After another year of record-breaking attendance, Dollywood is preparing for what could be its most exciting season yet. With a major new attraction, brand-new shows, special events and new ways to visit, the Smoky Mountains theme park is positioning 2026 as a landmark year for travelers.

Park officials shared a preview of the upcoming season during Dollywood’s annual construction tour on Feb. 24, and early details suggest there will be more reasons than ever to plan a trip to Pigeon Forge this year.

Dollywood’s 41st operating season officially begins March 13, but season passholders will get an early look during a special Season Passholder Exclusive Dress Rehearsal preview event on March 12.

The early opening offers passholders a rare chance to experience the park as final preparations are completed — and to be among the first to see what’s new in 2026.

The Most Anticipated Dollywood Ride in Years

The biggest addition this season will be NightFlight Expedition, a groundbreaking indoor adventure coaster that has already become one of the most talked-about new theme park attractions of 2026.

Inspired by the synchronous fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains, the $50 million attraction combines immersive storytelling with high-energy thrills.

Guests will soar on a simulated nighttime flight over the Smokies before plunging into a whitewater rafting-style adventure featuring more than 500,000 gallons of rushing water. The experience continues across a mountain ridge before ending with a dramatic dive into a mysterious glowing lake.

The attraction continues Dollywood’s reputation for combining storytelling and thrills into experiences that appeal to a wide range of visitors.

Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton said the park is building on the momentum created by recent record attendance.

“They’ll definitely want to join us this year as we have an incredible lineup of new experiences and opportunities planned to help them create lifelong memories,” Naughton said.

National Attention Is Already Building for Dollywood’s 2026 Season

Interest in Dollywood’s upcoming season is growing nationwide.

Condé Nast Traveller recently named East Tennessee one of the best places to visit in the United States in 2026, highlighting Dollywood and NightFlight Expedition as key reasons to plan a trip.

The recognition reflects Dollywood’s evolution from a regional theme park into a destination that can anchor an entire Smoky Mountains vacation.

New Shows and Spring Break Experiences

The season begins with Dollywood’s I Will Always Love You Festival from March 13 through April 12, featuring two brand-new live shows designed with families and spring break visitors in mind.

MotoMotion Freestyle Showdown blends extreme sports, aerial stunts and dance into a fast-paced action performance that pushes the limits of traditional stage shows.

Artrageous combines live music and visual art in an interactive multimedia production where artwork is created live on stage during each performance.

The popular musical production From the Heart: The Life & Music of Dolly Parton also returns for the 2026 season.

A New Way to Experience Dollywood

For the first time, Dollywood will host Run Dollywood, a race weekend scheduled for April 25–26.

Participants can choose from a half-marathon, 10K, 5K or kids fun run, with courses winding through the theme park and surrounding Smoky Mountain scenery.

The event gives visitors a completely different way to experience Dollywood while enjoying the park’s popular Flower & Food Festival.

Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary

Dollywood will also play a role in the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Throughout the season, guests will see patriotic décor and special programming, including Birds of Prey presentations featuring bald eagles and other raptors through the park’s partnership with the American Eagle Foundation.

During Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights drone show will include patriotic tributes honoring the historic milestone.

The park’s master craftsmen will also highlight traditional Appalachian skills such as blacksmithing, glassblowing and leatherworking — a living tribute to American heritage.

New Events After Dark

Several new nighttime experiences will debut in 2026.

Harvey’s Boo Bash will offer a limited-capacity Halloween event on select October nights featuring exclusive entertainment, candy stations and access to attractions after the park closes.

Harvest Festival will also introduce a new nighttime dance party as part of Great Pumpkin LumiNights.

Dollywood’s Splash Country water park will debut Neon Nights, a glow-themed evening event featuring a live DJ and after-dark access to select attractions on select summer nights.

A Limited-Time Season Pass Deal

Visitors planning multiple trips can take advantage of a limited-time season pass promotion beginning March 9.

New passholders can save $10 on Silver or Gold passes and receive an exclusive NightFlight Expedition lanyard along with a Bring-A-Friend ticket valid during early season dates.

The offer makes it easier for travelers to return multiple times during a year expected to draw increased interest in Smoky Mountains vacations.

Planning a Dollywood Vacation

Visitors planning longer stays can extend their trip by staying at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa or HeartSong Lodge & Resort, both located next to the park.

Resort guests receive perks such as TimeSaver passes, preferred parking and complimentary transportation to Dollywood parks.

With a major new attraction, new festivals and nationwide attention tied to America’s 250th anniversary, Dollywood’s 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the park’s biggest years ever — and one of the best times yet to plan a Smoky Mountains getaway.

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(Photos Courtesy Dollywood Parks & Resorts)