While Dollywood doesn’t begin its season until mid-March, we are already brimming with anticipation for all of the fun the theme park has in store for guests this year! Throughout the spring, summer, fall, and winter, Dollywood hosts a number of incredible festivals that bring world-class entertainment to Pigeon Forge. To help you plan your next vacation, Timber Tops Cabin Rentals has put together a convenient guide to all of the amazing festivals at Dollywood.
1. Festival of Nations
When Dollywood opens its doors for the year, it welcomes visitors back to the theme park with the Festival of Nations. Running from mid-March into early April, this festival is famous for its international entertainment. Talented performers from all around the globe take up residency at the park to share their country’s native music and dance. While the lineup changes each year, frequent performers include Ecuadorian musicians, German stilt dancers, a Caribbean steel pan orchestra, and an Irish band. The Festival of Nations also offers food from around the world, so Dollywood’s guests can travel the continents with their taste buds!
2. Spring Mix
The Spring Mix is a fantastic music festival in April that caters to guests with diverse tastes. The first week of the festival features classic country acts with years of chart-topping hits. For the second week, the Spring Mix highlights inspirational artists who have made their names in the Christian music genre. In the third and final week, Dollywood hosts classic musicians, including R&B groups and beloved rock bands. The Spring Mix prides itself on getting some of the biggest artists around, including plenty of Grammy, CMA, and Dove Award winners. You can see this year’s lineup for the Spring Mix on the Dollywood website.
3. Barbeque & Bluegrass
Dollywood keeps the music coming with the Barbeque & Bluegrass celebration. This awesome festival in late May and early June brings some of the best bluegrass bands in the world to the theme park. As with all of the special entertainment at Dollywood, these bluegrass concerts are completely free with park admission. As you listen to the electrifying fingerpicking of the bluegrass bands, you can dig into a variety of mouthwatering Southern BBQ dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for ribs, pulled pork, brisket, or just a mountain of macaroni and cheese, you are guaranteed to love the park’s award-winning smoked meats and sides. It’s easy to see why Barbeque & Bluegrass is one of the most popular festivals at Dollywood.
4. Summer Celebration
From mid-June through early August, Dollywood hosts its annual Summer Celebration. To accommodate its busiest season, the theme park typically extends its hours so guests can enjoy all of the fun rides and entertainment into the night. The Summer Celebration is also famous for hosting Dolly’s Nights of Many Colors: breathtaking fireworks displays that are synchronized with a song called “Paint Your Dreams Across the Sky”, which was written just for this occasion by Dolly Parton herself. Other highlights of the Summer Celebration include special shows and the chance to visit Dollywood’s Splash Country, the water park located next door. Please note that Splash Country is a separate attraction, but combo tickets are available.
5. Harvest Festival
When the leaves burst forth with color in the fall, it’s time for Dollywood’s annual Harvest Festival. Running from the very end of September to the very beginning of November, this beloved tradition captures everything you love about autumn. During the evening, the theme park comes to life with thousands of illuminated jack-o-lanterns boasting a variety of whimsical designs. The Harvest Festival also features around 350 Southern gospel concerts from some of the best performers in the genre. Additionally, guests can expect to see lots of visiting craftspeople and artisans demonstrating their trades around the theme park.
6. Smoky Mountain Christmas
From early November through the first few days of January, Dollywood gets into the holiday spirit with the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival. During this wonderful celebration, the theme park is decked out with four million beautiful Christmas lights. Each evening, Dollywood hosts the Parade of Many Colors, a special holiday spectacle filled with beautiful floats and great music. The Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival is also known for its special shows, such as It’s a Wonderful Life, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and O’Holy Night.
Where to Stay Near Dollywood
When you stay with Timber Tops Cabin Rentals, you can attend all of the incredible festivals at Dollywood! Our cabins are just a short drive from Dollywood and all of the other wonderful attractions in Pigeon Forge. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 15 bedroom lodges, we are guaranteed to have the perfect accommodations for your getaway. To start planning your escape, browse our selection of cabins in Pigeon Forge!
