Dollywood’s Annual Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival Celebrates Two Southern Traditions

Music and food lovers unite in the summer at a festival that honors two of the South’s most honored traditions: barbeque and bluegrass. Dollywood’s Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival in Pigeon Forge is held each May as a nod to tradition and heritage with a little extra twang.

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Running from the end of May to beginning of June, guests of the Smoky Mountain theme park can enjoy talented bluegrass groups while dining on the best Southern cuisine around. Dollywood is filled with some of the best entertainment the south has to offer, from restaurants and shops to rides and roller coasters. After gathering to listen to the lively music, you can enjoy an ice-cold lemonade, funnel cake or grilled rib before hopping on one of the park’s most popular rides, the FireChaser Express.

Bluegrass Festival in Pigeon Forge

The park’s free concert series features more than 250 performances from world-renowned groups. Admission to all of the concerts is included in your general admission to Dollywood.

Stick to Your Ribs Barbeque

There’s nothing better than the smell of barbeque cooking on the grill. For those who visit the park during this festival, you’ll be able to smell and sample hundreds of varieties of pork and chicken with sauces ranging from sweet and tangy to hot and everything in-between. Market Square is where you’ll find the barbeque and all the fixins for a complete melt-in-your-mouth Southern meal.

If you can’t make it to the festival, you can still enjoy great family fun at Dollywood. With a variety of rides and attractions for all ages, the theme park is ideal for a family or group who wants to spend time together in the mountains.

If you’re ready to plan an exciting trip to the Pigeon Forge theme park, take a look at our Where to Stay tab, filled with all the best places to stay in the Great Smoky Mountains.