- George Jones
- The Beatles
- Janis Joplin
- Carrie Underwood
- Frank Sinatra
- Garth Brooks
Another favorite is the Blackwoods Morning Variety Show, featuring the world-famous Blackwood Singers. Starting with the pre-show at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday, the show features pop, country, and gospel hits.
Dollywood Theme Park
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd.
Pigeon Forge, TN
800.365.5996
www.dollywood.com
With an owner like Dolly Parton, it’s no wonder that Dollywood offers some of the best musical entertainment in town. In addition to a stellar lineup of shows at Christmas, the theme park features shows all year long. May 23 to June 7 brings the Bluegrass Performers, with more than 250 free concerts over 16 days! Country Crossroads, from April 25 to October 31, features a cast of six talented musicians and singers performing traditional, classic, and contemporary country music. Tap your toes to the nostalgic tunes of the 50s and 60s at Dreamland Drive-In or with the Gem Tones, or feel the music deep in your soul with the Kingdom Heirs (April 23 – October 31) and the Harvest Celebration Southern Gospel Performers (October 2 – 31). These are just a few of the great shows on the calendar, so check online to see what else is going on!
Country Tonite Theatre
129 Showplace Blvd.
Pigeon Forge, TN
865.453.2003
www.countrytonitepf.com
Voted the #1 Show in the Smokies for several years, Country Tonite ranges from the classics to today’s hits. Patty Waszak’s American Oldies show features music of the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. It’s an upbeat show where you’ll find yourself singing to “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,” “Rock Around the Clock,” and “Johnny B Goode.” Celebrity concert shows bring big names to the Country Tonite Theatre. The Oak Ridge Boys will grace the stage Saturday, May 23, and Chubby Checker will be celebrating the 55th anniversary of “The Twist” on Friday, June 12. If you’re a fan of the funny man, don’t miss the songs of Ray Stevens on Saturday, October 3.
Memories Theatre
2141 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
865.428.7852
www.memoriestheatre.com
All your favorite legends are at the Memories Theatre, including Elvis! The performers here play tribute to top entertainers throughout history. Sit back and enjoy the songs of Conway Twitty, the Blues Brothers, Kenny Chesney, The Judds, Hank Williams Jr., Neil Diamond, Tim McGraw, Johnny Cash, George Strait, Cher, Tina Turner, and Jerry Lee Lewis, to name a few. Shows run Monday through Saturday in May, and acts vary. Just check online for updated dates and times.