Harvest Festival Dollywood: 2025 Celebration Guide

Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, presented by Humana, is set to captivate visitors from September 12 to October 27, 2025, in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains at Dollywood. As autumn transforms the landscape with vibrant hues, the park becomes a world-class fall event, brimming with colorful displays, Southern gospel and country melodies, cozy festival foods, and thrilling rides set against the breathtaking Smoky Mountain scenery.

A Mountain Harvest Like No Other

Ever wondered what fall looks like when it meets theme park magic? Step into a wonderland of Dollywood where pumpkins glow, owls shimmer, and rides whoosh through mountain foliage.

Nestled in the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood—an iconic theme park—turns into a vibrant fall festival zone. Guests can wander through Hoot Owl Hollow. It is a whimsical forest featuring glowing owl sculptures and their charming friends roosting in trees and atop buildings.

The award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights, voted “Best Theme Park Halloween Event” by USA Today’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Travel Awards, illuminates the park with over 12,000 real and faux carved pumpkins and larger-than-life pumpkin icons.

Additionally, thrilling rides like Big Bear Mountain, Mystery Mine, and the scenic Dollywood Express weave through the crisp mountain air and foliage painted in pumpkin-spiced hues, offering an unforgettable autumn adventure.

When the Leaves and Lights Take Center Stage

Fall at Dollywood isn’t just pretty—it’s packed with glowing nights, golden mornings, and toe-tapping gospel. Here’s when to experience it all.

Mark your calendars for this fall celebration, running from September 12 through October 27, 2025. By day, immerse yourself in the charm of the Southern Gospel Jubilee, mountain-fresh fall decor with traditional and unique hues, and the lively atmosphere of the festival.

By night, the park transforms into a glowing spectacle with Great Pumpkin LumiNights. It features a towering 40-foot pumpkin tree and thousands of creatively carved pumpkins. A special Great Pumpkin LumiNights Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the setup. This includes lighting and special effects with exclusive experiences and keepsakes (details to be announced closer to the event).

Who Should Visit? Spoiler: Everyone!

Whether you’re a thrill-loving coaster fan, a gospel music devotee, or a caramel-apple-craving parent—Dollywood’s Harvest Festival delivers the fall vibes for every age and interest.

The Dollywood Harvest Festival welcomes families, couples, thrill-seekers, and fans of festival foods and music. The Southern Gospel Jubilee features dozens of daily performances by renowned artists. This includes Triumphant Quartet, The Grascals, Sidewalk Prophets, and Rhonda Vincent & The Rage. The event appeals to music lovers of Southern gospel, country, bluegrass, and Americana.

Moreover, both kids and adults will be enchanted by Hoot Owl Hollow, a forest of shimmering sunflowers, and the iconic pumpkin tree. Coaster enthusiasts can enjoy the mountain-themed thrills of Big Bear Mountain alongside the festival’s harvest-season charm, making it a perfect outing for all.

Can’t-Miss Moments and Fall Favorites

Get ready for cozy eats, glowing nights, soaring rides, and music that warms the soul. This isn’t just a fall festival, it’s an autumn tradition worth traveling for.

• Great Pumpkin LumiNights: Stroll through a glowing wonderland of over 12,000 carved pumpkins and larger-than-life icons until nightfall. Experience a magical evening!
• Hoot Owl Hollow: Discover whimsical glowing owl sculptures perched across trees and buildings, adding a playful touch to the festival.
• Southern Gospel Jubilee: Enjoy uplifting hymns and performances by top gospel, country, and bluegrass artists, with daily shows across multiple stages, including Celebrity Theater and Pines Theater.
• Festival Foods: Also, indulge in seasonal delights like sweet potato casserole, pumpkin-spiced funnel cakes, skillet potatoes, and caramel apples. The Harvest Festival Tasting Pass allows you to sample up to five festival dishes for one low price (pricing details to be announced).
• Crafts & Live Performances: Meet artisans showcasing Appalachian woodworking, jewelry, and other crafts, complemented by daily bluegrass and country music sessions that highlight the region’s cultural heritage.
• Thrilling Rides: Experience world-class roller coasters like Big Bear Mountain, Mystery Mine, and the scenic Dollywood Express, all set against the stunning fall foliage.

Make Your Autumn Shine with Tripster

Tripster brings you closer to fall magic—arrange your Dollywood tickets today. Pair your visit with scenic Smoky Mountain stays. Explore our packages featuring park passes, resort lodging, and easy access to attractions like Big Bear Mountain roller coaster. Don’t miss out on discounts—plan your harvest season getaway with us now!

From the forest of shimmering sunflowers to pumpkin-spiced treats and award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival is the ultimate fall event. With world-class rides, Southern gospel music, and artisan charm, it’s a special harvest celebration perfect for everyone. Secure your Harvest Festival Dollywood experience here!