Neon Nights at Dollywood's Splash Country: Your Complete Guide

Published May 27, 2026

When the sun goes down on the Smokies, the glow turns up. Dollywood's Splash Country has just launched one of the most exciting new events of the summer season — Neon Nights — and if you're planning a Smoky Mountain getaway this summer, you'll want to build your trip around it. Here's everything you need to know, plus how to stay just minutes away in a cozy cabin with Heartland Cabin Rentals.

What Is Neon Nights?

As twilight settles over the Smokies, Dollywood's Splash Country transforms into a radiant, glowing playground. Neon Nights is an all-new after-hours celebration where thrilling water adventures, high-energy music, and dazzling color come together for the most electric nights of the season. Vibrant neon lights, immersive glow experiences, and a festive nighttime atmosphere make it a one-of-a-kind experience the whole family will love.

Best of all, because it's an after-hours event, the crowds are lighter — meaning shorter lines and more time to slide, splash, and float your way through the evening again and again, no rushing required.

Event Dates & Times

Neon Nights runs on select Fridays and Saturdays throughout summer 2025, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

June: 19, 20, 26, 27
July: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 30
August: 1

Pro tip: Arriving right at 7:30 means the shortest lines of the night. The most popular slides tend to build up after 8:30, so hit the thrill rides first and work your way to the wave pool for the live entertainment as the evening winds down.

Featured Rides & Attractions

Five of Splash Country's most beloved attractions are open during Neon Nights, all lit up and glowing after dark:

Mountain Waves — The park's massive 25,000 sq ft wave pool, perfect for floating under the neon sky. This is also where the live entertainment takes place all evening long.
Fire Tower Falls — The tallest and fastest slides in the park. Already thrilling by day, they're even wilder at night.
Mountain Scream — Choose your ride: winding corkscrew tunnels or aggressive quadruple-drop slides.
SwiftWater Run — Rush through a corkscrew tunnel before a breathtaking splash sends you sailing down the chute.
The Butterfly — Two steep 55-foot extreme slides for the thrill-seekers in your group.

What's Included with Your Ticket

Your Neon Nights admission covers much more than just the rides:

After-hours access to the five featured attractions with lighter crowds and shorter wait times
Exclusive Neon Nights dining menu featuring limited-time treats and specialty beverages available only during the event
Immersive glow elements throughout the park, including neon lighting, themed décor, and photo-worthy moments
Live entertainment at the Mountain Waves wave pool that keeps the energy bright all night long
Limited-release merchandise created exclusively for Neon Nights

Don't skip the exclusive food and drink menu — these specialty items are only available during the event and won't be found during regular park hours.

Tickets & Pricing

There are two ticket options depending on how you want to spend your day:

Event-Only Ticket (Ages 4+): $39.99 + tax — ideal if you're coming just for the 7:30–10:30 p.m. event
1-Day Ticket + Neon Nights Combo (Adults ages 10–61): $94.99 + tax — spend the full day at Splash Country, then stay for the glow
Season Passholders: Gold & Diamond passholders save $5 on event tickets

Child and senior pricing is available on the combo ticket. Weekend dates around the 4th of July are expected to be especially popular, so booking early is recommended.

Tips for the Best Neon Nights Experience

Wear white or neon. The UV lighting and glow elements in the park react brilliantly to white and brightly colored clothing. You'll glow in the dark — and your photos will thank you.

Hit the thrill rides first. Fire Tower Falls and The Butterfly draw the longest queues during peak evening hours. Head there right at 7:30 and then work your way toward the wave pool as the night progresses.

Eat before you arrive. The Neon Nights dining menu leans toward specialty treats and beverages rather than a full dinner. Grab a meal at one of the many great Pigeon Forge restaurants nearby before arriving, and save room for the event's signature glowing snacks.

Scope out photo spots early. The park is decked out with neon installations and themed décor throughout. Spend the first 20 minutes exploring before it gets too crowded to snag the best shots — especially around the wave pool area.

Stay close and skip the late-night drive. Staying in a cabin near Dollywood means you're just minutes from Splash Country. Roll back to your private hot tub at 10:30 instead of navigating traffic after a late night.

Stay Close: Cabins Near Dollywood

There's no better home base for a summer of Smoky Mountain adventures than a cozy cabin just minutes from the action. Heartland Cabin Rentals offers a hand-picked selection of cabins near Dollywood starting from $112/night — from romantic 1-bedroom escapes with private hot tubs to large group lodges sleeping up to 14 guests.

