Coming to Dollywood in 2026: an innovative ride and new after-hours Halloween party

Those I call “insider baseball brains” (like me) when it comes to theme parks know that planning happens months, if not a full year, in advance. The 2026 calendar is starting to fill with exciting new rides opening nationwide and preparations being made America 250 on Walt Disney World, Disneyland, And Silver Dollar City.

Dollywood’s eventful 2026 season begins on March 13and it’s safe to say that this will be one that sets the record straight. With Season Passes for the 2026 season will go on sale to the general public this Saturday, November 1stlet’s review what’s in store for the resort destination of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Night Flight Expedition

A typical event happening at Dollywood in 2026 is a grand opening Night Flight ExpeditionA the first attraction of its kind. Launching in spring 2026Ticket holders will be able to see the attraction in the days leading up to its official opening.

At a cost of $50 million, the NightFlight Expedition is largest attraction investment in Dollywood Parks & Resorts history. It’s a five and a half minute ride The world’s first indoor roller coaster and whitewater raft hybrid. Night Flight Expedition celebrating the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains as riders look for bioluminescence in the country’s most visited national park. This attraction, brought to life by Mack Ridesit’s sure to wow when it opens next spring.

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Inaugural Dollywood Race Weekend

Also new for Dollywood in the 2026 season are premieres Run Dollywood Race Weekend. Runners can lace up their shoes and participate in a weekend full of events April 25 and 26, 2026. Saturday morning events include a 1 mile fun run for kids ages 4-12, 5K and 10K. Tent half marathon will take place Sunday morning. All paths will pass through the park and surrounding areas.

New after-hours Halloween event

After-hours Halloween events have grown 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 turns up the thrill factor to 11 with Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando and Hollywood. Dollywood is taking a Disney-style approach to Halloween in 2026 with a a new after-hours event called Harvey’s Boo Bash.

Family-friendly Halloween events will take place on three nights next fall: October 16, 23 and 30 from 9pm to midnight after the park closes to daily guests. This limited capacity event with separate tickets will be displayed entertainment, candy collection 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 rolled out red, white and blue decorations to celebrate. Dollywood will perform special decorations in recognition of the anniversary throughout the park from March through August. Besides that, Sweet Summer Nights drone show taking place every night during the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration will include a special patriotic tribute.

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Another recurring seasonal event

In addition to the new offers listed above, Dollywood’s seasonal events will return in the 2026 season. These curated events reflect the season and time in which they occur limited-time food and merchandise, decorations and more.

The complete lineup for the 2026 season is 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 water park, Spark Country, will starting the 2026 season May 23 and open every day until August 9. The water park will then move to a weekend-only calendar through its season finale is on September 20.

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Coming to Dollywood in 2026: A Breakthrough Journey and New After-Hours Halloween Party was first published on The World of Spark.

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