Looking for live music during your trip to The Great Smoky Mountains? With their rich history in music, the towns of Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains are filled with music year round – from bands at bars and restaurants and outdoor traveling musicians to festivals, holiday events and all the shows at Dollywood Amusement Park.
Ole Red
Ole Red in Gatlinburg has live music seven days a week on a Nashville-class stage. And so it should be since Ole Red gets its name from country music star Blake Shelton’s breakout hit “Ol’ Red.”
There are plenty of cocktails and unique food options too – many named for the local attractions: Clingman’s Dome Burger for example.
Check out the music calendar here. You never know when a celebrity guest might show up to play as well.
Ole Red is located at 511 Parkway, Gatlinburg, 865-325-3101
Listening Room Cafe
At Listening Room Café, experience the hits you hear on the radio in a unique way. The songs are portrayed by the writers themselves. This venue in Pigeon Forge prides itself on original music performances with two live shows a night. During the week, expect an acoustic setting featuring anyone from up-and-coming songwriters to number-one hit songwriters. While some of our weekend shows may revolve around singer-songwriters, the Listening Room also showcases local East Tennessee singers, bands, and popular national acts. Check out the show schedule here.
Find the Listening Room at 2703 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge, (865) 365-2225
Celebrity Theater
Dolly Parton’s Celebrity Theater in Dollywood
Celebrity Concert Series Schedule
Natalie Grant | Saturday, March 11
Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder | Saturday, March 18
Jo Dee Messina | Saturday, March 25
Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers | Saturday, April 1
Lauren Alaina | Saturday, April 8
Smoky Mountain Brewery
Smoky Mountain Brewery, with locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, has live music usually Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays. Check out the entertainment calendar.
Both locations are open until 1 a.m. The kitchen closes at midnight Fridays and Saturdays and at 11 p.m. the rest of the week.
“Described as a cross between a ski lodge and a Bavarian beer hall, the Smoky Mountain Brewery features an enclosed deck overlooking Calhoun’s Village with the Smoky Mountains in the background.”
Locals call on the Brewery for its terrific pizza, great burgers and pub fare – check out the food menu.
Find the Gatlinburg location at 1004 Parkway, 865-436-4200; Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountain Brewery is at 2530 Parkway, 865-868-1400.
Ole Smoky Moonshine “The Barn”
The Barn is nestled right in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Here, you can tap your toe to live country music while sippin’ some of our finest moonshines and whiskies like a pro. So come and stay a while; we could always use another toastin’ buddy. The distilleries are always dog and family-friendly, so feel free to bring some little buddies of your own Check out the music line up here.
Located at 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, (865) 436-6995.
The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint in Maryville, 38 miles from Gatlinburg, offers live shows from artists including Joshua Ray Walker & Vandoliers – Indoor Show on March 2, Wishmire & The High Hopes on March 3 and Chris Hennessee on March 4.
Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill
Tom and Earl’s Back Alley Grill in Gatlinburg has live music Fridays and Saturdays. Be sure to call first if you’re going for the music. But you might want to go no matter what for the unique food and the atmosphere.
From saucy wings, cream corn fritters and freshly made pork rinds to the Burning Bear Burger, the Sloppy Jethro and Build Your Own Bologna sandwich – the menu is fun and delicious.
Tom and Earl’s is located at 651 Parkway, #110, Gatlinburg, 865-325-6022.
Puckett’s
Puckett’s Grocery in Pigeon Forge is a unique place for live music but definitely worth a regular trip to listen. Yes, it’s the same Puckett’s name as the little grocery store in the village of Leipers Fork, Tennessee. Pigeon Forge Puckett’s opened in 2019 as a place for good food and great music.
Coming up at Puckett’s: THE WARMAN TRIO- 3.3.23, TOMMY COX- 3.4.23
Check out the full music schedule here.
Authentic comfort food classics, like the meat & 3 specials and the famous slow-smoked BB is offered in a laid-back and downhome atmosphere.
Find Puckett’s at 2480 Parkway Pigeon Forge, 865-285-0155.
