Dollywood’s Festival of Nations (March 31-May 7) honors the Smoky Mountains’ Celtic heritage with Celebrate Ireland, the centerpiece of the park’s annual five-week festival featuring international music, dance, art and food.
“Our Irish roots run really deep in East Tennessee, and I’m especially proud of my Irish heritage. You can bet I’m gonna show folks a jig or two of my own!” Dolly Parton said. “Dollywood’s Festival of Nations welcomes the best of Ireland, plus a world of spectacular entertainment to the Smoky Mountains.”
The Irish stage show Rhythm of the Dance headlines Celebrate Ireland. A dance and music spectacular, Rhythm of the Dance showcases Ireland’s renowned musical heritage featuring authentic instrumentalists, three vocalists and 18 dancers. Since its debut in 1999, Rhythm of the Dance has played to more than three million people in 33 countries. The 45-minute show performs daily in DP’s Celebrity Theatre and is included with park admission.
Dollywood’s Craftsman’s Valley welcomes a variety of visiting Irish craftsmen and entertainers during Dollywood’s Festival of Nations. Special entertainment on the Valley Theatre stage features Irish bands and dance troupes. Guests can also enjoy free bodhrán drum and tin whistle lessons.
Celebrate Ireland also features a limited engagement by Irish artist Philip Gray. A former Irish Naval diver, Gray began painting while at sea and his paintings depict Irish seascapes and landscapes.
Also new for the festival is Emerald Isle Marketplace where a variety of visiting Irish crafters offer up-close demonstrations of authentic stone cutting, drum making, willow basket weaving, pottery, hat making, sheep shearing, wool spinning, knitting and crystal etching. Emerald Isle Marketplace also features an array of handmade, one-of-a-kind items for purchase.
For food lovers, Taste of Ireland offers authentic Irish cuisine at special booths and various park restaurants. O’Malley’s Place serves a hearty Irish stew, Sheppard’s pie and beef and cabbage while farmhouse cheese and crackers, sausages and Tayto chips are offered at Irish Snacks. Brown bread, scones, jam, hot tea, soda bread and Battenberg cakes are just a few of the Irish baked goods for sale.
Dollywood guests can enter the Home to Ireland sweepstakes, sponsored by Dollywood, North American Celtic Buyers Association and CIE Tours International. The winner will receive an Irish Heritage tour in which the winner and a guest will enjoy an eight-day, seven-night escorted motor coach trip through Ireland. Dollywood guests may register to win beginning March 31 at Dollywood’s A Touch of Ireland shop. Complete prize package information, sweepstakes rules and regulations available upon request at registration location.
Dollywood’s Festival of Nations features more than 250 international performers in free shows throughout the park. Other performing groups include:
Russian National Theatre (March 31-May 7)—This 31-member troupe consists of highly skilled artists performing breathtaking classic and folk dances and beautiful songs with stirring lyrics, both accompanied by a variety of musical instruments. The dramatic presentation incorporates elements of traditional Russian circus and lively fisticuffs set against colorful scenery and vibrant costumes.
Switzerland’s Streichmusic Adler (March 31 – April 16)— Streichmusic Adler presents “Music of the Alps,” a lively program of Switzerland-style folk music. Founded in 1884, Streichmusic Adler blends cow bells and alphorn with its own unique style of yodeling, a combination that has entertained audiences for four generations.
Peru’s Yawar Chicchi (March 31-May 7)—Yawar Chicchi delights audiences with the “dance of scissors,” the artistic symbol of Peru. A dance of religious origin featuring captivating displays of art and physical skill, the “dance of scissors” features traditional song and dance along with colorful costumes as Yawar Chicchi shares the customs and traditions of the Andean man.
Austria’s Kerry Christensen (March 31-May 7)—Christensen showcases an amazing repertoire of yodeling styles, from Europe’s legendary alpine sounds to that of the American cowboy. A master yodeler and the world’s only full-time yodeler, Christensen’s show features an entertaining variety of Cajun, Latin, Jewish, Hawaiian, jazz and Classical sounds alongside his humorous yodeling renditions.
Dyvo Kalynove (March 31-May 7)—The 24-member Dyvo Kalynove from Ukraine brings lively folk and comedic dance. The children’s performances are accompanied by traditional instruments including bayan, violin, flute, trumpet, kobza, contrabass and percussion. Show highlights include dances with daring acrobatic tricks representative of the Cossack celebrations.
Atahualpa (March 31-May 7)—Veterans of various festivals around the world, Atahualpa's traditional rhythms celebrate the rich history and culture of South America’s Andes Mountains where salsa and meringue music creates a colorful and entertaining carnival festival for all to enjoy.
Stix on Steel (March 31-May 7)—One of Trinidad’s most melodic bands, Stix on Steel brings to life the lively sounds that honor the rich traditions of steel band music.
Zambian Vocal Group (March 31-May 7)—The young men of Zambian Vocal Group hail from different African tribes to form a collective sound, underscoring the message that music unites us all. The group's a capella repertoire ranges from traditional hymns to original songs, all featuring a unique combination of traditional African rhythms, vocal percussion and complex vocal harmonies.
Dollywood’s operating days and hours vary. For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit
www.dollywood.com.