Autumn in the Smokies brings a whole new magic to Dollywood. Thousands of pumpkins line the park, fall crafts fill the streets, seasonal shows keep the energy alive, and as night falls, the famous Great Pumpkin LumiNights lights up the park with glowing displays.

If you’re planning to visit this year, here’s a full tour of what you’ll experience at Dollywood’s Harvest Festival.

Watch this Our awesome YouTube video tour:

Dollywood’s Harvest Festival Runs Every Day Through October

The Harvest Festival runs daily through the end of October. Beginning at 5:00 p.m., the park transforms for the Great Pumpkin LumiNights—and best of all, this evening event is included with your Dollywood admission ticket.

Daytime is filled with shopping, fall décor, and live entertainment. But once the sun sets, the park glows with over 12,000 pumpkins, creating one of the best fall atmospheres in the Smokies.

Dollywood Harvest Festival VIP Tour

For a next-level experience, Dollywood offers a VIP Tour during the Harvest Festival. At $79 per person, this two-hour guided walking tour gives you:

Front-of-the-line access to Mystery Mine and Blazing Fury
A behind-the-scenes look at the park
A special stop at the candle shop where you can make your own candle

It’s an add-on worth considering if you want extra convenience and exclusive perks.

Marbled Paper Demonstration

One of the most mesmerizing moments at the festival is watching a craftsman create marbled paper. With colors floating on the surface, designs stretch and swirl before being transferred onto paper. Visitors often describe it as relaxing—almost like watching live ASMR.

Gazebo Gifts – Festival Merchandise

No festival is complete without souvenirs, and Gazebo Gifts is one of the top shopping stops. Here you’ll find themed Great Pumpkin LumiNights shirts, sweatshirts, bubble machines, and fall merchandise perfect for remembering your visit.

Giant Real Pumpkins

One of the biggest attractions (literally) is the collection of giant real pumpkins scattered throughout the park. Some weigh between 500 and 564 pounds, towering over guests and making perfect photo ops. Standing beside these pumpkins shows just how massive they really are.

Wood Carving Booth

Dollywood’s Harvest Festival celebrates traditional craftsmanship, and the wood carving booth is always a hit. Guests can watch artisans skillfully shape wood into spoons, bowls, and decorative items—all by hand.

Handmade Games

Another booth features handmade games, bringing a touch of nostalgia to the festival. These unique creations highlight the creativity of Dollywood’s craftsmen and make great keepsakes.

Mountain Laurel Home – Early Christmas Merchandise

While the Harvest Festival focuses on fall, Dollywood also teases the upcoming holiday season. At Mountain Laurel Home, you’ll find early Christmas ornaments, decorations, and gifts.

Christmy Booth – Fall & Christmas Wreaths

The Christmy Booth showcases stunning handmade fall and Christmas wreaths. These colorful designs inspire many guests to start decorating for the season ahead.

Basket Weaving Crafts

Traditional basket weaving is another hands-on craft you’ll see at Dollywood. Watching artists weave natural materials into functional art adds to the festival’s authentic charm.

Candy Corn Characters

One of the most family-friendly areas is the brand-new Candy Corn Country. Here you’ll find playful candy corn characters and lots of family-friendly “corny” jokes that bring smiles to both kids and adults.

Candy Corn Carrots & Candy Corn Corn

In Candy Corn Country, creativity is on full display with fun decorations like candy corn carrots and candy corn corn—a whimsical take on one of the season’s most iconic candies.

Candy Corn Tomatoes & Candy Corn Pumpkin

Beyond the classics, Dollywood adds a twist with candy corn tomatoes and even a candy corn pumpkin, making this area a must-see for fans of quirky fall décor.

Pikachu in a Pumpkin

Festival games offer fun prizes, including the adorable an unforgettable Pikachu in a Pumpkin plush. These unique collectibles make the experience even more exciting for kids (and adults who love Pokémon!).

Stuffed Cinnamon Bread Plush

Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread is now available in plush form! The exclusive Stuffed Cinnamon Bread Plush can be won at select games in the park. It’s one of the cutest souvenirs you’ll find and a true Dollywood original.

Making Violins or Fiddles

Another highlight is watching a skilled artisan craft violins or fiddles live at the festival. Guests can stop by, chat with the maker, and watch the process step by step—a rare and memorable experience.

Guitar Pumpkin

As the sun sets, Dollywood comes alive with the glowing magic of Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Thousands of pumpkins light up the park in creative displays. Highlights include the iconic Guitar Pumpkin, owl pumpkins, spider pumpkins, and colorful quilt-themed pumpkins.

Fake Plastic Pumpkins & The Graveyard

Throughout the park, you’ll find a mix of fake plastic pumpkins and real ones. The craftsmanship is so good, many visitors can’t tell the difference after dark.

One of the spookier sections is The Graveyard, featuring glowing pumpkins and eerie fall decorations.

Classic Dollywood Butterfly Pumpkin

The Butterfly Pumpkin is one of the most iconic displays at the festival. Dollywood’s butterfly logo takes shape in pumpkin form, glowing beautifully at night. It’s a classic photo spot every visitor should see.

Merchandise in the Emporium

Before leaving the park, don’t miss The Emporium, Dollywood’s main shop. Here you’ll find:

Great Pumpkin LumiNights shirts and sweatshirts
Glass pumpkins
Spider pumpkin shirts
Tie-dye fall apparel
Butterfly pumpkin merchandise
Seasonal pins and kitchen items

It’s the perfect way to take a piece of the festival home.

Final Thoughts

Dollywood’s Harvest Festival combines everything people love about fall—pumpkins, crafts, food, live entertainment, and seasonal merchandise. By day, guests explore booths, giant pumpkins, and family activities. By night, the park transforms with Great Pumpkin LumiNights, filling Dollywood with glowing pumpkins and unforgettable memories.

If you’re planning a trip to the Smokies in autumn, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival is an experience you won’t want to miss.