The sun is shining, the days are longer, and summer is officially in full swing! As a true lover of all things summer, Dolly embraces the joy, warmth and freedom that this time of year brings.
“Summer is when everything comes alive,” Dolly says. “It’s a time to let loose, have fun and create unforgettable memories.”
This summer, Dolly is not only enjoying the simple pleasures of the season, she’s been busy making headlines with her latest projects and achievements, giving everyone even more reason to celebrate alongside her as she continues to soar to new heights.
Dolly joined forces with some of Rock music’s most legendary artists, along with today’s biggest stars, for her first-ever Rock album, Rockstar. Inspired by her 2022 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dolly teamed up with an all-star roster of musicians for the 30-song collection, which includes 9 original tracks and 21 iconic rock anthems. Releasing November 17, 2023, Rockstar is now available for pre-order and will also be available as a 4 LP set, 2 CD set, digital download and for streaming on all digital service platforms.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library opens a new chapter this summer as they celebrate a huge milestone in early childhood literacy, surpassing 200 million books gifted globally since 1995, thanks to over 2,800 local affiliates around the world who are dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books each month to children. With the rollout of new statewide programs in California and Montana, they’re expanding access to free books, inspiring children everywhere to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More!
Stampede into summer fun at the world’s most visited dinner attraction, Dolly Parton’s Stampede. With locations in Branson, MO, and Pigeon Forge, TN, get ready for friendly competition, thrilling horse riding stunts, phenomenal musical productions and more — not to mention a delicious four-course feast!
Are you ready to spend your summer on a swashbuckling adventure? Visit Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Myrtle Beach, SC, or Pigeon Forge, TN. Both locations take guests on an epic pirate journey featuring high seas escapades and romance, complemented with a hearty four- course pirate feast.
Experience the ultimate summer adventure at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (June 17 – Aug. 6). With thrilling rides, captivating shows and the new Big Bear Mountain attraction, this summer will be unforgettable. Enjoy the mesmerizing “Sweet Summer Nights” with dazzling drones and fireworks, interactive water shows, bubble-filled fun, live entertainment and delicious seasonal treats. With extended park hours, guests can make memories until 9:30 p.m. and stay at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa for a complete summer getaway.
Nestled adjacent to Dollywood theme park, there is no better way to spend the hotter, longer days than at Dollywood’s Splash Country. East Tennessee’s friendliest water park is now open for its 23rd season until September 10, with more shade, more food and more opportunities to make a splash all summer long.
Bookings have begun for Dollywood’s newest resort property, the much-anticipated HeartSong Lodge & Resort, where guests can start making reservations for stays this fall. The earliest available stay date is November 3, 2023. Created with the same award-winning service and attention to detail made famous at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, HeartSong Lodge & Resort adds to the welcoming hospitality offerings guests have come to expect when visiting Dollywood Parks & Resorts.
Dolly keeps making waves with her upcoming Rockstar album, releasing on November 17. Witness Dolly’s rock star dominance as “Bygones” (ft. Rob Halford) with special guests Nikki Sixx & John 5 becomes her 2nd consecutive #1 self-penned rock song on the Classic Rock Songs chart, following the smash hit “World On Fire,” as seen in her electrifying performance at the ACM Awards! Plus, don’t miss “Magic Man (Carl Version)” (ft. Ann Wilson) with special guest Howard Leese. Get ready for rock and roll magic!
In a thrilling new collaboration, Dolly joins forces with fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Slash and talented Chris Janson in their latest song, “21 Forever.” The soaring track is now available to stream, from Chris Jansen’s album The Outlaw Side of Me.
As we savor the sun-kissed days and embrace the carefree spirit of summer, let’s celebrate the happy moments, big and small, that make this season so wonderful.
