Celebrate America at Dollywood
- Cheré Dastugue Coen
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
What better way to spend the United States's 250th anniversary than at one of the most joyful places on earth.
On July 4, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. If you’re like me and are desperately searching for the light, the optimism, the kindness that seems to be missing from our country these days, then head for Dollywood outside Pigeon Forge, Tenn. If anyone can make us happy in these divisive days, it’s Dolly Parton!
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration runs now through Aug. 2, 2026, and features patriotic high-energy entertainment and plenty of family fun in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
New offerings include:
Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show celebrates America’s 250th with a nightly dance party followed by an Americana-themed fireworks and drone show featuring a flying bald eagle, a waving American flag and tunes celebrating the nation, the Smokies and Dolly!
Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration Festival Tour is offered daily and provides a guided experience to get an up-close look at Dollywood’s all-new America 250 patriotic décor, along with special summertime entertainment, immersive seasonal experiences, festive snacks and refreshments, and reserved seating for select shows. Tour participants also receive front-of-the-line access to Smoky Mountain River Rampage white water rafting adventure and FireChaser Express coaster. The tour starts at $89 per person ages 4 and older plus tax.
Other highlights include:
· “Wings of America” show featuring America’s most iconic symbol, the bald eagle, up close, along with other birds of prey. Dollywood includes a large refuge of bald eagles and visitors may spot them in the wild next to the theater.
· Red, white and blue displays and patriotic décor are found in sections of the park.
· Summertime festival foods include the Cheesesteak Skillet, Roasted Corn Salad, Watermelon Cucumber Salad, and sweet treats like Deep-Fried S’mores and Dragon Fruit Lemonade. Whatever you do, don’t miss a chance to sample Dolly’s famous Cinammon Bread. Get it hot when it's at its best! Trust us, we tested it out.
· Americana-themed merchandise, from apparel to specialty candles to handcrafted keepsakes and collectable blown-glass ornaments commemorating America 250.
· Return of family-friendly entertainment including the “Gazillion Bubble Show: Evolution” featuring bubbles of every size and shape; the “Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience” showcasing the talents of rescue and shelter dogs from across the country; and “Play On,” highlighting songs and scenes from four decades of the park’s iconic shows.
Post-festival, the park’s new adventure coaster, NightFlight Expedition, is expected to take flight in mid-August, labeled as Dollywood’s most ambitious and innovative ride yet and the the park’s most significant investment in any attraction since Dolly assumed ownership in 1986. Called a one-of-a-kind indoor hybrid adventure coaster, NightFlight Expedition takes guests on a journey through the Smoky Mountains to search for bioluminescence in the nation’s most visited national park. During the 5 ½-minute coaster experience, riders soar on a nighttime flight over the Smokies, enjoy a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion through more than 500,000 gallons of surging water, traverse a mountain ridge, and navigate a mysterious shimmering lake. Hmmm, perhaps an August visit is more in order?
Need more incentive?
Get cool at Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Park with its 35 acres of aqua fun, including the 25,000-square-foot wave pool, a lazy river, TailSpin Racer, a six-lane mat-racer slide and Bear Mountain Fire Tower, a multi-level interactive water adventure. And yes, it’s summer and hot in the Smoky Mountains but much of Splash Country is shaded so don’t expect your typical concrete hot water park!
Dollywood’s Splash Country will debut a separately ticketed event this summer called Neon Lights. The new high-energy, glow-themed event is set within the foothills of the Smokies and will feature a live deejay, vibrant neon vibes and unlimited access to select attractions. Neon Nights takes place every Friday and Saturday from June 19 through Aug. 1, 2026. Dollywood’s Splash Country is open daily from May 23 through Aug. 9, 2026.
In the park, there are several rides where visitors may get a brief spritz of water. Our favorite was the Smoky Mountain River Rampage, a rollick through a not-so-lazy river where the round float twists and turns and sometimes you’re under falling water and rolling down a small waterfall. It’s perfect for all ages.
If you go
Guests can stay near the park at two award-winning resorts, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. Both hotels offer exclusive complimentary privileges, including TimeSaver passes for expedited ride access, door-to-door transportation, preferred parking at Dollywood parks, and package delivery for purchases made at Dollywood theme park. For more information on Dollywood and to plan a trip, visit Dollywood.com.
Weird, Wacky & Wild South blog is written by travel and food writer Cheré Coen who would happily vote Dolly for President! Actually, she wishes Dolly with her unlimited enthusiasm, acceptance and kindness would run the world.
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