Are you ready to visit the Friendliest Theme Park in the US? Dollywood is open for the 2018 season and here you’ll find all the details on visiting, including Dollywood hours of operation and important dates to keep on your calendar!
If you’re a Dollywood fan as much as me, you’re ecstatic that it’s open for another operating year already! Dollywood officially started the 2018 season in March, but things are in full swing now in early Spring. Let’s take a look at all the important dates and Dollywood hours of operation that you need to be aware of to start planning your next visit!
When does Dollywood open?
Dollywood is already officially open and will stay open until January 5th. Dollywood is not open every single day during 2018. There are some days in April, May, August, September, November that the park is closed. The park is also closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. To see these particular closed dates, click here.
Dollywood’s Splash Country’s 2018 season runs from May 29th until September 3rd.
What time does Dollywood open?
Dollywood does not run on a regular schedule every single day. Certain days are open longer than others, including summer festivals where the park stays open for quite a bit longer than spring days. You’ll always want to consult your Dollywood calendar for exact park hours.
Some important Dollywood hours to keep in mind are special operating hours on Saturdays for Dollywood season pass holders only. Typically season pass holders can enter the park one hour early on Saturdays, with exclusive ride time on one theme park ride.
*This hasn’t been officially announced for the 2018 season yet, but as soon as it is, I’ll update the information here.
Dollywood Hours and Festival Schedule for 2018
Some of the most important Dollywood hours are focused around the amazing festivals to be seen at the Smoky Mountain theme park. Here’s a list of dates and hours for the 2018 festivals:
Festival of Nations: March 16th – April 9th
Please take note that the park will be closed on some Tuesdays during this festival. Weekdays the park is open from 10am-7pm and on Saturdays from 10am-9pm during Festival of Nations.
Spring Mix Music Series: April 11th – April 29th
During this new festival, the park will be closed on Tuesdays and open from 10am-7pm on weekdays and 10am-9pm on Saturdays.
BBQ & Bluegrass Festival: May 25th – June 10th
Don’t miss this fan favorite festival at Dollywood! The park is open ever single day of the festival and has hours of 10am-7pm on most days, with a few weekends being open until 9pm.
Summer Celebration: June 16th – August 5th
To celebrate the amazing summer season in the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood is open late on some nights and is open every single day during this festival. This is a GREAT time to take advantage of everything your Dollywood season pass has to offer. It’s also the best time to get a great deal on Dollywood tickets as you’ll be able to stay at the park longer than any other time of the year. During the entire festival, the park is open from 10am-1opm!
Harvest Festival featuring Southern Gospel Jubilee and The GREAT Pumpkin LumiNights: September 28 – November 3rd
Fall is the most beautiful time to visit the Smoky Mountains and the perfect time to visit Dollywood too. You’ll find Dollywood hours to be from 10am-9pm for every single day in October and the first few days of November 3rd. September hours are a bit more unique, so be sure to check the calendar before your visit!
Smoky Mountain Christmas: November 10th – January 5th
Dollywood saves the best for last when it comes to festivals and the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival is one that you’ll definitely want to catch. Be aware that the park is closed on November 4th-9th to transition into this festival. It’s also closed on Mondays in November and on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Dollywood hours vary during this season, with some weekdays not opening until 2pm, but weekends are open 11am-9pm.
If you ever have any additional questions about Dollywood hours or operation days, be sure to visit their calendar on their website or via the mobile app. You can find hours of operation for both the theme park and water park [once it opens in May].
John Smith says
Seeing everything there would be great–the hand-made baskets look wonderful!
trina snow says
I have been to DollyWood many yrs ago . It is on my bucket list in the near future! I so love it there
Dana Rodriguez says
It has been YEARS since I visited the Smoky Mountains. We are thinking of going in October.
Barrie says
I’ve been to Dollywood once and it was over 10 years ago! We’ve been talking about another trip so the times/dates will be helpful!