Dollywood has long stood apart from other theme parks by offering something more than rides — it’s offered heart. Dolly Parton’s Tennessee park, nestled in the Smoky Mountains, has built its reputation on warmth, nostalgia, and a sense of place. Now, it’s preparing for a landmark year that will introduce a new Halloween event, a first-of-its-kind attraction, and a brand-new race weekend.
The Pigeon Forge destination, co-owned by Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment, continues to rise in popularity. After entering the top 20 most-visited theme parks in North America for the first time in 2024, Dollywood’s steady growth has turned it into a serious contender among industry giants. In 2025, it was even named the No. 1 theme park in the United States in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards.
Dollywood Adds Halloween Upcharge Event
Seasonal festivals are central to Dollywood’s identity, from the I Will Always Love You Music Festival to Smoky Mountain Christmas. But next year, the park will expand that calendar with something new — and ticketed.
Harvey's Boo Bash will take place on October 16, 23, and 30, 2026, from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Unlike Dollywood’s standard Harvest Festival, the event will require a separate ticket. This makes it similar to the likes of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park and Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure Park.
Prices haven’t yet been revealed, but guests can expect candy stations, select open rides, and exclusive entertainment hosted by Dollywood’s pumpkin mascot, Harvey.
Those not attending the upcharge event can still enjoy the Harvest Festival from September 14 through October 31, which will feature an expanded Great Pumpkin LumiNights and a new dance party.
Record Investments and Expanding Experiences
The Halloween debut is part of a broader expansion for 2026. That same year, Dollywood will open NightFlight Expedition, a $50 million attraction described as the largest investment in the park’s history.
“As the world’s first indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater river raft ride, NightFlight Expedition takes Dollywood guests on an unforgettable journey through the Smoky Mountains to search for bioluminescence in the nation’s most-visited national park,” Dollywood said in a press release.
“During the 5 1/2-minute experience, guests soar on a nighttime flight over the scenic Smokies, enjoy a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion through more than 500,000 gallons of surging water, traverse a mountain ridge on a roller coaster, and navigate a mysterious shimmering lake by boat.”
The park’s first-ever Run Dollywood race weekend will also take place from April 25 to 26, giving fans a new way to experience the park (and providing an alternative experience to RunDisney events as Disneyland Resort prepares to put its own races on an indefinite hiatus during construction).
Dollywood’s lineup already includes some of the South’s most celebrated attractions. Lightning Rod remains popular even after its transition from a wooden roller coaster to a slower, hybrid coaster, while Wild Eagle and Mystery Mine deliver high-thrill experiences. FireChaser Express and Dragonflier provide fun for families, and Blazing Fury continues to charm as a nostalgic indoor favorite.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming changes at Dollywood?
