Dollywood Offers Discounted Tickets for Public Employees

Annual appreciation event provides $59 one-day passes for military, first responders, teachers, and more.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:11pm

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration in the Art Deco Monumentalist style, featuring sweeping gradients of bright blue and orange hues, towering forced perspectives of Dollywood's iconic architecture, and sleek, streamlined forms that capture the romance and grand scale of the theme park's public employee appreciation event.Dollywood's annual public employee appreciation event offers a grand celebration of the essential workers who serve their communities.Pigeon Forge Today

Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is bringing back its popular Public Employee Appreciation Days promotion, offering discounted one-day admission tickets for $59 to eligible public sector workers like military, first responders, teachers, and government employees. The limited-time offer runs from April 13 to May 17, and verified public employees can also take advantage of special rates on Dollywood season passes, resort stays, and access to the park's popular festivals and events throughout the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Dollywood's annual public employee appreciation event is a long-standing tradition that recognizes the vital contributions of those who serve their communities. The discounted ticket offer makes the park more accessible to essential workers, while also driving visitation during the spring shoulder season.

The details

Beginning April 13, eligible public employees can purchase up to six $59 one-day Dollywood admission tickets online at Dollywood.com/PublicEmployee. The offer is valid for members of the military, first responders, school system employees, government workers, and medical staff who verify their employment status through ID.me. Public employees can also save $35 on 2026 Dollywood season passes and receive 15% off stays at the park's resort properties during the promotional period.

  • The Public Employee Appreciation Days promotion runs from April 13 to May 17, 2026.
  • Dollywood's 2026 season features a lineup of popular festivals and events, including the Flower & Food Festival (April 18-June 7), Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (June 15-August 2), Harvest Festival (September 14-October 31), and Smoky Mountain Christmas (November 6-January 3, 2027).

The players

Dollywood

A theme park located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee that is owned and operated by Herschend Family Entertainment. Dollywood is known for its wide range of rides, festivals, and entertainment inspired by country music icon Dolly Parton.

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What’s next

Eligible public employees can purchase discounted Dollywood tickets online at Dollywood.com/PublicEmployee before the offer expires on May 17, 2026.

The takeaway

Dollywood's annual public employee appreciation event is a thoughtful way for the theme park to recognize and support the essential workers who serve their communities, while also driving visitation and engagement during the spring shoulder season.