About Blake Shelton's Ole Red Gatlinburg
Ole Red Gatlinburg is Blake Shelton's restaurant and live music venue at 511 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg. The brand's name is spelled Ole Red, and the Gatlinburg venue was the third in the chain after Tishomingo, Oklahoma, and Nashville.
How it opened
Shelton opened the Gatlinburg location in March 2019 with a grand opening week of March 11 to 17 and a concert. A private concert raised more than $29,000 for the music programs at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School, according to local coverage. The venue is owned and operated by Ryman Hospitality Properties.
What to expect
Ole Red combines a full restaurant, a bar and a stage. The draw is live music, with bands playing regularly, and the menu is Southern and American. Check the Ole Red Gatlinburg page for the current menu, the show calendar, and any ticketed events. The venue's own page on Gatlinburg.com also gives background and links.
Hours
Hours depend on the music schedule and the season. Because they change, check the Ole Red website for the day you plan to go instead of relying on a printed time.
Getting there
511 Parkway is on the main strip of downtown Gatlinburg (US-441), among the attractions and souvenir shops. Park in a city garage and walk. The city parking page lists the options, and the free Gatlinburg trolley covers the strip if you need a ride back.
When to go
Evenings are the reason to visit. Weekend nights in summer, October and the holiday season draw the biggest crowds, so reserve a table or check the schedule ahead if you want a seat near the stage. A weekday visit is calmer, and it still has music.
Who it suits
Country music fans, groups celebrating something, and anyone who wants dinner with a soundtrack. Families are welcome for early dinners, but the venue is built around the bar and the stage, and it gets louder as the night goes on. If you plan to hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park the next morning, remember the park's parking tag: $5 a day for any vehicle parked longer than 15 minutes.
Good to know
- What kind of food does Blake Shelton's Ole Red Gatlinburg serve?
- American, Southern. It’s known for southern fare with live music.