One of the best ways to celebrate the changing season is by visiting Dollywood in Pigeon Forge this fall. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival is a great way to experience fall in the Smoky Mountains. Not only will you get to see the brilliant colors of autumn leaves, but you’ll also get to taste fall flavors and bask in the glow of illuminated pumpkins! Here’s everything you need to know about Dollywood’s Harvest Festival.
1. Dates & Hours
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival takes place from mid-September through October each year. The theme park is open from 10:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. most days of the festival, but has extended hours from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. for a couple of weeks in October. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy all the rides, shows, and foods of the festival during the day as well as experience the nighttime activities after dark! Operating hours are also subject to change, so make sure you check their schedule before heading over to the park.
2. Fall Flavors
One of the things Dollywood’s Harvest Festival has always been known for is delicious seasonal foods. There are so many great fall flavors you’ll find throughout the theme park at various locations, including seasonal flavors like pumpkin, sweet potato, apple, cinnamon, and more. These flavors will be found in both savory dishes and sweet treats, so make sure you keep an eye out for both at all the Harvest Festival dining locations! One of the favorite treats of fall can be found in Spotlight Bakery all year round: the famous 25-pound apple pie!
3. Candy Corn Country
In addition to pumpkins and other fall decor throughout the theme park, the Harvest Festival also brings Candy Corn Country to Dollywood! The Country Fair section of the park transforms into this family-friendly experience, complete with sweet characters and plenty of fall surprises. It's a great place for guests of all ages to explore and play!
4. Musical Performances
At Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, the fall air will be filled with a variety of music from dozens of talented artists. All throughout the theme park you’ll be able to hear performances in theaters, on stages, and in the streets. The fall scenery will be paired with country, bluegrass, and Southern gospel music that will make you feel right at home in the mountains. Make sure you pick up a show schedule at the entrance to the park so you won’t miss your favorites!
5. Great Pumpkin LumiNights
One of the most iconic parts of Dollywood’s Harvest Festival is Great Pumpkin LumiNights. When the sun goes down, the lights come on all around the theme park. Over 12,000 pumpkins illuminate the park in a variety of shapes and scenes. In Wildwood Grove, you’ll find towers of pumpkins carved to look like sunflowers. In Craftsman’s Valley, you’ll see a giant guitar filled with glowing pumpkins and a huge hairy spider structure. Make sure you visit the pumpkin frogs floating in Timber Canyon, too! You’ll be amazed by all the intricately carved pumpkins you’ll see on the ground, floating on water, and even hanging from trees! On select nights in October, be sure to attend Harvey's Boo Bash! This limited-capacity nighttime celebration runs from 4:00 P.M. until midnight and includes treat trails, dance parties, themed snacks, rides under the stars, and unforgettable character encounters.
Find Out More About Fall in the Smokies
Fall is one of the most beautiful times to visit the Smoky Mountains. The leaves start changing colors, the air gets cooler, and the sunset comes sooner. As you plan your trip to see the Smoky Mountains this fall, make sure you check out this fall foliage and forecast report!
