Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration 2025: An Unforgettable Mountain Getaway
June 14 – August 3, 2025 | Pigeon Forge, TN
Quick Takeaways: Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration runs from June 14 to August 3, 2025, offering a variety of daytime attractions like splash zones and the Gazillion Bubble Show, as well as nighttime drone and fireworks displays. The park will be decorated for summer, and guests can enhance their experience with a “Sweet Summer Nights Festival Tour” VIP package or a Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration Tasting Pass for food sampling. The celebration is included with park admission.
When summer rolls into the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood answers with color, music, and unforgettable family fun. The Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration returns for another spectacular season, blending classic country charm with next-level excitement—making it one of the Southeast’s must-visit summer festivals.
This year’s celebration transforms Dollywood into a vibrant oasis where playful days lead into magical nights. From bubble-filled fun and lively dance parties to awe-inspiring drone shows, this festival delivers joy around every corner.
Daytime Thrills and Family-Focused Fun
Sunshine at Dollywood comes with a splash—literally. Throughout the park, kids and adults can cool off with whimsical splash zones, interactive fountains, and plenty of shady rest spots. In the heart of summer, Wildwood Grove and other themed areas become playgrounds for laughter, movement, and exploration.
Gazillions of Bubbles and Magical Memories
One of the highlights of the festival is the Gazillion Bubble Show, where millions (yes, gazillions!) of bubbles fill the air in a jaw-dropping spectacle. Located in the Bubble Foam Zone, this interactive show includes America’s largest bubble foam pit, encouraging guests to dive in and play. It’s the perfect mix of science, art, and fun for families of all ages.
The daytime lineup also features lively performances, energetic music acts, and surprises like The Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience, with incredible tricks and comedic stunts that keep the energy high and the smiles wide.
When the Sun Sets: Nighttime Magic Begins
As the mountains darken and the fireflies flicker to life, Dollywood transforms into an after-dark fantasy.
Dazzling Drone & Fireworks Show + Dance Party
Every evening during the festival, Wildwood Grove becomes the stage for Dollywood’s signature nighttime extravaganza. Guests can dance the night away beneath a technicolor sky, then look up to witness a stunning drone and fireworks show, choreographed to music and bursting with light. The synchronized movement of the drones, paired with booming fireworks, creates a spellbinding scene that guests won’t soon forget.
Festival Décor and Photo-Worthy Moments
Every inch of Dollywood is dressed for summer. From the colorful Kite Sky—a whimsical canopy of high-flying kites that stretch above pathways—to vivid, Insta-ready installations tucked into corners of the park, the décor immerses guests in the vibrant joy of the season. Expect rainbow streamers, glowing lanterns, and immersive designs that make every walk through the park feel like a parade of summer memories.
Sweet Summer Nights Festival Tour (New for 2025)
Looking for the VIP treatment? This year, Dollywood introduces the Sweet Summer Nights Festival Tour, an exclusive, two-hour guided experience that takes your visit to the next level.
What’s Included:
- ✅ Guided, 2-hour walking tour through the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration
- ✅ Exclusive collectible lanyard to commemorate your experience
- ✅ Direct access to the Sweet Summer Nights Dance Party
- ✅ Front-of-the-line access to Big Bear Mountain and FireChaser Express
- ✅ Reserved viewing area for the drone and fireworks show
- ✅ Delicious festival snacks and refreshments
- ✅ Behind-the-scenes experiences that most guests never see
- ✅ And more!
Price: Starting at $79 + tax per person
Ages: 4 and older
Gold and Diamond Season Passholders receive a discount when signed in. General admission not included. Max 20 guests per tour.
This intimate experience offers prime access to Dollywood’s biggest attractions and most magical moments. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, visiting with extended family, or just want a more curated experience, this tour brings summer to life in a brand-new way.
Taste Your Way Through Summer: The Smoky Mountain Tasting Pass
No summer celebration is complete without great food—and at Dollywood, the flavors are as bold and creative as the festivities themselves. One of the best ways to sample it all is with the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration Tasting Pass, an optional add-on that turns your day into a delicious culinary adventure.
With the Summer Tasting Pass, guests can choose from a rotating selection of festival-exclusive food and drink offerings spread throughout the park. From savory Southern favorites to refreshing treats and imaginative takes on fair-style snacks, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Each tasting pass includes five punch credits, allowing you to pick five items from a curated festival menu. Whether you’re eyeing a grilled peach BBQ slider, watermelon limeade, or a churro sundae drizzled with berry sauce, this pass makes it easy to explore without having to commit to full-size portions at every stop.
Here’s what makes the tasting pass a must-try:
- Try More, Spend Less: The pass is often a great value, offering a discount compared to buying five items individually. We break down which items are great values versus which ones are not worth it in our article all about the Tasting pass.
- Skip the Guesswork: Festival booths are clearly marked, and each one features tempting seasonal specialties.
- Perfect for Sharing: Families and friends can divide and conquer, sampling bites from different areas of the park.
- Refreshing Sips Included: Many stations also offer limited-time beverages to help you cool down on hot summer days.
Whether you’re a foodie at heart or just looking to try something new between rides, the Smoky Mountain Tasting Pass is the perfect companion to Dollywood’s summer celebration. It’s more than a meal—it’s a flavor-packed part of the experience. Check out our article on the tasting pass to see how to get the most food for your buck!
Plan Your Visit
The Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration runs daily from June 14 through August 3, 2025, and is included with standard park admission. For those wanting even more access, Dollywood’s season passes offer perks like golden hour ride entry, food discounts, and exclusive merchandise.
From toddlers experiencing their first ride to grandparents soaking in a sunset show, Dollywood during the summer becomes a place where generations connect over fun, music, and magic.
Final Tip:
Book early—especially for the Sweet Summer Nights Festival Tour and popular lodging nearby. Dollywood’s summer season fills up fast, and this year’s festival promises the most spectacular celebration yet. Guests of Dollywood Resorts receive perks that can’t be beat! Check out more on that here!
Ready to plan your summer adventure?
Let the Smoky Mountains be your backdrop and Dollywood your playground—because sun-kissed memories are waiting. Use our 7 Step planning process to make your visit to Dollywood simply magical! Need help packing for your trip to the Smokies! Download our FREE packing list here!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration?
It’s a summer festival at Dollywood featuring color, music, and family fun.
When does the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration take place?
June 14 – August 3, 2025.
Where is Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration held?
Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN.
What are some of the daytime activities at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration?
Splash zones, interactive fountains, the Gazillion Bubble Show, and The Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience.
What is the Sweet Summer Nights Festival Tour?
It’s a 2-hour guided VIP tour that includes perks like front-of-the-line access to rides, reserved viewing for the drone and fireworks show, and snacks.
What is the Smoky Mountain Tasting Pass?
It’s an add-on that allows guests to sample food and drink offerings throughout the park.
Is the Summer Celebration included with park admission?
Yes.
Where can I find more information about Dollywood Resorts?
You can find more information about Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa here.
