Is the Smoky Mountain Opry Closed?
The Smoky Mountain Opry debuted their ninth season on Feb. 28, 2020 with all-new musical numbers, only to close their doors less than three weeks later. The closing was originally meant to be temporary. However, representatives with the Smoky Mountain Opry announced that they were not planning to reopen for the remainder of the 2020 season – if at all.
Is the Smoky Mountain Opry permanently closed?
In recent months, additional clues about the Opry's fate indicate that the attraction may be permanently closed, or at the very least have no plans to reopen in the foreseeable future. While the building and signage remain standing in Pigeon Forge, the Smoky Mountain Opry business pages on Facebook and Instagram have been deactivated since April of 2020.
Secondly, the Google listing for the Smoky Mountain Opry marks the attraction as "permanently closed." The Opry's former website has also been taken down. At one time, the website redirected users to a website featuring other World Choice Investment dinner shows. These shows include Dolly Parton's Stampede, Pirates Voyage, Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud and The Comedy Barn Theater. Currently, the former website is no longer active at all.
Alternative shows in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
If you're looking for a few alternatives to the Smoky Mountain Opry, here are a few other shows in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg:
1. Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Show
Dolly Parton’s Stampede, located in Pigeon Forge, features a friendly North vs. South competition and a four-course feast of Southern comfort food. Guests can enjoy a live show featuring music, comedy, live animals, horse stunts and pyrotechnics during their meal. Ticket prices are usually around $59.99 per adult (prices may vary by season). Check the website for details.
2. Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show
Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show is a dinner theater experience in Pigeon Forge. Guests join the adventures of the infamous pirate Blackbeard and his quartermaster Calico Jack. Guests receive a four-course feast in stadium seating during the show. Ticket prices are around $59.99 per adult (prices may vary by season). Check the website for details.
3. Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud
The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show is a dinner theater experience in Pigeon Forge, featuring a homestyle all-you-can-eat feast. Hatfield & McCoy claims to put the “fun” in dysfunctional. Guests enjoy a comical, mountain-style feud during their meal. Ticket prices are around $59.99 per adult (prices may vary by season). See the website for details.
4. The Comedy Barn
The Comedy Barn Theater is a live music venue in Pigeon Forge. This show offers a clean comedy routine for the family and is also an award-winning family comedy variety show. The shows feature magicians, jugglers, ventriloquists, comedians and live music. The Comedy Barn is also a bit more economical than some of the other local shows at just $34.99 per adult (prices may vary by season). But it's important to note, this show does not include dinner. Visit them online to purchase tickets.
5. Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Supper Show
Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud is a tourist attraction in Pigeon Forge located in the Shops at Lumberjack Square. The Supper includes a BBQ sandwich, coleslaw, baked beans, a drink, and a cookie. There's also a concession stand with fresh popcorn and snacks. The show features two feuding families as they compete through 13 competitive lumberjack events in an outdoor amphitheater. Tickets start at about $44.99 (prices may vary by season). If you book, check
6. Impossibilities Magic Show
Erik Dobell is a master mentalist and magician. Dobell has traveled from Las Vegas to South Korea performing for audiences and companies such as the NFL, Macy’s and Goodyear, and now he performs at the historic Gatlinburg Space Needle. Ticket prices usually start at around $37.00 (prices may vary by season). Visit the website to learn more.
7. Grand Majestic Theater
The Grand Majestic is home to four shows including Soul of Motown, Hit Parade and The Magic of Terry Evanswood. Seasonal shows may also available. Whether you want to sing, dance, laugh or be amazed, Grand Majestic has something for everyone. Evanswood previously performed at WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge. Ticket prices are around 39.95 but may vary by season and performance. Visit them online to purchase tickets.
Do you miss the Smoky Mountain Opry? Do you think something else will open in its place? Let us know in the comments.