Recap of Dollywood’s 40th Anniversary Celebration Weekend
Dolly Parton’s fingerprints are all over the Smokies, with Dollywood being one of the most beloved theme parks in the country. It’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years since the park’s opening day on May 3, 1986. These last 40 years of Dollywood have been remarkable, to say the least, and we have a recap of Dollywood’s 40th Anniversary Celebration weekend, as well as some exciting news to share!
What Happened During Dollywood’s 40th Anniversary Celebration?
The media event at the Celebrity Theater kicked off the anniversary weekend with a musical performance by the cast of Play On, a new show specifically created for Dollwood’s 40th year, with a retrospective experience featuring songs and skits from years past. You won’t want to miss this show, so head over to the Pines Theater during your visit to Dollywood and check it out!
Then, Dolly Parton took to the stage, emerging from a large cake (a sweet callback to 40 years ago when Dolly posed atop a large cake to celebrate the park’s first operating day). She even wore a replica of her dress from 1986, a beautiful white sequined gown with lace and ruffles. She announced some exciting news and was joined by the park’s owners and the President of Dollywood for a Q&A that revealed more about what’s in store (keep reading for details about the announcements)!
Another highlight of the weekend was Dollywood’s 40th Anniversary Parade. Dolly rode through the streets of Dollywood underneath the iconic umbrella sky in a carriage-like vehicle decked out in gorgeous yellow and purple blooms. With Dolly’s greatest hits playing from the speakers and her smiles and waves to the crowds, the entire celebration captured Dolly’s love for the Great Smoky Mountains, her fellow Tennesseans, and all of her beloved fans.
Exciting Announcements from Dollywood’s Anniversary Weekend
Now that we’ve talked about an overall recap of the weekend’s celebrations, here are all the details about the new updates that were revealed during Dollywood’s 40th Anniversary:
Dolly Announced New Partnership With Every Child TN
Probably the most wonderful news from Dollywood’s anniversary weekend was Dolly’s announcement that every child in foster care can receive a complimentary day at Dollywood when they visit with their Tennessee foster family, thanks to Dollywood’s partnership with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services and Every Child TN. Learn more about requirements and how to submit a request here!
Updates About the New 2026 Ride
When asked about the new Dollywood attraction coming in 2026, the park’s president revealed that it will be a 44,000 square-foot indoor attraction, and that this family-friendly area won’t be kept a secret for much longer, as it will be a 5 stories! More updates and information will surely be released once construction begins.
Extended Season for the Imagination Playhouse
The Imagination Playhouse is a new show that the younger kids will love! Three children’s books, including the Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton, are brought to life in a 20-minute sing-along performance, each of which includes a special video appearance from Dolly! The exciting update is that the show’s season is now extended through September, so families have even more opportunities to take their kids to this one-of-a-kind show!
New Wilderness Pass Restaurant Opened
Dollywood’s 40th Anniversary Celebration also marked the opening of the theme park’s newest place to eat — Wilderness Pass Restaurant in Timber Canyon. This cafeteria-style restaurant makes it easy for you to see all of the delicious options and move through the line quickly. Once you’ve received your food, you can head outside to the large seating area between the Mystery Mine and Firechaser Express rides. So what’s on the Wilderness Pass Restaurant menu? Choose from BBQ braised beef, fried catfish, rotisserie half chicken, slow-smoked pulled pork, or country sausage. Southern sides include mac and cheese, baked beans, cheddar grits, sweet yams, corn salad, spicy collards, and you also have several choices of soup and salad. All entrees come with a biscuit and a dessert. Mobile order and pickup is also available!
40 Years of Dollywood: What’s Next?
That’s a wrap on Dollywood’s 40th Anniversary Celebration weekend, but you’ll find special things going on at the park all year long to commemorate this special milestone! Find out more about Dollywood’s 2025 season and schedule, and start planning your visit!
