Dollywood kicked off its 33rd season with a special preview event hosted by Dolly Parton. This incredible year is one which surely will be remembered for the amazing quality of entertainment. Dollywood's entertainment team invested $1 million more in its 2018 offerings than any other single year of entertainment in its history.
The preview event featured performances by the National Dance Company of Siberia, PAINTJAM featuring Ricardo Barazza, Janie Fricke, Orleans, Larnelle Harris and others. For the finale, Dolly joined Ladysmith Black Mambazo backed by Orleans for a beautiful performance of "Peace Train." Dolly recorded the song written by Cat Stevens on her 1996 "Treasures" album which featured Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Dollywood has won Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Award for Best Theme Park Entertainment for nine years. And with 2018's commitment, the park again looks to lead the way for the award.
Festival of Nations (March 16 -- April 9)
Spring Mix Music Series (April 11 - April 29)
Barbeque & Bluegrass (May 25 - June 10)
Summer Celebration (June 16 - August 5)
Rock The Smokies (August 25)
Harvest Festival (September 28 - November 3)
Smoky Mountain Christmas (November 10 - January 5)
Opening day also served as the unveiling of the newly renovated Aunt Granny's restaurant. The eatery is named after the affectionate nickname Dolly's nieces and nephews have for her as she acts as both aunt and granny to them as well as to some of her younger siblings. The restaurant is one of the parks original features. Its buffet style dining offers guests delicious comfort foods including Mama's Stone Soup. Read famous Stone Soup story in A Mother's Love & Inspiration - Avie Lee Parton.
For more information about multi-day ticket options, 2018 Dollywood season passes or Dollywood’s Season of Showstoppers visit Dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.
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Photo Credit: Curtis Hilbun
With Dollywood’s emphasis on show-stopping entertainment in 2018, the park’s annual Festival of Nations kicks off the new season with a multi-cultural event featuring world-renowned talent. The celebration takes place March 16-April 9 and lets guests take a trip around the world without leaving the Smokies.
This colorful, interactive event marks the beginning of Dollywood’s Season of Showstoppers. Enjoy cultural music, food and crafts that immerse the entire family in festive fun.
GRAMMY award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo have transcended musical barriers to produce awe-inspiring projects with artists such as Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and even Dolly Parton herself. The group sings of peace, love and harmony. Now in its sixth decade they have produced more than 60 albums. They won their fifth GRAMMY in January, this time for Best World Music Album. Their name is a combination of Ladysmith, South Africa (the group’s hometown), the color of oxen (one of the strongest farm animals), and the Zulu word for “chopping axe” (a symbol of the group’s vocal strength). Ladysmith Black Mambazo songs have been featured in multiple motion pictures, and the group even traveled to Norway with Nelson Mandela to perform when he received the Nobel Peace Prize. Guests can find this talented group at the Showstreet Palace Theater.
Founded in 1960, the National Dance Company of Siberia has wowed audiences around the globe with colorful and expressive dance, traditional folk music and vivid costumes. This renowned dance company brings their amazing performance to life for guests in a must-see display of talent and passion. High energy, dazzling colors and authentic Siberian customs combine for an astonishing visual masterpiece. See the National Dance Company of Siberia in the park’s largest theater, DP’s Celebrity Theater
Los Vivancos is comprised of seven Spanish brothers who traveled the world before studying at the prestigious Barcelona Dance Conservatory. Drawing from their years of study, Los Vivancos have created an eclectic style that combines flamenco, ballet, martial arts, street dance, theater and acrobatics into one thrilling, non-stop performance that truly showcases their charisma and flair. The brothers have served as guest performers on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Their show, The Flamenco Kings featuring Los Vivancos, is located in Pines Theater.
JigJam - This quartet hails from the heart of Ireland and blends the best of traditional Irish music with the unique sound of American bluegrass to create a genre of music affectionately known as “Celtgrass.” The group has been humorously described as “the best Irish group so far in bluegrass.” Thanks to their gregarious personalities and entertaining antics, this show is an upbeat, foot-stomping good time Dollywood guests won’t want to miss. Location: Back Porch Theater
Invaders Steel Orchestra - One of the world’s oldest and most respected steel drum bands, Invaders Steel Orchestra celebrates more than 75 years of creating festive music for audiences around the world. This guest-favorite group returns to Dollywood to bring the tropical sounds of the Caribbean to the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. While the songs they play are familiar, the unique sounds of Invaders Steel Orchestra’s drums will transport guests to a sandy beach far away. Location: The Valley Theater
Atahualpa – Hailing from Ecuador, Atahualpa combines native Incan instruments with contemporary backups to celebrate the history and culture of the Andes Mountains. Atahualpa’s mix of songs includes contemporary music, South American dance rhythms, as well as the traditional music of the Andes. Through their sharing of music, culture and heritage, Atahualpa hopes to promote brotherhood, friendship and peace to all the people of the world. Location: Showstreet Gazebo
Zebra Stelzentheater – Zebra Stelzentheater features German stilt dancers in original costumes who perform while roaming the streets of Dollywood. They are always looking for guest interaction, so be on the lookout for fun. This lively troop is always on the search for new friends! Location: Roaming
Guests also can find food from around the globe at various locations throughout Dollywood. Items include Elote w/Pimente Espelette, Citrus Ancho & Coca-Cola Braised Beef Tostada, Lamb or Chicken Gyros, Crepe Suzette, Pad Thai and much more!
