Dollywood is gearing up for its 41st season with a lineup that promises to make 2026 the most unforgettable year in park history. From the largest attraction ever to a brand-new race weekend and a spooktacular Halloween celebration, Dollywood is raising the bar for family fun in the Smoky Mountains. Season passes go on sale to the public Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
NightFlight Expedition: A World-First Ride Experience
The crown jewel of Dollywood’s 2026 season is NightFlight Expedition, a groundbreaking $50+ million attraction that is the first in the world to combine four unique ride experiences into one adventure.
Guests embark on a 5½-minute journey through the Smoky Mountains featuring:
- A nighttime flight over the Smokies
- A thrilling whitewater rafting ride through 500,000+ gallons of water
- A roller coaster ride along a mountain ridge
- A boat journey across a shimmering, bioluminescent lake
“I’m so proud of what the park has become in its first 40 years, and with what we have in store for 2026, it’s safe to say we’re just getting started!” — Dolly Parton
Season passholders will get exclusive early ride preview days before the official park opening on Friday, March 13, 2026.
Run Dollywood: Racing Through the Smokies
For the first time ever, Dollywood hosts Run Dollywood, a race weekend on April 25–26, 2026. Participants can enjoy the springtime beauty of the Smoky Mountains while running courses that wind through the park and surrounding areas.
Events include:
- Half-marathon (Sunday morning)
- 1-mile kids fun run (ages 4–12)
- 5K and 10K races (Saturday morning)
Register now at Dollywood.com/RunDollywood.
Harvey’s Boo Bash: A Spooktacular Evening
Dollywood introduces Harvey’s Boo Bash, an exclusive nighttime Halloween event on October 16, 23, and 30. Limited-capacity and separately ticketed, this celebration features:
- Candy-collecting stations throughout the park
- Access to rides and attractions after park hours
- Event-only food, merchandise, and themed entertainment
Meanwhile, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival continues through October 31, with Great Pumpkin LumiNights, a new nightly dance party, and seasonal culinary experiences at Apple Jack’s Market and Tassletop Junction.
A Year of Festivals, Shows, and Family Fun
2026 is packed with Dollywood favorites and new experiences:
Spring & Summer:
- I Will Always Love You Music Festival (Mar 13–Apr 12) featuring From the Heart—The Life & Music of Dolly Parton
- Flower & Food Festival (Apr 18–Jun 7) with half-a-million blooms and culinary delights
- Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (Jun 15–Aug 2) with Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show
Fall & Winter:
- Harvest Festival (Sept 14–Oct 31) with pumpkin displays, LumiNights, and the new Boo Bash
- Smoky Mountain Christmas (Nov 6–Jan 3) with 6 million lights, festive shows, and holiday magic
Water Park Fun:
- Dollywood’s Splash Country opens May 23–Sept 20
- New Neon Nights event with a glow-themed DJ party and unlimited ride access
Season Passes: Your Ticket to a Landmark Year
Dollywood offers four season pass levels for 2026: Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Summer Fun Pass, plus a Pre-K Imagination Pass for children born in 2021–2022.
- Diamond Pass: Two-park access, Bring-A-Friend tickets, free parking, dining/shopping discounts, all-season refill mug, TimeSaver and VIP perks
- Gold Pass: Flexible one- or two-park options with similar perks
- Silver Pass: Affordable option with select discounts
- Summer Fun Pass: Unlimited visits from April 18–Sept 13
Purchasing a 2026 season pass includes free access to Smoky Mountain Christmas, making it a perfect holiday gift.
Plan Your Stay
Extend the magic at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa or HeartSong Lodge & Resort, with perks like:
- TimeSaver access
- Door-to-door transportation
- Preferred parking
- Package delivery from the park
