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Get ready to ride thrilling coasters, see entertaining performances and make room for fresh cinnamon bread. Dollywood\u2019s new season kicks off<\/a> March 13!<\/p>\n Dolly Parton\u2019s theme park is celebrating its 41st<\/sup> season in 2026. Opening is day is a little bit different this year, but Parton is scheduled to be there<\/a>, 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\u2019s newest (and most expensive) ride, NightFlight Expedition.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what everyone needs to know about attending opening day, tickets and what to expect throughout the 2026 season.<\/p>\n 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!<\/p>\n In recent years, opening day has been reserved for season passholders. For 2026, though, park leaders initially opted to change things up<\/a> by offering passholders the opportunity to attend special NightFlight Expedition preview days before it opens for the public.<\/p>\n NightFlight Expedition is a unique indoor ride\u00a0experience<\/a> that\u2019s not found elsewhere. It combines four ride elements into one attraction and was inspired by Parton\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s longest.<\/p>\n NightFlight also is Dollywood\u2019s largest single investment in the park\u2019s history, costing over $50 million.<\/p>\n NightFlight Expedition is scheduled to open sometime in the spring.<\/p>\n Walking through Dollywood this year, you might notice improved traffic flow, additional restrooms and more shaded areas<\/a> to sit. But that\u2019s not all that Dollywood has added for the 41st<\/sup> season. The new season also brings three major events.<\/p>\n Run Dollywood race<\/strong><\/p>\n The\u00a0inaugural Run Dollywood race<\/a>\u00a0weekend is April 25-26. The course will take runners through Wildwood Grove, Craftsman\u2019s Valley, Timber Canyon and other scenic routes.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Registration is open now at\u00a0dollywood.com<\/a>. Fees for available events range from $27.50 to $197.10 as of March 10.<\/p>\n A fall race weekend event also is being planned.<\/p>\n Neon Nights at Dollywood\u2019s Splash Country<\/strong><\/p>\n Dollywood\u2019s waterpark is adding Neon Nights. The separately ticketed nighttime event features a live DJ and unlimited access to select attractions.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Harvey\u2019s Boo Bash<\/strong><\/p>\n Harvey\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Some of the special menu items planned for 2026 include:<\/p>\n The I Will Always Love You Music Festival begins on opening day (March 13) and leads the park\u2019s series of popular annual festivals.<\/p>\n The dates for Dollywood’s 2026 seasonal festivals are:<\/p>\n Dollywood is open daily throughout its season, except for:<\/p>\n There will be 280 operational days throughout the year. Jan. 3, 2027, is the last day of Dollywood’s 41st season.<\/p>\n 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\u00a0Dollywood.com<\/a>. Tickets that are good for any date are $89.99-$99.99.<\/p>\n The park has\u00a0gold and silver season passes<\/a>\u00a0available. Season passes for 2026 cost $170- $245 and can be purchased online at\u00a0dollywood.com<\/a>. Summer passes that are valid April 18-Sept. 13 are $135.<\/p>\n Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email\u00a0devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\nWho can go to Dollywood on opening day of the 41st<\/sup> season?<\/h2>\n
What is Dollywood\u2019s new ride and when does it open?<\/h2>\n
What\u2019s new at Dollywood for 2026?<\/h2>\n
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When are Dollywood\u2019s 2026 seasonal festivals?<\/h2>\n
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How much are Dollywood tickets?<\/h2>\n