If you didn't plan a summer visit to Dollywood or want to go again, you should come for the most popular fall festival in Pigeon Forge. The Dollywood Harvest Festival takes place in the months of September and October and is a great way to ring in the cozy days of autumn. Read on to learn all about it before you plan another memorable trip. Here’s everything you can experience at Dollywood's Harvest Festival:
Stunning Decorations
While Dollywood always looks beautiful, visitors love the stunning decorations at the Harvest Festival. In the daytime, see the vibrant colors of the pumpkins and fall flowers. New in 2025, the Country Fair section of the park is transforming into Candy Corn Country; look out for some adorable characters and other surprises! At night, you can experience Great Pumpkin LumiNights, perfect for celebrating Halloween in Pigeon Forge! There are thousands of uniquely carved pumpkins aglow in the darkness. You can also see and hear the mystical melody of Dolly’s glowing guitar. Make sure to bring your camera wherever you go, as there will be some great photo opportunities.
Delicious Food
Another great part of Pigeon Forge in the fall is all of the delicious seasonal food, and the restaurants around Dollywood have all kinds of sweet and savory fall-themed dishes to try. Purchase a Harvest Festival Tasting Pass in addition to your ticket to try five of them for one low price. Warm up with a piping glass of hot apple cider or a mug of hot chocolate. For your entree, try a unique spin on a classic dish with the Hot Honey Chicken Pizza at Iron Horse Pizza. Other things to try include a Southern Stuffed Sweet Potato at the Seasonal Culinary Booth and the Turkey Pumpkin Chili at Miss Lillian’s BBQ Corner. For dessert, get a Pumpkin Spiced Milkshake at Showstreet Ice Cream. At Spotlight Bakery, there is a Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll and an iced Pumpkin Cookie. It’s safe to say that there is something for everyone!
Fun Attractions
During the Dollywood Harvest Festival, you can still enjoy all of the thrilling things to do, like riding the Wild Eagle and Tennessee Tornado rollercoasters, watching entertaining live shows, and listening to comforting bluegrass and country music from talented acts. You’ll also love browsing all of the handmade craft items and souvenirs! We also suggest taking a relaxing old-fashioned train ride through the mountains on the Dollywood Express. It is a great way to see the Smoky Mountain fall foliage, soak up the vibrant fall colors, and breathe in the fresh mountain air! The peak time for autumn foliage is mid-October, but you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful hues of fall from late September to early November. Plus, this is one of the few rides at Dollywood that doesn’t have a height requirement, so everyone can enjoy the views.
Now that you know all about the Dollywood Harvest Festival, take a look at our Dollywood Crowd Calendar to make the most of your time at this fall event in Pigeon Forge!
