Dollywood is officially open for the 2026 season, and if opening weekend is any indication, it could be one of the park’s most exciting years yet.

Dolly Parton welcomed season passholders and members of the media to the Smoky Mountains theme park’s opening celebration, marking the start of Dollywood’s 41st season. Joined by Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton, Parton helped set the tone for a year packed with new attractions, entertainment and seasonal events that aim to give guests fresh reasons to visit throughout 2026.

“I’m so excited for everything we have for our guests this season,” Parton said during the opening-day media event. “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.”

A New Headline Attraction Coming This Spring

The most anticipated addition of the season is NightFlight Expedition, a groundbreaking indoor adventure coaster scheduled to debut later this spring.

The attraction will become Dollywood’s 11th roller coaster, blending multiple ride experiences into one immersive journey inspired by the natural wonder of synchronous fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains.

The ride experience on NightFlight Expedition will send riders soaring through four distinct adventure sequences:

Guests will first glide through a moonlit Smoky Mountain flight, then transition into a thrilling whitewater rafting segment featuring more than 500,000 gallons of rushing water. The ride continues over a mountain ridge before plunging into a mysterious shimmering lake.

Naughton described the attraction as a major milestone for the park.

“NightFlight Expedition is the ride that industry experts, media and influencers have all called the most anticipated attraction of 2026,” he said. “This ride is going to be a gamechanger for the theme park world.”

The Season Begins with the I Will Always Love You Festival

Dollywood’s 2026 season opens with the I Will Always Love You Festival, running now through April 12. The spring celebration highlights music, storytelling and new entertainment experiences inspired by Parton’s legendary career.

Two new live shows debuted during the festival.

“Artrageous” blends live music, visual art and audience interaction, with artists creating large-scale paintings on stage in real time as part of a multimedia performance.

“Moto Motion: Freestyle Showdown” brings a high-energy mix of extreme sports, aerial stunts and dance choreography together in an action-packed production.

Returning guest favorites include Sing-a-Long with Dolly and From the Heart: The Life & Music of Dolly Parton, a musical tribute celebrating Parton’s life and career.

Festival-inspired food offerings also take center stage, including items such as a BBQ Chicken Melt, Picadilly Lemonade, Mini Rope Sausage & Potatoes and a Strawberry Cheesecake Milkshake.

Flower Sculptures, Races and Summer Celebrations

Spring continues with the Flower & Food Festival, scheduled for April 18 through June 7. The park will be filled with more than half a million blooms, including towering floral sculptures and seasonal culinary offerings that highlight the flavors of the Smoky Mountains.

April also marks a first for the park with the debut of Run Dollywood, a race weekend set for April 25-26. The event includes a half-marathon, 10K, 5K and kids fun run, with race courses weaving through the park and surrounding resort area during the height of spring bloom season.

As summer arrives, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration returns June 15 through August 2, featuring the popular Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks spectacular.

Family entertainment highlights include the return of Gazillion Bubble Show: Aurora and Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience, along with special programming recognizing America’s 250th anniversary.

Fall and Christmas Traditions Return

Dollywood’s seasonal lineup continues with the Harvest Festival presented by Humana from Sept. 14 through Oct. 31. The event transforms the park with thousands of carved pumpkins, live music and the fan-favorite Great Pumpkin LumiNights, widely considered one of the world’s best theme park fall festivals.

New in 2026 is Harvey’s Boo Bash, a separately ticketed after-hours event featuring candy stations, themed treats and access to select attractions among glowing pumpkin displays.

The year concludes with Smoky Mountain Christmas, running Nov. 6 through Jan. 3. The award-winning holiday celebration includes more than 6 million lights, festive shows and the warm holiday atmosphere that has made it one of the most popular Christmas events in the theme park industry.

Why 2026 Could Be Dollywood’s Biggest Year Yet

Between a highly anticipated new coaster, new entertainment, a race weekend and expanded after-hours events, Dollywood’s 41st season reflects the park’s continued investment in becoming one of the country’s premier family destinations.

For visitors planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains, the park’s 2026 calendar ensures there’s something new to experience during every season of the year.

And if Dolly Parton has her way, the magic that inspired the park in the first place will continue to shine through.

“The Smokies have always had a special kind of magic for me,” she said. “I love sharing that magic with everyone who comes to visit Dollywood.”

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