Dollywood Is Reopening Soon: What To Expect During The 2024 Season

The 2024 season is going to be an exciting one at Dollywood!

By

Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

February 23, 2024

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11:16 am

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Dollywood Sign; Photo Provided

After closing for the winter, Dollywood will soon open its gates to guests once again.  

When Does Dollywood Open In 2024? 

The award-winning theme park will officially reopen for the 2024 season on Saturday, March 9, however, season pass holders will have the opportunity to visit on Thursday, March 8 for pass holder preview day. 

When Dollywood reopens, guests will be able to enjoy a slew of new offerings, experiences, and shows throughout the year. 

Photo Courtesy Dollywood via Instagram
Photo Courtesy Dollywood via Instagram

What’s New At Dollywood In 2024?  

A new ticketing system: Guests will use a new ticket system to enter the park, creating a more efficient experience upon entry. 

New Entertainment: Dollywood guests can experience three new shows, including “From the Heart—The Life and Music of Dolly Parton,” at the Celebrity Theater, “Sing-a-long with Dolly” at the Back Porch Theater, and “Trio, Again featuring Three Times A Lady,” honoring the iconic Trio album released by Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt in 1987. The Three Times A Lady trio, comprised of singer/songwriters Lauren Mascitti, Kenney Scott, and Hannah Blaylock, presents this timeless show for Dollywood guests at the Showstreet Palace Theater. 

Lightning Rod Gets An Upgrade: A new highspeed chain lift has been added to one of the park’s most sought-after roller coasters, Lightning Rod. This new addition will allow close to one million more guests to ride each year.  

The Brand New Dolly Parton Experience: Opening in May, this new offering allows guests a look into Parton’s life and career through carefully designed displays, hands-on activities, and live performances. 

What Are The Plans For Dollywood in 2024?

I Will Always Love You Music Festival: This celebration of Paton’s iconic hit will take place from March 9 to April 14. 

Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival: Taking place April 19 through June 9, guests will witness vibrant, oversized flower sculptures throughout the park. Visitors can wander through over half a million blooms, immersing themselves in the festival’s colorful setting while tasting a spring menu. 

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration: Guests visiting Dollywood from June 15 to Sept. 1 will be able to take in the summer celebration with a nightly drone and fireworks show as well as the popular “Gazillion Bubble Show” at the Celebrity Theater. 

Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights; Photo Courtesy Dollywood
Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights; Photo Courtesy Dollywood

Dollywood’s Harvest Festival: From Sept. 9 to Oct. 28, Dollywood transforms into a fall fantasy with thousands of carved pumpkins, live performances, special food, and the enchanting Great Pumpkin LumiNights display. 

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas: Closing out the year, from Nov. 1 to Jan. 5, this is known as the industry’s best theme park Christmas event. It starts earlier this year and dazzles guests with six million lights, festive holiday shows, and the cozy Christmas atmosphere that has become a staple of the season at Dollywood.

According to a recent social media post, Dollywood will be open for a total of 280 operating days in 2024, which is 23 more days than before. This marks the “most EVER” at Dollywood. If you haven’t had a chance to visit, 2024 is the year to go!

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Lauren Jo Black

Written by

Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.