Dollywood’s Harvest Festival is now underway through October 31, but visitors planning a Friday trip in mid-October should note a new ticket boundary: the park’s first Harvey’s Boo Bash will run after normal operations on October 16, 23 and 30. The limited-capacity party is a separate purchase, while the daytime festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights remain included with regular park admission or a season pass, according to Dollywood’s official festival guide.
Boo Bash runs from 9 p.m. to midnight on those three nights. A $129.99 ticket, plus tax, permits entry beginning at 4 p.m., so buyers can experience the late afternoon Harvest Festival and evening LumiNights before the after-hours party begins. Gold and Diamond season passholders receive a $5 discount. The party includes candy stations, character meet-and-greets, dance parties and access to rides; the operator also says event-only food and merchandise will be offered. Those details appear in both the festival event listing and Dollywood’s 2026 season announcement.
Guests who do not buy Boo Bash admission still have a substantial fall program during standard operating hours. Dollywood says the festival uses more than 12,000 pumpkins, presents more than 700 live performances and offers over 30 seasonal dishes. Great Pumpkin LumiNights includes the 40-foot pumpkin tree, Hoot Owl Hollow and other illuminated displays after dark. Regular rides continue operating during the festival, subject to weather and the park’s posted schedule.
Food sampling is optional and costs extra. The official guide prices the Harvest Festival Tasting Pass at $44.99 plus tax, or $41.99 for season passholders, for up to five selections. That makes the pass most relevant to visitors who expect to sample several festival dishes rather than buy a single meal.
There is also one nearer-term passholder opportunity: Dollywood has scheduled early ride time in Wildwood Grove for Saturday, September 19, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. The benefit is limited to 2026 Gold and Diamond passholders, requires advance action in the holder’s My Dollywood account, and has a check-in window from 8 to 9 a.m. Silver and Platinum passes do not qualify.
For planning purposes, the practical distinction is straightforward: standard Harvest Festival programming is covered by ordinary admission, food tasting costs extra, and the three Boo Bash nights require their own ticket. Visitors should confirm the operating calendar and attraction availability before traveling.
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