Sure, the buzz around Dollywood’s 2026 season starts with NightFlight Expedition, the park’s $50 million new attraction and one of the most anticipated ride debuts in the amusement industry. But the real story of the year might be how much everything around it is evolving.

Spring kicks off with the debut of Run Dollywood, a new race weekend that lets runners experience the park on foot while it’s at peak bloom—an early-morning twist on a theme park visit that feels equal parts fitness event and bucket-list stroll.

Fall brings fresh energy to a longtime favorite. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival expands with Harvey’s Boo Bash, a separately ticketed, limited-capacity, after-hours Halloween event featuring candy stations, exclusive treats, and nighttime access to Great Pumpkin LumiNights—perfect for guests looking for spooky vibes without the scare-factor overload.

Summer doesn’t slow down, either. As America celebrates its 250th birthday, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration will lean into red, white, and blue with patriotic décor, special programming, and nightly drone shows lighting up the mountain sky.

Dollywood’s Splash Country also joins the glow-up in 2026, rolling out Neon Nights with DJs, glow-themed evenings, and nighttime select water attractions access. 

With a major new attraction anchoring the year and fresh experiences woven throughout the calendar, Dollywood’s 2026 season feels both forward-looking and deeply rooted—exactly the balance that keeps families coming back, year after year.

FAQ 

Q: When is Run Dollywood Race Weekend?

A: The inaugural Run Dollywood weekend is scheduled for April 25–26, 2026 (with event pages also listing April 24–26 for the full weekend).  

Q: What is Harvey’s Boo Bash at Dollywood?

A: It’s a separately ticketed, limited-capacity after-hours Halloween event tied to Harvest Festival, featuring candy stops, specialty treats, and nighttime access to Great Pumpkin LumiNights in October on the 16th, 23rd, and 30th from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Q: When is Dollywood’s Harvest Festival in 2026?

A: Harvest Festival runs Sept. 14–Oct. 31, 2026, and includes Great Pumpkin LumiNights.  

Q: When is Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration in 2026?

A: The festival is listed as June 15–Aug. 2, 2026.  

Q: What is Neon Nights at Splash Country?

A: Neon Nights is a 2026 glow-themed, after-hours style experience with neon lighting, a live DJ, and nighttime access to select attractions.  

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