We're passionate about all things Dollywood and Sevier County, and we want to share that passion with you. Come along as we explore all that this beautiful area has to offer. From Dollywood and Splash Country to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove, there's something for everyone in Sevier County.
We're also big fans of Dolly Parton, and we'll be sure to keep you up-to-date on her latest news and projects. We're sure you'll find something to love here.
Dollywood has released information related to the Harvest Festival, including the Tasting Pass and their festival menu. The Harvest Festival starts on Monday, September 9th and runs thru October 28th.
Dollywood remains open daily throughout the Harvest Festival, operating from 10am to 9pm. The planned closures following the festival strongly suggest that the park is gearing up for the transition to Smoky Mountain Christmas, which begins on November 1st.
🟠Harvest Festival Menu Items - Beverages, Savory Bites & Desserts
🟡Beverages
🟡Savory Bites
🟡Desserts, mmmm desserts.
Click on any picture to enlarge - These are from the Dollywood Website, Check it out HERE.
🟠Country Fair Buffet Menu
🟠Tasting Pass Options
Don't forget to use your Gold & Diamond Pass for a discount.
This tasting pass is the same as all the other passes before it. You get to chose any five items from the Harvest Festival Menu. You don't have to use them all in one visit. You can share a pass - they could make for a great date night meal!
🟠What's Up Around The Park? Artisans, Craftspeople, Music, Food, Photo Spots, Pumpkin Spice and everything nice!
Relive the magic of last year's harvest festival through these photos of our fun activities. Get excited for what we have in store for 2024!
🟠Rides - All of the rides should be in operation. Daredevil Falls usually closes at dusk, while Smoky Mountain Rampage usually closes with the park. The last day of the season for the two water rides, in the recent past, has been the end of the Harvest Festival, So, October 28, 2024.
Dollywood does have Weather Guidelines that they follow for inclement weather and temperatures, and Smoky Mountain Weather can throw some curveballs. Read my blog post about Dollywood's Weather Guidelines HERE.
This was written and published by Wes Ramey for the dollywood blog in 2023, but it looks as though it was removed perhaps. Anyhow, it's still great info in my opinion, for photo opps for your socials.
My family loves to take photos when we visit, and there’s a colorful photo op right when we enter the park called Harvest Sky. We can’t wait to stand beneath the thousands of vibrant, shimmering leaves swaying in the breeze along Showstreet. Then we’ll definitely have to stand in front of the colossal pumpkins—last year’s pumpkins ranged in weight from 800 to 1500 lbs. each and came from growers across the East Coast. We also love stopping by and seeing all the visiting artisans to see what amazing handmade wares they have brought with them, with many of them demonstrating their skills and techniques while creating one-of-a-kind treasures that we can purchase to take home with us to relive our time at Dollywood this fall whenever we want.
🟠Music
According to dollywood.com....
Music fills the fall air as dozens of talented artists perform daily across the streets and stages of Dollywood. Listen for bluegrass, country and southern gospel acts paired with the Smokies' spectacular fall foliage and crisp autumn breezes for an engaging and enchanting way to experience an authentic mountain fall. Don't miss a minute of the music—download the Dollywood app to see the latest showtimes.
Here are Some of the many names I see and recognize immediately:
Hotels with High Ratings in Pigeon Forge. I have created a spreadsheet that incorporates ratings from different reliable sources, and ranked hotels in the area. I've listed out columns for things like indoor pools, hot tubs and more on the spreadsheet. Very helpful if you, or someone in your group is looking for a specific amenity.
Top Breakfast Restaurants in Pigeon Forge. I have created a list of the best Breakfast restaurants in Pigeon Forge using ratings from various reliable sources, and ranked them in my blog post.
Tons of YouTube videos - I have so many YouTube videos of Dollywood including every festival and lots of general park updates as well as many Big Bear Mountain footage.
Good luck with the planning process and ask any questions you may have in the comments below. I'll do my best to answer or point you in the right direction.
I have written blog posts about the VIP Tours at Dollywood as details for each tour became available. However, I would prefer to create a single post dedicated to VIP Tours and update that post as new information emerges.
The Dollywood VIP tour program has recently expanded to include the Dolly Parton Experience and the Summer Celebration Tour. For more details on these offerings, follow the links provided below to visit dollywood.com.
