You can now eat, drink, sing and play in the same theater where Dolly Parton performed her first-ever paid gig in this cozy, historic town in Tennessee
In 1956, a then-unknown 10-year-old with a uniquely beautiful voice named Dolly Parton stepped onto the stage at The Pines Theater, a small music and entertainment venue in Sevierville, TN, with seating for just 700 people. This was her first paid gig for the Cas Walker Farm and Home Tour.
You’d think a place with such a rich history – where not only Dolly Parton got her start, but legends like June Carter Cash, Archie Campbell and Chet Atkins also performed – would become a landmark, a pilgrimage site for country music fans eager to walk in the footsteps of greatness.
Unfortunately, The Pines Theater closed just a year later, in 1957, fading into obscurity and leaving only memories behind – until now. Nearly seven decades later, the theater has been restored to its former glory, only with several modern updates.
About The Pines Theater
The Pines Theater originally opened in 1944 as a mixed-use entertainment venue. By the time Dolly Parton graced its stage, it was a 700-seat hotspot for country music and other entertainment like movies and roller skating.
“The early days of my music career took place at The Pines. Many acts from the Cas Walker Show performed there on Saturday nights, myself included,” Parton recalls. “The Cas Walker Show is where I got my start when my uncle, Bill Owens, took me to sing on the Cas Walker Show. Mr. Walker not only had the performers here at The Pines but held all kinds of fun things to do to bring people in.”
You can catch a glimpse of that iconic 1956 performance in the clip below:
Despite its rich history, The Pines Theater shut its doors for what many assumed would be for good in 1957.
For decades, all that remained were memories and a nod to the venue at Dollywood, Dolly’s namesake theme park. Parton paid homage to the original by naming one of the Dollywood theaters “The Pines Theater.” Located in the Jukebox Junction area of the park, The Pines Theater hosts a variety of seasonal shows.
The Pines Theater today
Fast-forward to 2022, and something incredible happened. Compass Development, a group led by local visionaries, decided to reopen The Pines Theater as an entertainment venue. Known for their popular local projects like The Appalachian, Graze Burgers, Brick and Spoon and several area vacation rentals, the team set out to breathe new life into this historic space. For the first time in decades, visitors can walk in Parton’s footsteps and feel the energy of the history made within its walls.
Today, The Pines Theater offers several activities, including duckpin bowling, an arcade lounge, Dutch shuffleboard, foosball, darts, board games, snookball and giant versions of family-friendly games like Jenga and pool.
The exterior closely resembles its 1956 appearance, complete with a stunning mural showcasing the faces of country music stars who once performed there. Historic photos can also be found along the entryway. The photos include snapshots of a very young Parton, paying homage to The Pines in its former glory. Inside, the space has been thoughtfully reimagined into a cozy, modern and elevated entertainment venue.
There’s also a kitchen and bar offering specialty cocktails inspired by Parton and her career, like the “9 to 5.” The menu includes chef-inspired nightly specials, snacks and entrees such as loaded tots, butterbean hummus, smoked wings, cheesy breadsticks, burgers and pizza.
The theater also hosts special events, including Sunday karaoke nights. Therefore, you, too, can say you performed on the “same stage” as Parton herself. The space is available for group reservations and private parties, accommodating up to 400 people upon request. “I can’t tell you how proud I am to have The Pines Theater back up and running. It is a cherished piece of my childhood,” said Parton upon learning of the theater’s reopening.
How to find The Pines Theater
The Pines is located in Sevierville’s Downtown Historic District at 230 Court Ave, Sevierville, TN 37862. There’s plenty of free street parking and several nearby lots. The Pines is open Tuesday-Thursday 5-11 pm, Friday-Saturday 4-12 pm and Sundays 4-11 pm. For more information, visit their website at thepinesdowntown.com or contact them at 865-366-1471 or info@thepinesdowntown.com.
Have you explored this historic entertainment venue where Dolly Parton once performed in Sevierville, TN? Let us know in the comments below!
Are you planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains soon? Make sure to check out our coupons page before your trip!
Have a question or comment about something in this article? Contact our staff here. You may also contact our editorial team at info@thesmokies.com.