Great Pumpkin LumiNights, new dance parties, Harvey’s Boo Bash and Apple Market headline six weeks of autumn fun
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Adventure Center) — Fall is arriving at Dollywood, bringing cooler evenings, thousands of glowing pumpkins and a lineup of seasonal entertainment, food and family activities during the park’s annual Harvest Festival presented by Humana.
The festival runs Sept. 14 through Oct. 31, transforming Dollywood with fall décor, carved pumpkins, live music and the return of Great Pumpkin LumiNights.
“Every season in the Smokies is beautiful, but autumn is especially spectacular with the kaleidoscope of colors provided by Mother Nature,” Dollywood President Eugene Naughton said.
Naughton said Dolly Parton described the Harvest Festival as “a page out of God’s coloring book,” a theme that continues through the park’s fall programming.
New this year
The festival introduces LumiNights Dance Parties, with two nightly dance experiences joining Great Pumpkin LumiNights after dark.
The new Apple Market, located near the Dollywood Express train depot, features a variety of fall apple treats, including fried apple pies, apple dumplings, apple fritters, caramel apples and an apple cider flight featuring traditional, cranberry and caramel ciders.
Dollywood also is introducing Harvey’s Boo Bash, a separately ticketed after-hours event taking place Oct. 16, 23 and 30 from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Boo Bash guests can enter the park as early as 4 p.m. to enjoy the Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights before the after-hours event begins.
Activities include candy-collecting stations, special dance parties and access to select attractions, including the new NightFlight Expedition.
Thousands of pumpkins light up the park
Great Pumpkin LumiNights remains a centerpiece of the festival, filling Timber Canyon, Wilderness Pass, Wildwood Grove and Craftsman’s Valley with thousands of illuminated pumpkins and elaborate displays.
The family-friendly experience includes whimsical pumpkin creations, intricate carvings and ride-themed displays inspired by attractions such as Big Bear Mountain, Wild Eagle and Lightning Rod.
Along Showstreet, Harvest Sky adds another burst of fall color, while guests can meet characters including Harvey and the Pumpkin Master. Candy Corn Country also returns with a colorful mix of decorations and sweet treats.
Live music throughout the festival
More than 700 live performances are scheduled during the six-week festival, featuring country, gospel, bluegrass and Americana artists on stages throughout the park.
Among the performers are American Idol winner Hannah Harper, Grand Ole Opry member Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Knoxville native Emily Ann Roberts, The Isaacs, The Grascals, American Idol runner-up John Foster, Drake Milligan and Gold City.
Concerts are included with park admission.
Fall flavors at Dollywood
Dollywood’s culinary team also is adding new seasonal dishes, including BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Fries, Sausage & Cabbage Skillet, Sweet Potato Cornbread Stack, Harvest Chicken Nachos, Smoked Pork Flatbread, Stuffed Acorn Squash and a Chili Bread Bowl.
Sweet options include Apple Pie Overload, Pecan Pie Brownies, a Caramel Apple Milkshake, Candy Corn Cupcake, Harvest Funnel Cake and Harvest Croissant Praline Bread Pudding.
Guests can also find warm cider and wassail throughout the park.
The Harvest Festival tasting pass allows guests to sample five fall food offerings for $44.99 plus tax, or $41.99 for Gold and Diamond season passholders.
The festival also features giant pumpkins weighing hundreds of pounds to more than 1,000 pounds, along with visiting artisans and makers showcasing handmade creations.
Dollywood remains open until 9 p.m. during the festival, with extended hours from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Oct. 3-15.
With fall colors beginning to emerge across the Smokies, the Harvest Festival offers visitors an opportunity to experience the season through food, music, pumpkins, rides and nighttime entertainment.
No responses yet