PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (April 3, 2025) — Zach Williams and legendary Christian rock band Skillet headline Dollywood’s popular contemporary Christian music event, Rock the Smokies, with multiple shows set to take place in Celebrity Theater on Saturday, Aug. 23.
One of contemporary Christian music’s most well-known names, Zach Williams has become known for chart-toppers—including “There Was Jesus,” a collaboration with Dollywood’s Dreamer-in-Chief Dolly Parton—that tell the story of how God’s love and guidance changed his life. While on tour with the Southern rock band he co-founded, Williams knew he needed to follow another path.
“I can remember walking through the front door crying after I got back from that tour. I apologized to my wife and my kids. I asked God to be the Lord of my life, and things started to change,” he says. “I remember getting on my knees praying, saying ‘I don’t care if I don’t do music again. I will find a job, go to church, and be a good dad…One thing after another, God showed up.”
Williams said he’s thankful for the second chance and prioritizes his wife and kids over his career saying, “Now, I won’t play anywhere where they can’t come along.” The opportunity to perform at Rock the Smokies provides Williams’ family a great place to play while dad is at work.
Contemporary Christian rock band Skillet co-headlines the Rock the Smokies concerts. The Dove Award-winning and Grammy-nominated group was formed in 1996 and has transcended music genres with their songs featured in places beyond the Christian radio airwaves.
Guests can expect to hear songs from Skillet’s newest album, Revolution, alongside their multi-platinum hits, including “Monster,” “Hero,” “Awake and Alive,” and “Feel Invincible.”
“We are excited to be at Rock the Smokies this year at Dollywood. We look forward to rocking out alongside some other great artists, like Zach Williams,” said John Cooper of Skillet. “We love whenever we get the opportunity to play in our new home state and you know that we need to have that famous cinnamon bread at Dollywood. Let’s rock!”
Additionally, Rock the Smokies features several other contemporary Christian artists performing on stages throughout the park. Those artists include Alexander Pappas, Micah Christopher, Ivey Asher, and Sansone. All performances outside of Celebrity Theater are free with park admission. Dr. Joy Greene serves as the emcee of the Celebrity Theater performances.
Tickets for the headline events are extremely popular, and premium seats tend to sell out quickly. Pre-sale begins Thursday, April 10, with tickets on sale to the general public on Friday, April 11. Tickets are good for seats in Celebrity Theater shows only; all other general admission concerts are first come, first served. Guests can save $19 on tickets purchased during the Super Early Bird promotion available through June 27.
Photo opportunities are available through the platinum VIP package. Special Dollywood season passholder pricing also is available on the event website, rockthesmokiesfest.com
By combining all the adventure of a day at the theme park with great music, Dollywood has crafted a unique event packed with fun for all ages. A ticket purchase includes admission to Dollywood. Discounts are available for groups, season passholders and guests who order tickets early. Packages are available that include VIP seating, t-shirts, pictures with the artists and much more!
-Dollywood2025-
About Dollywood Parks & Resorts: A highly awarded and widely recognized leader in the amusement industry, The Dollywood Company consists of the 165-acre Dollywood theme park; the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country; and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, and the newly opened Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. As unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the 2010 Applause Award winner, the theme park industry’s highest accolade; winner of 58 Golden Ticket Awards; and recipient of 28 Brass Ring Awards for Live Entertainment. The park is located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park and earned the Golden Ticket Award for the Best Park in the world in 2023. This year, Dollywood was named by Tripadvisor as the #1 theme park in the country based on actual guest reviews. It also 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 and attractions, shows and crafters 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 Labor Day. 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]