August 24-25, 2018
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. The festival kicks off with a free lakeside screening of the original movie on Friday night. 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. Last year, the Dirty Dancing Festival celebrated the 30th anniversary of the film and commemorated Patrick Swayze's 65th birthday. We took these photos & video in 2017.
Practice your lake lift and enter the competition that ends the festival on Saturday afternoon (begins around 5 PM). Watch our video below!
The tented basketball court creates a huge dance floor for plenty of dance lessons! So wear your dancing shoes.
What a spectacular setting in the Hickory Nut Gorge! Bring your sunscreen and chairs. Be ready for August heat. Buy tickets in advance, since only 3,000 tickets are available.
Kellerman’s talent show is the final act on the stage.
Named the “#1 Most-Watched Film by Women” by the 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.
Friday Night: Gates open at 8 PM for the free Dirty Dancing Festival Lakeside Film Screening at Morse Park Meadows. If you have a festival ticket, arrive as early as 5 PM for live dancing and musical entertainment. Food and drink vendors will be open 5-10:30 PM. Bring a blanket or chairs and cuddle up to watch Dirty Dancing alongside the famous Lake Lure! Please do not bring alcohol.
Saturday: The Dirty Dancing Festival at Morse Park Meadows, 9 AM-5 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, and of course, the Lake Lift Competition at 5 PM! With admission (see below), you can come and go throughout the day with your wristband.
Dirty Dancing After Party lakeside at Rumbling Bald Resort will feature a 10-piece brass band, dancing and beach cookout. It's free and runs 6-11 PM.
2018 Admission: Adults (age 11 and over) $25 in advance through July 31. $30 online after Aug 1 and at the gate, if tickets remain. Children 4-10, $10/advance & $15 after Aug 1. Paid parking in two nearby lots (3105 Memorial Highway & 2556 Memorial Highway) with included shuttle. Free parking along the lake (walk to the festival via the boardwalk). Buy tickets on their website.
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.
Video: Dirty Dancing Lake Lifts!
Also, read more about things to do in the Hickory Nut Gorge & Rutherford County.
