If you’re planning to visit Dollywood in October, you’re in for a treat! Use this Dollywood Vacation Guide to make the most out of your trip this fall.
October is a great time to visit Dollywood! Delight yourselves with crisp autumn air, beautiful fall colors, and all the park’s rides and attractions. Plus, celebrate the season with Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, a month-long event featuring shows, music, mouth-watering food, and more!
No matter what the season, Dollywood is always a fun place to visit. But there’s something special about experiencing the park in the fall.
Read on to learn about everything you need to know about visiting Dollywood in October.
Where To Stay In The Smokies?
Embark on a new adventure in the Smokies, and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the Smoky Mountains with a stay at Bear’s Wilderness Lodge, exclusively offered by GSM Family Vacations.
Nestled amidst the serene wilderness, this charming cabin offers a refreshing escape from the ordinary, inviting you to discover the true essence of mountain living.
Is October A Good Time To Visit Dollywood?
Yes!! Dollywood is open throughout the month of October and there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy. The weather is cooler in October, which makes it a great time to visit if you want to avoid the heat.
There are also some special events held in October, like the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival. So if you’re looking for a fun-filled getaway, Dollywood in October is a great option!
What To Do at Dollywood in October?
Check out these fun and exciting things to do at Dollywood in October.
When: Sept. 12 - Oct. 27, 2025
Fall is brighter than ever at Dollywood! Enjoy live music echoing through the park, the glow of thousands of pumpkins at Great Pumpkin LumiNights, and delicious fall flavors with the Harvest Tasting Pass.
New this year, the Country Fair transforms into Candy Corn Country, plus even more glowing fun at Hoot Owl Hollow.
Dollywood will be open 10 am-9 pm each day of operation during the Harvest festival. They will also be closed on October 31st, so don’t wait until Halloween to visit! Check Dollywood Calendar so you can plan your trip accordingly.
The park naturally transitions into LumiNights each night around 7:30 pm.
Don't miss the chance to see the Award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights, which light up the park after sundown with thousands of uniquely carved pumpkins and larger-than-life pumpkin icons.
And this year, discover the new and enchanting Hoot Owl Hollow- a hideaway for a gigantic, glowing owl and its many hooting friends hanging out in the trees, atop buildings, and across the hillside.
A trip to Dollywood wouldn't be complete without experiencing fun rides and seeing unique attractions. Ride the Dollywood Express Train and enjoy a breathtaking five-mile journey through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, where you can see the beautiful fall colors.
There are also a variety of roller coaster rides available that the whole family can enjoy, including the NEW Big Bear Mountain which is the longest coaster at the park.
The best time to ride is during the day because you can see Smoky Mountain Fall foliage and get an excellent view of the park.
This immersive experience is a heartfelt tribute to the life and legacy of Dolly Parton, offering visitors a chance to step into the world of the country music legend herself.
The attraction is designed to take guests on a journey through Dolly's incredible career, from her humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains to her rise as a global icon.
During Dollywood's Harvest Festival, you'll be able to find fall specials on menus throughout the park! From the classics to mouth-watering new creations, you'll surely find your fall cravings here at Dollywood.
Stop by for a made-to-order Fried Green Tomato BLT in Rivertown Junction's Market Square. And for pumpkin spice lovers out there, Splinter’s Funnel Cakes is definitely a treat!
If you're looking to try a bit of everything at Dollywood, we recommend visiting the festival stands during the Harvest Festival. That way, you can buy one item from each stand and get a taste of all that Dollywood has to offer!
The Harvest Festival is the perfect time to come and enjoy some of Dollywood's best live music. With bluegrass, country, and southern gospel performances happening every day, there's sure to be something for everyone.
Check out the Harvest Festival Performances to catch all of your favorites!
You can download the Dollywood app to see the latest showtimes.
Is Dollywood Crowded In October?
October is a very busy month for the Smoky Mountain towns and Dollywood is no exception. Make sure you’re ready for long lines for most of the attractions, rides, and eateries.
However, if you’re willing to spend a couple of extra dollars, we highly suggest getting the Dollywood TimeSaver line management pass. This will help you avoid long lines on selected park rides.
Take note that Dollywood only sells a limited number of TimeSaver Passes each day, so order your passes in advance online to save your party the trouble of waiting in line.
Each person who wants an expedited wait on rides must have their own individual wristband – these cannot be shared.
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Get This FREE Fall Packing Checklist For The Smoky Mountains!
Recommended Pigeon Forge Resources
- Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- Pigeon Forge Discount Tickets
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Dollywood is just one of the many attractions to visit in Pigeon Forge in the fall. For more great ideas, make sure to read our list of the Best Things To Do in Pigeon Forge in October.
And don’t forget to pack your compact travel camera because you’ll surely need it to capture all the fun!