Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Dollywood line up of live entertainment.
Updated by Chris Murphy / Images from Dollywood Parks & Resorts
Your Guide to the Entertainment at Dollywood
There’s so much to do when you visit Dollywood. The theme park boasts thrilling rides, award-winning dining and year-round events and more. What’s sets Dollywood apart from most amusement and theme parks is the array of live entertainment offered. This year, a trip to Dollywood is a chance to see some classic performances and new favorites. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Dollywood line up of live entertainment.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to the vibrant entertainment landscape at Dollywood:
The Dolly Parton Experience: A Journey Through a Legend’s Life
One of Dollywood’s most significant additions to its entertainment lineup is The Dolly Parton Experience, which opened in 2024. More than just a museum, this multi-faceted attraction in the reimagined Adventures in Imagination area offers an unparalleled look into Dolly’s life and career. It encompasses:
- Songteller: A captivating walk-through exhibit tracing Dolly’s journey from her humble beginnings in Locust Ridge to her global superstardom. You’ll see personal mementos, costumes, and learn about the inspirations behind her most beloved songs.
- Behind The Seams: A fascinating display of Dolly’s iconic fashion throughout the years, offering insights into her unique style and the creative process behind her memorable looks.
- Precious Memories: An exhibit within the Dreamsong Theater queue that emphasizes the profound influence of faith and family on Dolly’s life and music.
- Dolly’s Home-On-Wheels: A truly unique opportunity to step inside Dolly’s actual tour bus, offering a glimpse into her life on the road.
Live Shows: A Symphony of Southern Sounds and Stories
Dollywood’s stages consistently host a variety of high-quality live performances, ranging from toe-tapping bluegrass to heartfelt gospel and Broadway-style productions. The lineup frequently changes with the seasons and festivals, but you can always expect top-notch talent.
Some popular and recurring show types include:
- Musical Revues: Shows like “Forever Country” celebrate the “Prime” country of the 80s and 90s, while brand-new original productions like “Play On” (introduced for Dollywood’s 40th anniversary in 2025) offer a retrospective look at the park’s iconic musical history.
- Dolly-Inspired Performances: Delve deeper into Dolly’s world with shows like “From The Heart – The Life and Music of Dolly Parton,” which chronicles her musical journey from earliest songs to recent hits. For a more interactive experience, “Sing-a-long with Dolly” invites guests to belt out her most-loved songs.
- Southern Gospel & Bluegrass: True to its roots, Dollywood consistently features award-winning Southern gospel groups like The Kingdom Heirs and various bluegrass and Appalachian-inspired bands, filling the air with authentic mountain music.
- Family-Friendly Entertainment: The Imagination Playhouse (now a permanent fixture in 2025) brings beloved children’s books from Dolly’s Imagination Library to life on stage with delightful sing-along musicals. Look for new story time and character meet-and-greets during the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration.
- Specialty Acts: Depending on the season, you might encounter unique performances such as the “Gazillion Bubble Show – Evolution” with its dazzling bubble artistry, or the high-flying acrobatic “Wings of America.”
Festivals and Seasonal Entertainment: A Calendar Full of Celebrations
Dollywood’s commitment to entertainment truly shines during its annual festivals, each bringing unique shows and experiences to the park:
- I Will Always Love You Music Festival (Spring): Kicking off the season, this festival celebrates Dolly’s iconic song and fills the park with diverse musical performances, honoring her rich musical legacy across genres.
- Flower & Food Festival (Spring/Early Summer): While primarily known for its stunning floral displays and culinary delights, this festival also features engaging shows and roving artists, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
- Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (Summer): This lively festival extends park hours and culminates in the dazzling Sweet Summer Nights Drone & Fireworks Show, a spectacular nighttime finale that lights up the Smoky Mountain sky. Expect high-energy performances and interactive fun.
- Harvest Festival (Fall): Voted the country’s best fall theme park event, the Harvest Festival offers not only the enchanting Great Pumpkin LumiNights with thousands of glowing pumpkins but also features a robust schedule of Southern gospel, bluegrass, and country artists on multiple stages.
- Smoky Mountain Christmas (Winter): A truly magical experience, this award-winning festival transforms the park with millions of lights, festive holiday shows like “Christmas in the Smokies,” and heartwarming character interactions, creating an unforgettable Christmas atmosphere.
Beyond the Park Gates: Dinner Shows and More
For a full evening of entertainment and a delicious meal, consider one of Dollywood’s affiliated dinner shows just outside the park:
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction: A spectacular show featuring 32 magnificent horses, skilled riders, breathtaking stunts, and a four-course feast.
- Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show: An immersive pirate adventure with sword fights, cannons, mermaids, and live animals, all while you enjoy a four-course meal. (Look for a new location opening in Panama City Beach, Florida in Spring 2025!)
- Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud: A side-splitting comedy, musical acts, and “explosive” stunts, all paired with an all-you-can-eat Southern feast.
- The Comedy Barn Theater: Known as the most successful clean comedy theater in the world, featuring magicians, jugglers, ventriloquists, comedians, and live music.
Dollywood consistently delivers a holistic entertainment experience. Whether you’re drawn by the captivating story of Dolly Parton, the lively sounds of mountain music, or the grand spectacle of seasonal celebrations, the park ensures that every visit is filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable performances. Be sure to check the daily schedule and festival calendars before your visit to catch all the incredible entertainment on offer!
