While you can’t go wrong with whichever time of year you choose to visit, Summer days are brighter and longer at Dollywood! An explosion of color and cool activities spread across the park. Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country are the best places to be this summer.
Soak up the Smokies sun and make fun memories with the family.
Why The Summer Season is a Great Time To Visit Dollywood
Days are brighter and nights sparkle during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration!. There are so many refreshing ways to play and surprises everywhere.
You will find bursts of summer colors all over the park and fun family-favorite shows.
Technicolor trees, rainbow pool noodles and the floating yellow kites in the sky offer much needed shade. Water rides, splash pads, and even a playful Foam Zone are a great way to beat the heat. As the sun starts to set, you can hop on Big Bear Mountain and ride into the night or join a dance party . To end your day of fun, watch the Sweet Summer Nights drone & fireworks show together as hundreds of drones dance across the sky.
When Does the Summer season start and end at Dollywood?
The summer season at Dollywood kicks off with the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration,
which runs from June 15 to August 11, 2024.
Dollywood has extended hours during the Summer Celebration. The park opens at 10 am and closes at 10 pm! So you get even more hours of fun.
When Is The Best Time To Visit in the Summer Season?
No matter when you visit during the Summer season, summer is one of Dollywood’s busiest seasons. Kiddos are out from school and families normally take vacations during summer break. Keep in mind, it will be crowded (even during weekdays).
There are some ways to make your visit more enjoyable – even with crowds. If it fits your budget, you could purchase Dollywood’s “time saver” or Fast Pass. This can be extra helpful during peak summer, when lines tend to be really long. You can read more about Dollywood’s Time Saver.
If you can work your schedule around, aim for a visit towards the last week of the season (August 3rd – 11th). According to previous years this week seems to slow down a little and you might be able to enjoy the last week of the Summer Celebration with less crowds.
How is The Weather During the Summer Months at Dollywood?
In June, temperatures range from 68°F (night/mornings) to 85°F. As the season progresses into July and August, temperatures can climb higher, with both months reaching up to 90°F.
Dollywood has the perfect solution to beat the heat – Dollywood’s Splash Country!
This water park offers a refreshing retreat with thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and splash pads, providing a fun way to cool off and escape the summer sun.
| Month | Average High (°F) |
|---|---|
| June | 85°F |
| July | 90°F |
| August | 90°F |
What Should You Pack for Your Summer Dollywood Trip?
Portable Fan or Misting Fans:
Tennessee summers can be hot and humid; portable, rechargeable fans can provide much-needed relief while waiting in lines or exploring the park.
Poncho or Lightweight Rain Gear:
Summer showers are common and they can come at any time during the season, It’s always a good idea to carry a small umbrella or a poncho just in case you get unexpected rain.
Portable Phone Charger:
You will be taking a lot of pictures and making videos through the day. With a portable power bank, you won’t have to worry about your phone shutting off and missing out on capturing those fun moments. Simply plug in your device and charge on the go.
Comfortable Shoes:
With Dollywood’s long and hilly grounds and the constant walking, in my opinion Comfortable Shoes are a must to keep your feet happy and blister-free.
Refillable Water Bottle:
Staying hydrated is really important during hot days, and having a refillable bottle means you can easily refill with water fountains or even ask for water/ice at Dollywood’s restaurants without spending extra money .
Unique Summer Flavors at Dollywood
Here are just a few of the delicious flavors you might find at Dollywood’s 2024 Summer season;
- S’mores Funnel Cake:
For those with a sweet tooth, the S’mores Funnel Cake is a treat.
A classic funnel cake topped with marshmallows, melted chocolate, and crumbled graham crackers. - Open-Faced Grilled Cheese:
This one is perfect for the picky eaters, who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese? This Toasted bread has four cheeses, including cream cheese. - Hibachi Skillet Pork Belly:
Filled with delicious pork belly, fried rice, carrots, and peas.
They also have this with chicken instead of pork. - Three Little Pigs Sandwich:
Calling all barbecue lovers, this sandwich has roasted pork loin, pulled pork shoulder, and smoked sausage. It comes with a side of slaw.
If you are like me and want to try everything, you should get the tasting pass for the ultimate tasting experience, offering the chance to try five different dishes.
What Can You Find At Dollywood During The summer season?
Gazilllion bubble show
The Gazillion Bubble Show at Dollywood is an indoor must-see attraction.
Prepare to be blown away by billions of bubbles that fill the theater, creating a magical atmosphere! This show is a fun event for the entire family.
Street Performers
If you love watching street performers, you can’t miss Liquid Beats!
They are a group of “landscaping specialists” who maintain Market Square and unleash their musical skills. Their instruments are everyday gardening tools, it’s so cool watching them make music out of it. Their beats will have your feet tapping!
If you head over to Jukebox Junction, you will find Hydro Jive Junction.
Get ready for a dance party that unfolds when a maintenance worker tries to fix a leaky fire hydrant. Dance along to “Singing in the Rain” and “Splish Splash”, plus the fire hydrant turns into a refreshing sprinkler!.
The Sweet Summer Nights Dance Party
When the sun sets, Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights Dance Party comes to life in Wildwood Creek. With beats spun by a live DJ, the dancers invite guests to join the party and lose themselves in the rhythm.
This dance party happens at 8:45 pm and again at 9:15 pm. You can keep dancing after the break or head out to find the perfect spot for your family to watch the fireworks and drone show.
Dollywood drone and fireworks show
Don’t skip this family favorite, Dollywood’s Drone and Fireworks Show
Around 9:40 p.m, the dancers and the DJ count down and Dollywood’s sky lights up with color and lights. The show has over 500 drones.
They have new songs and formations, making each performance unique.
Dollywood closes out the program with a huge firework display set to music.
A great way to end your day of fun!.
Dollywood’s Splash Country
Cool Down at Dollywood’s Splash Country This Summer. Enjoy TailSpin Racer’s high-speed twists or hop on a raft together and go on Raging River Rapids. Bear Mountain fire tower is great for the bigger kiddos. It has interactive play structure complete with slides, towers, and a never-ending splashes.
Babies and toddlers find their splash paradise at Little Creek Falls. With no standing water, this play area has just enough splash for them to play all day. There is so much more to do at Dollywood’s Splash Country! You should not skip this great water park during your summer visit.
What Other Summer Entertainment Can You Find in The area?
From the thrill of ziplining through the Smoky Mountains or taking a ride in a mountain coaster. You will find endless things to do around the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg Area.
Here’s a quick list;
- Enjoy the July 4th Parade in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
- Go Whitewater Rafting & River Tubing.
- Hike to a Beautiful Waterfall in the National Park.
- Explore Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park.
- Ride Horses in the Valley of Cades Cove.
- Visit Unique Museums.
Enjoy and make beautiful memories and new traditions together, have fun!
Did you visit during the Summer? What are some of your favorite activities?
Share your experiences with us in the comments!
