Pigeon Forge is an entertainment hub that any traveler wouldn’t want to pass while in the Smoky Mountains area. And one show you might want to consider when you are here is the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud, with showtimes throughout the year in this vibrant hill town. You are about to experience the family rivalry between the two families, which never gets along, even if it means life or death.
The show has been running for more than a decade, and the acts are as spectacular as they ever were. From water pool diving stunts to classical dances and drum beating, the feud is about to set your adrenaline on a splint marathon. Not to mention the rib-cracking comedy staged by Ma McCoy in her banter with Pa Hatfield.
What will it take to make these families get along? Maybe marriage between the daughters and sons of the rivals? Or is it singing and dancing with a promise to be more profitable for both families? Be the judge of that at the performance! Your stomach will be thanking you for the incredible all-you-can-eat dinner served right before the show starts, so come prepared to eat your fill.
About the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show
The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show follows the tale of the infamous rivalry between two Appalachian families. Pa Hatfield decides that it will be best for his family to relocate to a quieter place away from the “crazy McCoy family”. He also needed a better place for his three daughters to practice their clogging and music, promising them fame and fortune in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Instinctively, or coincidently, the McCoys have a similar idea of moving to Pigeon Forge. Ma McCoy convinces her three sons to leave for the Smoky Mountains, where their bass, banjo, and fiddle talents will be much more appreciated. She packs up the rest of her family, and off they go. What she doesn’t know is that their life-long frenemies are actually in Pigeon Forge too!
Town Mayor Timothy P. O’Reilly stirs the feud when he learns that these two families in his town have a long history of unfriendliness. He involves Sheriff Duley Neal in the endless competition between the two families. They spur to see who is better between the two in clogging, the superiority of the Hatfields, and playing musical instruments, which is an edge for the McCoys.
These competitions will see them start their shows in Pigeon Forge. They realize that together they could accomplish more, and they put on a show featuring both families. They joined hands to have the feud show cook the best meals from their recipes. Are you ready for a family feud full of food and laughter? Book your tickets for the show while in the Smokies region.
The Real Feud of the McCoys and Hatfields
Many know the story and plot of the show. But how did the two families engrave the hatred that the feud shows?
According to the History Channel, one major flashpoint came in 1865 with the murder of Asa Harmon McCoy, a Union veteran. Before that, they were neighbors in the Tug Fork area along the Kentucky-West Virginia border. Randolph McCoy, aka Old Ranel, owned land and livestock, while his soon-to-be rival, William Anderson Hatfield, aka Devil Anse, was an established merchant in the lumber business.
The killing in the McCoy family helped spark the feud between the neighbors. Ranel’s brother, Asa Harmon McCoy, had served with the Union Army, contrary to the then-prevailing beliefs of many Southerners in the area. The Logan Wildcats militia, which included Hatfield relatives and Confederate sympathizers, was suspected in Asa McCoy’s death, setting ablaze the friendliness of the two families.
1878: Old Ranel accuses Floyd Hatfield of the theft of his hog. Then, the area was poor, and a pig was worth quite a fortune. They would go on trial to resolve the matter, where a McCoy relative who was married into the Hatfield family was the witness. Old Ranel lost the case after the statement from the witness sided with Floyd Hatfield. This angered the McCoys, and two years later, two McCoy relatives killed the witness, Bill Staton, over his stand.
Watch the reincarnation of the feud that started many years ago and their exploits to see the way forward for both families. Experience water splashes, dancing, singing, comedy, and banter that are guaranteed to make you fall off the chair laughing.
When Is the Show Open?
The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show runs on a date-based schedule, and showtimes can vary by season, day of week, and demand. Dinner service is included with admission and begins before the main show. Come early to check in, find your assigned seats, and enjoy the delicious meal before the performance. During peak travel periods like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter, additional matinee or evening showtimes may be added. Check the official booking calendar to confirm the show’s availability and seating arrangement for your travel date. Review the ticket terms during checkout for current cancellation, rescheduling, and weather-related policies.
Show Tickets
You can buy tickets to the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud online on their website. You can choose to print out the tickets or show the electronic tickets at the reception when attending the show. Another alternative will be to pick up the tickets at the show’s box office; identification is required.
The checkout page lists current prices by date and ticket type. Ticket categories are generally:
- Adult tickets: Current rates are shown during checkout.
- Children’s tickets: Discounted child pricing is available for qualifying ages, with current rates shown during checkout.
- Young children: Children 2 and under are generally admitted free if they sit in an adult’s lap.
Tickets are generally non-refundable, and rescheduling options depend on availability and the terms shown during checkout. If you wish to change your attendance date, contact the box office as early as possible.
How to Get To the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show
- Address: 119 Music Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States
The home of the comic family feud is between traffic lights 0 and 1 on the Parkway, on Music Road. It’s two minutes away from the Titanic Museum Attraction. The Hatfield & McCoy Theater is unmistakable even from afar, and it looks just like in the pictures! Take a taxi ride to the theater or even an Uber or Lyft for expedited transport to the show.
The homestead features live goats in the front yard, some pigs, and Ma’s big car. The entry to the theater has an aquarium with live fish, which is a welcoming gesture to the fabulous show of the two wrecked families.
Food at the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show
The dinner show features a rich menu with an extensive supply of meat, veggies, and soups. The all-you-can-eat family-style dinner service is before the main show starts, so come early if you plan to have enough time to enjoy the home-cooked dinner. The dinner is cleared when the show starts, so make the necessary arrangements before you pull up.
The current feast menu features:
- Fried chicken
- Open-pit pulled barbecue pork
- Southern-style creamy soup
- Corn on the cob with butter
- Homemade bread
- Coleslaw
- Mashed potatoes
- Granny’s famous specialty dessert
You also get unlimited Coca-Cola, tea, or coffee during the show. The all-you-can-eat feast is literal. If you need more chicken, it will land on your table. You better arrive hungry to feast on this huge dinner until you are full. The dinner has earned a description as one of the most generous and sweet dinner experiences in Pigeon Forge.
Alcoholic beverages, including moonshine cocktails, are available for purchase for guests 21 and older. Yes, you can drink away your sorrows as the cast induces laughter in your system.
Also Read: The 11 Best Dinner Shows In Pigeon Forge
Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show: FAQs
Who is better between the Hatfields and the McCoys?
In 1979, the descendants of Hatfield and McCoy appeared on a Family Feud game show inspired by their infamous conflict to contest for cash rewards. The Hatfields won the contest.
How long is the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show?
The full experience is about two hours, including the meal and the main show. Arrive early, at least 45 minutes prior, to check in and enjoy the feast.
Has a Hatfield ever married a McCoy?
Yes. Nancy McCoy married Johnse Hatfield in 1881, although the marriage later ended. Asa Harmon McCoy was killed in 1865, and the Logan Wildcats militia was suspected in his death.
Does the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show have high chairs?
Yes. High chairs and booster seats are available on request, so ask when booking or when you arrive if you need one for a child.
Can you pick your seats for the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show?
Yes and no. Seating is assigned, but if you book early enough, you can request a specific seating arrangement, and they may be able to help. Otherwise, you will have to take the seat assigned to your reservation. A pro tip here is to book early, because seating requests are easier to accommodate before a show is nearly sold out.
Conclusion
The Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show is a must-attend for a traveler skimming the Smoky Mountain area for its rich history and incomparable entertainment. Witness the two families clash over the smallest things, like a pig. Ma and Pa know their stuff as they occupy you with funny banter. All this after a heavy all-you-can-eat dinner is just the perfect way to end your day.