Sittin’ on the front porch on a summer afternoon
In a straightback chair on two legs, leaned against the wall
Watch the kids a playin’ with June bugs on a string
And chase the glowin’ fireflies when evening shadows fall
In my Tennessee mountain home
Life is as peaceful as a baby’s sigh
In my Tennessee mountain home
Crickets sing in the fields near by
Love,
Dollywood was proud to host the American Coaster Enthusiasts’ 45th annual Coaster Con, held June 18-21, 2023. With 6,500 members from 16 countries, American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) is the world’s largest ride enthusiast organization and is dedicated to the mission of promoting and enjoying roller coasters worldwide. Coaster Con takes place at different host theme parks each year; the event was last at Dollywood in 2012.
Nearly 1,300 members attended, making this year’s Coaster Con the largest in its history, breaking the previous record (set last year at Coaster Con 44) by more than 400 guests. In fact, it is believed this event is the largest single enthusiast group meeting ever to take place anywhere in the world. As part of their monumental 45th annual national convention, the group enjoyed a number of special events and activities, including exclusive ride times, lift hill tours, behind-the-scenes tours, and even a Midway Olympics competition.
Coaster Con arrives right on the heels of the opening of Dollywood’s newest roller coaster, Big Bear Mountain – the largest single attraction investment in the park’s history, which opened in May with much fanfare.
The $25 million Big Bear Mountain roller coaster launches park guests from its ride station on an exhilarating search for the elusive “Big Bear,” a mythical bear of epic proportions, which is said to live in the hills near the park’s Wildwood Grove area. At 3,990 linear ft., the ride is ¾-mile long and becomes the longest roller coaster at the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, park. Featuring a top speed of 48 mph, Big Bear Mountain takes guests through three separate launches, multiple airtime hills, high-speed carousel turns, and tunnels, including a pass behind a waterfall.
In addition to becoming the longest roller coaster at Dollywood, Big Bear Mountain–built by ride manufacturer Vekoma—also marks the first attraction at the park to feature on-board audio. The sound system provides auditory thrills to match the ride’s dynamic movements as guests come daringly close to Big Bear. The highly-detailed coaster trains resemble four-wheel-drive SUVs and feature working headlights and taillights. Each coaster train seats 20 guests.
“Through the fun story elements and phenomenal theming, you really are immersed in the ride experience,” explained Eugene Naughton, President of Dollywood Parks & Resorts. "Add in the audio elements guests experience along the way and you can quickly understand why I believe this is going to be another home run for Dollywood Parks & Resorts. With this expansion of Wildwood Grove, I think we’ve elevated to being one of the best themed areas of any park in the world.”
Another important milestone for Dollywood’s newest resort property, the much-anticipated Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, takes place on June 26 as guests can begin making reservations for stays this fall. The earliest available stay date is November 3, 2023.
On June 26, guests can visit Dollywood.com/HeartSong and search for available dates to plan their visit to the Smokies’ newest premium resort.
Created with the same award-winning service and attention to detail made famous at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, HeartSong Lodge & Resort adds to the welcoming hospitality offerings guests have come to expect when visiting Dollywood Parks & Resorts.
“The opening of the booking window really starts to make things feel real,” said Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President. “To know we’re just a few short months away from welcoming our first guests to this magnificent new property is really exciting. Each time I walk through HeartSong Lodge & Resort, it changes and evolves so much; it causes my anticipation of opening day to increase more and more. I believe everyone is going to be in awe as soon as they walk through the front doors. The hardest decision for our guests probably is going to be trying to decide which of our world-class resorts to stay at next!”
With its location in the rolling foothills of the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort offers a place where awe and inspiration await guests thanks to thoughtful details that emerge around every turn. From spacious accommodations to well-planned amenities, guests can enjoy a variety of spaces to recharge and relax within the 302-room lodge. Welcoming the outdoors in with high ceilings, exposed beams and natural layered textures, Dollywood’s newest resort offers lodging options for multi-generational families and couples. Spacious family suites and bunk rooms feature lovely touches that are inspired by the beauty of the Smokies, inviting guests of all ages to gather for meaningful connections.
