Dollywood has spent all winter preparing for its 41st season. Knox News got an early look at the big things planned for the year – including NightFlight Expedition – and we wanted to make sure that you were prepared, too.
We’ve asked readers to share their burning questions about Dollywood ahead of the new season. I combed through previous articles, past interviews and even did a little online sleuthing to find answers to a few of your questions.
If you have any more Dollywood questions before the theme park kicks off the 2026 season March 13, please send them my way at [email protected].
Will Dollywood have any more Halloween things added for the park?
Dollywood makes it a priority to provide family-friendly entertainment and fanfare. That means embracing the candy corn and pumpkin spice of fall rather than the spookiness of Halloween during the Harvest Festival.
However, there is something new and special debuting in the 2026 season just in time for Halloween.
When the Dollywood gates close Oct. 16, 23 and 30, that’s when the party begins. The Boo Bash is new nighttime event hosted by the pumpkin character, Harvey. It will feature candy collecting stations, unique event-only food and merchandise, Great Pumpkin LumiNights and access to the rides.
The family-friendly event begins at 9 p.m. and runs through midnight each night. It is a separately ticketed experience from regular daily tickets.
Will Dollywood sell the Cinnamon Bread Plush in gift shops?
Most Dollywood fans have indulged in the famous cinnamon bread. But not everyone has the fun cinnamon bread plush toy to take home. Though fans have long wanted to simply buy the sought-after toy, it is primarily won at carnival games at the park.
In February, the Cinnamon Bread Plush won the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Brass Ring Award for best customized game prize. With such accolades, seeing it available as a regular retail gift is not looking likely anytime soon.
However, if you really want one, you might be able to snatch one for $100 on eBay or other resale sites.
Would Dollywood consider having some guest rock ‘n’ roll bands?
In case you haven’t heard, Dolly Parton is a rock star! She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 and followed up the honor with rock-inspired album in 2023.
Dollywood’s entertainment manager Roger White follows Parton’s lead when creating a lineup of artists to perform. So, it’s totally possible to enjoy more rock music at the park.
“Dolly does country music, Dolly does Americana, folk music, she does rock. …She does all these different kinds of music, so we want to make sure that we’re touching on a big variety of things,” White explained.
A list of Dollywood shows and performers, along with a daily schedule, is available at Dollywood.com.
Will there be a parade and a big party on opening day?
Dollywood doesn’t currently have any regular parades. But whenever Dolly Parton makes a visit to the park, fans often get to see the Queen of Country up close during the DeWitt parade down Showstreet.
And though Parton has had some health issues recently, she is scheduled to be at the park March 13 for opening day.
You might remember the 8-year-old who stole the show during last year’s parade, waving a pom-pom and repeating “Oh, my God!” as Parton approached in the carriage. His reaction immediately caught Parton’s attention, and she smiled and pointed at the young superfan.
That could be you, this year!
People attending opening day should be aware that the parade sometimes is canceled at the last minute, due to weather or other logistical hiccups.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email [email protected].
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