Tickets for many local events and attractions are sold through Discount Show Tickets (tel. 800/908-9018; www.discountshowtickets.com).
The Performing Arts--There is no traditional performing arts community with a ballet, symphony orchestra, regional repertory theater, or opera house in Pigeon Forge as there are in many other cities. The closest thing that comes to it is dinner theater, and there is an ever-growing array of options. The classic, Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show (tel. 800/356-1676; www.dixiestampede.com) offers a four-course Southern-styled meal served while an extravagant show with magic, ostrich races, wild buffalo and horseback riders whose stunts are aimed to stun and surprise. There are three other locations -- Orlando, Branson and Myrtle Beach -- but this is the first and original, just outside Dollywood, on the Parkway. For a complete music-and-dance dinner experience, the relative newcomer Black Bear Jamboree Dinner & Show, 119 Music Rd. (tel. 865/908-1403; www.blackbearjamboree.com) takes its cues from oldies, gospel, country, bluegrass and Broadway for its performances, with set changes, laser lights, impressive costumes and a large cast. Enjoy standard Southern fare for dinner such as barbecue ribs, corn on the cob, chicken, potatoes, dessert, and vegetable soup. For a more thought-provoking night out on the town, Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Dinner Show, 1200 10th Ave. S. (tel. 866/908-1050 or 865/908-1050; www.greatsmokymountainsmurdermystery.com), the show and the menu change every few months to keep things fresh. Pairing crime and cuisine is a popular route, but show organizers also promise "you'll laugh 'til you die." You'll be served a fine-dining caliber five-course meal during the show, which, by the way, encourages but does not require audience participation. Reservations are essential.
The Bar & Club Scene--To find out what's happening, pick up a copy of Sevier County's daily newspaper, The Mountain Press, or check their website at www.themountainpress.com. Pigeon Forge does not have any bars or clubs -- there are no liquor stores and you can only buy beer in the grocery store and drink wine and beer in restaurants. Therefore, the usual nighttime options -- bars and clubs -- are a little different here. Comedy lovers can find a home at Comedy Barn Theater, 2775 Parkway (tel. 865/428-5222; www.comedybarn.com), which advertises "clean family comedy" at a multi-million dollar theater. The show, which can be a little cheesy but funny nonetheless, features jugglers, magicians, comedians, ventriloquists, and fire-eaters, live country and gospel music and barnyard animals. Comedy shows run seven days a week. Another favored hangout is the Big Mama's Karaoke Cafe, 3152 Parkway (tel. 865/908-6162; www.karaokecafe.com), open every day except Monday and Tuesday, serves dinner and entertainment best described as "interactive." Guests can make CDs or a video of their karaoke performance, or even a music video. The menu is populated with the likes of cheese fries, onion rings, pizza, salads, and hamburgers -- standard American fare. Louise Mandrell Theater (tel. 865/453-6263; www.louisemandrell.com) is on stage from April through October, and a special Christmas production during the holidays. Multi-instrumentalist Mandrell puts on a show that spans musical genres and shows her versatility as she takes on country, gospel, rock-n-roll, and big band. Backed by a cast, a full orchestra, elaborate sets, the show is a huge draw.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
