Dollywood's Harvest Festival celebrates the Smokies with gargantuan gourds, pumpkin spice

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WZTV) — As the autumn leaves begin to fall in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, Dollywood is kicking off its annual Harvest Festival.

The festival, inspired by some of Dolly Parton's most treasured times with loved ones, invites families to make their own special memories.

“Fall is a special time of year in the Smoky Mountains, because God’s handiwork is on full display for everyone to enjoy when they come to visit,” Dolly Parton, Dollywood’s Dreamer-in-Chief said. “It’s also the time when the heat of the summer fades and the crisp, cool evenings make it just right to enjoy the fresh mountain air. Some of my most treasured family memories took place during the fall, and I want our guests to make their own wonderful memories while they are here. Our team works so hard to bring the mountains right into the middle of the park with all those great decorations and experiences. You really are surrounded by the colors of fall the whole time you are here."

With a backdrop of the Smokies, Harvest Festival features thousands of glowing and carved pumpkins, live music, delicious fall-inspired foods, and handmade goods from visiting artisans.

Gargantuan gourds perfect for fall family photos

Pack up the family for picture-perfect photo ops among the fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains and thousands of carved and lit pumpkins.

One of the biggest additions to last season’s Harvest Festival is making a comeback this year. The park will feature more than a dozen colossal pumpkins from growers across the East Coast. Last year’s prized pumpkins ranged from 800 to 1,500 lbs. each.

And don't forget Dollywood's Pumpkin Luminights! Thousands of jack-o-lanterns create fun displays like the massive glowing guitar, the pumpkin tree, sunflowers, and the frogs at Drop Line Pond.

Harvest headliners

Indoor and outdoor performances representing genres from gospel and bluegrass to classic country and Americana will play out during Harvest Festival.

Festival headliners include: CeCe Winans (Oct. 9), Pam Tillis (Sept. 29), Jimmy Fortune (Oct. 2), Shenandoah (Oct. 20-21), Karen Peck and New River (Oct. 3), Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver (Oct. 4), Taylor Red (Sept. 24), Rhonda Vincent and the Rage (Oct. 14-15), Janelle Arthur (Sept. 26) and the Lee University Singers (Oct. 17).

Pumpkin spice in full supply

Dollywood’s culinary team has been busy creating the perfect menu for guests to enjoy during Harvest.

Dollywood representatives say pumpkin spice is in full supply at the park! Spiced pumpkin bisque, BUSH’s three bean pumpkin chili, pumpkin spice churros with pumpkin fluff, pumpkin spice salted caramel mocha iced coffee are all on the Harvest menu. Other creations include maple pecan and bacon funnel cake, turkey legs, sweet potato poutine, hot apple cider and the apple pie milkshake.

Harvest Festival begins Sept. 24 and runs through Oct. 30. Dollywood is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day during the festival, with the park closed on Tuesdays throughout the festival. Find more information here.

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