Dollywood’s Festival of Nations sets the stage for a show-stopping 2018 season. The park celebrates the arrival of spring with the all-new Spring Mix Music Series April 11-29. Spring Mix includes performances by artists including The Marshall Tucker Band and Amy Grant. Also see Pam Tillis, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Crystal Gayle and more. Dollywood’s Barbeque & Bluegrass (May 25-June 10) includes more than 350 performances by the best in bluegrass, while the park’s Summer Celebration features iLuminate, DRUMLine Live and Dan Dunn’s PaintJam. Extended hours and nightly fireworks shows highlight Dollywood’s summer season, June 16-Aug. 5. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 28-Nov. 3) features Southern gospel’s greatest performers alongside the second year for the guest-favorite Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Dollywood’s 2018 season concludes with the ten-time winner for Best Theme Park Christmas Event. See Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana, Nov. 10-Jan. 5, 2019.
If there has ever been a year to take advantage of the value of a Dollywood season pass, this is it. A number of new entertainment options (all included with park admission) are available throughout the season. And guests certainly will want to make several return visits in 2018!
Guests can learn more about Dollywood’s Season of Showstoppers by visiting Dollywood.com or calling 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.
During 2018, guests will be treated to an exciting new Festival of Nations lineup, thrilling summer shows and more great entertainment throughout the season. If there has ever been a year to take advantage of the value of a Dollywood season pass, this is it. With a number of new entertainment options (all included with park admission) available throughout the season, guests certainly will want to make several return visits in 2018.
The season begins with Dollywood’s Festival of Nations (March 17- April 9), a fascinating festival offering a captivating glimpse at a number of cultures from across the globe. Three internationally-known groups—all new to Dollywood in 2018—headline this season’s festival. The National Dance Company of Siberia, The Flamenco Kings starring Los Vivancos and Ladysmith Black Mambazo—who worked with Dolly Parton on her 1996 album Treasures—bring three unique, high-energy shows to Dollywood.
Also new to Festival of Nations in 2018 is JigJam, a quartet from the heart of Ireland that blends traditional Irish music with bluegrass to create a new genre known as “Celtgrass.” Perennial Festival of Nations favorites including the Caribbean’s Invaders Steel Drum Orchestra and Ecuador’s Atahualpa return to provide guests a fun, educational escape around the world without leaving the heart of the Smokies.
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Dollywood’s Spring Mix (April 11 - 29) features three weeks of stellar performances across multiple genres. The impressive roster of Spring Mix artists have combined to earn 42 gold albums, 18 platinum albums, 25 Grammys, 12 Country Music Association Awards, 10 American Country Music Awards, four American Music Association Awards and 56 Dove Awards.
Dollywood’s popular Barbeque & Bluegrass (May 25 - June 10) adds an extra week in 2018 and includes performances by Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Dailey & Vincent, The Grascals and many more.
Dollywood’s Summer Celebration (June 16 - Aug. 5) is just that—a time to celebrate making memories with family at a place everyone enjoys! This summertime event features extended park hours, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (park hours are extended to midnight on June 30 and July 7). America’s Got Talent finalists iLuminate bring their electrified glow-in-the-dark costumes to perform dynamic dance routines and illusions which will mesmerize guests, while DRUMLine Live! creates a synchronized musical masterpiece based on the hit 2002 movie Drumline—but it’s not the typical halftime performance! To complete the day, the park’s festive nightly fireworks show is a colorful extravaganza set to uplifting music which celebrates the fun of Dollywood after dark!
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 28 - Nov. 3) provides more fall family fun with the expansion of the new guest-favorite Great Pumpkin LumiNights and the largest Southern gospel event in America. Dollywood is open until 9 p.m. every night during the festival.
Celebrating a decade of being honored as the Best Christmas Event at any theme park worldwide, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 10 - Jan. 5, 2019) provides the perfect holiday atmosphere to put families in the Christmas spirit. For the first time, the park is open every day during the festival, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For guests who wander through the park’s more than four million holiday lights, enjoy the spectacular holiday performances and warm Christmas atmosphere, or taste the holiday-themed food, it is easy to understand why it has become a family tradition for so many.
Dollywood won the 2017 Golden Ticket from Amusement Today for Best Entertainment at any theme park in the world. The honor was the ninth consecutive triumph for the park in that category. With Parton’s commitment to show-stopping entertainment in 2018, Dollywood looks to lead the way in securing its 10th victory in the category.
