Dollywood celebrates a Star-Spangled Summer as part of its ongoing Summer Celebration (now-Aug. 5) which features extended park hours—10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily—as well as a nightly fireworks extravaganza and a number of patriotic events to help guests enjoy family, fun and freedom during their time making memories at the park.
Thursdays in July, Dollywood and WIVK team up to present America’s New Faces of Country, a special concert series featuring several country music stars on the rise. These shows provide park guests a special opportunity to catch these artists as they begin working their way up the country charts.
At Dollywood’s shows during Star-Spangled Summer, the park plans to recognize service members in the audience for their dedication to protecting our country. Additionally, several of those same shows will include a number of patriotic songs for guests to enjoy.
Thanks to the American Eagle Foundation (AEF), park guests also have the opportunity to meet one of America’s greatest symbols of freedom, the bald eagle. On select days in July, staff members from the AEF host meet-and-greet sessions throughout the day with several of their featured bald eagles at the Plaza at Wilderness Pass.
During the day, guests can enjoy the talents of iLuminate, a thrilling show with dazzling lights and color by way of electrified glow-in-the-dark costumes which create a unique fusion of dynamic dance routines and illusions. By night, visitors can enjoy a light show of a different kind as each evening during Summer Celebration ends with Dolly’s Nights of Many Colors, a stirring fireworks extravaganza synchronized to music.
iLuminate, finalists on "America’s Got Talent" in 2011, performs July 7-21. In addition to their third place result on AGT, iLuminate has toured the world from Egypt to Malaysia and has appeared on shows like "Dancing with the Stars", "X-Factor", "Good Morning America" and "Ellen". The group launched in 2009 and patented the mesmerizing technology used in their shows. They’ve performed alongside stars like Christina Aguilera, The Black Eyed Peas, David Guetta and more, and are excited to bring their talent to Dollywood.
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!
Star Spangled Summer from Dollywood on Vimeo.
For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit Dollywood.com. Operating days and hours vary.
