🍂🍁🎃Dollywood's Harvest Festival Tasting Pass Information + more! 🎃🍂🍁

Hi Everyone,

Dollywood has unveiled the details for their HARVEST FESTIVAL 2025 TASTING PASS.

Running from Friday, September 12, to Monday, October 27, 2025, the event offers plenty of time to experience it all. Let’s dive into what’s in store!  Notice that the park will maintain the same operating hours throughout this festival - 10am to 9:00pm...and they're open every single day!

Here's the link to ''BUY NOW'' - click here to do that, if you wish.  All of this info is found on this page at Dollywood.com - Click Here.

A few tips for the tasting pass....

• You can use all five menu items in one visit, or over several visits.  Just use it before the festival ends on October 27th.
• If you are looking for a lightish date night meal, you may want to split one pass with your bestie and sample different things.  Get creative, you can each get two 'entree' items, and split a dessert treat!

Diamond and Gold Passholders, $39.99 is your discounted price....not including taxes and fees.

Beverages

click to enlarge image

Savory Bites

Desserts

SCENES FROM AROUND THE PARK
DURING HARVEST FESTIVAL

~Scroll Down for Videos~

Check out my videos from last year's festival

What are your thoughts on the offerings for the Harvest Festival? Share your opinions in the comments.

🔵Blog Posts and other Helpful Trip Planning information - 

• Dollywood's 2026 Ride - Hidden Hollow Aviation - Updates, Photos, Videos of it Under Construction.
• Getting To Dollywood by Plane
• 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.
  
• 30 Great Places to Eat In Pigeon Forge that are open after 2pm! A list of highly rated establishments that are open past 2pm.
• Guide To Mountain Coasters - A look at all the types of mountain coasters in Sevier County.
• Dollywood's 2025 Operating Calendar +MORE - speculation, guesses on future projects, etc.
• Navigating to Dollywood from North Carolina post-Hurricane Helene.
• 8 Things to do at Dollywood if you don't care for rides - There's a lot to do!
• Pigeon Forge Trolley Info You'll Want to Know!
• Trip Advisors Top 10 Budget Friendly Hotels in Pigeon Forge.
• Tons of YouTube videos - I have so many YouTube videos of Dollywood including every festival and lots of general park updates as well as Big Bear Mountain footage.
• Check out my 2024 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2024.
• Check out my 2023 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2023.
• Check out my 2022 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2022.
• 2024-2025 School Break Calendar - includes Fall, Christmas & Spring Breaks for regional schools.
• Link to Dollywood's TimeSaver Info Page - click Here.

🍁🍂Dollywood's Harvest Festival 2024 Video Extravaganza 🍂🍁

Hi Everyone, 

As I write this we are in peak-Christmas season, just a few days out from the big day and I am wrapping up my videos from Dollywood's Harvest Festival.   I had several videos from this festival and it's nice to have them all in one place to easily share them with you all.  Of course they are all on my Dollywood Playlist on YouTube, but here they are all bundled up together.

Smoky Creek Leather & Hat Co, in Craftsman's Valley

Blown Glass Shop - Harvest Highlights

Emporium - Harvest Highlights

Dolly's Fan Shop

🔵Blog Posts with other Helpful Trip Planning information

• Getting To Dollywood by Plane
• Dollywood Menus for 2024
• 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.
  
• 30 Great Places to Eat In Pigeon Forge that are open after 2pm! A list of highly rated establishments that are open past 2pm.
• Guide To Mountain Coasters - A look at all the types of mountain coasters in Sevier County.
• Dollywood's 2024 Operating Calendar
• 8 Things to do at Dollywood if you don't care for rides - There's a lot to do!
• Pigeon Forge Trolley Info You'll Want to Know!
• Trip Advisors Top 10 Budget Friendly Hotels in Pigeon Forge.
• Tons of YouTube videos - I have so many YouTube videos of Dollywood including every festival and lots of general park updates as well as Big Bear Mountain footage.
• Check out my 2023 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2023.
• Check out my 2022 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2022.

🦃🦃Happy Thanksgiving From What's Up At Dollywood! 🦃🦃

🦃🦃🦃

I hope you enjoy this Dolly at Dollywood Thanksgiving Special from 1987, as much as I do every year.  Feels like a wayback machine trip.

I hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving!  Thank you all for your continued support with What's Up At Dollywood as it continues to grow. 

Dolly, as far as I know, is not going to be at the Dallas Cowboys football game this year, sadly.  But you can re-live that show in its full glory below, through Youtube.

You may have to click a link to watch on YT itself, due to the NFL media rules.

Here's Dolly all the way back in March of this year, 2024 in the Opening Day Dolly Parade at Dollywood.

🦃

🦃Thanksgiving in Sevier County 2024 🦃

Hi Everyone,

I have been doing some research for all things Thanksgiving in Sevier County for 2024.  What's Open for Meals, Fun Stuff to Do, etc.  Dollywood is closed on Thanksgiving Thursday, reopening at 11am on Friday.  As of this writing, Friday November 29th says the Crowd Calendar for Dollywood attendance will be at 40%, which makes it a great day to go if that number holds.  It will likely change as the date draws closer and the weather is good.  Dollywood's two resorts and restaurants will be open for Thanksgiving Day.

What is in this article?

🟣Restaurants that are open.  I've found a few lists of restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day.

🟣I've listed some catering type options for those of you who want to retreat to a cozy cabin and not cook, or cook very little.  Note that some advance ordering will need to happen.   

🟣Other entertainment options that are open on Thanksgiving Day, like Snow Tubing, Ripley's, Mountain Coasters and more!

🦃Let's Get Started 🦃

🟣Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving Thursday

Visit East Tennessee's Facebook page has this great list of Restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day...3 Pages worth!

I have a couple Restaurant Related blog posts that might be of interest to you... 

• 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.
  
• 30 Great Places to Eat In Pigeon Forge that are open after 2pm! A list of highly rated establishments that are open past 2pm.

🟣CATERING OPTIONS

There are several restaurants that offer these Takeaway Feasts.  Perfect if you're wanting to have all your fun in a cabin!  Make sure you order in advance.

Applewood Farmhouse Grill

Applewood Farmhouse Grill has a special Thanksgiving-To-Go special menu with Two Offerings - Mini Feast $75, or Family Feast for $135, details Below.   Applewood Farmhouse Grill also has 'Cabin Packs' year-round, which is another option for you from Applewood Farmhouse Grill.

Link to Applewood Farmhouse Grill Thanksgiving Website - Click Here

Thanksgiving-To-Go Meal - Two Options Available

Here's what's included in the 'Mini Feast' for $74.99, above.  LINK

Here's what's included in the 'Family Feast' for $134.99, above. LINK


Cabin Packs - Dinner and Breakfast Options

Year-Round Offerings

Calhoun's Restaurants - They will cook an entire Thanksgiving Dinner for you.  They have Two Sevier County Locations, as well as in Knoxville, Lenoir City, Maryville, Oak Ridge.  See all Locations Here.

Pigeon

Forge

2532 Parkway

Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 868-1500

Gatlinburg

1004 Parkway #101

Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 436-4100

Calhoun's' Sells "Holiday Packs" of either Smoked Turkey or Prime Rib, with sides, as well as their own Beers!  Be sure to order in advance, 48 to 72 hours.  Check out the details and pricing HERE.

They also sell "Family Packs'' with other options like BBQ Pork, Brisket and Rib, with sides.  You can order online the day-of for Family Packs.  Check out the details, pricing and Order Online HERE.

You can read more about their beer offerings on this drink menu from the Pigeon Forge location...on Page 5...Click Here for PDF.  

Buddy's BBQ Sevierville

Website Here

Buddy's is always ready to go with large orders.

$49.99 Smoked Turkey

Family Feasts starting at $89/99

www.buddysbarbq.com/thanksgiving

Order by November 22nd!

Wilderness At The Smokies

Popeye's Has a Cajun Turkey that you can order in advance.

Info Here on their website.  Dig around to order it, if they are not already sold out.

🟣Entertainment Options

Combine a feast with lots of fun stuff.  Ober Gatlinburg's event was one of the first events I came across on Facebook.

Ober Gatlinburg

The Island

Winterfest is happening at The Island during Thanksgiving.

Anakeesta

Enchanted Christmas - more info at their website HERE.

