DOLLYWOOD 2026 SEASON TO START MARCH 13TH
Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has announced its 2026 season will open to all guests on Friday, March 13, marking the park’s 41st year, with special ride preview days for season passholders ahead of the debut of NightFlight Expedition—the world’s first indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater raft ride, a $50 million investment and the largest in the park’s history, set to open in spring 2026.
This five-and-a-half-minute attraction combines soaring over the Smokies, a thrilling raft ride through over 500,000 gallons of water, a roller coaster traverse along a mountain ridge, and a boat journey across a shimmering lake. Dolly Parton expressed pride in the park’s growth since 1986, crediting visitor support for enabling such innovations.
The season will feature returning festivals, including the I Will Always Love You Music Festival (March 13–April 12), Flower & Food Festival (April 18–June 7), Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (June 14–August 2), Harvest Festival (September 14–31), and Smoky Mountain Christmas (November 6–January 3, 2027), alongside the inaugural Run Dollywood race weekend on April 25–26 with events from a one-mile kids’ run to a half marathon amid live entertainment.
Dollywood’s Splash Country will open its 26th season on May 23, running daily through August 9 and select days until September 20, introducing the separately ticketed Neon Nights glow event with a DJ and select attractions. 2026 season passes, including a new lower-priced Summer Fun Pass for April 18–September 13, go on sale November 1, with buyers gaining free access to the current Smoky Mountain Christmas; details are available at Dollywood.com.