CURRENT TOURS
Summer Celebration Tour - June 15 to Sept 1, 2024- LINK
These are very popular Experiences for Dollywood. I have a friend that insists on always dipping a candle every time we go. How about you, which experiences do you or your family and friends insist on doing each visit? Let me know in the comments.
Dollywood has announced a second tour and some new experiences that may be of interest to you! Just the other day Dollywood announced details about the IWALY Tour, which has now ended, sadly - you can read about that here on my blog.
These are very popular Experiences for Dollywood. I have a friend that insists on always dipping a candle every time we go. How about you, which experiences do you or your family and friends insist on doing each visit? Let me know in the comments.
Dollywood has released information related to the Harvest Festival, including the Tasting Pass and their festival menu. The Harvest Festival starts on Wednesday, September 20th thru October 30th, excluding Tuesdays.
Just FYI for your planning: Dollywood is closed Tuesday October 31st thru Friday November 3rd, then Dollywood opens back up on Saturday the 4th with the Christmas Festival. Also, Dollywood is closed Every Tuesday until Tuesday December 4th.
I have rounded up all the information that I could find and put it one place for you to look over. Let me know if I have missed anything in the comments. Let's see what's up, let's dig into it all!
🟠FOOD
We'll start with what Wes Ramey had to say about the offerings in the Dollywood Blog:
"Dollywood’s award-winning culinary team has been hard at work incorporating the comforting smells of sweet pumpkin treats and warm apple cider into delicious fall dishes, drinks and desserts, including a pulled pork sandwich with pumpkin spice BBQ sauce, three bean pumpkin chili, salted maple potato tornado, toasted pumpkin sausage and ricotta flatbread, and spiced pumpkin bisque with toasted pepitas. Are you hungry yet? I know that I am, and the items I just listed are just a few of the tempting tastes found parkwide as part of the Harvest Festival menu."
Click on any picture to enlarge - These are from the Dollywood Website, Check it out HERE.
🟠TASTING PASS
🟠What's New Around The Park?
Dollywood Blog writer Jennifer Webb shares what's new for the festival this year!
Every season, we try to give our Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health a “glow-up,” and this season is no different. The award-winning nighttime experience once again features a number of whimsical pumpkin displays, like the pumpkin spider, the pumpkin guitar, and new this year, the pumpkin honey bees.
This season, Great Pumpkin LumiNights makes its way to Market Square. The area serves as the centerpiece for the event with the focal point—the 40 ft. tall expertly-carved pumpkin tree. New this year is the Honey Bee display. During the day, this bee-autiful display offers a pop of color near the returning Hug A Bee Beekeeper experience. By night, these buzzing bees create a sweet lighted moment for your family.
In Craftsman’s Valley, the pumpkin guitar glows to life as it strums Dolly’s famous hit, “My Tennessee Mountain Home,” and the not-so-spooky pumpkin spider greets you with his glowing grin. Other guest favorites include the friendly pumpkin frogs at Drop Line Pond, the bright-eyed pumpkin bats at Mystery Mine and much more. These vivid displays bring crisp autumn nights alive, making Great Pumpkin LumiNights the ultimate fall event for creating special family memories and Instagram-worthy moments.
There are plenty of activities your family can enjoy during Great Pumpkin LumiNights. With thousands of carved pumpkins throughout the park, it takes a number of talented pumpkin carvers to create the festive displays. Everyone in the family will enjoy learning how to carve a pumpkin masterpiece from Dollywood’s “pumpkin artists” during these demonstrations. Kids-and kids at heart-will love turning into human jack-o-lanterns with Glow face paint. Face painters create unique designs with glow-in-the- dark face paint during the day that come to life at night!
The Great Pumpkin LumiNights Tour offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Great Pumpkin LumiNights, and Gold and Diamond Passholders receive a special discount! This two-hour guided walking tour highlights all of your festival favorites. Participants will enjoy festive refreshments, a dip-your-own-candle activity, character meet & greets, front-of-the-line access on Mystery Mine and more. To learn more about booking the Great Pumpkin LumiNights Tour, visit our website.
Make sure your Dollywood days turn into exciting theme park evenings during Dollywood’s Harvest Festival featuring Great Pumpkin LumiNights.
