While Great Smoky Mountains National Park already is well known for its synchronous fireflies, guests at Dollywood can enjoy their own synchronized performance this summer as Intel® Drone Light Shows launches hundreds of drones into the sky for a spectacular nighttime experience. The performances take place each evening during the park’s Summer Celebration (June 25-July 31).
Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights is a multi-sensory drone light show that creates a symphony of light in the sky above the Pigeon Forge park. Representing a true evolution in traditional theme park entertainment, the sensational show uses nearly 400 drones to animate the spectacular Dollywood-exclusive story. The drone performance is integrated into a musically choreographed fireworks show, creating a visual and audial event of epic proportions.
As part of the Sweet Summer Nights experience, a DJ and energetic dancers bring fun to the streets of Wildwood Grove during a 30-minute dance party that ensures every member of the family is on their feet. As the party nears its finale, the celebration takes to the sky as the drones launch into the air for an unforgettable end to the evening.
Intel Drone Light Shows has performed on some of the world’s largest stages, including the Olympics, Coachella, and the Super Bowl. With the ability to create dynamic shapes and animations, each drone serves as a pixel of light that illuminates the night sky. Purpose-built for light shows, each drone is less than a foot in diameter, weighs less than a pound, and can produce more than four billion color combinations. To learn more, visit inteldronelightshows.com.
As part of the Sweet Summer Nights experience, a DJ and energetic dancers bring fun to the streets of Wildwood Grove during a two dance parties that ensure every member of the family is on their feet. As the party nears its finale, the celebration takes to the sky as the drones launch into the air for an unforgettable end to the evening.
Dollywood’s entertainment team already has debuted several new shows this season, and the trend continues with two new shows that guests are sure to enjoy. Good Vibes begins June 25 at the Back Porch Theater and treats guests to a musical journey through the rhythms of classic and contemporary tunes. It’s about celebrating positivity, counting blessings, and simply enjoying life and happiness.
The Valley Theater is now home to Forever Country, an energetic look at the changing landscape of country music in the late 80s, 90s and early 2000s. Guests can expect to hear popular hits from artists like Garth Brooks and Shania Twain, as well as a nod to several popular dance songs, including Dolly’s “Romeo” and Brooks and Dunn’s “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.”
It’s story time again as 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. “Coat of Many Colors” and “Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon” feature sing-along songs that kids of all ages will enjoy. Everyone’s favorite, “The Little Engine That Could,” also comes to the stage with a delightful reminder of what can happen with just a little bit of determination. Thanks to Penguin Books, guests can enjoy several decorative and interactive photo opportunities for children and their families in the lobby of the theater prior to each show.
A group of special entertainment guests return to Dollywood this summer as well, when the park hosts the Tennessee Air National Guard’s Band of the South (concert band), Blue Groove (jazz band) and Full Throttle (rock group) on Saturday, July 3, and Sunday, July 4. The groups perform at DP’s Celebrity Theater and Showstreet Palace Theater and inspire patriotism by fostering a deep appreciation of the rich history and legacy of the Air Force. One of the group’s missions is to increase the public’s understanding of the importance of air power, the missions and programs of the Air Force and Air National Guard, and the bravery, sacrifice and dedication of Airmen across the globe.
While Dollywood guests have an amazing amount of entertainment options to enjoy during their visit, they also can experience the park’s award-winning rides in a completely different environment. Once the sun sets, Dollywood’s trademark attractions, like Wild Eagle, Lightning Rod and Thunderhead, provide a unique experience for those who climb aboard. These rides thrill guests who race through the summer night with no idea which way the track will turn next!
As the name implies, Dollywood’s Summer Celebration is a celebration of family fun and laughter at a place everyone loves. With later nighttime hours, families can ride Dollywood’s world-class roller coasters all day and well into the night. For more information about Dollywood’s 2021 season, operating calendars, and more, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
