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Angelina Alcantar
A family takes a picture in front of the entrance to Dollywood during opening day of Dollywood's 41st season in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., on March 13, 2026.
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Angelina Alcantar
Dolly Parton waves to fans during the DeWitt Tour during opening day of Dollywood's 41st season in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., on March 13, 2026.
Nashville is known for being Music City, and summertime here starts with the volume knob clocked to 10.
The first week in June, you’re grabbing peaches from the Peach Truck for a snack on the way to CMA Fest. Maybe the next weekend, you catch Dolly Parton’s Threads at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, or check out her exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Then there are art crawls, festivals, farmers’ markets, dozens of summer concerts, the pickleball craze, or swimming pools. Maybe you just want to decide your plans in the moment? Regardless, Nashville has enough things to do to keep you busy all summer long. Here are many of our favorite ways to spend the long, hot summer days and nights.
Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony, 1 Symphony Place
Following a sold-out world premiere, Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony returns to Schermerhorn Symphony Center for an exclusive summer series with the Nashville Symphony from June 16 through July 31. This multimedia concert event brings Dolly’s legendary songbook to life through orchestral arrangements, guest vocalists, and on-screen narration from Dolly herself, featuring favorites like“ Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker at Country Music Hall of Fame, 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S.
Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker at Country Music Hall of Fame captures the grit, glitz, and glamour of the country music queen herself. Featuring her clothing, awards, handwritten lyrics, instruments, photographs, exclusive interview footage, and more, the exhibit focuses on turning points in Parton’s life and career through the decades, where she overcame obstacles and ignored naysayers to become one of the most beloved and widely recognized celebrities across the world. Visit and you’ll be asking yourself “What Would Dolly Do?” all summer long.
Dollywood, 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge
Dolly Parton’s beloved theme park is always a summer win, combining thrill rides, live shows, Appalachian crafts, and Southern comfort food in the heart of the Smokies. From roller coasters and family attractions to seasonal festivals and Splash Country, Dollywood delivers all-ages fun with a generous dose of Dolly spirit baked right in.