September 16, 2023
The Dirty Dancing Festival is now the Lake Lure Dance Festival! They have moved beyond the theme of “Dirty Dancing” to include more fancy footwork from a variety of dance styles. Join other fans of dancing at the breathtaking Lake Lure. Throughout the day on Saturday, have the time of your life with music, dancing, 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 dancing 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.
This year's theme of "Cool Dips & Hot Salsa" brings back the flavors of previous dance festivals in Lake Lure, while adding some spice!
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 Lake Lure Dance Festival at Morse Park Meadows, 10 AM-8 PM, is a full day of fun with live soul and salsa bands, dance performances, dance lessons, beer, a cider and wine garden, games for all ages, and an artisan garden with food and craft vendors. $15/child age 4-10 & $39/adult in advance. Tickets at gate: $20/child & $45/adult. Buy tickets on their website.
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
Lake Lure
There's a lot happening in this lake town! In addition to a beach to keep cool on hot summer's day, there's a wonderful Town Center Walkway that connects the beach to the beautiful Flowering Bridge. Take a boat tour of the lake or bring your mountain bike for their new trail system at Buffalo Creek Park.
Lake Lure & Rutherford County Guide
Order a free copy of the award-winning travel guide to the Rutherford County foothills that includes Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Rutherfordton, Forest City and much more!
Order a free copy of the award-winning travel guide to the Rutherford County foothills that includes Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Rutherfordton, Forest City and much more!
Chimney Rock Park
See breathtaking 75-mile views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hickory Nut Gorge, and Lake Lure. The park also features the highest waterfall in an NC State Park and hiking trails. Shopping and… read more
See breathtaking 75-mile views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hickory Nut Gorge, and Lake Lure. The park also features the highest waterfall in an NC State Park and hiking trails. Shopping and dining located at the park entrance.
Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure
Nestled on the north shore of beautiful Lake Lure by the towering cliffs of Rumbling Bald Mountain, this 3,000+ acre property has a private beach, two championship golf courses, a spa, four… read more
Nestled on the north shore of beautiful Lake Lure by the towering cliffs of Rumbling Bald Mountain, this 3,000+ acre property has a private beach, two championship golf courses, a spa, four restaurants, mountain biking, tennis, pickleball, and all sorts of lake activities. Choose from a variety of studio villas, 2 & 3 BR condos and rental homes up to 4 bedrooms. Explore the lake by pontoon…
Rutherford County B&Bs, Cabins & Hotels
Find plenty of unique inns, bed and breakfasts, local boutique hotels, cabins and campgrounds near all the things to do in Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Rutherfordton and Forest City.
Find plenty of unique inns, bed and breakfasts, local boutique hotels, cabins and campgrounds near all the things to do in Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Rutherfordton and Forest City.
Lake Lure Cabin Rentals
Find a big variety of cabins, condos and other vacation rentals at Lake Lure - as presented by Rutherford County Tourism.
Find a big variety of cabins, condos and other vacation rentals at Lake Lure - as presented by Rutherford County Tourism.
Video: Dirty Dancing Lake Lifts!
Buy tickets on their website. For many things to do nearby, go to our Hickory Nut Gorge Guide.
