Dolly Parton's Stampede
Rating
Family of 4
$200-$260 (adults $55-67, kids 3-11 $30-40, under 3 free if sitting on a lap).
Duration
2.5-3 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 3-14
About
Dolly Parton's Stampede is Branson's most popular dinner show and one of the most uniquely entertaining family experiences in the Ozarks. The concept: 32 horses and a cast of riders perform choreographed routines, competitions, and trick riding in a massive indoor arena while the audience eats a four-course dinner with their bare hands.
The no-utensils policy is not a gimmick -- it is part of the experience. The meal arrives in courses: cream of vegetable soup (in a handled bowl you drink from), a whole rotisserie chicken, tender pork loin, corn on the cob, a biscuit, and a dessert. You tear the chicken apart with your fingers, gnaw on the corn, and dunk the biscuit in soup.
Kids find this absolutely delightful. Adults find it surprisingly liberating.
The show centers on a North vs. South friendly competition (the audience is divided by seating section). Horse-mounted performers compete in barrel racing, trick riding, relay races, and choreographed musical numbers.
The horses are beautiful -- well-trained Arabians, Quarter Horses, and draft breeds performing at full gallop just feet from the audience. The ground literally shakes when they thunder past.
Additional acts include longhorn cattle, buffalo, and musical performances. The show is patriotic, wholesome, and high-energy. A holiday version (November through January) adds Christmas music, a Nativity scene, and special effects.
The pre-show area opens 60-90 minutes before showtime and includes a saloon-style lounge and horse grooming stations where kids can meet and pet the performing horses before the show begins. This pre-show access is included in the ticket price.
The show runs approximately 2 hours. With the pre-show and post-show gift shop browsing, budget 2.5-3 hours total. Shows run multiple times daily during peak season -- book 1-2 weeks in advance for preferred dates and seating positions.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Year-round (indoor show). Christmas show (Nov-Jan) adds holiday elements. Book tickets 1-2 weeks in advance for prime seating. The pre-show area opens 60-90 minutes before showtime.
Wait Times
No waits once seated. Arrive 60-90 min early for the pre-show area (saloon, horse grooming area). Popular dates can sell out.
Nearby Food
Dinner is included -- you'll be full. The 76 Strip has dozens of restaurants if you need something before: Florentina's Ristorante Italiano, Andy's Frozen Custard (Missouri chain), and Branson Landing has waterfront dining.
Why Kids Love It
32 horses perform choreographed routines at full gallop in a massive indoor arena while you eat a four-course meal with your hands (no utensils! ). The audience splits into North and South teams and cheers competitively.
Trick riding, barrel racing, and musical performances fill the show. Eating rotisserie chicken and corn on the cob with bare hands while watching horses thunder past is pure childhood joy.
Pro Tips from Parents
- You eat the entire meal with your hands -- no utensils provided. This is by design and kids think it's the best part.
- The pre-show area has horse grooming stations where kids can meet and pet the horses before the show
- Request front-row arena seating for the closest view of the horses -- you can feel the ground shake
- The four-course meal is substantial: cream of vegetable soup, rotisserie chicken, pork loin, corn on the cob, biscuit, and dessert
- The Christmas show (Nov-Jan) adds Nativity scene elements, holiday music, and special effects -- it's even better than the regular show
What to Bring
- hand wipes (you eat with your hands)
- camera
- sweater (the arena is air-conditioned and can be cool)
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$200-$260 (adults $55-67, kids 3-11 $30-40, under 3 free if sitting on a lap).
Dinner is included in the ticket price.
No additional costs.
Tips to Save
- Kids under 3 are free on a lap (no separate seat or meal).
- Book online for the best prices.
- The dinner is a full four-course meal included in admission -- eat light beforehand.
- Christmas show prices are slightly higher but the added production value is worth it.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- Varies (show schedule)
- Monday
- Varies (show schedule)
- Sunday
- Varies (show schedule)
- Tuesday
- Varies (show schedule)
- Saturday
- Varies (show schedule)
- Thursday
- Varies (show schedule)
- Wednesday
- Varies (show schedule)
