Dollywood’s Splash Country adds Neon Nights, upgraded cabanas, and new food (2026)
Dollywood’s Splash Country is returning for its 26th season with several new additions for summer 2026, including an after-hours glow event, upgraded guest spaces, new food offerings, and a park-wide move to cashless payments.
The water park officially reopens May 16 in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
As an Orlando-based publication, here at Attractions Magazine, we love seeing regional parks adopt strategies that have served Orlando’s attractions well. Dollywood’s Splash Country is enhancing their summer offerings with a new nighttime event, similar to what we’re familiar with during summer in Orlando.
These new additions coming to Splash Country help emphasize why Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a destination in our top seven places for summer vacation this year.
Neon Nights debuts this summer
The biggest new addition this season is Neon Nights, a separately ticketed after-hours event taking place on select Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Courtesy of Dollywood
During the event, Splash Country transforms with neon lighting, immersive glow experiences, DJs, and nighttime entertainment while select attractions remain open with lighter crowds.
“Neon Nights is unlike anything our guests have experienced at Splash Country before,” said Jordan Leach, Director of Operations. “We wanted to offer our guests an opportunity to enjoy the water park in a unique way that felt like it was created just for them. With exclusive experiences and lighter crowds, we are excited to welcome guests after dark.”
Neon Nights tickets start at $39.99 plus tax, while bundled daytime admission packages begin at $94.99 plus tax.
Courtesy of Dollywood
Splash Bash LIVE returns
Returning entertainment includes Splash Bash LIVE, which begins June 9 on select Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at the Wave Pool stage with DJs and dance parties throughout the day.
Updated canopies add charging and mobile ordering
One of the park’s largest operational upgrades happened during the offseason, when all Splash Country canopies received updates designed to improve guest comfort.
Each canopy now includes:
- Fans
- Mobile device charging
- Mobile order food delivery
Waterside retreats also return for guests looking for upgraded lounge spaces during the day.
New menu items arrive around the park
Several new food and beverage options are debuting for the 2026 season, including:
- Firecracker Street Corn with cilantro lime crema, cotija cheese, and spicy crunch topping
- Rocky Paw pastries topped with vanilla icing, chocolate toffee crumbles, and caramel drizzle
- Loaded BBQ Fries with smoked pork, queso blanco, BBQ sauce, and green onions
- Ube Lemonade
- Neon Pink Lemonade
- Blue Raspberry Boba
Splash Country goes cashless
New this year, Splash Country is now fully cashless.
Guests can use:
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
Cash to Card kiosks will also be available throughout the park for guests who arrive with cash. According to park leadership, the move is intended to speed up transactions throughout the water park.
Water Safety Day returns in June
The park’s annual Water Safety Day returns June 25 in partnership with Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen.
The event includes the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson along with educational activities focused on water safety skills for children and families.
For more information on Splash Country’s newest offerings, and to purchase tickets, visit Dollywood.com.
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