PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee — (June 12, 2026) — One of Dollywood’s long-standing promotions has been extended into the summer to thank those who work tirelessly each day to serve our country and communities. Dollywood’s Public Employee Appreciation Days has been a popular promotion this season, with qualifying guests from across the country taking advantage of this special offer.
In honor of these guests, Dollywood officials have extended the Public Employee Appreciation Days program until June 28, allowing eligible guests the opportunity to buy one-day Dollywood admission tickets online for just $59 plus tax.
The exclusive offer can be purchased online at Dollywood.com/PublicEmployee for a limited time and is valid for use through June 28. Members of the military, first responders, school system employees, government employees and medical employees nationwide who have verified their employment status through ID.me are eligible for the offer. Verified public employees may purchase up to six $59 one-day admission tickets to Dollywood theme park as part of the program.
Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show takes on a patriotic theme to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary as it takes to the skies as part of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City (June 15-Aug. 2). Other guest favorites—”Gazillion Bubble Show” and “Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience” — also return for playful family fun.
A family tradition for many, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 14-Oct. 31) celebrates the beauty of fall with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented singers and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Great Pumpkin LumiNights, which previously has been named the best theme park harvest event in the world, features elaborate displays that are fun for every member of the family.
The industry’s Best Theme Park Christmas event—Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 6–Jan. 3, 2027)—wraps up the park’s 2026 season with 6 million lights, festive holiday shows, and the warm, joyful atmosphere guests look forward to each year.
For more information about this special offer, visit Dollywood.com/PublicEmployee.
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About Dollywood Parks & Resorts: A highly awarded and widely recognized leader in the amusement industry, Dollywood Parks & Resorts consists of the 165-acre Dollywood theme park; the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country; and two award-winning resort properties: Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. As unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton, Dollywood opened in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on May 3, 1986, and earned the theme park industry’s highest accolade, the Applause Award, in 2010. Dollywood has earned 67 Golden Ticket Awards and 28 Brass Ring Awards for live entertainment. In 2022, 2024 and 2025, Dollywood was named by Tripadvisor as the #1 theme park in the country based on actual guest reviews. The park is located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park and has been recognized as a top U.S. theme park by USA Today on multiple occasions. Dollywood is open mid-March through early January and offers rides, attractions, shows and crafters inspired by and authentic to the East Tennessee region. Dollywood’s Splash Country, recognized by the Travel Channel and Tripadvisor as one of the country’s most beautiful water parks, operates from mid-May to mid-September. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa as well as Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort provide guests with spectacular mountain views and family-friendly amenities next door to Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country. For more information, visit dollywood.com. Operating days and hours vary.
Media Contacts:
Pete Owens: Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, (865) 428-9486, (865) 755-7972 or [email protected]
Wes Ramey: Public Relations Director, (865) 428-9484, (865) 640-3805 or [email protected]
Ellen Liston: Public Relations Manager, (865) 428-9629, (865) 919-7001 or [email protected]
Jennifer Webb: Sr. Publicist, (865) 428-9602, (865) 323-7584 or [email protected]
Sophia Nieves: Publicist, (865) 428-9456, (256) 631-5413 or [email protected]
For B-roll, photography and more information, visit the Dollywood Media Room at http://www.dollywood.com/Media/Media-Roo