Dirty Dancing Days Returns to Mountain Lake Lodge for a One-Day Summer Festival That Channels Cinematic Nostalgia
PEMBROKE, VA — This summer, fans of Dirty Dancing won’t just be reminiscing—they’ll be reliving. On Saturday, August 16, Mountain Lake Lodge—the historic resort known on screen as Kellerman’s Mountain House—will host its annual Dirty Dancing Days Summer Festival, an all-day event that transforms the Blue Ridge retreat into a living tribute to the beloved 1987 film.
Nearly four decades after the cult classic debuted, the Virginia mountain resort continues to embrace its film legacy with a mix of immersive nostalgia and luxurious charm. Open to day visitors and overnight guests alike, the festival welcomes fans from across the country to walk in the footsteps of Baby and Johnny, complete with film site tours, themed competitions, live music, and screenings under the stars.
A Setting That Needs No Set Design
Perched on a 2,600-acre nature preserve and bird sanctuary near Blacksburg, Mountain Lake Lodge has become a cultural landmark, with its Stone Lodge, Baby’s Cabin, the famous Gazebo, and Mary’s Barn all serving as filming locations in the movie. These preserved spots aren’t just backdrops—they’re center stage for the festival’s dance lessons, trivia contests, and performances, designed to bring the film to life in the most literal sense.
“This is an exciting opportunity to discover a real destination steeped in history and the fun of 'Dirty Dancing'.”
Heidi Stone, President and CEO of Mountain Lake Lodge
She continued, "It’s a nostalgic experience complete with Baby’s Cabin, the Gazebo, and more filming locations, normally reserved for our Dirty Dancing Weekends held throughout the year."
Festival Highlights
Running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the event’s programming offers something for every generation of fan:
Dance lessons at Mary’s Barn, where Baby first stumbled into Johnny’s world
Live music by Cassette Rewind, Flashback, and the Party Band
1980s costume dance party and Dirty Dancing trivia contest
Watermelon races—a nod to one of the film’s most quotable lines
Music bingo, drink specials, and multiple film screenings
Access to the Kellerman’s Gift Shop, featuring official Dirty Dancing merchandise
Festival day tickets are priced at $75, available online.
The Overnight Experience
For those looking to fully immerse in the experience, Mountain Lake Lodge offers a two-night Dirty Dancing Days Overnight Package (August 15–17), which includes:
Festival tickets and access credentials
Two nights of accommodations
On-site food and beverage offerings
Shuttle transportation to festival grounds
Beyond the Festival
While the August celebration is the crown jewel, the resort offers “Dirty Dancing Weekends” throughout the year for guests looking to extend the experience. The property’s Harvest Restaurant and Patio, Salt Pond Pub, Artist’s Studio, and the Giles County Trail Center provide a range of culinary and recreational activities year-round. Additional pursuits include fly fishing, golf, family river floats, and access to 12 miles of scenic hiking trails.
Recognized by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards 2024, The Knot Best of Weddings 2024, and newly inducted into The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame, Mountain Lake Lodge remains one of the region’s most acclaimed destinations—where cinematic history and Southern hospitality coalesce in one singular setting.