Skyland Ranch

Thanksgiving Feast and More - Click Here

Mountain Coasters

• Guide To Mountain Coasters - Every Single Coaster, how they do pricing, LOTS OF INFO.  Take a look at all the types of mountain coasters in Sevier County.  All of them should be open on Thanksgiving...and they may be busy.

Ripleys Everything

Aquarium - Open 365 days a year.

Everything Else - Should Be Open - Here's their other stuff - click here.

Seen on Ripley's Aquarium FB Page

Ripley's Attractions in Sevier County
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum

Super Fun Zone

Moving Theater

Haunted Adventure

Mirror Maze

Davy Crockett Mini Golf

Old MacDonald's Farm Mini Golf

Mountain Coaster

Super Fun Park

Wonder Works

Snow Tubing

Outdoor - Rowdy Bear, Skyland Ranch & Ober

Rowdy Bear Mountain - Smoky Mountain Snowpark in Pigeon Forge | Pigeon Forge Snow Tubing

Skyland - Snow Tubing

Indoor - Pigeon Forge Snow

Indoor Snow Tubing and Snow Park | Pigeon Forge Snow

Check out my short video about Pigeon Forge Snow

Go Karts

Xtreme Racing Center of Pigeon Forge (4.4 stars google)

SpeedZone Fun Park (4.4 stars google)

The Track Family Fun Park (4.5 stars google)

NASCAR SpeedPark (4.2 stars google)

Space Race Adventures (4.6 stars google)

Adventure Raceway (4.4 stars google)

Trampoline Park

Sevier Air Trampoline and Ninja Warrior Park (4.7 stars google)

Other Fun Stuff

Mountain Monster - more info coming

Ziplines

more info coming

Hurricane Helene & Dollywood - Getting to Dollywood from North Carolina

Hi Everyone,

Helene swept through our region, causing minor damage around Dollywood, but the impact was significantly less severe than what we witnessed in far east Tennessee, such as Greeneville and Unicoi County. The damage was even more extreme in western North Carolina, including Asheville and numerous smaller mountain communities.

Several people are reported missing, though many are likely out of communication due to widespread power outages and disrupted cell service. Wi-Fi has been a lifeline for those fortunate enough to have restored power, allowing them to stay connected with loved ones.

 

Two major interstates that are used to get North Carolinians to Dollywood are indefinitely closed.  I40 at the state line washed into the river below.  I26 has some sections that were washed away.  Fortunately, there are alternatives to those routes.

google maps - September 29, 2024

🔶If you can get to Wytheville, Virginia, then head south on I81 to I40 West, to Exit 407 to get to Dollywood.
🔶441 through the mountains is Now Open- 10/2/24.

🔶Hwy 129 - "The Dragon" - OPEN - NO SEMI TRUCKS!!!

See NCDOT for the most Up To Date Info - Link

What Im seeing Online:  I've been monitoring a few Facebook feeds and groups from North Carolina.  Most of the feeds are trying to connect loved ones from out of state with those that have been disconnected by the storm.  I've seen lots of happy endings and several sad ones too.  There are numerous Now & Then pics of how things used to look.  People looking for and connecting others with resources like gas, shelters, food, toiletries, and basic necessities.  

Here is one story from the Chimney Rock Area of North Carolina.

If you are looking to help in some type of way, then some good advice I saw, was look up state/county websites to see what resources they are asking for.  If you're not sure where to start, begin by googling Pet Shelters in these communities - no doubt they all need some assistance right now.  Red Cross is another good place to start.

Here are some of the places accepting donations in North Carolina - 

• LIST at Link - local NPR station, BPR.   A note at the top of the article says many of these resources are winding down - 10/3/24.
• Operation Airdrop

Here are the counties impacted by Helene

Tennessee

• Unicoi County
• Washington
• Sullivan
• Greene
• Hawkins
• Hancock
• Grainger

North Carolina

• Haywood
• Madison
• Yancey
• Mitchel
• Avery
• Watauga
• Ashe
• Jackson
• Transylvania
• Buncombe
• McDowel
• Burke
• Caldwell
• Wilkes
• Henderson
• Rutherford
• Polk
• Alexander
• Catawba
• Lincoln
• Cleveland
• Gaston

