Dollywood 2026: New Hybrid Attraction and Top Events
This year, Dollywood's guests can look forward to a wide range of themed events and the opening of a major new attraction | Photo: Courtesy of Dollywood Parks & Resorts.
(eap) At the season opening last weekend, Dolly Parton, namesake and co-owner of the Dollywood theme park, welcomed visitors to the new season. The US leisure park operated by Herschend and located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is looking ahead this year not only to a wide range of themed events, but in particular to the opening of a new major attraction: “NightFlight Expedition”, the world’s first indoor installation of Mack Rides’ “Rocking Boat” ride system. The experience combining roller coaster and whitewater rafting elements, is expected to have a ride duration of more than five minutes and will feature elaborate theming as well as numerous effects.
"NightFlight Expedition" | Photo: Courtesy of Dollywood Parks & Resorts
“I’m so excited for everything we have for our guests this season,” Dolly Parton said. “We’re investing a lot of time and money into our big new roller coaster this year, and I can’t wait for everyone to go on the Smoky Mountain adventure NightFlight Expedition is going to offer. The ride takes me back to so many wonderful memories I had as a kid, with all the fireflies and the moonlight making the Smokies have a special kind of magic, so I had to recreate that for everyone visiting Dollywood!”
Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton also underlined the importance of the new attraction for the upcoming season: “This ride is going to be a gamechanger for the theme park world; but it isn’t the only gamechanger for Dollywood this season. I am so excited to participate in Dollywood’s Run Dollywood race alongside the other participants. I also can’t wait to watch families make even more memories together during our brand-new, after-hours events and other festival offerings. This truly will be the most exciting season at Dollywood yet.”
"I Will Always Love You Festival" | Photo: Courtesy of Dollywood Parks & Resorts
In addition to the new attraction, visitors can expect an extensive event programme. The season begins with the “I Will Always Love You Festival”, which runs until April 12 and brings back popular formats such as “Sing-a-long with Dolly” and “From the Heart – The Life & Music of Dolly Parton”. The offering is complemented by two new shows: “Artrageous”, a combination of music and multisensory live art, and “Moto Motion: Freestyle Showdown”, an action-packed production featuring elements of extreme sports, breakdance and aerial acrobatics.
From April 18 to June 7, the “Flower & Food Festival” will showcase colourful floral sculptures and a seasonal culinary offering. In addition, the “Run Dollywood” race weekend is planned for the first time, including a half marathon, a one-mile kids fun run as well as 5K and 10K races.
"Flower & Food Festival" | Photo: Courtesy of Dollywood Parks & Resorts
The “Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration” (June 15 to August 2) returns with an expanded programme, including the drone and fireworks show “Sweet Summer Nights”. In autumn, the “Harvest Festival” (September 14 to October 31) follows, featuring carved pumpkins, live entertainment and the illuminated experience “Great Pumpkin LumiNights”. New this year is “Harvey’s Boo Bash”, a separately ticketed after-hours event offering access to selected attractions, themed experiences as well as exclusive food and merchandise items.
The season concludes with “Smoky Mountain Christmas” (November 6, 2026 to January 3, 2027), which aims to get visitors in the holiday spirit with around six million lights, festive shows and a warm, atmospheric setting. ■
