hiker crossing footbridge over mountain stream

Your Guide to Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration

Dollywood Sign
July 3, 2024

Summer is a great time of year to visit Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains! There are so many fun things to experience, including seasonal festivals like Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration. This time of year, Dollywood is filled with vibrant sights, sounds, and tastes that perfectly showcase the season! To help you plan your visit, we’ve put together this guide to Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration so you know what to expect:

Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights

During Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, the theme park extends its operating hours to allow guests to enjoy their numerous rides and attractions under the starry sky. At the end of the evening, make your way to Wildwood Grove for Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights. As the sun sets, this area comes alive with a dance party where you can learn new dance moves as you groove to your favorite tunes! After dark, a drone and fireworks show lights up the night with an enchanting story that’s perfectly timed to music!

Lively Entertainment

string band playing at Dollywood

Dollywood is known for its world-class live entertainment, and their Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration festival does not disappoint! This seasonal festival brings an eclectic lineup of performances to the theme park, ranging from musical numbers to bubble creations to stunt dogs! Each show is sure to captivate audiences of all ages, featuring both local and internationally renowned artists. You can find these performances scattered throughout the park, both in theaters and in the streets!

Culinary Delights

Enjoy the tastes of summer throughout the theme park during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration! Try a variety of savory Southern-inspired favorites such as the Apple Cider BBQ Pork Sandwich, Summer Vegetable & Okra Skillet, and Bacon Mac & Cheese Pizza. To help you stay cool, try a refreshing Blackberry Iced Tea, Iced Boba Coffee, or Passion Fruit Punch. Make sure you save room for dessert so you can satisfy your sweet tooth with a fruity cupcake, funnel cake, ice pop, or ice cream float!

Family Fun

Wild Eagle at Dollywood

Dollywood is filled with exciting rides and attractions that cater to all ages and thrill levels! Young kids can enjoy the carnival-style rides at Country Fair, while thrill-seekers can soar through the air on roller coasters like Wild Eagle and Lightning Rod! Cool off with a plunge down Daredevil Falls or a float down Smoky Mountain River Rampage. As a unique addition, during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration you can also stop by special “roadside attractions” like the Foam Zone and the garden hose fountain for a fun way to stay cool and capture great photos!

More Summer Festivals to Experience in the Smoky Mountains

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration is one of the most popular summer festivals in Pigeon Forge, and now you know why! If you’re looking for more ways to celebrate the season, make sure you check out these other can’t-miss summer festivals in Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains!

After your fun-filled day, you’ll want to retreat back to a comfortable, quiet place to unwind and rest. The Inn on the River has everything your family needs for your stay this summer, including an indoor and outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast bar, free WiFi, private balconies, cozy furniture, and more! Browse our selection of Pigeon Forge hotel rooms and our special offers to book your ideal place to stay for your summer vacation!