Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival Heats up at Dollywood

Get ready for three weeks of barbeque that sets your taste buds on fire and more than 500 FREE bluegrass concerts featuring award-winning artists like Ricky Skaggs (Sept. 5 & 6), the Del McCoury Band (Sept. 7 & 8), Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver (Sept. 14 & 15) at Dollywood’s BBQ & Bluegrass festival. The inviting aroma of slow-cooked ribs, pulled pork and barbequed chicken—all piled high and piping hot—draw you to barbeque headquarters in Market Square. And more than the grill is sizzling as bluegrass pickers fill every stage with that high, lonesome sound for 21 days of bluegrass music’s best artists each day.

“It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of bluegrass music, and I love great barbeque, too,” Dolly Parton said. “I love to sing one and cook the other, so it’s only natural that I would treat folks to my Barbeque & Bluegrass festival at Dollywood each year. Whether it’s your ears or your appetite, you’ll find something you’ll love!”


On the Fountain Stage, the competition really heats up as professional chefs go head to head in a battle of the burners at Dollywood’s Sizzlin’ Chef Showdown! This kitchen challenge pits creativity against the clock as minutes turn into masterpieces in a rivalry where the best chef rules.

BBQ & Bluegrass Performers

Performers 2008 Dates
Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder September 5 & 6
Cadillac Sky September 5 & 6
NewFound Road September 7
The Del McCoury Band September 7 & 8
Cherryholmes September 9 & 10
Marty Raybon September 12 & 13
Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road September 13 & 14
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver September 14 & 15
Williams & Clark Expedition September 14 - 17
Alecia Nugent September 16 & 17
Seldom Scene September 19
Riders in the Sky September 19 & 20
Bradley Walker September 20 & 21
Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike September 21
J. D. Crowe & the New South September 22 & 23
Grascals September 24
Grasstowne September 26
Kenny & Amanda Smith September 26 - 28
King Wilkie September 27
Rhonda Vincent & the Rage September 27 & 28

Not only is the music smokin’ hot during the BBQ and Bluegrass festival, so is the endless selection of delicious barbeque. Head to Market Square—barbeque headquarters—where you’ll find succulent ribs by the slab, the best barbequed chicken and perfectly pleasing pulled pork. Save room for the sides like baked beans and coleslaw.


Visiting chefs will be on hand with helpful demonstrations and some great grilling tips to make you look like a pro at your next backyard barbeque. Impress your guests with a tasty barbeque sauce or a spicy rub from the Sauce Tastin’ Station.



Information courtesy of Dollywood