UPDATE: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Dollywood is delaying its season opening until March 28.
Dollywood officially kicks off its 35th anniversary season tomorrow, April 14, 2020 along with the 20th annual multicultural Festival of Nations event.
This year’s Festival of Nations features two new headline shows, a long list of international foods and a slew of other entertainment options.
Each year, Dollywood hosts a variety of acclaimed international acts in theaters across the park. It’s an exciting, educational and delicious experience.
Live Entertainment at Dollywood Festival of Nations 2020
Namaste at Dollywood’s Festival of Nations 2020. Photo © Dollywood
New to Festival of Nations in 2020 is Namaste, a “visually-striking look at India and the myriad dance forms for which the country is known.”
The show takes guests on a journey through the states of India, each represented through dance and story. Elaborate costumes and a video wall are incorporated into the performance to create an awe-inspiring experience. One of India’s most famous lyricists provides the captivating music for this production presented by Beyond Bollywood.
Also new this season is Ole!, a “hilarious show that features tremendous musicality combined with slapstick comedy from the self-proclaimed ‘Gypsy Kings of Comedy.'”
Audiences will be mesmerized by their unique show which includes unparalleled musical ability alongside visual antics which include everything from shooting ping pong balls from their mouths to smashing eggs on stage. Guests won’t know what is coming next!
Festival of Nations 2019 act “Drumstruck” is returning in 2020. It’s the first interactive “drum-theater” experience:
As guests enter Showstreet Palace Theater, they find drums placed in each seat throughout the venue. Members of the audience use these drums to become part of the performance. This high-energy production weaves South African music and culture with West African rhythms.
Dollywood’s 2020 Festival of Nations entertainment lineup also includes the following shows and acts:
Invaders Steel Drum Orchestra: “One of the world’s oldest and most respected steel drum bands, Invaders Steel Drum Orchestra celebrates more than 75 years of creating festive music for audiences around the world.”
Atahualpa at Dollywood Festival of Nations in 2017
Atahualpa: “Hailing from Ecuador, Atahualpa combines native Incan instruments with contemporary backups to celebrate the history and culture of the Andes Mountains. Atahualpa’s mix of songs includes contemporary music, South American dance rhythms, and the traditional music of the Andes.”
The Irish Stage at the Back Porch Theater: “Three groups perform at the aptly-named Irish Stage and provide Dollywood guests a musical visit to the Emerald Isle.”
Food at Dollywood Festival of Nations 2020
In addition to entertainment from around the world, Dollywood’s Festival of Nations offers guests an amazing assortment of international dishes and beverages through the “Passport to Food:”
India
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Carrot Fritter
Ireland
- Shepherd’s Pie
- Shillelagh
Ecuador
- Carnitas Over Rice
- Upside Down Plantain Cake
Canada
- Poutine
- Fried Cheese Curds
South Korea
- Beef Bulgogi Nachos
- Apricot Cherry Green Tea
USA
- BBQ Wings
- Sliced Apple Cobbler
- Sweet Tea
Italy
- Cannoli
- Chocolate Biscotti
Spain
- Paella
Trinidad and Tobago
- Beef Skewers
- Citrus Punch
Greece
- Pastitsio
South Africa
- Beef Berbere
- Bean Salad
Vietnam
- Banh Mi
Learn more about the Festival of Nations 2020 food offerings here.
Dollywood’s Festival of Nations will run on select dates March 14 through April 20, 2020. See the Dollywood operating calendar for specific dates and hours.
Dollywood will follow Festival of Nations with additional special events later this year, including the new-for-2020 Flower & Food Festival (May 8-June 14). Other events include Barbeque & Bluegrass (April 24-May 3), Summer Celebration (June 20-Aug. 2), Harvest Festival (Sept. 25-Oct. 31) and Smoky Mountain Christmas (Nov. 7-Jan. 2, 2021).
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