Dollywood’s Harvest Festival 2025: A Symphony of Fall Colors, Flavors, and Sounds in the Smoky Mountains
Quick Takeaway: Dollywood’s Harvest Festival (Sept. 12–Oct. 27, 2025) brings the Smoky Mountains to life with vibrant fall colors, uplifting Southern gospel music, artisan crafts, and mouthwatering seasonal flavors. By day, enjoy rides framed by autumn scenery; by night, experience the magical glow of Great Pumpkin LumiNights. With award-winning entertainment, stunning décor, and unforgettable photo ops, it’s the ultimate fall celebration for all ages.
As the crisp autumn air sweeps through the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood transforms into a breathtaking tableau of fall splendor, hosting its annual Harvest Festival, presented by Humana. From September 12 to October 27, 2025, guests are invited to immerse themselves in a world where vibrant foliage meets the cheerful glow of thousands of pumpkins, and the air is filled with the soulful sounds of live music and the enticing aromas of seasonal treats. This award-winning festival offers an unforgettable autumn getaway, combining Dollywood’s signature charm with the unparalleled beauty of the season.
Your Harvest Festival Adventure
Dates: September 12 – October 27, 2025
Key Highlights: Great Pumpkin LumiNights, Southern Gospel Jubilee, artisan craft demonstrations, and a wide array of delicious fall-themed culinary delights.
Experience: Day filled with rides and music, evening illuminated by glowing pumpkins.
Location: Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, TN, nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.
Introduction: Embracing the Abundance of Autumn
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of the abundant beauty and rich heritage of the Smoky Mountains in fall. Voted one of the nation’s best fall theme park events, it captures the essence of the season with its stunning visual displays, world-class entertainment, and unique culinary offerings. Whether you’re a Dollywood fanatic or a first-time visitor, the festival promises a heartwarming experience that lingers long after the leaves have fallen. From thrilling rides framed by autumn hues to the gentle melodies of gospel music echoing through the valleys, every corner of Dollywood invites you to savor the magic of fall.
Daytime Delights: Rides, Crafts, and Melodies Under the Autumn Sun
During the day, Dollywood’s thrilling rides take on a new dimension, offering spectacular views of the changing mountain landscape. Feel the rush of the fall breeze on favorites like Big Bear Mountain and Mystery Mine, or take a gentle ride on the Dollywood Express to soak in the fall beauty. Beyond the exhilaration of the rides, the Harvest Festival comes alive with the spirit of craftsmanship. Artisans from across the country, alongside Dollywood’s own talented craftsmen, showcase their unique, handmade goods. Visitors can explore booths filled with jewelry, paintings, woodworking, and more, providing the perfect opportunity to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir or a special gift.
A cornerstone of the daytime festivities is the Southern Gospel Jubilee, the largest Southern gospel celebration in the world. The park’s various stages, including the Celebrity Theater, Pines Theater, and Back Porch Theater, host daily performances by dozens of talented Southern gospel, bluegrass, and country artists. Guests can enjoy uplifting hymns and toe-tapping tunes from renowned groups like Gold City, Ernie Haase, The McKameys, The Isaacs, Mandy Barnett, and Suzy Bogguss, among many others. The air is consistently filled with inspiring music, creating a joyful atmosphere throughout the park. You can check out the schedule for 2025 here!
When the Sun Sets: Great Pumpkin LumiNights Illuminates the Evening
As dusk settles over the mountains, Dollywood undergoes a magical transformation with the arrival of Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Thousands of creatively carved pumpkins and larger-than-life pumpkin icons begin to glow, casting a warm, whimsical light across the park. This award-winning spectacle is a highlight of the Harvest Festival, offering a “not-so-spooky” nighttime experience perfect for families.
Explore enchanting areas like Hoot Owl Hollow, where giant glowing owls roost among shimmering sunflowers, or marvel at the towering 40-foot pumpkin tree in Market Square. Iconic displays, such as the pumpkin butterfly in Craftsman’s Valley and the pumpkin frogs at Drop Line Pond, create picture-perfect moments around every corner. Festive characters like Pumpkin Master, Polly, Penny, Patches, and Harvey roam the LumiNights areas, ready to greet and delight guests of all ages. For an even more immersive experience, guests can consider the “Behind the Glow” tour, a VIP guided walk that offers exclusive insights into the creation of LumiNights, character photo opportunities, and front-of-line access to select rides.