For one-of-a-kind getaways, the five-story resort also features themed suites and loft rooms tucked into the dormers. Many of the rooms include balconies with sweeping views of the vast resort property. This Smoky Mountain lodge features four-story, lantern-inspired windows in the resort’s welcoming atrium, epic indoor and outdoor pools that provide guests a refreshing escape in all seasons, and a picture-perfect outdoor cove with family gathering spaces. With 26,000 ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, the property can accommodate gatherings for several hundred guests. The resort offers numerous options to provide a unique setting for groups, including the two-story HeartSong Event Center, numerous outdoor meeting spaces and an event lawn.
Guests can discover delicious new dining options, created by resort chefs, in the full-service restaurant, lounge, private dining room, and Songbird Market Grab & Go eatery. In addition, Honeysuckle & Pine Storied Goods Mercantile offers unique gifts and treasured keepsakes from this very special place.
All Dollywood resort guests also receive priority access to Dollywood parks, as well as Saturday early park entry for exclusive ride time on one of Dollywood’s world-famous attractions. Additionally, resorts stays include complimentary Dollywood TimeSaver passes, door-to-door transportation and package delivery for items purchased inside Dollywood theme park. All privileges only are available for guests with valid park admission.
For more information about Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, please visit dollywood.com/heartsong.
Guests have a range of experiences to enjoy throughout the day and into the night at one of the nation’s top theme park destinations during this year’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration at Dollywood, happening June 17- August 6. With the addition of the park’s newest thrilling attraction, Big Bear Mountain, this surely is a summer to remember in the Smokies.
Two of Dollywood’s biggest summertime traditions return due to tremendous feedback from park guests. “Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights” returns bigger, brighter and bolder with even more drones lighting up the night sky high above the Pigeon Forge park. A first-of-its-kind theme park spectacle when it debuted in 2021, the guest-favorite is back with a show that combines 500 high-tech drones with a world-class fireworks extravaganza designed to put an exclamation point on the evening.
As part of the Sweet Summer Nights experience, a DJ and energetic dancers bring fun to the streets of Wildwood Grove during two dance parties that will have everyone on their feet. As the party nears its conclusion, the celebration takes to the sky as the drones, operated by Dollywood’s partner Dronisos, launch into the air for an unforgettable display.
The Gazillion Bubble Show also returns in 2023 with a mesmerizing burst of excitement for guests in DP’s Celebrity Theater. The show provides many moments where guests will be surrounded by “gazillions” of bubbles for a fun and unpredictable experience that captivates the entire family.
Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration features so many fun ways for guests to interact with water during their Dollywood day. Interactive shows “Liquid Beats” and “Hydro Jive Junction” will have guests splashing and singing along during refreshing performances.
Guests can cool off on a hot summer day in the wonderful water hose fountain installation found in Market Square during “Liquid Beats.” This interactive performance brings together dozens of water hoses to create a fountain that delivers cooling excitement to guests of all ages. During “Liquid Beats,” a landscaping-themed percussion troupe maintains the natural beauty of the Smokies, as they bring this new entertainment vision to guests. In Jukebox Junction, “Hydro Jive Junction” features a musical maintenance worker trying to repair a faulty fire hydrant. Dancing ensues as the fire hydrant turns into a refreshing sprinkler for guests to enjoy, as the cast sings and dances to familiar favorites such as “Singing in the Rain” and “Splish Splash.”
Music is the soundtrack of our lives, especially during a summer family road trip. Dollywood’s Entertainment Team brings to life the road trip “vibe” and takes guests on a summertime journey with the return of “Good Vibes” and its playlist of summer road trip classics. The Tones and Good Vibes have summer playlists that will have families wanting to hit cruise control and sing along.
An authentically-Southern summer greets guests as soon as they enter the park. The Dollywood entry statement in front of Showstreet Palace Theater welcomes guests with themed décor, including Kite Sky. Throughout the park, larger-than-life activities, including Jumbo Backyard Games, Parachute Play Party, Noodle Takeover (a dazzling array of suspended pool noodles hanging in the summer sky) and more, allow parents to relive beloved childhood pastimes while creating new memories with their kids. The Bubble Foam Zone will cool guests off on the hottest of summer days by covering families head to toe in a giant bubble-filled plaza.
