When does Dollywood open? What Dolly Parton's theme park has planned for its 40th season

Dollywood is gearing up for an epic 2025 season. Are you ready?

Dolly Parton’s popular theme park in Pigeon Forge is celebrating its 40th season this year. The park has new shows, good food, more fun and other surprises planned. Longtime fans will even get to enjoy the return of a few old favorites.

“I can’t believe that we’ve been making memories for folks here at my Dollywood for 40 years,” Parton said in a statement. “That’s a lot of laughter, hugs and smiles, and I’m glad that we’ve been able to be part of it for so many years.”

Dollywood confirmed to Knox News in January that more 40th anniversary plans will be shared, but here’s when guests can start enjoying all the fun.

When will Dollywood open in 2025?

Dollywood’s 40^th season kicks off March 14 with a special preview for season passholders. The I Will Always Love You Music Festival, celebrating songwriters, begins that day, too.

The theme park will welcome all guests beginning March 15.

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What to expect during Dollywood’s 40th season

Dollywood will celebrate its 40^th season with special moments and surprises throughout the year. Many will occur during the park’s traditional seasonal festivals.

Here are some of the theme park's anniversary plans:

• A new opening ceremony will occur at the beginning of each operating day in 2025.

• A 40th anniversary show highlighting moments from guest-favorite shows throughout the park’s history debuts Memorial Day weekend and runs through the end of the summer.

• A new drone and fireworks show will honor the 40th anniversary during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration.

• “Heartsong: The Movie” will be remastered and moved to Dreamsong Theater as part of The Dolly Parton Experience in celebration of the 40th anniversary. It will run in conjunction with “Heidi Parton’s Kin & Friends.”

• The Country Fair area of the park will receive a “bright refresh” during the 2025 season.

What months is Dollywood open?

Dollywood’s operating season runs from mid-March to early January. However, the park’s leaders have long expressed wanting to extend its season for more family fun.

“Behind the scenes, a big part of my job is the development of the long-term plan that's gonna drive our overall experiences,” Dollywood President Eugene Naughton told Knox News last year. “I'm very focused on trying to march my way toward (Dollywood being open throughout the year).”

The 40^th season Dollywood will have 273 operating days, according to the posted operating calendar. That’s eight days less than last year, which was park’s longest season ever with 281 scheduled operating days.

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter, @dturner1208.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Dolly Parton's Dollywood is celebrating its 40th season: When to visit