Dollyfest 2027
Dollyfest 2027 — The Celebration of a Lifetime
Ring in the New Year in spectacular style,Thousands gather at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle for live music, party favors, and the midnight countdown that lights up the Smoky Mountain sky.
The event features a stunning pyrotechnic display synchronized to music, creating one of the most popular New Year’s celebrations in the Southeast. Join locals and visitors alike as Gatlinburg welcomes 2026 with excitement and sparkle!
Who It’s For: Dolly Parton fans, country music lovers, memorial travelers, families honoring her legacy, and anyone drawn to one of the biggest music tribute events of 2027.
What to Expect: A star-studded two-day multi-artist music festival on each of two consecutive weekends (Nashville and London), performances celebrating Dolly’s music and life, tributes from country music icons and Dolly’s collaborators, memorial exhibits, and a global gathering of fans across two continents.
Do’s: Watch dollyparton.com for official date announcements and ticket release information, book Nashville lodging early once dates are confirmed (this will be one of 2027’s biggest music events), and plan a Smoky Mountain add-on stay at Smith Creek Resort to visit Dollywood and the region that inspired her.
Don’ts: Don’t expect the event in Pigeon Forge — the two festival weekends are in Nashville, Tennessee and London, England, not the Smokies. Don’t wait to book — Dollyfest tickets are expected to sell out rapidly once released.
Information
Date and Timings
- Dates: 2027 — two consecutive weekends (exact dates and venues to be announced by the Dolly Parton estate)
Hours: Two-day festival format on each weekend
What to Know
- Type of Experience: Multi-artist memorial music festival, celebration of a global icon's life and legacy.
- Fun Fact: Dollyfest was conceived by Dolly Parton herself before her passing in October 2026 — she originally planned it as a multi-artist celebration of her 80th birthday on January 19, 2026, before postponing due to health challenges. As organizer Danny Nozell noted, "What Dolly started, we will ensure is brought to life."
Legend Of Tennessee
Honor Dolly's Legacy in the Smokies
While Dollyfest itself takes place in Nashville and London, Dolly Parton's true home was the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee — and Smith Creek Resort sits at the heart of the region she made world-famous. For guests wanting to honor her memory locally during a Smoky Mountain stay:
- Dollywood in Pigeon Forge (12 miles / 25 min from Smith Creek Resort) — Dolly's beloved theme park, which she took over in 1986 and built into one of the world's leading family destinations. The park has announced new tribute additions in 2027, including guest memory kiosks in Wildwood Grove where visitors can record their memories of Dolly.
- Dolly Parton's Stampede in Pigeon Forge — Dolly's flagship dinner attraction featuring 32 horses and Christmas-themed performances during the holiday season.
- Sevierville, Tennessee — Dolly's hometown, about 8 miles from Smith Creek Resort, home to a bronze Dolly Parton statue at the Sevier County Courthouse — a favorite pilgrimage stop for fans.
- Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa — Dolly's personally designed resort experience, worth a visit for architecture and interior details Dolly personally curated.