Three Jimmy’s
Three Jimmy’s offers live entertainment every Tuesday through Sunday. Wednesdays and Fridays and 3-7 p.m. “Neesse Hurst tickles the ivories and sings favorites. Do you have a request? Let her know and she may deliver a special surprise just for you.”
Tuesdays bring a local favorited with Kirk Fleta has been a long time favored musician in the Smoky Mountains. Thursdays are Karaoke night with Kat!
The Island in Pigeon Forge is filled with fun adventures, music, great shopping and food.
“Whether it’s the best Bluegrass in front of Ole Smoky Moonshine, some Jimmy Buffet tunes at Margaritaville, or your favorite rock covers at Mellow Mushroom, the Island has a wide range of live music offerings to enjoy.”
For more about The Island, check out our blog post on family-friendly fun. The Island is located at 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge.
Festivals
Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival in Sevierville May 19-20
https://youtu.be/htyJZO5ze34
The Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival is an annual street festival in historic downtown Sevierville, just up the road from Pigeon Forge. The family-friendly event includes kid’s activities, championship barbecue and world-class bluegrass music.
Free admission and free concerts on 3 stages with 20 bands, food to sample and buy and hand-made crafts attract nearly 40,000 visitors a year.This year’s bands include Yonder Mountain String Band, Sawyer Brown, Breaking Grass, Trey Wellington and many more. Check out the line up here.
The festival also includes the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition honoring the songwriting of the city’s most beloved native – Dolly Parton.
The competition encourages contestants from across the nation to sing one of the more than 3,000 songs Dolly Parton has penned – in his or her own vocal style. Contestants may enter in the 13 and up age division or the 12 and under division for this competition. Contestants may submit up to two songs written by Dolly Parton per entry. Click here for song choices.
Spring Parade
Music in the Mountains Spring Parade in Pigeon Forge is April 28. It’s a celebration of the rich musical heritage of the Smoky Mountains. Previously known as the Dolly Parade or Dolly’s Homecoming Parade, this event highlights the Pigeon Forge theaters and the singers, dancers and actors from all over the city that entertain visitors at the Pigeon Forge theaters nightly. The parade also highlights the musical heritage of the Smokies.
Smoky Mountain Music Festival – April 14, 21, 28
The Smoky Mountain Music Festival continues its dedication to excellence by offering school musicians an opportunity to demonstrate their talents before prestigious adjudicators in a beautiful setting. For over 30 years the festival has drawn musical groups from over 29 states and Canada.
Schedule
Friday: Adjudication of concert bands, jazz bands, orchestras, choral groups and winterguards, indoor drum line, and other auxiliaries at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Awards’ Ceremony for all Friday events will be held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center immediately after last performance.
Saturday: Adjudication of Street Parade on downtown Gatlinburg “Strip.” Awards’ Ceremony at end of competition.
The Smoky Mountain Music Festival originated in 1983. More than 6500 groups from 29 states and Canada have participated in choral, band and orchestra events. The Smoky Mountain Music Festival has developed into one of the nation’s most exciting and educational festivals. Over 50% of our groups are repeat participants.
Weekly
Week after week, the festival includes ensembles in all categories that sustain the integrity of the competition. The judges are among the most competent musicians and educators in the profession. Gatlinburg is one of the safest resort towns in America. It is perfectly safe to allow students freedom in this crime-free resort. The town is conveniently located and, besides the natural beauty of the great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg has many attractions and entertainment facilities. There is a great relationship between the city officials and the festival.
Book a cabin for your stay in the Smokies!
When you’re ready to tempt your taste buds and treat your ears, you’ll need a place to stay.
Book yourself a cabin in Pigeon Forge so you’ll be close to both Sevierville and Dollywood for these great music. Some of our cabins close to Pigeon Forge even offer a view of the Dollywood Fireworks! Also take a look at our pet-friendly cabins.
All of our cabins come with fully equipped kitchens, and many of our cabins come equipped with gas or charcoal grills so you can recreate some of the tasty flavors you sampled during your trip. Get ready for a full-flavored Smokies Vacation you won’t forget!
Be sure to check out all of our vacation guides for planning your Smoky Mountain getaway. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest area information!