Two new experiences highlight the festival this summer. Oscillation, created by The Urban Conga, features giant crystals that come alive through movement. The installation acts like a theremin, an unusual musical instrument that is played without touch. As guests walk toward the piece, it plays different sounds and pitches which vary based on the distance from it. Also new is Noodleville, a walkthrough experience that features 520 pool noodles in a 12 ft. by 24 ft. area. Kids—and kids at heart—will enjoy walking through this fun, tactile installation.
It’s story time again as The Imagination Playhouse showcases three favorite books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, including “Coat of Many Colors,” based on Parton’s song and children’s book of the same name. This season’s featured shows are “Coat of Many Colors,” “Violet the Pilot” and “The Little Engine That Could.” The shows feature sing-along songs that kids of all ages enjoy. Thanks to Penguin Books, guests can enjoy several decorative and interactive photo opportunities for children and their families in the lobby of Heartsong theater prior to each show.
Dollywood’s culinary team is cooking up the tastes of summer with mouthwatering hibachi skillet chicken, ultimate pork rind nachos and the antipasto salad. Guests also will enjoy sweet treats, including a s’mores funnel cake and refreshing paleta flavors including mango and cookies & cream. Thanks to the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration Tasting Pass, the tastes of summer are now available with a convenient option to sample multiple items for one price. The tasting pass, which can be purchased in the park or online, is $36.99 plus tax or $33.99 plus tax for gold and diamond passholders. The tasting pass is available each day of the festival.
Guests at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa also can soak up the summer fun and sun during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration. Filled with live entertainment, family activities, spa specials and more, the resort is the perfect home away from home for guests on their summer adventures.
Resort guests will enjoy daily live entertainment with daily roaming performers including The Roberts Sisters and Willow Osborne. On select nights of the week, a variety of performers will delight guests in the Atrium, including Owen Tharp, Melissa Hale, Tommy Cox, Jesse Blue Eads and more. Guests can see the Sweet Summer Nights fireworks display each night from The Swimming Hole side of the resort.
Additionally, Camp DW offers a variety of festival-inspired activities each day including butterfly canvas painting, magnet painting, tie dye, dream jars and more. On select days, Camp DW will host the Giant Beach Ball Bash and pool games at The Swimming Hole Outdoor Pool. In the evenings, families can join Camp DW hosts around the wood-burning fire pit for complimentary s’mores roasting and bedtime stories in The Barn from 7 – 8 p.m. Guests also will enjoy Family Movie Nights and Pillow Making on select evenings.
Special summer-themed menu items are cooked up by the resort’s culinary team, while festival-inspired treatments are available at The Spa.
During Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, guests can take advantage of extended summer hours allowing them to make memories until 9:30 p.m. For more information about Dollywood, please visit dollywood.com or download the Dollywood App.
As spring continues to blossom, Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival presented by Covenant Health (April 21 – June 11) offers park guests a brilliant backdrop for fun in the Smokies, thanks to more than one million blooms, the fresh tastes of spring and unique entertainment offerings throughout the park. There’s no such thing as too much of a good “spring” at Tripadvisor’s #1 U.S. theme park.
Celebrating its fourth season in 2023, this much-celebrated event transforms Dollywood into a breathtaking display of Mother Nature’s finest handiwork. Elaborate floral installations emerge around every corner, translating nature into living art, each coming together to create an unbelievable presentation of color and wonder.
“This time of year always puts a little ‘spring’ in my step,” Dolly said with a laugh. “Seriously though, there really is nothing like springtime in the Smokies. It is truly amazing to see all of God’s creation blooming to life all around us in these mountains. Our people put a lot of hard work into making sure all of the flowers inside Dollywood stay as beautiful as the ones He has put everywhere for us to enjoy. I hope everyone will come experience this special time in the Smoky Mountains.”
