Over one million flowers have blossomed in Dollywood for spring, along with colorful displays, elaborate sculptures, new food options, fun shows and special offers. The theme park’s Flower and Food Festival returns starting April 18.
The spring festival is a crowd favorite every year because of the themed décor and the many ways the park embraces the natural spring beauty of the Smokies.
“I’ve sung for many years about God’s Coloring Book,” Dolly Parton said in a press release, “and I truly believe some of the most beautiful reflections of that can be seen in the Smoky Mountains each spring when His beauty starts blooming to life.”
“It’s a season that allows us to celebrate what’s new while also remembering how important it is to spend meaningful time together. I hope families will visit Dollywood to experience that beauty for themselves, but more importantly, to enjoy one another while having fun and making lasting memories,” Parton continued.
Returning favorites include the hanging Umbrella Sky installation on Showstreet, the depiction of Parton’s mom crafting the Coat of Many Colors, the festival tasting pass, and the award-winning show “From the Heart: The Life and Music of Dolly Parton.”
The festival runs April 18 through June 7.
What to expect at Dollywood’s 2026 spring festival
In addition to bright spring decorations and rides (and possibly the NightFlight Expedition debut), the festival features a full lineup of shows and live music.
Spring entertainment highlights include:
- The “From the Heart” show telling the story of Parton’s musical journey from her earliest songs to her most recent hits
- Classic country and gospel artist Jessica Horton performing on the steps of the Robert F. Thomas chapel
- A roving painter who will move throughout the park painting Dollywood elements live for guests
What’s available with the spring tasting pass?
A major part of the Flower and Food Festival is obviously the food. Dollywood’s culinary team has crafted a fresh menu for the season. And the tasting pass allows guests to enjoy up to five food items at a discount at different festival locations.
New for 2026 include:
- Blueberry feta salad
- Pesto caprese sandwich
- Hearty beef and sausage bread bowl
- Berry sweet blueberry lemon sweet roll
- Spring berry sundae
- Sunflower lemonade
The tasting pass is $44 for general admission tickets and $41 for gold and diamond passholders, and can be purchased at the park and Dollywood.com. A full list of new menu items is available on the park’s website.
Spring fun at Dollywood resorts
Dollywood resort guests get to enjoy the spring festival, too. HeartSong is hosting a new Chef’s Dinner event and DreamMore will have a special Mother’s Day Buffet.
Flower and Food Festival Chef’s Dinner
- Chefs from Dollywood, DreamMore Resort and HeartSong Lodge curated a special menu for the new event.
- Guests will enjoy five expertly crafted courses with wine pairings, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. There will be live entertainment, too.
- The dinner is at 6 p.m. May 2 at HeartSong.
- Room packages and event-only tickets are available at Dollywood.com.
- The buffet includes a carving station with herb-roasted prime rib, a seafood station with smoked salmon, a build-your-own pasta station, fried chicken, sweet potato casserole and more.
- The special Mother’s Day Buffet is noon-8 p.m. May 10 at DreamMore.
- Reservations are encouraged and can be made at Dollywood.com.
Throughout the spring festival, each Dollywood resort also offers its own festival-inspired food and beverage menus, and will have live entertainment, spring spa treatments, festival-themed activities and special spring resort stay packages.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email [email protected].
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