Dollywood is preparing for one of its most ambitious years yet. The beloved Smoky Mountains theme park, co-owned by Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment, is already known for blending world-class attractions with Southern hospitality — and in 2026, it will add an entirely new kind of celebration to its calendar.
The park has spent years cultivating a loyal following, its mix of high-thrill coasters and homespun charm earning it a spot among the top 20 most-visited theme parks in North America for the first time in 2024. Signature rides like Lightning Rod, Mystery Mine, and Wild Eagle anchor the park’s appeal, but Dollywood’s atmosphere — complete with country music, handmade crafts, and that famous cinnamon bread — has kept guests coming back year after year.
Dollywood’s lineup of attractions continues to rival those at much larger parks. Fans of big drops flock to Lightning Rod, while FireChaser Express offers a family-friendly thrill with forward and backward launches, and Wildwood Grove’s Dragonflier gives younger guests a smooth, scenic flight over the trees.
Seasonal events have long been central to the Dollywood experience. Each year, the I Will Always Love You Music Festival kicks off spring, followed by the Flower & Food Festival, the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, and the beloved Harvest Festival, leading into Smoky Mountain Christmas. Starting next year, however, Dollywood is introducing a new fall experience that’s bound to shake up tradition — and wallets.
Dollywood Introduces New Upcharge Event for Halloween
In October 2026, Dollywood will debut Harvey’s Boo Bash, a separately ticketed Halloween event inspired by offerings at Disney’s and Universal’s parks. Unlike the Harvest Festival, which is included with park admission, Boo Bash will require guests to purchase an additional ticket.
The event will take place on three nights — October 16, 23, and 30 — running from 9 p.m. until midnight. Dollywood has yet to announce pricing but confirmed that guests can expect candy stations, exclusive entertainment, and access to select attractions under the glow of Smoky Mountain autumn nights.
The event is named for Harvey, Dollywood’s friendly pumpkin mascot, who will “host” the festivities. The move marks a strategic shift for Dollywood, following in the footsteps of major competitors that have long relied on upcharge events to drive seasonal attendance and revenue.
For those skipping the special ticket, the Harvest Festival will still return from September 14 through October 31, 2026, included with standard admission. Dollywood says the event will feature an expanded Great Pumpkin LumiNights experience and a new dance party, ensuring that the spirit of Halloween remains accessible to all parkgoers.
A Record-Breaking Year Ahead
Harvey’s Boo Bash is just one part of a much larger year for Dollywood. In 2026, the park will also open NightFlight Expedition, a $50 million attraction billed as the largest single investment in Dollywood’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 inaugural Run Dollywood race weekend will also take place from April 25 to April 26, offering visitors a new way to experience the resort beyond its attractions.
Dollywood’s latest expansion underscores its growing reputation as a national destination. In 2025, it even outranked both Disney and Universal to claim the No. 1 spot in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards.
As Dolly Parton’s namesake park continues to evolve (and try to outdo Disney in the process), one thing remains clear — Dollywood’s mix of nostalgia, innovation, and Appalachian warmth keeps it firmly in the spotlight. The 2026 season, it seems, is set to prove that there’s still plenty of magic in the mountains.
What are your thoughts on the debut of Harvey’s Boo Bash?