With Dollywood’s “Season of Showstoppers” now on the horizon and with the buzz surrounding Dollywood’s Spring Mix continuing to grow, excited concert-goers can begin circling dates on the calendar as the lineup has been set for the park’s impressive new music series.
If there has ever been a year to take advantage of the value of a Dollywood season pass, this is it. With a number of new entertainment options (all included with park admission) available throughout the season, guests certainly will want to make several return visits in 2018.
Dollywood’s Spring Mix (April 11- 29) features three weeks of stellar performances across multiple genres. The impressive roster of Spring Mix artists have combined to earn 42 gold albums, 18 platinum albums, 25 Grammys, 12 Country Music Association Awards, 10 American Country Music Awards, four American Music Association Awards and 56 Dove Awards.
The first week includes classic country artists like Crystal Gayle, Shenandoah, Pam Tillis and Dollywood entertainment alumnus, Suzy Bogguss. The second week plays host to inspirational artists including Amy Grant, The Blind Boys of Alabama and comedienne Chonda Pierce – also known as “The Queen of Clean.” Classic artists like The Marshall Tucker Band, The Drifters and The Atlanta Rhythm Section entertain park guests during the final week of the event.
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Week One (Country)
Wednesday, April 11 - Crystal Gayle and Suzy Bogguss
Thursday, April 12 - Shenandoah and Restless Heart
Friday, April 13 - Janie Fricke and The Malpass Brothers
Saturday, April 14 - Connie Smith and Mandy Barnett
Sunday, April 15 - T.G. Sheppard and Sylvia
Monday, April 16 - Pam Tillis and Exile
Tuesday, April 17 - DOLLYWOOD CLOSED
Week Two (Inspirational)
Wednesday, April 18 - Amy Grant and The Martins
Thursday, April 19 - Chonda Pierce and Triumphant Quartet
Friday, April 20 - David Phelps and Wayne Watson
Saturday, April 21 - Blind Boys of Alabama and Dallas Holm
Sunday, April 22 - The McKameys and Carman
Monday, April 23 - Selah and Larnelle Harris
Tuesday, April 24 - DOLLYWOOD CLOSED
Week Three (Classic)
Wednesday, April 25 - The Marshall Tucker Band and The Drifters
Thursday, April 26 - Orleans and Al Stewart
Friday, April 27 - Atlanta Rhythm Section and Maureen McGovern
Saturday, April 28 - Firefall and In My Life: A Beatles Tribute
Sunday, April 29 - Debby Boone and The Tams
*Artists currently scheduled to appear. Performer listed first appears in DP’s Celebrity Theater; performer listed second appears at Showstreet Palace Theater. Artists at DP’s Celebrity Theater have two one-hour performances (2 and 5 p.m.), while those at Showstreet Palace Theater have three 40-minutes performances (2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.).
Fresh off earning its ninth-consecutive Golden Ticket Award for Best Theme Park Shows, Dollywood’s Entertainment Team is hitting the road in early 2018 to conduct auditions throughout the Southeast in search of new talent for the park’s world-class shows and productions.
Auditions currently are scheduled in Birmingham, Alabama (Jan. 6), at Dollywood (Jan. 20), and in Spartanburg, South Carolina (Jan. 27). These auditions give performers an opportunity to showcase their abilities for members of Dollywood’s award-winning entertainment team.
Birmingham, Alabama
Saturday, Jan. 6
Virginia Samford Theatre
1116 26th St South Birmingham, AL
*Registration begins at 10 a.m.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Saturday, Jan. 20
Dollywood
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd. Pigeon Forge, TN
*Registration begins at 9 a.m.
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Saturday, Jan. 27
Chapman Cultural Center
200 East St. John Street Spartanburg, SC
*Registration begins at 10 a.m.
Auditions at all locations are from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Performers must be at least 17 years old.
“There is no doubt about it, Dollywood is known for producing high-level entertainment every single season,” said Paige Bales, Dollywood Entertainment Director. “While it can be a challenge to maintain this high standard it is one we take great pride in doing. The talent we discover at our auditions is the most crucial aspect of helping us achieve the highest level. We’re so proud of the careers that have started here at Dollywood and we’re ready to help more great performers begin the journey to finding their dreams.”
During the open call auditions, Dollywood Entertainment is looking for singers with experience in country, musical theater or pop. The auditions are only for singers and singers who move.
Many well-known performers started their careers in Dollywood’s shows and productions. Country music stars Suzy Bogguss and Carly Pearce, American Idol alumnus Janelle Arthur, and Eric Martsolf, Brady Black on NBC’s Days of Our Lives, are just a few of the stars who have launched from the stages of Dollywood.
Winner of nine Golden Ticket Awards for Best Shows, Dollywood Entertainment provides the perfect venue for performers and technicians to share their skills.