Harvest Decor and Photo Opportunities Galore
Dollywood’s attention to detail shines through in the Harvest Festival’s exquisite decor. The park is adorned with thousands of fabulous fall flowers in traditional hues of red, yellow, and orange, complemented by unique mountain-fresh touches like white and green gourds and purple blooms. Every pathway and plaza is meticulously decorated, creating a stunning backdrop for family photos and lasting memories. The Kite Sky and other immersive installations, similar to the Summer Celebration, are reimagined with a fall theme, adding to the picturesque ambiance.
Taste Your Way Through Fall: The Harvest Festival Tasting Pass
No festival at Dollywood is complete without an incredible array of food, and the Harvest Festival does not disappoint. The culinary team crafts a special fall menu that highlights the flavors of the season. In 2024 guests were able to savor hearty, stick-to-your-ribs dishes and decadent delights. Pumpkin lovers will rejoice with offerings like Pumpkin-Spiced Smoked Ribs, Garlic Knots & Pumpkin Cheese Sauce, and Pumpkin Spice Milkshakes. Other seasonal favorites include Maple Pork Belly Sweet Potato Skillet, Apple Cranberry Sweet Potato, Caramel Apple Funnel Cakes, and Pumpkin Pie Punch. We will be at the festival to update you on all the 2025 tasting pass selections when they are available!
To experience a variety of these delectable treats, the Harvest Festival Tasting Pass is a must-have. This optional add-on allows guests to try five different food items for one low price. We breakdown all the festival treats in our Tasting Pass article and tell you which ones bring great value and which ones to pay out of pocket for! Be on the lookout for that!
Plan Your Visit to Dollywood’s Harvest Festival 2025
The Dollywood Harvest Festival runs from September 12 to October 27, 2025. Access to the festival and its entertainment is included with regular park admission. Given the popularity of this event, especially the Great Pumpkin LumiNights, planning your visit in advance is highly recommended. You can purchase tickets and the Harvest Festival Tasting Pass online at Dollywood.com. For the latest entertainment schedules and any additional information, refer to the official Dollywood website.
Maximizing Your Day: The Dollywood Resort Advantage
To truly make the most of your Harvest Festival experience, consider staying at one of Dollywood’s Resorts, such as Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa or Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. Resort guests enjoy exclusive perks, including complimentary shuttle service to and from the park, which saves time and hassle. More importantly, resort guests receive complimentary timesaver ride access as well as the use of Golden Hour!
Golden hour is invaluable for getting a head start on popular rides with minimal wait times. By taking advantage of Golden Hour to tackle some of your must-do rides, you can then dedicate your prime daytime hours to enjoying the various shows, craft demonstrations, and additional rides. This strategic planning frees up your evenings to fully immerse yourself in the enchanting Great Pumpkin LumiNights and savor the delightful fall-themed food and beverage offerings without feeling rushed. It’s the perfect way to blend thrilling adventures with the relaxing atmosphere of the festival.
Concluding Thoughts
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival truly captures the heart of autumn in the Smoky Mountains, offering a unique blend of thrilling rides, heartwarming music, exquisite crafts, and delectable seasonal treats. From the vibrant daytime scenery to the magical glow of Great Pumpkin LumiNights, every aspect of this award-winning event is designed to create lasting memories for guests of all ages. Plan your visit to experience the unparalleled beauty and joyous atmosphere of fall at Dollywood – it’s an unforgettable celebration you won’t want to miss!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dollywood’s Harvest Festival in 2025?
The Dollywood Harvest Festival will run from September 12 to October 27, 2025.
What is Great Pumpkin LumiNights?
Great Pumpkin LumiNights is a spectacular nighttime display during the Harvest Festival featuring thousands of glowing, carved pumpkins and larger-than-life pumpkin sculptures throughout the park.
Are the concerts included with park admission?
Yes, all concerts during the Southern Gospel Jubilee are included with your regular Dollywood park admission.
Should I get the Tasting Pass at the Festival?
The festival offers a variety of fall-themed dishes, including pumpkin-spiced dishes, hearty harvest plates, and sweet treats like apple and pumpkin desserts. A tasting pass is available for sampling multiple items.
Is the Harvest Festival suitable for children?
Absolutely! The Harvest Festival, especially Great Pumpkin LumiNights, is designed to be family-friendly with “not-so-spooky” entertainment and activities for all ages.
