Get ready to ride thrilling coasters, see entertaining performances and make room for fresh cinnamon bread. Dollywood’s new season kicks off March 13!
Dolly Parton’s theme park is celebrating its 41st season in 2026. Opening is day is a little bit different this year, but Parton is scheduled to be there, making it extra special. And the rest of the season is packed with festivals, special events, new entertainment offerings and the debut of the park’s newest (and most expensive) ride, NightFlight Expedition.
Here’s what everyone needs to know about attending opening day, tickets and what to expect throughout the 2026 season.
Who can go to Dollywood on opening day of the 41st season?
When Dollywood opens at 10 a.m. March 13, anyone with a ticket will be able to enjoy all the rides, food and opening day festivities, including a possible chance to see Parton in person!
In recent years, opening day has been reserved for season passholders. For 2026, though, park leaders initially opted to change things up by offering passholders the opportunity to attend special NightFlight Expedition preview days before it opens for the public.
What is Dollywood’s new ride and when does it open?
NightFlight Expedition is a unique indoor ride experience that’s not found elsewhere. It combines four ride elements into one attraction and was inspired by Parton’s love for the Smoky Mountains at night. Featuring multimedia and immersive elements, as well as 500,000 gallons of water, it will have riders climb, drop, soar and plunge along the journey.
The ride is intentionally meant for families. With its 39-inch height requirement and a top speed of 29 miles per hour, the average 5-year-old can ride it. Parents and grandparents, too. The 5.5-minute ride is Dollywood’s longest.
NightFlight also is Dollywood’s largest single investment in the park’s history, costing over $50 million.
NightFlight Expedition is scheduled to open sometime in the spring.
What’s new at Dollywood for 2026?
Walking through Dollywood this year, you might notice improved traffic flow, additional restrooms and more shaded areas to sit. But that’s not all that Dollywood has added for the 41st season. The new season also brings three major events.
Run Dollywood race
The inaugural Run Dollywood race weekend is April 25-26. The course will take runners through Wildwood Grove, Craftsman’s Valley, Timber Canyon and other scenic routes.
The main event is a half-marathon on the morning of April 26. Companion events including 5K and 10K races and 1-mile race for kids are on the morning of April 25.
Registration is open now at dollywood.com. Fees for available events range from $27.50 to $197.10 as of March 10.
A fall race weekend event also is being planned.
Neon Nights at Dollywood’s Splash Country
Dollywood’s waterpark is adding Neon Nights. The separately ticketed nighttime event features a live DJ and unlimited access to select attractions.
Splash Country starts its season May 16 and 17 and will be open daily May 23 through Aug. 11. It then will shift to a limited schedule through Sept. 20.
Harvey’s Boo Bash
Harvey’s Boo Bash is a new nighttime event set for Oct. 16, 23 and 30. It is a separately ticketed event that happens after Dollywood closes for the day. Hosted by pumpkin character Harvey, the bash features candy-collection stations, unique event-only food and merchandise, Great Pumpkin LumiNights and access to many attractions.
What are the new foods at Dollywood?
Some of the special menu items planned for 2026 include:
- Strawberry Salsa with Chips
- Tex-Mex Loaded Fries
- Zesty BBQ Glazed Corn Strips
- Southern Fish and Chips
- Sausage and Cabbage Skillet and Sausage and Rice Skillet
- Raspberry Lemon Sweet Roll
- Strawberry Cupcake
- Black Forest Cupcake
- Dragon Fruit Lemonade and Mango Tea
When are Dollywood’s 2026 seasonal festivals?
The I Will Always Love You Music Festival begins on opening day (March 13) and leads the park’s series of popular annual festivals.
The dates for Dollywood’s 2026 seasonal festivals are:
- I Will Always Love You Music Festival | March 13-April 12
- Flower and Food Festival | April 18-June 7
- Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration | June 15-Aug. 2
- Harvest Festival | Sept. 14-Oct. 31
- Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival | Nov. 6-Jan. 3
When is Dollywood closed?
Dollywood is open daily throughout its season, except for:
- April 5, 21, 23, 28 and 30
- Aug. 25 and 27
- Sept. 1 and 3
- Nov. 1-5
- Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving)
- Dec. 24-25 (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
There will be 280 operational days throughout the year. Jan. 3, 2027, is the last day of Dollywood’s 41st season.
How much are Dollywood tickets?
One-day date-specific tickets are $94.99 for adults and $84.99 for kids ages 4-9 and seniors 62 and older. Tickets can be purchased at Dollywood.com. Tickets that are good for any date are $89.99-$99.99.
The park has gold and silver season passes available. Season passes for 2026 cost $170- $245 and can be purchased online at dollywood.com. Summer passes that are valid April 18-Sept. 13 are $135.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email [email protected].
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