Dolly Parton is a Smoky Mountain native who’s brought fun, family, and philanthropy to the Smoky Mountains for many years. While she doesn’t currently reside in the Smokies, her giving presence is still felt through her charity work, attractions, and dinner shows. Everything she does is larger than life, and her mark on the Smokies is no different. If you’re a big Dolly Parton fan, chances are you’ve already been to the Smokies…maybe many times. But if you haven’t had the chance to come visit, start making plans today. Even if you’re not a fanatic, you’ll love what she’s done here.
Dollywood Theme Park
Stomach-dropping roller coasters, kiddie rides, water features, a bird sanctuary, live music, Broadway-style shows, carnival games…the list goes on and on for the fun at Dolly Parton’s namesake theme park. Music covers everything from gospel (Kingdom Heirs) and bluegrass (Smoky Mountain String Band) to 50s & 60s favorites (Gem Tones), country (Country Crossroads), and live-on-stage shows like Dreamland Drive-In and The Little Engine Playhouse (kids’ books come to life). The rides also offer something for all ages, with roller coasters for adults and older kids and small rides for younger children.
As a true Southerner, Dolly of course has the food covered as well. The lineup is impressive and covers almost anything you’re craving, with Southern sides, decadent desserts, giant cookies, rich ice cream, old-fashioned candy, pizza and burgers, fajitas, and more! Want to shop? There are tons of options, including many locally made crafts. And with their Package Pickup Service (complimentary), you can drop off your purchases instead of carrying them around all day.
Dollywood Events
Harvest Festival | September 27 – November 2
Smoky Mountain Christmas | November 9 – January 4
Barbeque & Bluegrass (summer)
Festival of Nations (spring)
Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction
What pairs best with a 4-course Southern feast? Oh, show horses, over-the-top costumes, glittering lights, and a friendly competition between North and South, of course! At Dolly Parton’s Stampede, dig into a hearty meal of rotiserrie chicken, BBQ pork loin, veggie soup, biscuits, corn on the cob, potatoes, dessert, and unlimited Coca-Cola®, coffee, or tea (or choose a vegetarian or gluten-free meal option). As you eat, you’ll get an incredible show only Dolly Parton could put on!
A few things to know:
• Kids 2 and under are FREE if sitting on parent’s lap and sharing food
• Saloon Opening Act (with Mountain Ruckus band) starts 50 minutes prior to main show
• Ticket price includes admission, opening act, 4-course meal, and main show
Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede
As if her show wasn’t impressive enough, Dolly really turns it up at Christmas. When it starts cooling down in the Smoky Mountains, come see the live nativity, camels and angels, incredible costumes, friendly elf competition, Santa Claus in his sleigh, talented horses, and Christmas songs galore! Even the preshow in the Saloon is festive, sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
Dollywood’s Splash Country
The Stampede is the place to go when you want to get away from the weather, but when you want to be out in it, be sure to check out Dollywood’s Splash Country in summer! When the heat hits Tennessee, you’ll be thankful to have Splash Country for some waterpark fun. It features 35+ acres of fun, with rides, slides, and water features for every age.
Whether you love racing or relaxing, you’ll find your favorite spot here this summer. Get soaked at Bear Mountain Fire Tower, take a Downbound Float Trip to relax, play with the little ones at Little Creek Falls, race down the slides at Mountain Scream, take a spin on SwiftWater Run, and more!
