Dolly Parton Just Gave You the Perfect Excuse to Visit the Smokies After Dark

By Meghann Foye Parade - Trending Stories

Updated May 15, 2026 6:25 AM

If you've been waiting for the perfect excuse to head to the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the "Butterfly in Chief" herself just gave you one. Dollywood's Splash Country is officially kicking off its 26th season this Saturday, May 16, but there is a brand-new reason to stay long after the sun goes down this summer.

While the award-winning water park is famous for its mountain views and family-friendly thrills, the real buzz this year is about what happens when the gates usually close. Starting June 19, the park is debuting "Neon Nights," a high-energy, separately ticketed after-hours event. Think immersive glow experiences, neon lights, and exclusive entertainment that transforms the park into a vibrant, late-night oasis from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on select weekends.

But the "glow-up" doesn't stop at the lighting. The park is leaning into some seriously trendy flavors for the 2026 season. If you're a foodie, you'll want to look for the new Firecracker Street Corn or the "Rocky Paw" Bear Paw-a decadent treat loaded with vanilla icing, toffee crumbles, and caramel. To wash it all down, they're serving up Instagram-ready sips like Ube Lemonade and Blue Raspberry Boba.

For those who prefer to "lounge like Dolly," the park has also upgraded its canopy rentals. You can now hide away from the Southern sun in spots equipped with fans, power for your mobile devices, and the ultimate luxury: mobile order food delivery straight to your seat. No more standing in line for BBQ fries while your hair is still wet!

A few logistical heads-ups before you pack your swimsuit:

Go Cashless: The park has fully transitioned to electronic payments to keep lines moving. If you only have cash, don't worry-there are "Cash to Card" kiosks scattered throughout the park.
Mark the Calendar: Daily operations begin May 23, and the park's famous Water Safety Day returns on June 25, featuring the "World's Largest Swimming Lesson"-a free 30-minute session for kids at the wave pool.

Whether you're there for the $39.99 Neon Nights party or a full day of Smoky Mountain splashing, it's clear that Dolly is making sure the 2026 season is anything but ordinary. Happy splashing!

This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 5:10 AM.

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