Each year, the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration returns to Dollywood Theme Park. For guests staying with Eden Crest Vacation Rentals in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Wears Valley, you’re just minutes from the festival’s live music, family attractions, and starlit shows.
Even better, Dollywood is one of the many attractions included in our Passport to Paradise program, so you can enjoy up to $600 per night in complimentary activity tickets (please review the current program guidelines before you plan).
Don’t Miss the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration
Discover the All-New Dolly Parton Experience
The biggest reason to visit this Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration is the brand-new Dolly Parton Experience. Walk through Songteller for a journey across Dolly’s life and iconic career, admire her dazzling wardrobe in Behind the Seams, and reflect on faith and family in the Precious Memories exhibit. You can even browse Dolly’s Fan Shop and step aboard her tour bus, Dolly’s Home-On-Wheels.
Thrill Rides for the Daredevils
Speed demons can race down Lightning Rod, one of the fastest launch coasters around, soar headfirst on Wild Eagle, or twist through the darkness on Mystery Mine. Other favorites include the looping Tennessee Tornado, the classic Thunderhead, and Drop Line, a tower that sends riders plunging high above Timber Canyon.
Family-Friendly Rides for Every Age
Families with younger adventurers have just as much to love at Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration. The whole crew can ride together on Big Bear Mountain, the park’s longest roller coaster, or take a gentle spin on the Dragonflier wing coaster in Wildwood Grove. Do not miss the brand-new NightFlight Expedition, an immersive indoor adventure coaster opening this summer, and the relaxing Dollywood Express steam train, which the whole family can enjoy.
Daytime Shows, Bubbles, and Bright Colors
Float over to the fan-favorite Gazillion Bubble Show – Evolution, where millions of bubbles fill the theater, then catch The Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience for high-flying tricks and comedy. Energetic live shows such as Play On and Good Vibes keep the music going all day, while technicolor trees, a canopy of kites overhead, and a larger-than-life picnic basket make for picture-perfect photo stops throughout the park.
Sweet Summer Nights Drone and Fireworks Show
Each evening closes in Wildwood Grove with Sweet Summer Nights, a lively dance party that flows right into a dazzling drone and fireworks show. For the 2026 Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, the production lights up the sky with larger drones, new illuminated scenes, and a red, white, and blue tribute to America’s 250th birthday.
Make a Splash at Dollywood’s Splash Country
When summer temperatures climb, Dollywood’s Splash Country is the perfect way to cool off. Thrill-seekers can brave RiverRush, the region’s first water coaster, or rush down SwiftWater Run and Raging River Rapids. For a calmer pace, drift along the Downbound Float Trip lazy river or let the little ones splash in the shallow play areas.