PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Dollywood’s popular Harvest Festival presented by Humana has once again earned a nomination for USA Today’s 10Best Award for Best Theme Park Halloween Event.
The annual reader-voted contest is now accepting votes and runs through September 21 at 11:59 a.m. Winners will be announced on September 30.
The Harvest Festival, highlighted by the award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights, has become a consistent favorite in the national competition, drawing visitors from across the country to the Smokies each fall.
Anyone can vote once per day, per device, through the contest website. Nominees are selected by a panel of experts that includes USA Today editors, 10Best.com editors, and industry contributors.
This year’s Harvest Festival takes place September 14 through October 31, transforming Dollywood into a celebration of autumn featuring thousands of illuminated pumpkins, seasonal entertainment, and extended operating hours.
One of the festival’s biggest attractions, Great Pumpkin LumiNights, features more than 12,000 carved and illuminated pumpkins displayed throughout the park. During the festival, Dollywood remains open until 9 p.m. each night, giving guests additional time to experience the glowing nighttime displays.
Visitors also can take advantage of special extended park hours from October 3 through October 15, when Dollywood will operate from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Adding to the fall lineup this year is Harvey’s Boo Bash, Dollywood’s first separately ticketed after-hours Halloween-themed event.
The new event will be held on October 16, October 23, and October 30 from 9 p.m. until midnight, immediately following the conclusion of regular Harvest Festival activities.
Guests attending Harvey’s Boo Bash will enjoy exclusive access to Great Pumpkin LumiNights, candy collection stations, character meet-and-greets, dance parties, and select Dollywood attractions.
Among the featured rides available during the event is the park’s newest attraction, NightFlight Expedition.
Dollywood officials say a limited number of tickets will be sold for each Boo Bash event, allowing guests shorter wait times for attractions and more opportunities to participate in Halloween-themed activities.
The event will also feature two dance parties each night, including a kickoff celebration at 9:30 p.m. and a late-night party beginning at 11 p.m.
For more information about the Harvest Festival, Great Pumpkin LumiNights, Harvey’s Boo Bash, or to vote in the USA Today 10Best competition, visit http://Dollywood.com or use the Dollywood mobile app.
