It’s time to start planning all the fun things you’re going to do during your fall vacation in the Smoky Mountains! One of the best fall activities in Pigeon Forge is visiting Dollywood to experience Dollywood’s Harvest Festival. This seasonal festival takes place from mid-September through October. Here are a few things to look forward to doing during Dollywood’s Harvest Festival:
1. Ride Exciting Rides
One of the best things to do at Dollywood no matter the season is ride their many rides. This is an especially great activity during Dollywood’s Harvest Festival! As you twist, turn, and climb through the landscape on roller coasters and family-friendly rides, you’ll get great opportunities to take in the fall colors and sights. From the top of rides like Drop Line and Wild Eagle, you can see the festivities from above as well as views of autumn leaves all around. Because the theme park stays open late during this festival, you’ll also get the chance to experience rides after dark! There’s nothing more thrilling than zooming through the dark on a roller coaster!
2. Listen to Live Music Performances
If you’re a fan of music, you’ll love attending Dollywood’s Harvest Festival this fall! You can hear live performances of bluegrass, Southern gospel, country music, and more. A variety of talented musicians perform each day all across the theme park, including in theaters, on stages, and even in the streets! Everywhere you turn you can hear the songs of the Smoky Mountains fill the crisp fall air. Make sure you check the Dollywood app or pick up a show schedule when you enter the theme park so you won’t miss your favorite performances!
3. Savor Fall Flavors
You won’t want to miss your chance to taste all the flavors of fall during Dollywood’s Harvest Festival! One of the most popular fall flavors is pumpkin spice, which you’ll be able to find in various foods and drinks around the theme park. Other delicious fall flavors like apple, cinnamon, and sweet potato can also be found at several culinary locations in savory meals, freshly baked treats, and refreshing drinks. If your favorite fall food is apple pie, you’re in luck! Spotlight Bakery serves a 25-pound apple pie, and you can order just a slice to eat or a whole pie to bring back home!
4. See World-Class Artisans at Work
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival gives you the unique opportunity to see dozens of master craftsmen at work. These skilled artisans share their beautiful handmade crafts with guests, and you’re sure to be amazed by their talents! You can watch these craftsmen blow glass, dip candles, carve wood, work leather, forge metal, and much more! If you find something you like, you can take home a one-of-a-kind handcrafted keepsake to remember your time in the Smoky Mountains. You may even find a gift to give to someone special in the upcoming holiday season!
5. Explore Great Pumpkin LumiNights
One of the most popular aspects of Dollywood’s Harvest Festival is Great Pumpkin LumiNights. After dark, the theme park comes alive with the glow of thousands of illuminated pumpkins! You can see intricately carved pumpkins and larger-than-life pumpkin structures set up in various scenes along the walkways. Explore Hoot Owl Hollow to see pumpkins carved in the shape of owls. You can also find a giant spider-shaped pumpkin structure surrounded by smaller spider friends, frog pumpkins hanging out on lily pads, and even bat pumpkins hanging from trees!
Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge This Fall
There’s so much to experience at Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, and you won’t want to miss a thing! Because the theme park is open late into the evening during the festival, you won’t want to have a long drive back to the place you’re staying. That’s why the best place to stay is a cabin near Dollywood! Find out why you’ll love staying at our Pigeon Forge cabins in the fall and start planning your stay today!
