A New Way to Celebrate Halloween in the Smokies
Dollywood is officially entering the after-hours arena this October with a brand-new special event called Harvey’s Boo Bash. If you have ever been to a Disney after-hours party, you know the drill: limited capacity, short wait times for rides, and plenty of treats. This is the first time the Pigeon Forge park has tried a separately-ticketed Halloween event, and it is shaping up to be a major addition to the Smoky Mountain fall season.
For its inaugural season in 2026, the event is keeping things exclusive with only three scheduled dates: October 16, 23, and 30. While the park is already famous for its Harvest Festival and the glowing Great Pumpkin LumiNights, Harvey’s Boo Bash offers a more intimate, high-energy experience that carries the fun all the way until midnight.
What to Expect at the Boo Bash
The event is hosted by Harvey the Hare, one of Dollywood’s beloved harvest-time characters. Because this is a family-friendly celebration, you don’t have to worry about scary haunts or jump scares. Instead, the focus is on festive fun. Guests can enjoy several exclusive activities that aren’t available during normal park hours.
- Trick-or-Treating: Multiple candy collecting stations will be scattered throughout the park. Dollywood is even providing a complimentary candy bag for every guest.
- Character Meet & Greets: You will have the chance to meet Harvey and other favorite seasonal characters in special event-only spots.
- Dance Parties: Two separate dance parties will keep the energy high. The first kicks off at 9:30 p.m. to start the night, and a second late-night celebration happens at 11:00 p.m.
- Exclusive Eats: There will be special culinary items and merchandise available only during the party.
One of the biggest perks for attendees is the inclusion of a commemorative souvenir cup. This cup allows for free Coca-Cola fountain drinks throughout the night. Guests also receive a free themed snack and access to allergen-friendly treat options.
Ride Access and NightFlight Expedition
For coaster enthusiasts, the limited ticket sales are the real draw. Attendees will have access to many of Dollywood’s award-winning attractions with much shorter lines than usual. This includes the highly anticipated NightFlight Expedition, the park’s new $50 million indoor hybrid coaster and whitewater raft ride. Riding these world-class coasters in the dark of the mountains is an experience that regular day guests rarely get to fully enjoy.
Planning Your Visit
Tickets for Harvey’s Boo Bash are priced at $129.99 plus tax. While the event officially runs from 9:00 p.m. to midnight, your ticket actually gets you into the park starting at 6:00 p.m. This gives you three extra hours to enjoy the Great Pumpkin LumiNights before the private party begins.
Our expert take? If you’re a family that loves the atmosphere of the Harvest Festival but hates the massive crowds that typically flock to Pigeon Forge in October, this is a fantastic investment. The 6:00 p.m. entry makes the price tag much easier to swallow, essentially giving you six hours of park time with three of those being very low-capacity.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.