Experience Dirty Dancing Live at Mountain Lake Lodge’s Summer Festival: Here’s What You Need To Know Before Planning

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

The crisp summer air at Mountain Lake Lodge buzzed with nostalgia when guests gathered beneath the iconic Gazebo and Stone Lodge, ready to relive the magic of Dirty Dancing. On August 16, the lodge returns as Kellerman’s Mountain House, hosting its annual Dirty Dancing Days Summer Festival, where fans and families will dance, laugh, and celebrate where Baby and Johnny first found rhythm—and their time of life.

Set amidst a 2,600-acre nature preserve in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mountain Lake Lodge—managed by 1859 Historic Hotels—is officially recognized as the filming site for Dirty Dancing and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Its storied venues, like the Stone Lodge dining area and Mary’s Barn (the site of the famed dance scenes), offer fans an authentic, immersive experience.

Festival schedule and highlights

From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., this one-day festival invites the public to purchase tickets at $75 per person, with free admission for children aged five and under. Attendance numbers are monitored by the lodge, ensuring adequate staffing and safety plans in coordination with local authorities from Giles County and the Town of Pembroke.

Festival highlights include:

• Dance lessons held in Mary’s Barn—the very barns where Baby and Johnny danced.
• Live music from tribute bands Cassette Rewind, Flashback, and the Party Band.
• 80s-themed costume contest, music bingo, watermelon races, and Dirty Dancing trivia.
• Outdoor film screenings, alongside themed drink specials at Harvest and Salt Pond Pub.
• Access to filming locations like Baby’s Cabin, Stone Lodge, Gazebo, and Harvest Restaurant patio—all preserved as part of Virginia’s Film Office heritage trail.

The lodge also offers a two-night Dirty Dancing Days Overnight Package from August 15–17, which includes festival tickets, on-site dining credits, shuttle service across the property, and exclusive access credentials.

A cultural treasure and economic boost

The Virginia Department of Tourism & Trade and the Virginia Film Office identify Dirty Dancing as a key cultural asset. The lodge’s annual festival drives economic activity in the New River Valley, filling local lodging and dining venues, supporting shuttle services managed under Giles County tourism initiatives, and drawing regional visitors—all while reinforcing Pembroke’s place on the state’s tourist map.

Mountain Lake Lodge’s festival is integrated into broader Virginia tourism strategies. Local authorities coordinate with the lodge on crowd control, event permitting, and public safety plans to ensure a smooth and secure festival environment.

Heritage meets heartfelt celebration

Festival goers often describe their time at Mountain Lake as deeply emotional. For many, Pembroke becomes more than a backdrop—it becomes part of a shared story. Whether enjoying family picnics at the lakeside meadow or finding quiet moments on the historic porch, attendees connect with both place and memory.

One regular visitor recalls watching the Gazebo at dusk and remarking, “Standing where Baby and Johnny first danced—it takes my breath away every time.” Another festival-goer shared how the event revived family bonds, saying, “My daughter and I learned that final dance—took me back to when I was her age watching the movie.”

Sustainability and community impact

The festival reflects Mountain Lake Lodge’s commitment to stewardship. Operating in a protected nature preserve, the lodge maintains environmental safeguards across its 1859 Historic Hotels grounds, working with Giles County environmental planners to minimize waste and support biodiversity in the surrounding forest and bird sanctuary.

Locally sourced produce appears in festival cuisine, and the lodge provides shuttle services to reduce vehicle traffic. Funds generated support continued preservation of heritage buildings and pathways used during the festival.

Looking ahead: growing with purpose

Due to the enduring popularity of Dirty Dancing—added to the Library of Congress National Film Registry for its cultural impact in 2024—the lodge intends to continue expanding the festival. Planning is underway with local officials for enhanced accessibility, improved visitor amenities, and stronger engagement with Giles County schools and arts programs.

Mountain Lake Lodge reports that festival tickets often sell out early, and feedback from last year’s event is being evaluated to improve logistics and enrich the festival experience further.

«Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us»