Those with what I’d like to describe as “insider baseball brain” (like myself) when it comes to theme parks know that planning happens months, if not a full year, ahead of time. The 2026 calendar is starting to fill in with exciting new rides opening nationwide as well as preparations underway for America 250 at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Silver Dollar City.
Dollywood’s landmark 2026 season begins on March 13, and it’s safe to say that it will be one for the record books. With Season Passes for the 2026 season going on sale to the general public this Saturday, November 1, let’s review what’s coming up for the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee resort destination.
NightFlight Expedition
The hallmark event happening at Dollywood in 2026 is the opening of NightFlight Expedition, a first-of-its-kind attraction. Launching in the spring of 2026, passholders will be able to preview the attraction in the days leading up to the official opening.
At $50 million, NightFlight Expedition is the largest attraction investment in the history of Dollywood Parks & Resorts. The five and a half minute-long ride is the world’s first hybrid indoor roller coaster and whitewater raft ride. NightFlight Expedition celebrates the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains as riders search for bioluminescence in the nation’s most-visited national park. This attraction, brought to life by Mack Rides, is sure to wow when it opens next spring.
WORLD’S FIRST HYBRID COASTER AND WATER RAFT RIDE COMING TO DOLLYWOOD IN 2026
Inaugural Run Dollywood Race Weekend
Also new to Dollywood in the 2026 season is the inaugural Run Dollywood Race Weekend. Runners can lace up their shoes and participate in a weekend full of events on April 25 and 26, 2026. Saturday morning’s events include a 1-mile fun run for kids ages 4-12, a 5K, and a 10K. The marquee half marathon will take place Sunday morning. All of the courses will wind through the park and surrounding area.
New after hours Halloween event
After hours Halloween events have exploded in popularity in recent years, with Disney’s Oogie Boogie Bash and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party appealing to guests of all ages, while Universal takes the thrill factor up to an 11 with Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando and Hollywood. Dollywood is taking the Disney-esque approach to Halloween in 2026 with a brand-new after-hours event called Harvey’s Boo Bash.
The family-friendly Halloween event will take place on three evenings next fall: October 16, 23, and 30 from 9:00 pm until midnight after the park closes to day guests. This limited-capacity, separate-ticketed event will feature entertainment, candy collecting stations, event-exclusive food and merchandise, and more time to enjoy Dollywood at night and explore areas like Great Pumpkin LumiNights.
Dollywood celebrates America 250
America’s 250th anniversary takes place in 2026, and theme parks including Dollywood are rolling out the red, white, and blue decorations in celebration. Dollywood will feature specialty decor in recognition of the anniversary throughout the park from March until August. In addition, the Sweet Summer Nights drone show that takes place nightly during the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration will include a special patriotic salute.
DISNEY TO CELEBRATE AMERICA 250 WITH NEW VERSION OF SOARIN’
Other returning seasonal events
In addition to the new offerings listed above, Dollywood’s seasonal events will return in the 2026 season. These curated events reflect the season and time of year they take place in with limited-time food and merchandise, decorations, and more.
The full lineup of events for the 2026 season are as follows:
- I Will Always Love You Music Festival: March 13 – April 12
- Flower & Food Festival: April 18 – June 7
- Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration: June 15 – August 2
- Harvest Festival: September 14 – October 31
- Smoky Mountain Christmas: November 6 – January 3
Dollywood’s water park, Splash Country, will kick off its 2026 season on May 23 and be open daily through August 9. The water park will then shift to a weekends-only calendar through the conclusion of its season on September 20.
SILVER DOLLAR CITY PREPARES FOR A MASSIVE 2026 SEASON
Coming to Dollywood in 2026: A Groundbreaking Ride and New After-Hours Halloween Party was originally published on The World of Spark.
