Autumn in the Smoky Mountains not only means spectacular fall colors and crisp, refreshing weather, but also the best time to go to Dollywood. Why? The return of the popular Harvest Festival! This enchanting festival celebrates the joys of the season with gorgeous fall flowers, live musical entertainment, delicious harvest treats, thousands of creatively carved pumpkins, and much more! Here are the top 5 reasons why you need to experience the Dollywood Harvest Festival:
1. Stunning Fall Colors in Every Direction
During Dollywood’s fall festival, the theme park transforms into a haven of harvest beauty just like the majestic Smoky Mountains! You’ll find thousands of stunning fall colors throughout the park, complete with the traditional seasonal hues of red, yellow, and orange. You’ll also discover mountain fresh touches like white and green gourds, purple blooms, and gorgeous greenery that adds a unique twist to the classic seasonal decor!
2. Great Pumpkin LumiNights
The Harvest Festival comes alive in the evening with the Great Pumpkin LumiNights, where thousands of carved pumpkins glow among the night sky! You’ll also encounter several larger-than-life pumpkin icons, including a towering 40-foot pumpkin tree designed especially for the event! Be sure to take a stroll through Hoot Owl Hollow, where a gigantic, glowing owl and its dozens of friends roost in the trees, atop buildings, and across the hillside!
Learn more about ways to celebrate Halloween in Pigeon Forge!
3. Daily Live Entertainment
Another one of the top reasons why you need to experience the Dollywood Harvest Festival is to enjoy the daily live entertainment throughout the park! Live music is the heart and soul of the fall season at Dollywood, so prepare to be serenaded by the sounds of a Smoky Mountain fall with Southern gospel, bluegrass, Americana, and country tunes! When planning your visit to the park, be sure to check the current entertainment schedule to plan your day accordingly!
4. Festival Dining
A highlight of any day at Dollywood is the delicious comfort food, and the Harvest Festival offers some of the best meals of the year! Some of the tempting seasonal foods you’ll find on the menus include the Harvest Succotash, Turkey Pumpkin Chili, Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll, and the Salted Caramel Apple Elephant Ear! Consider purchasing a Harvest Tasting Pass, where you can enjoy up to 5 of the festival foods for one low price!
5. Enjoy Your Favorite Rides in the Dark
The Harvest Festival at Dollywood offers the unique opportunity to experience all of your favorite thrill rides in the dark! If you think that riding the Wild Eagle, Lightning Rod, Thunderhead, and Big Bear Mountain are impressive during the daylight hours, just wait until you are soaring through the sky in total darkness! If thrill rides aren’t your thing, settle in for a relaxing journey on the classic Dollywood Express train ride or go for a spin with the kids on the Village Carousel!
The Best Place to Stay Near Dollywood
Looking for the best hotel near Dollywood? Look no further than The Lodge at Five Oaks! We are 100% smoke-free and pet-free, with a great outdoor pool and waterslide, complimentary breakfast, and one of the highest quality lodging experiences in the Smokies!
Check out all of our hotel rooms in Sevierville TN today to stay just minutes away from the Dollywood Harvest Festival! We look forward to welcoming you to the Smoky Mountains!
