September 24-25, 2021
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.
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 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.
Hours & Tickets
- Friday Night: Dirty Dancing Festival Lakeside Film Screening at Morse Park Meadows (9:15 PM showtime). Kick-Off Party, 5-8 PM, $5/child age 4-10 & $10/adult in advance. Tickets at gate $10/child & $15/adult. Gates open to the public at 8 PM for free admission to the film screening. Bring a blanket or chairs. Please do not bring alcohol. Buy tickets on their website.
- 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, Lake Lift Competition ends the day! $10/child age 4-10 & $25/adult in advance. Tickets at gate $15/child & $30/adult. Buy tickets on their website.
- Dirty Dancing After Party lakeside at Rumbling Bald Resort will feature a brass band, dancing and beach cookout. It's free and starts at 5 PM.
Find 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).
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.
