Complete Guide to the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration Event at Dollywood
In addition to all the year round shows and thrill rides, Dollywood also puts on special events throughout the year. If you plan on taking a summer vacation to the Smokies, you will not want to miss this year’s Summer Celebration. It is jam packed with action once again, including fireworks, drone spectacles, shows for kids, and so much more! Here is a complete guide to the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration event at Dollywood:
Overview of the Festival
You will have plenty of time to check out the summer fun in the Smokies, as this event runs from June until August 11th! This special event also will not cost you any extra money, as it is included with the price of your admission ticket. During your visit, be on the lookout for surprises around every corner, including events for kids, displays of bright summer colors, and returning family favorite activities. Be sure to hang out after the sun goes down for an amazing performance that will blow your mind!
Sweet Summer Nights Dance Party
As the sun goes down at Dollywood, get ready to dance! Right before the drone and fireworks show, a DJ and dancers bring fun to Wildwood Grove. Visit this section of the park to enjoy this 30-minute dance party that is sure to have everyone up on their feet!
Drone & Fireworks Show
One of the highlights of the Summer Celebration at Dollywood is the Summer Nights drone and fireworks show! While this is a returning event, this year it is going to be bigger and brighter than ever before. With the use of bigger drones and LED lights, you will get to experience hundreds of drones dance across the nighttime summer sky. While it is cool to see the colors alone, watch closely because they are actually telling the unique story of the amusement park with the help of 3D animations. This is the perfect way to cap off your exciting summer day in the Smoky Mountains!
Cool Off in the Summer Sun
During the summer afternoons, you may get a little warm making your way through the park. Luckily, the Summer Celebration offers plenty of ways to stay cool! You can play in the colorful fountain made of water hoses, or stand next to the spraying fire hydrant for some much needed water relief! If you don’t want to get completely drenched, take a trip to Rivertown Junction and walk across one of the jumping water jets. This year’s event will also host the return of the bubble foam, which your kids will adore. Don’t forget to check out some of the fun water rides at Dollywood as well, including Daredevil Falls and the Smoky Mountain River Rampage!
Gazillion Bubble Show
Back by popular demand, the Gazillion Bubble Show will keep everyone entertained in Dolly Parton’s Celebrity Theater! Your kids will have a blast seeing the bubbles make their way into the crowd, trying to pop them with every chance they get. Plus, we guarantee parents will find their inner child during this spectacular event. It also features a segment that pays homage to Dolly Parton and the Great Smoky Mountains!
Summer Treats
You’re bound to work up an appetite during your day in the park! At this year’s summer festival at Dollywood, you can enjoy Southern favorites like an Apple Cider BBQ Pork Sandwich or a Summer Vegetable & Okra Skillet. There are also unique items like Bacon Mac & Cheese Pizza! As far as sweets go, you’ll have plenty of options — a cherry lime cupcake and fruit crunch funnel cake are just two of the treats you can try. We recommend getting a tasting pass so you can try up to 5 festival foods for one low price!
More Things to Do
In addition to the special activities of the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, Dollywood also features plenty of other things to do! If you enjoy thrill rides, you don’t want to miss checking out some of the incredible roller coasters at the park, including Lightning Rod and the Tennessee Tornado! For those who are looking to escape the summer heat, head to the brand-new Dolly Parton Experience and explore exhibits and watch shows. As you make your way through the theme park, be sure to stop in one of the many delicious restaurants for some fantastic food and a refreshing drink. Some of the most popular places to eat at Dollywood include Aunt Granny’s Restaurant, Red’s Drive-in, and Granny Ogle’s Ham ‘n’ Beans.
Now that you know about the Summer Celebration event at Dollywood, be sure to check out some of the other Smoky Mountain attractions to add to your summer vacation itinerary. We look forward to seeing you soon in the Smokies!
