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5 Exciting Dollywood Festivals You Need to Experience

Dollywood sign in front of Showstreet Palace Theater
March 10, 2025

Dollywood is famous for its award-winning shows, thrilling rides, and one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experiences. This beloved theme park also features exciting festivals that take place throughout the year! These festivals celebrate the various seasons with unique shows, dining, photo ops, and more. Keep reading to learn more about the Dollywood festivals that you won’t want to miss this year.

1. I Will Always Love You Music Festival

The first of the Dollywood festivals starts when the theme park opens for the season in March. The I Will Always Love You Music Festival welcomes the spring season and celebrates the art of songwriting. Stages and streets throughout the theme park are filled with a dynamic, cross-genre blend of music and dazzling productions. Favorite shows include a Dolly Parton sing-a-long and the award-winning From The Heart: The Life & Music of Dolly Parton. This festival also features sparkling decor, exclusive merchandise, and delicious food.

2. Flower & Food Festival

umbrella flower sculpture and butterflies at Dollywood's Flower & Food Festival

Another one of the can’t-miss Dollywood festivals is the Flower & Food Festival. This festival celebrates the spring season with beautiful blooms and fresh foods. Larger-than-life Mosaicultures and colorful flower displays line the streets and fill the air with their floral aromas. More than half a million flowers can be seen in brilliant hues of yellow, pink, and purple. This festival also includes international foods that are filled with fresh, vibrant flavors. Capture photos under the signature Umbrella Sky and watch showstopping performances throughout the park.

3. Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration

During Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, the theme park has extended park hours, which means you have even more time to experience it all. Discover refreshing ways to beat the summer heat with interactive fountains, sprinklers, foam, and the fan-favorite Gazillion Bubble Show. Take a photo under vibrant Kite Sky and dance the night away at the special nighttime dance party. Each day ends with a spectacular fireworks and drone show against the Smoky Mountain night sky.

4. Harvest Festival

pumpkin spider at Dollywood's Harvest Festival

One of the most popular Dollywood festivals is the Harvest Festival. This festival celebrates the fall season with masterfully carved pumpkins, tasty autumn foods, live music, and much more. During the day, you can listen to dozens of talented musicians and shop for goods that are handmade by talented craftsmen in the theme park. Feast on hearty harvest foods and perfectly spiced drinks that complement the season. At night, Dollywood comes alive with thousands of glowing pumpkins in creative scenes.

5. Smoky Mountain Christmas

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is a must-visit event. This award-winning Dollywood festival has become a yearly tradition for many families during the holiday season. The theme park transforms into a magical winter wonderland with more than 6 million twinkling lights and dozens of Christmas trees. Enjoy heartwarming holiday shows, seasonal shopping, and festive foods throughout the park. At the end of the day, a fireworks display lights up the night sky in tandem with cheerful holiday tunes.

Stay at the Best Hotel Near Dollywood

If you’re planning on visiting these Dollywood festivals, you’ll want to stay nearby so you can spend as much time at the theme park as possible. Our Pigeon Forge hotel is located just 15 minutes from all the fun and excitement. Find out the advantages of staying at the best hotel near Dollywood and start planning your stay at The Inn on the River today!