Located in the heart of the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood is more than just a theme park. It’s a place where tradition and entertainment come together to create an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages. 

One of the most exciting events at Dollywood is the Harvest Festival presented by Humana. It’s a vibrant celebration that showcases the rich heritage of the region and the spirit of the fall season with an amazing autumn atmosphere, stunning park decor and the beauty of the natural setting transformed into a kaleidoscope of warm hues. The cool, crisp air and rustling leaves set the stage for a memorable autumn celebration. 

During the day, guests can experience an array of live music, rich harvest-themed culinary creations and a plethora of photo and video opportunities with more than 12,000 pumpkins throughout the park. After the sun goes down, the pumpkins come to life thanks to Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health. It’s an absolutely stunning visual experience with the park transformed into a wonderland of illuminated pumpkins. Walking through this enchanting display is a magical way to end your day at the festival. 

The family-friendly event grows every year. New this year is a display located in Craftsman Valley near Hug-a-Bee Honey that will have guests buzzing with an interactive bee exhibit which debuted during this season’s Flower & Food Festival. 

No festival in the South is complete without delicious food, and the Harvest Festival at Dollywood is no exception. Guests are greeted by the comforting smells of sweet pumpkin treats and warm apple cider created by the park’s talented and award-winning culinary team. Mouth-watering fall favorites include a pulled pork sandwich with pumpkin spice BBQ sauce, three bean pumpkin chili, salted maple potato tornado, toasted pumpkin sausage and ricotta flatbread, and spiced pumpkin bisque and toasted pepitas. 

Music is the heart of Appalachian culture, and the Harvest Festival showcases a diverse array of live performances. Bluegrass, country, and Southern gospel music fill the air, with talented musicians found performing throughout the park. Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, Jeannie Seely, Emily Ann Roberts, Dailey and Vincent, Triumphant Quartet, Hanna Dasher and The Isaacs are just a few of the performers set to take the stage at Dollywood. Overall, more than 1700 individual performances will take place during the festival. A complete schedule can be found at Dollywood.com.

Something else new this year, guests will find thousands of vibrant, shimmering leaves swaying in the breeze along Showstreet. Have your camera ready! Harvest Sky serves as a striking backdrop and photo opportunity as soon as guests step into the park. 

A number of guest favorites return to the Harvest Festival, including the huge, colossal pumpkins. Last year’s pumpkins averaged in weight between 800 to 1500 pounds each, which come from growers across the East Coast. The combined weight of all the colossal pumpkins exceeds more than 19,000 pounds! Visiting artisans and craftsmen gather to showcase their skills and time-honored techniques at locations throughout Dollywood, creating their one-of-a-kind treasures. 

The Harvest Festival fun is also celebrated at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa with themed activities and harvest decor planned throughout the resort’s property. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment in the resort’s atrium every Tuesday and Thursday night. Daily roaming performers can also be found throughout the resort. The resort’s culinary team is cooking up delicious Harvest-themed food and beverage options with a special Harvest Festival Menu. 

The Harvest Festival runs through Oct. 30 with park hours 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. each operating day, except on Tuesdays when the park is closed. For more information, visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app. 

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, the Harvest Festival is one of the finest fall events in the amusement and theme park industry. It’s an event that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the culture and spirit of the Smoky Mountains. Don’t miss your chance to experience this celebration of the harvest season at Dollywood!

(Photos: Dollywood)