Dollywood's Festivals Offer Smoky Mountain Enchantment All Year Long

Dollywood

Daredevil Falls

Dollywood features a variety of rides, including thrill, water, family and children's rides. This is a picture of Daredevil Falls, a thrill ride and boat expedition ending with a 60-foot drop.

With everything from an entire seven-week festival dedicated to children, to a brand-new festival focused on bluegrass and Southern cuisine, there's a perfect time of year for everything to visit Dollywood!

Festival of Nations
April 1 - May 7, 2006

• Entertainment
  Performers from around the world will descend on Dollywood to bring a bit of culture from all corners to the Smoky Mountains. From the delightfully popular Moscow Circus to the Australian phenomenon "Swoon," you'll see amazing feats and displays of talent unlike any other you've ever seen. Prepare to see performances that include dance, music, acrobatics, comedy, and much more, all suited for the entire family!
• Food & Dining
  You'll also want to be sure to come with an empty stomach and an open mind as you try culinary masterpieces from a variety of cultures at the International Food Faire. More than 7,000 square feet is dedicated to the International Food Faire alone, so you can try on some of your old favorites or branch off and find plenty of new foods to select from.
• Shopping & Art
  Plan to allow yourself plenty of time at 10,000 Villages, an expansive marketplace that will feature a selection of handmade goods, art, and souvenirs from around the world. From the elegance of the far East to the rugged utility of Australian goods, you'll become a world-explorer without ever leaving the Smoky Mountains as you shop at this incredible market.

KidsFest
June 16 - August 6, 2006

Summer belongs to the kids at Dollywood with KidsFest, a seven-week celebration of youth, learning, and reading!

• Littlest Guests
  Several special shows and activities will be aimed at young children, including the Clifford the Big Red Dog Show! Kids will squeal with delight at seeing everybody's oversized, flaming red pup on stage live and in per-, um, "dog"son. Costumed characters will also be strolling the streets of Dollywood for photos, meetings, and other fun interaction.
• Big Kids
  Join Spongebob, Patrick, and all the gang for an under-the-sea adventure with the Spongebob Squarepants Turbo Action Ride. This indoor ride requires riders to be at least 42 inches tall, so please plan accordingly. There are also several other special shows, events, and attractions aimed specifically at this age group!
• 'Tweens & Teens
  Join master magician Dirk Arthur and his band of assistants - including Bengal tigers, panthers, and more! - for the Dick Arthur Presents Big Cats & Magic Show. Of course, the real draw for older kids and teenagers may be the heart-pounding, fast-paced rides of Dollywood, including Thunderhead and the all-new Timber Tower!

Bluegrass & Barbeque Festival
September 15 - September 27, 2006

• The Bluegrass
  Legends from the world of bluegrass will be strummin', pickin', and definitely grinnin' during this two-week festival at Dollywood. Performers who will take the stage during the Bluegrass & BBQ Festival include Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, the Del McCoury Band, Cherryholmes, and many other. The true sound of the Smoky Mountains will ring out loud and clear during this exciting festival.
• The Barbecue
  From the famous styles of Memphis and Kansas City, to the more obscure regional flavors found around the country, every kind of barbecue imaginable will be featured at the festival. Follow the aroma of spices on the pit as you try that kickin' brisket from the Lone Star State or the slow-roasted flavors of Carolinas own twist on classic pork barbecue.

National Gospel & Harvest Celebration
September 29 - October 28

• Gospel Celebration
  Celebrate autumn with the uplifting sounds of soul-stirring Southern gospel during this month-long event. Dozens of some of the most popular names in gospel and Christian music will converge on Dollywood for this remarkable festival. Some of the most well-known performer will include the much-beloved Crabb Family, the Dove Brothers Quartet, the Perrys, Brian Free & Assurance, and many, many others!
• Harvest Celebration
  As the bright colors of fall foliage provide a gorgeous backdrop to the crisp Smoky Mountain air, a large collection of artisans & crafters will have hand-made goods showcased for the large arts & crafts show. Special fall cuisine will also be served up, as you enjoy kettle corn, ciders, and other fantastic regional favorites during a very special fall at Dollywood!

Smoky Mountain Christmas
November 4 - December 30

• Entertainment & Attractions
  A Smoky Mountain Christmas just sounds like a delightful dream come true, doesn't it? This old-fashioned holiday celebration will feature more than 3.5 million twinkling lights as part of the celebration, while special stage performances, concerts, and other shows are featured inside the warm theaters. You'll also be other fantastic holiday attractions, including the tallest German Christmas pyramid in the country!
• "Babes in Toyland" Stage Show
  Dolly has saved the best for the last festival as this incredible stage production is heralded as the most elaborate ever featured at Dollywood. The show features more than 20 talented performers, an incredible set, and a show-stopping, awe-inspiring march of the giant toy soldiers!