Exciting New Attractions in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg & Sevierville, TN 2026
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New Thrills at Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country
Dollywood remains a top destination with exciting updates for 2026. The park has introduced a brand-new ride that promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers of all ages. Alongside this, Dollywood’s Splash Country has expanded its offerings with Neon Nights, a special event featuring glowing lights, music, and nighttime water fun. This event adds a fresh twist to the classic water park experience, making it a must-visit after dark.
Additionally, Dollywood has released a special Monopoly collector's edition in partnership with Hasbro, giving fans a unique collectible that celebrates the park and its surroundings. You can purchase at Dollywood!
NEW Food, Family-Friendly Fun and New Locations 2026
Sevierville has welcomed several new dining and entertainment spots that blend local flavor with family-friendly appeal:
Sawyer’s Farmhouse Breakfast has moved to a new location on Wears Valley Road, offering a new atmosphere and fresh menu options.
Whataburger opened at 1536 Parkway, providing a familiar fast-food favorite for visitors and locals alike.
Culver’s also launched a new location in Sevierville, known for its ButterBurgers and frozen custard.
HTeaO Sevierville is a new Tea Room in Sevierville, on Dolly Parton Parkway, with unique offerings, including Matcha!
La Crème Cheesecakes on Glades Road in Gatlinburg, offers delicious desserts that are perfect for a sweet treat during your visit.
Moonshine Mountain Cookies and Ice Cream In Pigeon Forge, has become a popular stop for those craving homemade-style desserts with a local twist.
New Entertainment, Lodging, Nightlife and Adventure Options
The Jersey Hustle Comedy Club in Sevierville is bringing the area something it definitely needed! Forget all your troubles and have a good laugh, some drinks and some pizza.
Riley Green's Duck Blind Bar on the strip in Gatlinburg will open a live music venue and restaurant, named for the country music star Riley Green, who has a passion for the hunt. The concept is pretty simple: Hunting lodge meets county music dive bar. It will be on the 2 floors above the current location of Tennessee Shine Company.
For those looking for something playful and a bit rebellious, The Scoundrel Hotel on Airport Road will offer a unique hideout experience that blends Moonshine lore and legends, with Appalachian history, fun and mischief. Event and Wedding spaces, culinary experiences, upscale and rustic chic - all in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. (Opening date TBA)
Meanwhile, Gatlinburg Adventure Mining on Regan Drive invites visitors to try their hand at gem mining, a classic Smoky Mountains activity with a new twist.
Sevierville’s Sevier Smash's Rage Rooms provides a safe space to release stress by smashing objects, a novel way to unwind and have fun.
Pigeon Forge’s Slick City indoor slide and action park has replaced the former Top Jump trampoline park on the Parkway, bringing new, exciting indoor activities that cater to families and groups.
Gon Ridin' ATV Off Road Tours opened in 2025, but I thought it was worth mentioning here! Guided mountain backwoods adventures, ages 16 and up, for experienced or 1st timers!
Museums Additions
*begins in June 2026, temporary exhibit!
One of Pigeon Forge's favorite museum, Alcatraz East Crime Museum, which features exhibits on famous criminals and law enforcement history, will add an exhibit about the Murdaugh Murders, which explores the famous investigation and trial of Alex Murdaugh.
The Hatfield & McCoy Experience is now open in Pigeon Forge! This museum includes authentic artifacts, stories, and historical exhibits and is presented by actual family members. Also enjoy ice cream, a gift shop, shine tasting, and gem mining.
Anakeesta Attraction Enhancements
Anakeesta, the popular outdoor adventure park in Gatlinburg, has added new attractions, including a new Nightime Firefly Experience and new faster and larger all glass Gondola lifts, The Crystal Express, to enhance the mountain experience. Visitors can enjoy expanded Treetop SkyWalk, new viewpoints, and interactive activities that highlight the natural beauty of the Smokies. See My Review of Anakeesta.
Laurel Falls Trail area has undergone renovations to improve accessibility and visitor experience, making it easier for families and hikers to enjoy this iconic waterfall. Expected reopening is Summer 2026.
Future Developments and Redevelopment Plans
The old Smokies Stadium site is under consideration for potential multi-use redevelopment. This plan aims to create a versatile space that could include entertainment, retail, and community areas, further enriching the local landscape.
The Sweet Spot is on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge and include PGA Golf, Hittrax baseball simulators, chimney cake ice cream cones, Putt Mania mini golf and more. Great place for a birthday party!
The Alibi Speakeasy and Coffee Syndicate blends an upscale, mysterious, vibe with a prohibition cocktail lounge inspired atmosphere, providing a unique spot downtown Gatlinburg, to relax and socialize. 2 separate businesses, with Coffee in the front, and the barista will tell you where the Speakeasy entrance is!
Lucille’s General Store will replace Uncle Lem's on the Pigeon Forge Parkway, and will serve coffee, ice cream, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Now Open!
SmokyMountainStarlight.com Homepage
Summary of New Attractions
Dollywood’s new ride "Nightflight" and Dollywood Monopoly edition, Pigeon Forge
Neon Nights at Dollywood’s Splash Country, Pigeon Forge
Sawyer’s Farmhouse new location on Wears Valley Road, Pigeon Forge
Alcatraz Crime Museum's Alex Murdaugh Temporary Summer Exhibit, Pigeon Forge
Additions at Anakeesta, Gatlinburg
The Scoundrel Hotel on Airport Road, Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg Adventure Mining on Regan Drive, Gatlinburg
Sevier Smash & Rage Room, Sevierville
La Crème Cheesecakes, Sevierville
Moonshine Mountain Cookies and Ice Cream, Pigeon Forge
Laurel Falls Trail renovation in Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Whataburger, Sevierville
Culver’s Burgers and Frozen Custard, Sevierville
HteaO Iced Tea and Matcha, Sevierville
Slick City indoor activities replacing Top Jump in Pigeon Forge
The Hatfield & McCoy Experience Museum, Pigeon Forge
Alibi Speakeasy and Coffee Syndicate, Gatlinburg
Lucille’s General Store, Pigeon Forge
Future redevelopment plans for Smokies Stadium area, Kodak
Riley Green's Duck Blind Bar, Restaurant & Live Music, Gatlinburg
Jersey Hustle Comedy Club, Sevierville