Are you ready to visit the Friendliest Theme Park in the US? While Dollywood may be closed right now, the 2021 season will begin soon enough 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 season pass holder and a Dollywood fanatic as much as me, you’re ecstatic that it’s open for another operating year already!
Dollywood will officially start the 2021 season on March 13, 2021. 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 will officially open on March 13, 2021 and will stay open until January 2, 2022. Dollywood is not open every single day during 2021. There are some days in every month [except July] 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 2021 season runs from May 15th until September 6th.
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 2021 season yet, but it is usually a season pass holder perk!
How is the pandemic affecting Dollywood hours and dates?
Dollywood hours and open dates are relatively similar to previous operating years. You do need to be aware that numbers are limited to help with social distancing and masks are required.
For more information on how Dollywood is handling the pandemic, visit their website.
Dollywood Hours and Festival Schedule for 2021
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 2021 festivals:
Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival – April 23 – June 7
This relatively new festival immerses park guests in the splendor of spring flowers through creative and aromatic displays as well as the freshest food flavors of the spring with delicious and mouth-watering Smoky Mountain cuisine selections.
Summer Celebration: June 25 – July 31
To celebrate the amazing summer season in the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood is open late on Friday and Saturday nights with FIREWORKS 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, allowing you to hit almost every single Dollywood ride in 1 day!
During the entire festival, the park is open from 10am to 8:00 pm on weekdays and until 9:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays!
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival featuring The GREAT Pumpkin LumiNights: September 24 – October 31
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 during this festival, EXCEPT for September 28, October 5 and 6 are Tuesdays the park is CLOSED.
Smoky Mountain Christmas: November 6 – January 2
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 1-5 to transition into this festival. It’s also closed on Mondays and Tuesday in November and the first two Mondays and Tuesdays in December and on Thanksgiving, 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!