September 10, 2022
Join other fans of the cult-classic movie Dirty Dancing and relive memories of Baby's first dance at the film’s original, breathtaking backdrop of Lake Lure. Throughout the day on Saturday, have the time of your life with music, dancing, watermelon carrying, art, food, beer, wine, and the lake lift competition finale.
Practice your lake lift and enter the competition that ends the festival on Saturday afternoon. Sign up when you arrive. Watch our video below!
The tented basketball court creates a huge dance floor for plenty of dance lessons! So wear your dancing shoes. Sign up for the shag contest!
What a spectacular setting in the Hickory Nut Gorge! Bring your sunscreen and chairs. Buy tickets in advance, since only 3,000 tickets are available. No pets allowed.
Join rehearsals to take the stage for Kellerman’s Talent Show. Named the “#1 Most-Watched Film by Women” by BBC News, Dirty Dancing’s impact on pop culture remains timeless.
Named one of the top 10 most beautiful man-made lakes in the world by National Geographic, Lake Lure is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Located about 27 miles from Asheville, Lake Lure sits in the Hickory Nut Gorge, surrounded by lush mountain tops and sheer granite cliffs. Look up to see the famous Chimney Rock.
Hours & Tickets
- Saturday: The Dirty Dancing Festival at Morse Park Meadows, 9 AM-5:30 PM, is a full day of fun with live soul and beach bands, dance performances, dance lessons, beer, a cider, and wine garden, games for all ages, food and craft vendors. Our favorite event of the day, the Lake Lift Competition ends the day! Buy tickets on their website.
Find paid parking in two nearby lots (3105 Memorial Highway & 2556 Memorial Highway) with the included shuttle. Free parking along the lake (walk to the festival via the boardwalk).
The festival benefits the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PANCAN), to help find a cure, as a tribute to the film's late star Patrick Swayze.
More Things to Do & Places to Stay
Video: Dirty Dancing Lake Lifts!
Buy tickets on their website. For many things to do nearby, go to our Hickory Nut Gorge Guide.
