Dollywood Gears Up for a Record-Breaking 2026 in the USA with New Attractions, Events, and Celebrations

Published on
January 30, 2026

Dollywood, the world-famous theme park located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains in Eastern Tennessee, is gearing up for another exciting year. Following a significant milestone in 2025, which marked its 40th anniversary, Dollywood is preparing for an even bigger and more spectacular 2026. The theme park will debut a variety of attractions, events, and experiences designed to captivate visitors of all ages and provide unforgettable memories. Dollywood’s legacy as a top-tier destination for family fun, thrills, and entertainment will be continued with the opening of its largest attraction to date.

Opening Day Highlights: A Spectacular Start to the Season

The 41st season of Dollywood will commence on Friday, March 13, 2026, with the highly anticipated I Will Always Love You Music Festival. This inaugural event will feature two brand-new performances that are expected to dazzle guests. The MotoMotion Freestyle Showdown is set to deliver an action-packed show combining extreme riders, breakdancers, and aerial daredevils. Guests will be on the edge of their seats as performers show off their incredible skills in a choreographed spectacle.

Additionally, Artreageous, a groundbreaking 3D visual concert, will captivate audiences with its fusion of art, live music, singing, dancing, humor, and interactive audience participation. This multi-sensory experience promises to transport guests into a world where art and entertainment collide in the most thrilling way possible. Fans of From the Heart – The Life & Music of Dolly Parton will also be pleased to know that this beloved show will return, offering a personal and inspiring look at Dolly’s journey from Sevier County to global stardom. The festival will run until April 12, offering plenty of opportunities for visitors to enjoy these incredible performances.

New Events and Inaugural Experiences for 2026

Dollywood’s event calendar will be full of exciting new offerings in 2026, beginning with the debut of the Run Dollywood race weekend, scheduled for April 25-26. This inaugural event will see participants racing through the park and the picturesque Smoky Mountains as part of the Flower & Food Festival. Runners can look forward to a variety of race options, including a half-marathon, 5k, 10k, and a fun run for kids aged 4 to 12. The race will offer participants a unique opportunity to take in the beauty of the park during its spring bloom, making it a memorable experience for all who take part. Registration for this limited-capacity event is available on Dollywood’s website.

NightFlight Expedition: Dollywood’s Most Ambitious Ride Yet

Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition is set to be the park’s largest and most innovative ride to date, and it’s slated to open in the spring of 2026. This new indoor hybrid adventure coaster is a major investment for the park and promises to offer guests an immersive experience like no other. The coaster will take riders on a thrilling nighttime journey through the Smoky Mountains, where they will search for bioluminescence in one of the nation’s most visited national parks. During this 5 ½-minute ride, guests will soar over scenic mountain ridges, experience a whitewater rafting adventure, and embark on an exciting flight through the night skies. This attraction is bound to be a hit for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

Harvest Festival and New Seasonal Events

The Harvest Festival at Dollywood will see exciting new additions in 2026, further elevating the park’s celebration of fall. The festival, which runs from September 14 to October 31, will introduce several new features, including a lively dance party with upbeat music and dazzling lights. Guests will also be able to enjoy Apple Jack’s Market, an area dedicated to celebrating the apple harvest with unique culinary offerings and themed décor. Another section of the park will focus on corn, offering grilled corn dishes alongside festive decorations.

A new ticketed event, Harvey’s Boo Bash, will take place on October 16, 23, and 30, offering a spooky and fun-filled evening for families. Guests will have exclusive access to Great Pumpkin LumiNights, where over 12,000 glowing pumpkins will light up the park, creating a magical atmosphere. In addition, event-only activities, candy stations, and food offerings will make this limited-capacity event a must-visit for Halloween lovers.

A Patriotic Year: Dollywood Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of America, Dollywood will be decked out in vibrant red, white, and blue décor throughout the spring and summer. The Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, which runs from June 15 to August 2, will feature a patriotic salute every evening with a Sweet Summer Nights drone show. In partnership with the American Eagle Foundation, Dollywood will also offer the country’s largest presentation of non-releasable bald eagles, housed in a 30,000-square-foot aviary that recreates their natural habitat. Guests can learn about raptor conservation and get up close with the national bird at the park’s Eagle Mountain Sanctuary.

New Entertainment and Glow-Themed Events at Dollywood’s Splash Country

Dollywood’s water park, Splash Country, will also offer a fresh experience in 2026 with the introduction of the Neon Lights event. This high-energy, glow-themed event will take place on Fridays and Saturdays from June 19 through August 1, and guests will enjoy live DJ music, vibrant neon lights, and unlimited access to select attractions. It’s the perfect way to add some extra excitement to a summer day at the park.

Lodging and Accommodations for an Unforgettable Stay

The park offers two premium resorts for guests looking to extend their Dollywood experience: Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. Both resorts offer exclusive benefits such as TimeSaver passes, which provide faster ride access, door-to-door transportation and priority parking at Dollywood parks. With their comfortable accommodations and prime location, these resorts allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the Dollywood experience.