Imagine catching a wave at Mountain Waves under neon lights at 9 p.m., then unwinding in your cabin's private hot tub by 11 with the whole family. That's the Heartland experience.

Some guest favorites near Dollywood include:

Top of the World — 2 BR, sleeps 6, from $135/night (4.8★)
Bears Lair — 2 BR, sleeps 6, from $145/night (5★)
Peekin' Over Pigeon Forge — 3 BR, sleeps 8, from $155/night (5★)
Southern State of Mind — 3 BR, sleeps 8, from $160/night (5★)
License to Chill — 5 BR, sleeps 14, from $225/night (4.9★) — perfect for large groups

Not sure which cabin is right for your group? Browse all of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals and find your perfect match.

Free Attraction Tickets with Your Stay

Here's what makes a Heartland stay even sweeter: every reservation includes access to our Gateway to Fun Pass through Xplorie — giving you one free adult admission to top area attractions every single day of your stay.

That means you could pair a free daytime visit to Dollywood's Splash Country with a Neon Nights event ticket in the evening, getting an all-day-and-night waterpark experience for a fraction of the cost. Check out our free attractions page to see everything included, such as:

Dollywood Theme Park — one free adult ticket per day
Dollywood's Splash Country — one free adult ticket per day
Adventure Park Zip Lines
Soaky Mountain Water Park
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
Dolly Parton's Stampede
WonderWorks, Alcatraz East, Comedy Barn, and 18 more

A 3-night Heartland stay could include up to 3 free Splash Country admissions through Xplorie — easily $100+ in savings before you even buy your Neon Nights tickets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Neon Nights at Dollywood's Splash Country?

Neon Nights is an all-new after-hours event running on select Fridays and Saturdays in summer 2025. From 7:30–10:30 p.m., the park is transformed with neon lighting, live entertainment, an exclusive dining menu, limited-release merchandise, and access to five featured water attractions — all with lighter-than-normal crowds.

Do I need a separate ticket for Neon Nights?

Yes. Neon Nights requires either a dedicated event-only ticket ($39.99 + tax for ages 4+) or a 1-Day + Event combo ticket ($94.99 + tax for adults). Regular daytime admission does not include Neon Nights access.

Which rides are open during Neon Nights?

Five attractions are featured: Mountain Waves wave pool, Fire Tower Falls, Mountain Scream, SwiftWater Run, and The Butterfly.

Is Neon Nights family-friendly?

Absolutely. The neon atmosphere, wave pool, and live entertainment are great for all ages. Some rides like Fire Tower Falls and The Butterfly are better suited for older kids and adults, but Mountain Waves is a wonderful option for the whole family.

Do Heartland Cabin guests get free Splash Country tickets?

Yes! Through the Gateway to Fun Pass with Xplorie, Heartland guests receive one free adult Dollywood's Splash Country admission every day of their stay (seasonal restrictions apply; call Xplorie to redeem). This is separate from Neon Nights event tickets but makes it easy to enjoy a free daytime visit and return for the evening event. See all free attraction tickets here.

Where can I stay near Dollywood's Splash Country?

Heartland Cabin Rentals offers cabins near Dollywood starting from $112/night. You can also browse all Heartland Smoky Mountain cabins to find the right size and style for your group. Call us at (865) 430-9093 — we're open 9am–9pm.

What should I wear to Neon Nights?

Bring your swimsuit, water shoes, and a towel. For the full effect, wear white or brightly colored clothing over your suit — the UV and neon lighting makes light colors glow and makes for amazing photos.

Is there food available during the event?

Yes — Neon Nights features an exclusive dining menu with limited-time specialty treats and beverages only available during the event. We recommend having dinner before arriving and saving room for the signature neon-themed snacks.

How do I book a cabin near Dollywood with Heartland?

Browse and book directly at heartlandrentals.com/rentals/cabins-near-dollywood/ or call us at (865) 430-9093. We're open 9am–9pm and happy to help you find the perfect cabin for your trip.

Ready to make Neon Nights the highlight of your Smoky Mountain summer? Browse cabins near Dollywood, check out our full list of Smoky Mountain cabin rentals, and don't forget to explore all the free attraction tickets included with your Heartland stay. Call us at (865) 430-9093 — we'd love to help you plan the perfect trip.