Dollywood has been busy all winter getting ready for its 41st season. Knox News had a sneak peek at the exciting plans for the year, including the new NightFlight Expedition, and we wanted to make sure you were in the loop too.
We asked readers to share their questions about Dollywood before the new season starts. I went through previous articles, past interviews, and even did some online research to find answers to a few of your questions.
If you have more questions about Dollywood before the theme park opens for the 2026 season on March 13, feel free to send them my way at [email protected].
Will Dollywood have any more Halloween things added for the park?
Dollywood is known for offering family-friendly entertainment and fun. That means they focus on the fall vibes like candy corn and pumpkin spice during the Harvest Festival rather than the spooky elements of Halloween.
However, there’s something new and special coming in the 2026 season just in time for Halloween.
When the Dollywood gates close on October 16, 23, and 30, that’s when the real fun begins. The Boo Bash is a new nighttime event hosted by the pumpkin character, Harvey. It will include candy collection stations, unique food and merchandise available only for the event, Great Pumpkin LumiNights, and access to the rides.
The family-friendly event starts at 9 p.m. and runs until midnight each night. It is a separate ticketed experience from regular daily tickets.
Will Dollywood sell the Cinnamon Bread Plush in gift shops?
Most Dollywood fans have enjoyed the famous cinnamon bread. But not everyone has the fun cinnamon bread plush toy to take home. Although fans have long wanted to simply buy the sought-after toy, it is primarily won at carnival games at the park.
In February, the Cinnamon Bread Plush won the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Brass Ring Award for best customized game prize. With such recognition, it seems unlikely that it will be available as a regular retail item anytime soon.
However, if you really want one, you might be able to find it for $100 on eBay or other resale sites.
Would Dollywood consider having some guest rock ‘n’ roll bands?
If you haven’t heard, Dolly Parton is a rock star! She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 and followed up with a rock-inspired album in 2023.
Dollywood’s entertainment manager, Roger White, follows Parton’s lead when creating a lineup of artists to perform. So, it’s entirely possible to enjoy more rock music at the park.
“Dolly does country music, Dolly does Americana, folk music, she does rock. …She does all these different kinds of music, so we want to make sure that we’re touching on a big variety of things,” White explained.
A list of Dollywood shows and performers, along with a daily schedule, is available at Dollywood.com.
Will there be a parade and a big party on opening day?
Dollywood doesn’t currently have any regular parades. However, whenever Dolly Parton visits the park, fans often get to see the Queen of Country up close during the DeWitt parade down Showstreet.
Although Parton has had some health issues recently, she is scheduled to be at the park on March 13 for opening day.
You might remember the 8-year-old who stole the show during last year’s parade, waving a pom-pom and repeating “Oh, my God!” as Parton approached in the carriage. His reaction immediately caught Parton’s attention, and she smiled and pointed at the young superfan.
That could be you, this year!
People attending opening day should be aware that the parade sometimes is canceled at the last minute due to weather or other logistical issues.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email [email protected].
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