If you have dreams of travel, then the Dollywood Festival of Nations 2015 might be just the thing for you. We have been to Dollywood several times but have never been during the Festival of Nations, which is going on now through April 20th. This weekend, Jay and I got to experience the entertainment, the food and the shopping first hand.
Amber went with me to the press day on March 20th when the park was not open to the general public. We immediately came across booths set up around the park with items for sale from different countries. We noticed booths from the Amazon, China, India, Columbia and many more countries, so Jay and I made sure to check them out when we came back the next day. You could buy purses, carved items and so much more at these booths that are very similar to those that you see set up by the locals at cruise port of calls.
Food At The Dollywood Festival Of Nations 2015
When Jay and I came back to the park on Saturday, we first checked out the Festival of Nations parade and Jay got to see Dolly Parton for the first time! For those of you familiar with the park, we were near the covered tunnel area near Aunt Grannie’s. The whole time we watched the parade, someone was grilling chicken and vegetables for fajitas the Mexican booth and it smelled heavenly. My husband was going to get that but the line was pretty long after the parade. So, here’s a tip, get it while the parade is going on. 😉
Jay ended up getting BBQ from the Chinese booth. He said it had a flavor similar to General Tso’s Chicken and it was really good. I am not a BBQ person, but I am most definitely a pretzel person. And the German booth didn’t fail me. Their pretzels are handmade and oh, so good. You can even get a foot long hot dog wrapped in pretzel if you like. I saw some kids eating those and they looked really good.
I also got hand squeezed pink lemonade from the German booth. I think it was about $4 and I got a pretty nice sized amount for that. We liked that you could walk around and try foods from around the world. This is a similar setup to another famous theme park that we like, but I think I prefer this one. The booths seemed closer together. The food is more expensive at Dollywood, but it is also full size instead of appetizer type portions. So, in the end, I think most people would probably save money at Dollywood.
Jay bought a BBQ sandwich, fries and a lemonade and I bought a German handmade pretzel and a fresh squeezed lemonade and we spent around $26.
Entertainment At Dollywood Festival Of Nations 2015
There are so many cultures represented in the Festival of Nations 2015, that I have really no idea where to begin. Timber! from Canada and Rhythm of the Dance from Ireland co-headline this years’ festivities. You can experience the journey of Irish Celts throughout history through Rhythm of the Dances’ traditional Irish dance. Timber! high energy show is inspired by early North American loggers and farmers.
There are many more acts to see during the Dollywood Festival Of Nations 2015 including…
Los Pampas Gauchos: Blending traditional Argentine fold dancing and comedy, this unique group gives a colorful interpretation of Argentina’s culture.
Mariachi Divas: This Grammy Award winning, all female group hails from Mexico.
Invaders Steel Orchestra: Bringing the tropical sounds of the Caribbean, this is Trinidad’s oldest steel drum band.
Alash Ensemble: Masters of Tuvan throat singing, they can sing multiple pitches at the same time. This group comes from the Tuva Republic in southern Siberia.
Atuhualpa: Experience the culture of the Andes Mountains, through Native Incan instruments. Combining South American dance and traditional music of the Andes, this Ecuadorian group hopes to promote peace throughout the world.
Zebra Stelzentheater: Be on the lookout for these German stilt dancers roaming throughout the Dollywood park.
This is the 15th Anniversary of the Festival of Nations as well as the 30th Anniversary for Dollywood, so this is opening up to be quite the year at the theme park.
Socialize With Dollywood
What Are You Most Interested In At The Dollywood Festival Of Nations 2015?
We’ve been to Dollywood a couple of times, and I can say that the food is outstanding. It’s really delicious.
Going to Dollywood in on my bucket list of life. I have always wanted to go there!
I’ve never been to Dollywood, my kids have gone with a school trip and loved it. The Festival Of Nations sounds like great food and great fun.
I didn’t realize Dollywood had so much to offer! I’d love to check it out with my sister!
I’ve never been to Dollywood, but I’ve heard it’s an excellent theme park. The food certainly looks delicious!
I want to go there. It sounds awesome.
Nice to see Dolly embracing cultures! She looks fabulous as always!
She really does. I am amazed by the heels she wears. I would snap my ankle!
I love going to Dollywood. I haven’t been in forever though! I need to go!
OMG, I would LOVE to go to Dollywood. We’re taking a trip to Memphis in a few weeks, we’ll need to go there!
You definitely should. I wonder how far it would be from Memphis to Dollywood? I haven’t been to Memphis, so that is someplace that I need to visit.
Dolly is so iconic and I would be thrilled to visit Dollywood. The Festival of Nations sounds like a super fun cultural experience and all of that food is a huge bonus!
I have always wanted to go to Dollywood. It looks extra fun during this festival. That BBQ looks awesome!
That looks such a fun place to be at! Is that pulled BBQ sandwich? I can just imagine how tasty it is!
I am not much into BBQ but I think that is what the hubby said it was. He said it was really good, too.
Never thought about going to Dollywood, but your pics make me want to go. Looks so much fun!
The food at the Festival of Nations looks amazing. I would love to spent the day there. I have always wanted to visit Dollywood.
I remember when I was a teen we went from OK to GA to meet up with my family in Atlanta. We went to stop at Dollywood and the park was closed for some renovations. I was pretty sad but we went on some other tourist attractions instead.
Oh that is sad. You should try to go back some other time. At least now you can check the web to make sure they are open first.
I’ve heard that Dollywood is a good time. I’ve never been. That says a lot about how much of a mega star Dolly Parton is though – her OWN theme park! lol
That chinese beef looks yummy!
Wouldn’t it be cool to own your own theme park? Oh, and the hubs said his BBQ was yummy. 🙂
I can’t believe I drive past Pigeon Forge all the time and I have yet to stop over at Dollywood. I’m sure my kids would love it.
that BBQ looks amazing! i could go for that right about now.
Oh we’ve never been to Dollywood!! Now that we are semi-close we are going to have to plan a trip.
A friend of mine took her family to visit Dollywood last year. They entered their whole trip around being able to go there.