Crisp mountain breezes roll through the Smoky Mountains, carrying the scents of autumn and the sounds of bluegrass as Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (now through October 27) transforms the park into a seasonal celebration of music, food, and light.

At the heart of the festival is a star-studded music lineup, with more than 700 performances taking place across the park. Among the most anticipated is Rhonda Vincent & The Rage. Known as the “Queen of Bluegrass,” Vincent joined The Rage in 2008, and together they’ve become one of the most decorated groups in the genre—collecting more than 100 awards along the way. Vincent herself was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2021 and earned a Grammy nomination for Music Is What I See.

Dollywood holds a special place in Vincent’s heart. “It’s always such a joy to perform at Dollywood,” she says. “I love that people start asking early in the year when we will be at Dollywood so they can make plans and reservations for the trip.” 

One of her most cherished memories came when Dolly Parton herself invited her onstage. “I asked about singing harmony with her on Jolene, and she said, ‘You are singing lead, and I’m singing harmony with YOU!’” Vincent recalls. “A very special memory at Dollywood, and Dollywood continues to make those incredible memories.”

She won’t be the only one creating lasting moments this fall. Guests can also look forward to performances from Sidewalk Prophets, Triumphant Quartet, Daily & Vincent, Emily Ann Roberts, The Grascals, Keith Anderson, and The Original Coalminers featuring Emily Portman’s Always Loretta—all part of the rich musical tapestry woven into the festival.

Beyond the stages, Dollywood dresses itself in autumn splendor. More than 12,000 pumpkins dot the park, offering vibrant photo opportunities by day. As evening falls, the park glows with the award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights, when thousands of intricately carved pumpkins light up pathways, plazas, and rides, creating a magical after-dark experience. Seasonal culinary creations—think harvest-inspired flavors and cozy comfort food—round out the festival, making it a feast for the senses.

Dollywood’s Harvest Festival is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through October 27. 

Whether you’re there for the music with Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, the pumpkins, or simply the mountain air, this seasonal celebration promises to deliver the kind of memories you’ll carry long after the last pumpkin flickers out.

For details, schedules, and tickets, visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.

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What You Should Read Next:

• Sidewalk Prophets and the Magic of Dollywood’s Harvest Festival

(Top image courtesy of Dollywood Parks & Resorts)