Celebrate Dollywood's 40th Season in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains

Posted by Jon Hoffman in Things To Do

Back in the mid-1980s, Dolly Parton had a dream. As she explained later, “I wanted to come back to my part of the country and do something great, something that would bring a lot of jobs into this area.”

So she turned to Jack and Pete Herschend. Nearly a decade earlier, these two enterprising brothers had purchased a small Pigeon Forge attraction called Goldrush and dubbed it “Silver Dollar City Tennessee.”

This was exactly what Dolly was looking for. She teamed up with the Herschends, renamed the park “Dollywood” – and the rest, as they say, is history.

Today Dollywood covers more than 150 acres and includes over 50 rides and attractions. As Tennessee's biggest ticketed tourist experience, it welcomes nearly 3 million visitors every year. And there's no end in sight.

Now, in 2025, Dollywood Is Celebrating 40 Eventful Years

This year, Dollywood will open to passholders on Friday, March 14, and to the general public on Saturday, March 15. It's the park's 40th season – and that means you can expect some very special festivities.

Here are just a few of the anniversary highlights planned for Spring 2025 and beyond:

• An exciting new opening ceremony for each operating day

• The “I Will Always Love You” Festival (March 14–April 13) – a celebration of songwriters and songwriting, featuring: Foot-stompin' live music, Eye-catching art installations and Luscious Southern cuisine

• A new 40th Anniversary Show (Memorial Day weekend–end of summer)
• Interactive displays throughout the park with photo-ops
• An enhanced, permanent Imagination Playhouse (March–September)
• “Heartsong: The Movie”, now remastered and showing at Dreamsong Theater
• Special surprise appearances and performances by Dolly Parton herself

And that's just what's coming this spring...

Here's What to Expect from Summer on Through the Holidays

During the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, an all-new drone and fireworks display will light up the evening sky nightly from June 14 to August 3.

Additionally, the Country Fair section will get a “bright refresh” to honor the 40th season, making it even more fun for families.

During the annual Harvest Festival (September 12 – October 27), Country Fair becomes Candy Corn Country, and during Smoky Mountain Christmas (November 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026), it transforms into Peppermint Valley, glowing with red and white lights.

And remember, all this is just part of the entire Dollywood experience. No matter when you visit, you'll make countless awesome memories at this iconic park.

Book Your Smoky Mountains Getaway Today

So much awaits you here in the breathtaking Tennessee Smokies. Contact Volunteer Cabin Rentals now to reserve a mountain cabin close to Dollywood.

 

 

This content posted by Volunteer Cabin Rentals. Visit our home page, www.volunteercabinrentals.com to book your next vacation cabin today.

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