There’s already plenty of reasons to make a fall trip to Dollywood, from thousands of glowing pumpkins to the changing colors of the Smoky Mountains. For five days in October, visitors can add a rising hometown country artist to the list.

Knoxville native Emily Ann Roberts returns to Dollywood Oct. 14-18 as part of the Pigeon Forge theme park’s Harvest Festival, which continues through Oct. 31.

For travelers planning an October getaway to the Smokies, Roberts’ performances add a local connection to a festival built around fall food, live entertainment and evenings illuminated by thousands of pumpkins.

A Homecoming in the Smokies

Roberts first attracted national attention as a contestant on Season 9 of NBC’s “The Voice,” where she competed as a member of Blake Shelton’s team.

Since then, she has toured with artists including Shelton and Clint Black and made numerous appearances at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry.

Her return to Dollywood brings Roberts close to where her musical journey began.

Known for her traditional country sound, heartfelt songwriting and energetic performances, Roberts has continued to build a national following while remaining proud of her Tennessee roots.

She’ll be one of many performers taking the stage during the Harvest Festival. Dollywood says more than 700 individual performances are scheduled throughout the festival’s run, making live music a major part of the experience rather than simply an added attraction.

More Than 12,000 Pumpkins Transform Dollywood

The music is only part of what makes October one of the most visually distinctive times to visit Dollywood.

More than 12,000 pumpkins decorate the park during the Harvest Festival, creating photo opportunities throughout the day before the atmosphere changes after sunset.

That’s when Great Pumpkin LumiNights takes over.

Dollywood’s award-winning nighttime experience fills the park with elaborately carved and illuminated pumpkin displays, giving visitors a reason to stick around long after an afternoon of roller coasters and shows.

This year, there’s another nighttime addition to discover. A new Harvest Dance Party takes place each evening in Wildwood Grove, adding music and dancing to the park’s after-dark fall lineup.

Come Hungry

A fall visit to Dollywood also means seasonal food.

Harvest-themed dishes and desserts join the park’s regular menu during the festival, making it easy to turn a day at the park into a tour of fall flavors between rides and shows.

And, of course, Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread remains one of those treats that can be difficult to pass up regardless of the season.

Together, the seasonal food, live music and mountain setting give the Harvest Festival a character that feels right at home in the Smokies.

Planning a Dollywood Fall Visit

Dollywood’s Harvest Festival runs daily through Oct. 31 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

The park is generally open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the festival, with extended hours from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 3-15.

With Great Smoky Mountains National Park nearby, Dollywood can also serve as part of a larger autumn getaway built around scenic drives, mountain views and fall foliage.

Visitors who want to experience both sides of the festival should plan enough time to be in the park before and after sunset. Roberts’ return adds another reason to make the trip — a chance to hear a hometown country artist amid one of Dollywood’s most colorful seasons.

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(Photos courtesy Dollywood Parks & Resorts)