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.
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!
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.
What To Do at Dollywood in October?
Check out these fun and exciting things to do at Dollywood in October.
When: Sept 27, 2022 - October 29, 2022
Dollywood comes alive in October with the return of the popular Harvest Festival. This year's festival features all the things that make autumn in the Smoky Mountains special - from the beautiful colors of the leaves to the delicious smells of apple and pumpkin treats, and the exciting sounds of thrilling rides.
Dollywood will be open 10 am-9 pm each day of operation during the Harvest festival. The park is also observing a limited schedule of operation throughout the event.
They will be mostly closed on Tuesdays and will also be closed on October 30th and 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. 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.
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.
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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 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!