Fireworks, Magic and Stunt Dogs the Highlights of Summer at Dollywood

With amazing new entertainment, extended park hours and a nightly fireworks show, Dollywood is the perfect place for families to celebrate the fun and excitement of summer.

From June 11 – Aug. 7, 2016, Dollywood’s park hours are 10 a.m.–10 p.m. daily, allowing guests more time to create memories and share experiences together. In addition to extended hours during this time, visitors can enjoy Dolly’s Nights of Many Colors, a spectacular synchronized fireworks show that paints a colorful canvas across the Smoky Mountain sky. Guests also can join in the excitement of Lite the Nite, a high-spirited dance party that occurs each evening prior to the fireworks extravaganza.

Two new shows headline the summer beginning with award-winning illusionist Brad Ross’ Unbelievable magic show June 11 – July 10.

Ross takes audiences on an inspirational journey into a world of fun and magic where anything is possible. Along the way, children learn to discover the magic in everyday items and events they find all around them. Each show features unbelievable magic and illusions, comedy and audience interaction. It’s an awe-inspiring show that is fresh and fun for both kids and adults.

“I’m beyond thrilled to be joining the Dollywood family and bringing our incredible illusions, world-class magic and pure family fun to Pigeon Forge this summer,” Ross explained. “One of the things I’m most excited about is the opportunity to help families experience magic in a whole new way – my show is all about finding the magic that’s all around us and there is no more perfect place to make that happen than at Dollywood!”

Dollywood’s Lightning Rod officially opened to the public on Monday, June 13.

Not only is Lightning Rod the world’s fastest wood coaster, but it also is the world’s first launching wood coaster. The ride, which is located in Dollywood’s Jukebox Junction, provides guests with nearly 20 seconds of airtime. The coaster train is comprised of 12 cars, carrying two passengers each, for a total of 24 people per train. Upon arrival at the ride site, onlookers can’t help but notice the coaster’s massive lift hill, which sits high above Dollywood—more than 20 stories to be exact.

Dollywood goes to the dogs July 11 – Aug. 7 with the high-flying antics of Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience.

These talented animals will leave audiences begging for more. Trainers work with these performing pooches to create a high-energy show which features remarkable tricks and eye-popping special effects. All of the dogs in Perondi’s show are adopted from pounds and shelters nationwide. Perondi’s stunt dogs have been featured on The Tonight Show, Ellen and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

“I am ‘dog-gone’ excited to bring back my Stunt Dog Experience to Dollywood this summer,” Perondi said. “Dollywood is one of our favorite theme parks and performing in the Celebrity Theater is an honor. I can promise this show is fur-flying fun for the whole family!”

Summer also means it’s story time again at The Little Engine Playhouse, as some of The Imagination Library’s best titles are brought to life! Old Bear and His Cub and Betty Bunny Didn’t Do It are featured as 25-minute musicals with special sing-along songs written by Dolly. Everyone’s favorite, The Little Engine That Could, also comes to the stage with a delightful reminder of what can happen with a bit of determination and courage.

Festive food adds to the Dollywood experience during the summer with unique new items including macaroni & cheese with various toppings, pretzel dogs, banana split funnel cakes and frozen chocolate-dipped bananas.