What Is New at Dollywood in 2026?
I cover the 2026 Dollywood season, including the $50 million NightFlight Expedition indoor hybrid coaster, the new Neon Nights at Splash Country, the inaugural Run Dollywood race weekend, and upgraded festivals across Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Quick Answer
The 2026 Dollywood season is anchored by NightFlight Expedition, a $50 million indoor family hybrid attraction built with Mack Rides that combines roller coaster dynamics with whitewater raft elements inside a 44,000 square foot climate controlled building.
Dollywood\u2019s Splash Country adds Neon Nights, a separately ticketed after hours glow event starting June 19, 2026. The park also debuts the inaugural Run Dollywood race weekend on April 25 and 26, expands the I Will Always Love You Festival, and continues the Sweet Summer Nights drone show.
The Crown Jewel: NightFlight Expedition
The centerpiece of Dollywood 2026 is NightFlight Expedition. Built in partnership with German manufacturer Mack Rides, the same team behind multiple recent Golden Ticket winners, the ride is billed as the world\u2019s first indoor family hybrid attraction.
The Technology
NightFlight Expedition uses custom amphibious vehicles with rocking boat technology, blending coaster style track sections with rushing water elements. The entire ride is housed in a 44,000 square foot climate controlled facility, which means it can operate 365 days a year, regardless of Smoky Mountain weather.
The Experience
Riders join twin scientists Cora and Jasper Oakley on a roughly five and a half minute journey to find the legendary Secret Lake. Massive immersive multimedia screens and high resolution audio simulate soaring over ridges, dropping into canyons, and plunging through bioluminescent waters. With a 39 inch height requirement, it is designed to land as a true multi generational ride, not just a thrill seeker piece.
As Dolly Parton put it during the reveal, \u201COur new ride sends you out into the mountains at night, which is the time that I think they really come to life. It is pure mountain magic.\u201D
Splash Country Debuts Neon Nights
Dollywood\u2019s Splash Country water park is getting its own 2026 spotlight. Historically a daytime only park, Splash Country now hosts Neon Nights, a separately ticketed after hours event starting June 19, 2026.
The After Hours Party
Neon Nights transforms the park with vibrant neon lighting, immersive glow installations, and live DJ programming around the wave pool. Ticket holders get access to a curated set of slides and attractions in a completely different nighttime atmosphere.
New Food and Upgraded Cabanas
Splash Country is rolling out new menu items for 2026, including Firecracker Street Corn and the viral Rocky Paw Bear Paw, a large dessert loaded with vanilla icing, toffee crumbles, and caramel. Premium canopy rentals get a real upgrade too, with cooling fans, device charging, and direct to seat mobile food delivery.
Inaugural Events and Expanded Festivals
2026 is not just about rides. The park is leaning hard into events.
Run Dollywood 2026
For the first time, the park is hosting the inaugural Run Dollywood race weekend on April 25 and 26, 2026. The course winds directly through the park and the surrounding Smoky Mountain area, and conveniently overlaps with the Flower and Food Festival, so runners pass through massive floral installations along the route.
I Will Always Love You Festival
The season opens March 13 with the I Will Always Love You Festival, running through April 12. The festival debuts two new high energy stage shows celebrating Dolly\u2019s musical legacy.
Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration and Sweet Summer Nights
From June 15 to August 2, the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration takes over, anchored by the Sweet Summer Nights drone show. Hundreds of illuminated drones paint 3D animations and a patriotic salute across the night sky.
Operational Upgrades for 2026
To handle the expected NightFlight Expedition crowds, Dollywood made a few practical changes.
- Fully cashless. The park has moved entirely to electronic payments to cut wait times at food and merchandise locations. Cash to Card kiosks are available throughout the property for guests carrying cash.
- Season Pass perks. Silver and Gold passholders get a Bring A Friend ticket plus exclusive early access ride windows on NightFlight Expedition before public opening.
- Mobile ordering. Mobile food ordering is expanded to more locations, which pairs well with the new in seat delivery option at Splash Country.
When to Visit
If your priority is NightFlight Expedition with the shortest waits, target a weekday in late April or early May, after the spring opening rush and before summer break. If you want Neon Nights at Splash Country, plan around June 19 or later. For the full festival stack, mid to late June overlaps Sweet Summer Nights with the new summer menu drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new Dollywood ride for 2026?
NightFlight Expedition, a $50 million indoor family hybrid attraction combining coaster and whitewater elements.
How tall do you have to be to ride NightFlight Expedition?
39 inches, making it accessible for younger riders.
When does Neon Nights at Splash Country start?
June 19, 2026, as a separately ticketed after hours event.
When is Run Dollywood 2026?
April 25 and 26, 2026, alongside the Flower and Food Festival.