WHAT'S NEW?
Golly, Dolly!
This year marks the 80th birthday of Sevierville’s own Dolly Parton so we’re celebrating with special events and performances on Saturday, May 16! Catch the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition and listen as finalists from around the nation perform one of Dolly’s 3,000+ songs in their own style. Then stick around for cousin Richie Owen’s original show, Appalachia: Ballads, Bloodlines, & the Long Journey Home – a roots-music and storytelling experience blending songs and spoken stories from the Owens and Parton families right here in Sevier County. Finally, see Here I Come Again, a Dolly Tribute featuring the band Run Katie Run.
Crafts, Donuts, + Mini Golf
Explore new fun in the Crafter’s Village. Play a round of mini golf (kids under 5 play free with a paying adult), and indulge in those fluffy, glazed donuts that have become a festival favorite.
Then browse from over 70 local and regional craft booths. Everything from wood working, crochet, leather goods, handmade jewelry, and boutique clothing to hand crafted candles, soaps, lotions, ands scrubs will be available at the Crafter Village near the Bush’s Best Community Stage.
Swaggerty’s Farm Sausage knows how to serve up the good stuff. This year, they’re partnering with Walters State Community College’s Maples Institute for Culinary Arts to offer chef crafted dishes made with Swaggerty’s Farm sausage. Stop by for a taste and grab take home recipe cards during these times:
- Friday, May 15 | 5–7 PM
- Saturday, May 16 | 11 AM–1 PM
- Saturday, May 16 | 5–7 PM
Of course, their booth will be stocked with fun Swaggerty’s swag all weekend long, plus chances to win great prizes. One lucky grand prize winner will even be announced just before Saturday night’s headline show on the Swaggerty’s Farm Main Stage.
Get a jump on recipe ideas here!
Bush Beans is in its 22nd year as a partner of Bloomin’ BBQ Music & Food Festival!
Meet the 34+ cook teams participating in the Bush’s® Best Tennessee State Championship BBQ Cook Off (three of the teams will even be vending their championship quality ‘que). Or rock out to tunes from up-and-coming regional artists on the Bush’s® Best Community Stage .
Bush’s® formed in 1908 just a few miles down the road from Sevierville in Chestnut Hill, TN. Now beautiful bean enthusiasts can visit the place where it all started and learn about the company’s history, the beans, and how they’ve spend the last 110 years spreading that good bean word at the Bush’s® Visitor Center which features a Museum and the Bush’s® Family Café.
Did you know Mountain Dew was created right here in Tennessee, just 25 miles from Sevierville? It’s a true Tennessee original!
We’re so excited to have Mountain Dew as one of our main sponsors of the event. While you’re enjoying some delicious BBQ, be sure to visit the Mountain Dew tent for fun games and a complimentary Mountain Dew!
Now in its second year, The Lawn Stage will feature up & coming local bands, student performers, square dance lessons, and more. In addition to great shows, this will also be the site of the all-new Daytime Musicians Jam led by Evie Andrus. The Daytime Jam will take place on Saturday, May 16 from 2pm until 4pm and allow musicians of all skill levels the chance to jam together.
Check out the full lineup here .
Expanded Family Fun Zone presented by BJ’s Wholesale Club
In addition to new carnival-style rides for kids, the expanded Family Fun Zone presented by BJ’s Wholesale Club will also include free face painting sponsored by Soaky Mountain Waterpark , Days Gone By Kids’ Games presented by Sevier County Government, and yummy snacks for the whole family.
See the festival layout here .
Jam Sessions
Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments and music fans are encouraged to bring their ears to two open musician jams during Bloomin’ BBQ Music & Food Festival.
On Friday, May 15, be part of the Late Night Jam, located on the festival grounds. Led by 5-time national champion banjo picker Gary “Biscuit” Davis, this jam welcomes musicians of all skill levels to create music together. The Late Night Jam begins at 10pm and goes until Midnight.
Saturday, May 16, Bloomin’ BBQ Music & Food Festival will also have a Daytime Jam from 2pm-4pm on the Lawn Stage. Led by bluegrass musician Evie Andrus, this jam is also open to musicians of all skill levels and is a fun opportunity to meet and learn from other musicians.
No registration is required to be part of either jam. Simply show up ready to pick – or listen!
Cook Team Village
Savor the smoky smell of victory in the Cook Team Village at Bloomin’ BBQ Music & Food Festival. Over 34 cook teams will smoke ribs, brisket, chicken, and pork as they vie for the title of Tennessee State BBQ Champion. Visit the Cook Team Village to watch the teams in action!
The Mountain Soul Vocal Competition
A crowd favorite for over twenty years, the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition welcomes thirty finalists to this one-of-a-kind event. Finalists from all over the nation must sing one of the 3,000+ songs that Dolly Parton has written in the style of his or her choice for a chance to win cash and prizes. The fun starts at 11:30am on the Tanger Sevierville Back Porch Stage on Saturday, May 16, 2026.