Dollywood’s signature lineup of beloved Mosaiculture icons return, including the topsy-turvy butterfly umbrella, woodland animal friends and the touching depiction of Dolly’s mother crafting the Coat of Many Colors. Other guest-favorite icons also return like the mallard duck, a peacock and a beekeeper tending to a hive. These sculptures are designed in partnership with Mosaicultures International, a Montreal-based company that specializes in the art of elaborate floral decorations.
Just “bee”-side the beekeeper Mosaiculture in Craftsman’s Valley is a brand-new exhibit that puts the focus on nature’s noble pollinator, the honey bee. Hug-a-Bee Honey, owned by Sevierville native Alan Frankenberg, displays hives, showcases beekeeping techniques and educates park guests about the importance of the honey bee in our natural ecosystem. Frankenberg has a varied culinary background, working as a corporate chef for Cracker Barrel, as well as wine director at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando, and most recently, food and beverage director at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando. He now balances his day job with his passion for educating the public about the conservation of the honey bee.
Back to provide shade along Showstreet is the mesmerizing Umbrella Sky, which brings together hundreds of colorful umbrellas in a brilliant, suspended arrangement that makes for an “Instagram-worthy” background. Guests looking to capture picture-perfect memories at Dollywood can stop by several locations in the park for an amazing photo. These include the Hillside Carpet Display that brings a florally-crafted sunset to Rivertown Junction and the pathways of Adventures in Imagination that are decorated with creative chalk art portraits.
While admiring the vivid colors blooming throughout the park, guests also can explore a menu crafted with inspiration from fresh spring flavors and Smoky Mountain flair. Returning for this year is the tasting pass, which allows guests to partake in multiple food items at different festival locations.
The tasting pass, which can be purchased in the park or online, is $36.99 plus tax or $33.99 plus tax for gold and diamond passholders. With this pass, guests can sample five food offerings at Flower & Food Festival culinary locations. This year’s festival menu features a Cuban sandwich with mojo sauce, street tacos, pretzel crab melt, garlic butter shrimp mac & cheese, bulgogi nachos, street corn salad, quinoa salad, berries and honey funnel cakes, and hand-decorated flower-themed cookies and cupcakes among many other tasty spring dishes.
Returning this year, performers from Australia’s SWAY combine theatrical elements and acrobatics for the artful show called “Bloom!” The surprising experience takes place high above ground with the performers situated atop sway poles. Guests will not want to miss this elevated combination of performance and athleticism.
Dollywood’s streets are filled with music during the Flower & Food Festival. The Hall Sisters, as well as local favorite Kelle Jolly, will perform during the festival in Craftsman’s Valley. A returning favorite show, “A Brighter Day,” features five daily performances at the Back Porch Theater. All shows are included with park admission. A full schedule of live performances is available at Dollywood.com.
Festival elements carry over into Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa where guests find festive décor and stunning floral accents. Daily mocktails and cocktails will be served in The Lounge at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, each drawing inspiration from the essence of springtime. Families can enjoy live entertainment in the lobby atrium, festival-inspired cuisine at Song & Hearth: A Southern Eatery and The Lounge, and festival-themed activities at Camp DW. Guests also can pamper themselves with unique Flower & Food Festival treatments at The Spa.
There’s still much more to enjoy during Dollywood’s BIG 2023 season. Big Bear Mountain, the longest roller coaster in the park’s history, opens in May, while the Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show takes to the skies above the park as part of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (June 17-August 6). A family tradition for many, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 20-Oct. 30) celebrates the beauty of fall with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented singers and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health. The industry’s Best Theme Park Christmas event—Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 4- Jan. 6, 2024)—concludes the park’s 2023 season with 6 million lights, festive holiday shows and the warm Christmas atmosphere guests have come to expect during this joyous time of year.
For more information, please visit dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