My family loves to take photos when we visit, and there’s a colorful new photo op right when we enter the park called Harvest Sky. We can’t wait to stand beneath the thousands of vibrant, shimmering leaves swaying in the breeze along Showstreet. Then we’ll definitely have to stand in front of the colossal pumpkins—last year’s pumpkins ranged in weight from 800 to 1500 lbs. each and came from growers across the East Coast. We also love stopping by and seeing all the visiting artisans to see what amazing handmade wares they have brought with them, with many of them demonstrating their skills and techniques while creating one-of-a-kind treasures that we can purchase to take home with us to relive our time at Dollywood this fall whenever we want.
Want some tunes as part of your Harvest Festival day at the park? You’re in luck, because live music is at the heart and soul of fall at Dollywood with Southern gospel, bluegrass and country artists found performing throughout the park. Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, Jeannie Seely, Emily Ann Roberts, Dailey and Vincent, Triumphant Quartet, Hannah Dasher and The Isaacs are just a few of the performers set to take the stage – be prepared to sing along and enjoy some new music that just might head to the top of your musical favorites list. Performances take place on indoor and outdoor stages throughout the park, allowing the beautiful sounds to echo through the landscape here in the Great Smoky Mountains.
⭐Check out Dollywood's Website for the latest information about Special Harvest Entertainment. HERE.
🎃 🎃 🎃
The 2023 Harvest Festival at Dollywood is just around the corner! Check out my video from last year's festival to get a preview of all the fun you can expect.
🔵Blog Posts with other Helpful Trip Planning information
Hotels with High Ratings in Pigeon Forge. I have created a spreadsheet that incorporates ratings from different reliable sources, and ranked hotels in the area. I've listed out columns for things like indoor pools, hot tubs and more on the spreadsheet. Very helpful if you, or someone in your group is looking for a specific amenity.
Top Breakfast Restaurants in Pigeon Forge. I have created a list of the best Breakfast restaurants in Pigeon Forge using ratings from various reliable sources, and ranked them in my blog post.
Tons of YouTube videos - I have so many YouTube videos of Dollywood including every festival and lots of general park updates as well as many Big Bear Mountain construction updates from all of 2022. Check out my 2022 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2022.
Dollywood has reintroduced its private tours for those who are interested, and the tours can vary depending on the time of year and which festival is happening. Right now, there is a VIP tour available through the end of the season. In September and October, a tour that will include behind the scenes of LumiNights Festival. And during the Smoky Mountain Christmas in November & December, a new tour that focuses on Glacier Ridge will be available.
Let's dig a little deeper on Dollywood.com to learn more...
TOURS AVAILABLE SELECT DAYS AUG. 20 - JAN. 1, 2023
Dollywood VIP Guided Tour
Explore Dollywood in a special, unique way with our ultimate VIP experience. In addition to your own private tour guide, including front-of-the-line privileges, you'll be able to fully customize your visit based on your interests: rides and thrill attractions, shows and entertainment, dining, or all things Dolly Parton.
Gold and Diamond Season Passholders save $20 and $30 off, respectively, on this tour! (Must be signed in for a discount to show.)
So, What All Is Included With This Tour?
Personal tour guide for the entirety of your day at Dollywood
Complimentary preferred parking
Front-of-the-line access to all attractions
Reserved seating at participating shows
Complimentary meal of your choosing from Aunt Granny’s Restaurant or Front Porch Café (Link to Dollywood's Menus here)
Behind-the-scenes access (If Applicable)
Package pick up and delivery to your hotel room at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa (If Applicable)
Reserved spaces for fireworks viewing (If Applicable)
Gift from Dolly at the conclusion of your visit
Dollywood VIP Guided Tour
Explore Dollywood in a special, unique way with our ultimate VIP experience.
Ages 4 and Older
Per Person
$299
+ taxes and fees
*Minimum of 2 Guests; Tour price does not include admission to Dollywood. Admission must be purchased separately.
