Though Dollywood is on its annual winter hiatus, there are no breaks for the theme park’s Dreamer-in-Chief Dolly Parton and her team, who are busy planning exciting ways to celebrate Dollywood’s 40th season.
Parton’s mission when opening Dollywood back in 1986 was to create a place to bring families together. That mission has remained the same for nearly 40 years, accomplished through rides, shows, food and lots of fun.
Dollywood confirmed to Knox News on Jan. 6 that more 40th anniversary plans will be shared ahead of the March 14 season opening, but here’s a look at what guests can start looking forward to during the milestone year.
Many of 40th anniversary celebrations and surprises will occur during the park’s traditional seasonal festivals. New entertainment and interactive offerings are planned for 2025, too.
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- A new opening ceremony will occur at the beginning of each operating day in 2025.
- A 40th anniversary show highlighting moments from guest-favorite shows throughout the park’s history debuts Memorial Day weekend and runs through the end of the summer.
- A new drone and fireworks show will honor the 40th anniversary during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration.
- The Imagination Playhouse, featuring a rotation of plays based on books from Dolly’s Imagination Library, will become a permanent fixture at the theme park, running from March through the end of September. Character meet-and-greets will be available during the summer festival.
- “Heartsong: The Movie” will be remastered and moved to Dreamsong Theater as part of The Dolly Parton Experience in celebration of the 40th anniversary. It will run in conjunction with “Heidi Parton’s Kin & Friends.”
- The Country Fair area of the park will receive a “bright refresh” during the 2025 season.
- Country Fair will transform into “Candy Corn Country” during the Harvest Festival with a “corny” theme and decorations.
- “Peppermint Valley,” a past favorite featuring bright red and white lights, will return in Country Fair during the 2025 Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration.
When are Dollywood’s 2025 seasonal festivals?
Dollywood’s 40th season will kick off with the I Will Always Love You Music Festival March 14. The music festival celebrates songwriters and will run until April 13.
“From the Heart,” an award-winning Broadway-style show about Parton’s life and music career that debuted during the 39th season, will return for the spring Flower and Food Festival.
The dates for the 40th seasonal festivals are:
- Flower and Food Festival | April 18-June 8
- Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration | June 14-Aug. 3
- Harvest Festival | Sept. 12-Oct. 27
- Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival | Nov. 1-Jan. 4
How to get Dollywood tickets
Daily tickets for the 2025 Dollywood season are not yet available, but eager fans ready to celebrate all season long can purchase season passes now.
Season passes for 2025 cost $169-$244, plus tax, and can be purchased at Dollywood.com. Payment plans are available.
East Tennessee residents can take advantage of a limited-time discounted summer pass. The “Volunteer Summer Pass” is $129 and valid for visits April 21 through Sept. 11. Dollywood.com has a list of eligible East Tennessee zip codes.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.
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