A Guide to Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival (2025 Edition!)
Spring in the Smoky Mountains is a spectacle of color, and Dollywood perfectly captures this vibrant season with its annual Flower & Food Festival. Running from April 18, 2025 to June 8, 2025, this festival is a delightful fusion of breathtaking floral displays and mouthwatering culinary creations, offering a sensory experience unlike any other.
Forget your typical theme park fare – the Flower & Food Festival elevates the dining experience with innovative dishes inspired by spring flavors and international cuisines. Imagine strolling through a park bursting with over half a million vibrant blooms while sampling delectable treats and sipping refreshing beverages. Sounds dreamy, right?
A Feast for the Eyes: The Floral Masterpieces
The star of the show is undoubtedly the stunning array of floral installations that transform Dollywood into a botanical wonderland. Prepare to be captivated by larger-than-life sculptures crafted entirely from flowers. In previous years, we’ve seen everything from whimsical animals and towering butterflies to intricate recreations of Smoky Mountain scenes. Expect new and equally impressive designs for the 2025 festival, meticulously crafted by talented horticulturalists.
Wander through pathways lined with vibrant tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and a kaleidoscope of other spring blossoms. The air is fragrant, and every corner offers a perfect photo opportunity. Don’t miss the signature Umbrella Sky, a breathtaking canopy of colorful umbrellas suspended above a walkway, creating a truly Instagrammable moment. Keep an eye out for special lighting and displays that might extend into the evening hours, adding another layer of magic to the floral artistry.
A Culinary Adventure: The Food That Wows
While the flowers are a feast for the eyes, the food at this festival is a true culinary adventure. Forget standard theme park burgers and fries (though those are available too!). The Flower & Food Festival boasts a diverse menu of globally-inspired dishes and innovative twists on Southern classics.
Expect to find specialty food booths scattered throughout the park, each offering unique and artfully presented plates. In past years, highlights have included:
International Flavors:
This year, expect to savor globally-influenced delights such as the Pesto Caprese Panini with a side of roasted vegetable-tomato gazpacho, offering a taste of Italy. The Pork Belly Bowl combines glazed pork belly with fried rice and vibrant Asian-inspired pickled vegetables. For a Latin twist, try the flavorful Potato Birria with pickled red onion and cilantro crema.
Beyond these international highlights, you’ll also find unique Southern-inspired dishes like the Loaded Street Fries, featuring chipotle seasoning, queso, black beans, corn, and pico de gallo, and the hearty Pork Belly Bowl. The Smoky Mountain Grilled Corn offers a sweet and savory blend with garlic butter, cilantro crema, queso fresco, and toasted sesame seeds.
Sweet Treats:
While past festivals have featured delicate treats like lavender macarons and rosewater cupcakes, the 2025 event promises a selection of unique and tempting sweets. Guests can look forward to options like the creamy Blueberry Pie Milkshake, a delightful way to welcome the warmer temperatures. For those who love a twist on a classic, the Wild Berry Cream Cheese Funnel Cake adds a burst of fruity flavors to a Dollywood staple. Keep an eye out for other special dessert offerings that showcase seasonal fruits, creative flavor combinations, and the artistry of Dollywood’s culinary team. Whether you’re craving a light and refreshing treat or a rich and decadent indulgence, the Flower & Food Festival offers the perfect sweet ending to your day of floral beauty and culinary exploration.
Refreshing Beverages:
If tea is your preference, the Honey Raspberry Hibiscus Tea blends refreshing green tea with cranberry juice, raspberries, lemon, and the floral notes of hibiscus and mint. For a sparkling treat, the Sparkling Strawberry Punch combines lemon-lime soda with the sweet flavors of pineapple and strawberry, finished with a hint of mint. You can also enjoy the Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade, a cool and revitalizing mix of lemonade, Sprite, and watermelon flavoring.
This is your chance to try dishes you won’t find during the rest of the year! Consider purchasing a tasting pass that will allow you to sample a variety of dishes at a set price. This year pass will cost $42.99 and give you the ability to select 5 items from the available items at the festival. There are discounts available for Diamond and Gold season passholders.
Beyond the Blooms and Bites: What Else to Enjoy
While the flowers and food are the main attractions, the Flower & Food Festival also offers a vibrant atmosphere and additional entertainment:
Live Music: Enjoy the sounds of spring with live musical performances throughout the park, often featuring genres that complement the festive atmosphere.
Artisan Demonstrations: Witness skilled artisans creating beautiful crafts, often with a floral or spring theme.
Gardening Tips and Demonstrations: Learn from the experts with gardening demonstrations and opportunities to pick up some green-thumb wisdom.
Shopping: Find unique souvenirs and merchandise inspired by the festival, including floral-themed items and local crafts.
Tour: Participate in an enhanced experience of the Flower & Food Festival with a guided tour!
Making the Most of Your Blooming & Delicious Day:
First things first, hop over to the official Dollywood website to get the scoop on the 2025 festival dates, times, menus, and entertainment lineup. With so much beauty to see and tasty treats to try, a little planning goes a long way! Head over to our 7 step process to make the most of your Dollywood visit! Think about which floral displays and food booths are top of your list and add those to your plan. Weekends can get bustling, so arriving a bit earlier can give you more breathing room to enjoy everything. Taking advantage of Preferred parking can give you an advantage upon entering the park. Trust us on this one: comfortable shoes are your best friend for a full day of exploring. Keep that spring pep in your step by staying hydrated, especially if the sun is shining! You’ll definitely want to capture the gorgeous flowers and mouth watering food, so don’t forget your camera! If you’re a foodie eager to sample lots of different dishes, a tasting pass could be a smart way to save.
Final Thoughts:
Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival is more than just a theme park event; it’s a celebration of the beauty of spring and the artistry of food. Whether you’re a flower enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking for a unique and delightful experience, this festival offers something for everyone. Prepare to be immersed in a world of blooming beauty and delicious bites in the heart of the Smoky Mountains!
Have you experienced the Dollywood Flower & Food Festival before? What were your favorite sights and tastes?