Tour Available Select Days 08/20/2022 - 01/01/2023
Important Information
Tour requires separate, valid admission to Dollywood, which is not included in the price of the tour
Dollywood VIP Guided Tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays, Aug. 20, 2022 - Jan. 1, 2023
Tour groups include one guide and between two and eight guests
Groups of more than eight need to call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD for reservations. A second tour guide will be provided free of charge
You will receive a questionnaire call from the Dollywood VIP Tour Team to go over any and all special requests, additional information, and your arrival details
Don’t see availability on the day of your visit?
Please call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD to speak with a host about available tour options.
🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
Behind the Glow Guided Tour
GREAT PUMPKIN LUMINIGHTS
Behind the Glow Guided Tour
Dates: Tours Available Select Days Sept. 23 - Oct. 29, 2022
Go behind the scenes of one of Dollywood's most-popular seasonal events, Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health. Ask questions and learn what it takes to set up more than 12,000 real and faux pumpkins, special effects, lighting, and more! Plus, enjoy special experiences and keep-sakes to make your visit unforgettable.
Gold and Diamond Season Passholders save $5 and $10 off, respectively, on this tour! (Must be signed in for a discount to show.)
So, What All Is Included With This Tour?
Guided, behind-the-scenes group tour of Great Pumpkin LumiNights
Collectible neon Behind the Glow lanyard
Dip Your Own Candle Activity
One-time use TimeSaver Pass
Great Pumpkin LumiNights activity card
Character meet & greet with an exclusive photo opportunity
Special Harvest Festival treats and refreshments
VIP viewing of the fall Wildwood Tree experience
Behind the Glow Guided Tour
Go behind the scenes of one of Dollywood's most-popular seasonal events, Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health.
Ages 4 and Older
Per Person
$99
+ taxes and fees
*Tour price does not include admission to Dollywood. Admission must be purchased separately.
Tours Available Select Days 09/23/2022 - 10/29/2022
Important Information
Tour requires separate, valid admission to Dollywood, which is not included in the price of the tour
Behind the Glow Guided Tours are offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Sept. 23, 2022 - Oct. 29, 2022
Tour groups can be up to 12 guests each with multiple parties per group
Day of tour sales will end at 4 p.m., however, future tour dates will still be sold
After your tour is purchased, you will need to check in at the TimeSaver Reservation Center (located in Adventures In Imagination) on the day of your tour to receive your lanyard, activity card and meeting location instructions
Each tour will begin at approximately 6 p.m. each evening
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS
Magic of Glacier Ridge Guided Tour
Dates: Tours Available Select Days Nov. 5 - Jan. 1, 2023
Go behind the scenes of one of Smoky Mountain Christmas's most unique lit areas, Glacier Ridge. Ask questions and learn what it takes to set up millions of lights, trees, and decorations in our winter wonderland covering Craftsman's Valley, Timber Canyon, Wilderness Pass and Wildwood Grove! Plus, enjoy special experiences and keep-sakes to make your visit unforgettable.
Gold and Diamond Season Passholders save $5 and $10 off, respectively, on this tour! (Must be signed in for discount to show.)
So, What All Is Included With This Tour?
Guided, behind-the-scenes group tour of Glacier Ridge
Collectible neon Magic of Glacier Ridge lanyard
Smoky Mountain Christmas activity card
Character meet & greet with an exclusive photo opportunity
Special Smoky Mountain Christmas treats and refreshments
VIP viewing of the winter Wildwood Tree experience
Magic of Glacier Ridge Guided Tour
Go behind the scenes of one of Smoky Mountain Christmas's most unique lit areas, Glacier Ridge.
Ages 4 and Older
Per Person
$99
+ taxes and fees
*Tour price does not include admission to Dollywood. Admission must be purchased separately.
Tours Available Select Days 11/05/2022 - 01/01/2023
Important Information
Tour requires separate, valid admission to Dollywood, which is not included in the price of the tour
Magic of Glacier Ridge Guided Tours are offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Nov. 5, 2022 - Jan. 1, 2023
Tour groups can be up to 12 guests each with multiple parties per group
Day of tour sales will end at 4 p.m., however, future tour dates will still be sold
After your tour is purchased, you will need to check in at the TimeSaver Reservation Center (located in Adventures In Imagination) on the day of your tour to receive your lanyard, activity card and meeting location instructions
Each tour will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. each evening
🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
If you would like to see some video from Great Pumpkin LumiNights or Smoky Mountain Christmas, check my videos out below.