Additional Resources

NCPDS

https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/emergency-management/hurricane-helene

https://www.facebook.com/NCEmergency/

road closure map

https://drivenc.gov/

emergency updates on nextdoor

https://nextdoor.com/agency-detail/nc/asheville/buncombe-county-government/

How to help east Tennessee after Helene

https://www.wate.com/news/top-stories/how-to-help-east-tn-after-helene/

 United Way has created a fund to help those affected by Helene. https://www.unitedwaync.org/

American Red Cross - You can visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to make a financial donation. People can also text the word HELENE to 90999 to make a donation. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2024/red-cross-responds-to-hurricane-helene.html

The Salvation Army is accepting donation and mobilizing disaster response teams. https://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/

Baptists on a Mission volunteers are putting teams together to serve those affected in North Carolina as conditions allow. https://baptistsonmission.org/Mission-Projects/By-Mission-Type/Disaster-Relief/Hurricane-Helene/Update

Samaritan’s Purse’s headquarters is in Boone. They are currently scheduling volunteers to help homeowners with the destruction in the city. https://spvolunteer.org/project-response/743

Find a recovery group to help via the North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster list or find a group to volunteer with. https://www.ncvoad.org/volunteer/

GoFundMe has launched a hub for Helene relief that includes some North Carolina fundraisers. https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/hurricane-helene

Should I Take My Tennessee Vacation?? YES

I know that a lot of folks who are wanting to know if they can take their hard-earned vacation in the Smokies.  If you can get here safely, then I say yes, please do.   

If you're in North Carolina and out of the impacted areas, then you can drive up to Wytheville, Virginia on Interstate 77, then head down 81 South to 40 West and then to Exit 407 and, boom, you're here.  See my map, up above.

I travel to Wilmington NC from Knoxville semi-frequently and there are were four major routes across North Carolina that I can chose from. They are all nearly identical travel times, so take your pick, except Interstate 40 which is closed indefinitely at the border, and 26, which has a closed section. 

This whole situation has been heartbreaking in so many ways - to see the destruction of a hurricane so far inland.  I've never seen anything like that here.  Had Helene's path been a little further to the west, then where I live would have been in the crosshairs of the damage.  It's just all a bit shocking.  Take care everyone!

🎃 Dollywood's Harvest Festival 2024 - Tasting Pass, Park Info + More! 👻

Hi Everyone,

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.

My Night At Dollywood 2023

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.  

Source Link (dw..com)

🎃 🎃 🎃

Let's dig into some more details.

🟠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!

My Night At Dollywood 2023

My Night At Dollywood 2023

My Night At Dollywood 2023

My Night At Dollywood 2023

My Night At Dollywood 2023

My Night At Dollywood 2023

🟠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.

🟠VIP Tour

Learn More at dollywood.com, click here.

🟠Photo Opportunities

 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:

• Suzy Bogguss 
• TG Sheppard
• Cruz and Billy Conterras
• Gloryway
• Mandy Barnett
• The Young Fables
• Mike Snodgrass
• Rhonda Vincent
• Leroy Parnell
• Fiddling Leona with JP (video here)
• And many, many more!

⭐Check out Dollywood's Website for the latest information about Special Harvest Entertainment.  HERE.  

🟠Dollywood App

🟠Special Offers

🎃 🎃 🎃

Check out my previous videos from Dollywood's Harvest festival to get a preview of all the fun you can expect.

🔵Blog Posts with other Helpful Trip Planning information

• Getting To Dollywood by Plane
• Dollywood Menus for 2024
• 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.
  
• 30 Great Places to Eat In Pigeon Forge that are open after 2pm! A list of highly rated establishments that are open past 2pm.
• Guide To Mountain Coasters - A look at all the types of mountain coasters in Sevier County.
• Dollywood's 2024 Operating Calendar
• 8 Things to do at Dollywood if you don't care for rides - There's a lot to do!
• Pigeon Forge Trolley Info You'll Want to Know!
• Trip Advisors Top 10 Budget Friendly Hotels in Pigeon Forge.
• Tons of YouTube videos - I have so many YouTube videos of Dollywood including every festival and lots of general park updates as well as Big Bear Mountain footage.
• Check out my 2023 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2023.
• Check out my 2022 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2022.

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.

#Dollywood #DollywoodTripPlanning #PigeonForgeTennessee #TennesseeTourism #vlog #blog #pigeonforgeattractions