As the Smoky Mountains turn into a kaleidoscope of fiery reds and golden yellows, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (now through Oct. 27) is bringing the perfect blend of cozy autumn vibes, live music, and pumpkin magic.
One of this year’s can’t-miss highlights? East Tennessee’s own rising country star, Emily Ann Roberts, who performs Oct. 8–12. The Knoxville native has already shared the stage with heavy-hitters like Blake Shelton, Cody Johnson, and Megan Moroney, but this week she’s taking things back to her roots.
Roberts’ journey started as a teenager on NBC’s The Voice (Season 9), where she competed on Blake Shelton’s team. That moment helped launch her music career, eventually leading to her gospel album Bigger Than Me in 2017 and, more recently, her full-length country debut Can’t Hide Country, which has racked up over 23 million streams.
Despite her growing success, Dollywood still feels like home.
“Dollywood was one of the biggest highlights of my childhood,” Roberts shared. “From the rides to the food to the shows, it fills my senses with the feeling of home in East Tennessee. I’m so honored to now bring my music to my favorite place.”
And yes, she still has a favorite ride.
“Growing up, my favorite ride was Blazing Fury. I remember every time we went to the park, I would ride it as many times as I could—get off and get right back in line over and over.”
Roberts is just one of more than 700 performances lighting up the Harvest Festival. The stacked lineup includes Sidewalk Prophets, Triumphant Quartet, Daily & Vincent, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, The Grascals, Keith Anderson, and The Original Coalminers featuring Emily Portman’s Always Loretta.
But it’s not just about the music. Festivalgoers can dig into harvest-inspired bites, snap dreamy fall photos with over 12,000 pumpkins, and at night, watch those pumpkins transform into glowing works of art during Dollywood’s award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights.
The park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the festival, giving guests plenty of time to soak in the sights, sounds, and flavors of fall.
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival is basically autumn bucket list goals. For tickets and details, head to Dollywood.com or check the Dollywood app.
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(Photos courtesy Dollywood Parks & Resorts)
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