Best Things to Do at Dollywood 2024

Dollywood Festivals, Food and Coasters

Already planning your 2024 Pigeon Forge vacation and wondering if you should include Dollywood theme park?  The answer is a resounding YES!

Opening Day is Saturday March 9, 2024
Book Your Cabin Early for Best Availability!

Even if you’ve been to Dollywood in previous years, there is so much offered at this theme park that it would be impossible to see and do everything in a single day.  But, if a single is day is all you have, we hope to help you narrow down the best things to do at Dollywood in one day.

Between the rides, live entertainment, seasonal festivals and shopping, there is definitely something for everyone.  We’ll give our suggestions and then hit the highlights of each festival and link you to the restaurants and shops so that you can preview it all and decide what you should included in your own ‘must do list.’

Best Things to Do at Dollywood

1.  Don’t pass up the craftsmen!  Head to Mountain Blown Glass in Rivertown Junction and prepare to be mesmerized watching a craftsman use long steel blowpipes and flames to create a masterpiece.  And for a hands-on experience, dip your own candles at Old Flame Candles in Craftsman’s Valley.

2.  See at least one show.  You cannot spend a day at Dollywood without attending a live performance!  Aside from the talent and creativity that brings storytelling to a whole new level, sitting a spell to warm up on a cold day or cool off on a hot one might be just what you need to get your ‘second wind.’

3.  Get your cinnamon bread early!  No trip to Dollywood is complete until you eaten some cinnamon bread and purchased some to take home.  Most folks will likely wait until they’re ready to leave to get theirs to go, so if you do the same, be prepared for a line.

4.  Ride The Great Tree Swing and newest Big Bear Mountain Coaster.  Both located in Wildwood Grove and sure to give you an adrenaline rush!

5.  Take advantage of the photo ops.  You’ll not only commemorate the trip, but you’ll have beautiful backdrops for making those vacation albums even more special. 6.  Have a meal at Aunt Granny’s.  While no longer a buffet, this family-style offering gives your table 3 entrees, 4 sides and dessert and is perfect for trying lots of good southern cookin’.

Dollywood Festivals

I Will Always Love You Music Festival:  March 9 – April 14, 2024
Commemorates that art of songwriting and the stories behind the songs with some of your favorite singers and songwriters… featuring Dolly Parton of course!  New this year is “Trio,” a show celebrating the collaboration of Dolly, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt.

Flower & Food Festival:  April 19 – June 9, 2024
Usher in spring by exploring larger-than-life blooming sculptures, dancing under an umbrella sky, indulging in fresh-out-of-the-ground cuisine and enjoying live entertainment both indoors and outdoors.  (East TN offers generally fantastic spring temperatures.)

Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration:  June 15 – August 11, 2024
Celebrate family fun in one spot all summer long!  Extended hours during the summer season gives you more time for the roller coasters, live entertainment, nightly fireworks, and “Sweet Summer Nights” dance party and drone spectacular!

Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights:  September 9 – October 28, 2024
Brilliant fall colors, savory fall flavors and an absolutely enchanting evening glow with decorations and displays that can be seen no where but here.  The handmade crafts and gospel music are the icing on the cake!

Smoky Mountain Christmas:  November 1 – January 5, 2025
A winter wonderland of more than 6 million twinkling lights, a nightly drone shows, holiday foods and heartwarming shows that will stir the emotions and spark the holiday spirit.

Restaurants and Food
Sit down or eat on the run, you’ll have a good variety of choices throughout the entire park.  Click here to see a list of Dollywood restaurants and eateries.

Shops and Boutiques
Take you gift list with you!  In addition to souvenirs galore, you’ll find apparel, jewelry, home decor and handmade treasures that make for heirloom gifts.  Click here to see a list of shops at Dollywood.

What will you add to the list of the best things to do at Dollywood?