Dollywood just leveled up — and you’re going to want in. We’re talking wild rides, sweet Southern eats, and brand-new surprises that’ll have your kids begging to go again tomorrow. This isn’t just a theme park; it’s a glitter-dusted love letter to fun, fried food, and family memories you actually want to remember. 2025 is packed with fresh reasons to visit — the kind that make waiting in line totally worth it. From jaw-dropping shows to treats that taste like summer at grandma’s, there’s something here for everyone (yes, even your grumpy teen). Don’t sleep on this. Dollywood isn’t quietly expanding — it’s throwing open the gates and turning up the charm. Ready to see what Dolly’s cooked up this time? Grab your boots, your appetite, and someone you love — it’s going to be a wild ride.
Flower & Food Festival
Every spring, Dollywood transforms into a floral paradise during the Flower & Food Festival. Massive plant sculptures and colorful gardens create a visual feast. Visitors can wander through pathways adorned with towering topiaries, including a breathtaking butterfly and musician figures crafted from living blooms.
The festival’s vibrant atmosphere offers a sensory delight, with blooms in every hue imaginable. Families can immerse themselves in the beauty of this floral extravaganza while enjoying seasonal culinary delights.
The astounding artistry of nature on display encourages visitors to appreciate the delicate balance of colors and fragrances.
Pollinator Pathway Garden
New in 2025, the Pollinator Pathway Garden at Dollywood offers an interactive exploration of native pollinators. Families can wander along trails lined with milkweed, coneflowers, and bee balm, crucial for sustaining bees and butterflies.
Kids delight in tunnels shaped like giant petals, providing an up-close view of pollinators at work. This captivating experience highlights the importance of these creatures in our ecosystem.
The garden’s educational aspect, combined with its visual appeal, ensures a memorable visit for all ages. Engage with nature while learning about the vital role of pollinators.
Farmhouse Kitchen
The Farmhouse Kitchen, newly updated in 2025, serves garden-fresh cuisine directly from Dollywood’s demonstration garden. Rows of basil, tomatoes, and peppers grow just steps from the kitchen, ensuring the freshest ingredients.
Visitors savor dishes crafted with herbs and produce harvested on-site, enhancing the farm-to-table dining experience.
This culinary adventure extends beyond the plate, allowing guests to witness the journey from garden to table. The Farmhouse Kitchen offers an authentic taste of Dollywood’s commitment to sustainable practices and fresh, flavorful food.
Mountain Valley Herb Garden
Escape to tranquility at Dollywood’s Mountain Valley Herb Garden. This peaceful haven showcases aromatic herbs like rosemary, lemon balm, and echinacea, each labeled with cultural and historical significance.
Visitors can relax in a shaded seating area, enveloped by soothing fragrances. The garden provides a serene retreat, perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with nature.
Discover the uses of various herbs while enjoying an aromatic journey through history. This garden’s calm ambiance invites reflection and relaxation, offering a unique respite within the park’s vibrant energy.
Family Garden Discovery Zone
The Family Garden Discovery Zone invites young explorers to engage with nature in a hands-on setting. Expanded in 2025, it offers raised beds, sensory plants, and dig boxes perfect for plant-based play.
Children can touch and feel borders of soft lamb’s ear and snapdragons, sparking curiosity and connection with the natural world.
This interactive area encourages exploration and learning, fostering an appreciation for plants among young visitors. It’s a delightful space where children and families can grow their knowledge and love for gardening together.
Botanical Tour During Harvest Festival
Experience the rich colors of fall with a Botanical Tour during Dollywood’s Harvest Festival. Available on weekends, these guided walks focus on late-season blooms, ornamental grasses, and pumpkins.
The landscape transforms into a tapestry of deep oranges, purples, and golds by late September, offering a unique visual experience.
Guides share insights into the seasonal changes and plant varieties, enriching visitors’ understanding of fall flora. This tour provides a scenic and educational journey through Dollywood’s autumnal beauty.
Seasonal Containers Along Craftsman’s Valley
Craftsman’s Valley at Dollywood brims with ever-changing beauty thanks to its seasonal containers. Planters feature spring pansies and tulips, transitioning to fall mums and ornamental kale.
These containers reflect the surrounding Smoky Mountains, with regional plants like mountain laurel and blue salvia enhancing the natural setting.
The artistry of these arrangements captivates the eye, creating a dynamic and colorful journey through Dollywood. Stroll through and enjoy the harmonious blend of artistry and nature, reflecting the park’s seasonal splendor.
Wildflower Mural Wall
The Wildflower Mural Wall combines art and nature in a stunning new installation at Dollywood. This mural blends live plants with painted blooms, creating an immersive photo opportunity.
Visitors can snap memorable photos while learning about native wildflowers. The wall’s trellis edges feature live vines, adding dimension and vibrancy.
Family photo ops become a unique educational experience, highlighting the beauty and diversity of wildflowers. This blend of art and botany creates lasting memories against a backdrop of colorful blooms.
Smoky Mountain Home Garden Exhibit
Step back in time at the Smoky Mountain Home Garden Exhibit. This recreated homestead garden behind Aunt Granny’s restaurant showcases traditional mountain gardening techniques.
Visitors can explore rows of corn, pole beans, and squash planted using the “three sisters” method, offering insights into historical agricultural practices.
This exhibit connects visitors with the region’s rich gardening heritage, providing an educational journey through time. Experience the ingenuity and resourcefulness of past generations while enjoying a taste of history.
Dollywood in Bloom Weekends
Dollywood in Bloom Weekends offer plant-focused programming, with engaging activities like floral arranging, garden talks, and flower-pressing workshops. These weekends unfold during select months, inviting families to explore the beauty of nature.
Visitors often leave with handmade crafts, a tangible reminder of their botanical adventure. These events cultivate creativity and appreciation for plant life.
The inviting atmosphere encourages participation, making it a favorite for families looking to connect through shared creative endeavors. Celebrate nature’s artistry with these weekend wonders at Dollywood.
Hummingbird Hollow
As night falls, Hummingbird Hollow at Dollywood lights up with enchantment. This garden space features softly illuminated native plants, with night-blooming flowers adding subtle beauty.
Projections mimic the dance of fireflies and hummingbirds, creating a magical atmosphere. Moonflower vines and evening primrose release gentle scents, enhancing the twilight experience.
This serene setting offers a perfect close to a park day, inviting visitors to unwind and enjoy nature’s nightly display. The blend of light, scent, and sound creates an unforgettable evening in Hummingbird Hollow.