Giles County, Virginia — The spirit of the beloved 1987 classic film Dirty Dancing will once again come alive at the iconic Mountain Lake Lodge this August, as the resort prepares to host its highly anticipated Dirty Dancing Days Annual Summer Festival. Taking place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, the festival will celebrate the film’s 39th anniversary in the very location where it was filmed — the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia.
Running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the event promises a full day of immersive nostalgia, live music, dance, themed games, and exclusive access to the actual sites featured in the movie. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Baby and Johnny or discovering the magic for the first time, this is your chance to step into Kellerman’s Mountain House and relive one of cinema’s most iconic love stories.
A Day of Dirty Dancing Fun: From Salsa Lessons to Watermelon Races
The Dirty Dancing Days Festival is a vibrant mix of retro fun, film-inspired activities, and live entertainment. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to participate in dance classes inside Mary’s Barn, where many of the film’s most unforgettable dance sequences were shot.
The 2025 lineup includes:
- Live concerts by Cassette Rewind, Flashback, and The Party Band
- 80s-themed costume dance party
- Watermelon races (a nod to Baby’s iconic “I carried a watermelon” moment)
- Dirty Dancing trivia contests
- Film screenings throughout the day
These interactive events pay homage to the film’s enduring legacy, which was cemented further when it was added to the Library of Congress National Film Registry in 2024 for cultural preservation.
Ticket Options and Exclusive Stay Packages
General admission tickets are priced at $75 per person and can be booked online in advance. For fans seeking a truly immersive Dirty Dancing experience, the resort offers a Dirty Dancing Days Overnight Package, available from August 15 to 17.
The package includes:
- A two-night stay at Mountain Lake Lodge
- Festival access and shuttle service to event areas
- On-site food and beverage offerings
- VIP festival credentials
- Access to exclusive areas and experiences
Accommodations are nestled within the 2,600-acre private nature preserve, offering a peaceful escape while placing guests at the heart of the Dirty Dancing magic.
Explore Real Filming Locations at Mountain Lake Lodge
Known in the film as “Kellerman’s,” Mountain Lake Lodge has preserved many of the original filming locations, offering fans a rare chance to step into cinematic history. Guests can visit:
- The Stone Lodge, where Baby and her family stayed
- The Gazebo, where the sultry dance lessons took place
- Baby’s Cabin, the fictional Houseman family residence
- Harvest Restaurant and Patio, where Johnny and Baby first met
These authentic film sites have been carefully maintained and are complemented by informative signage and photo ops that let fans re-create famous scenes.
Shop and Dine with a Dirty Dancing Twist
Visitors can take home a piece of the experience from Kellerman’s Gift Shop, offering licensed memorabilia such as t-shirts, mugs, replica costumes, and exclusive festival merchandise. The shop operates daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hungry festivalgoers can enjoy themed cuisine and cocktails at Salt Pond Pub, or indulge in a fine dining experience at Harvest Restaurant, which highlights local Appalachian ingredients and seasonal flavors.
Year-Round Attractions Beyond the Festival
While Dirty Dancing Days is the highlight of the year, Mountain Lake Lodge is a four-season destination. Set within the lush surroundings of Giles County, the lodge is also home to:
- 12 miles of hiking trails and the Giles County Trail Center
- Guided fly-fishing tours and New River float excursions
- Bird-watching tours through the nature sanctuary
- Outdoor yoga and nature-based workshops at the Artist’s Studio and Nature Center
- Sunday Mountain Music sessions and Dog Days of Summer events
It’s an ideal getaway for families, nature lovers, couples, and fans of classic cinema alike.
A Recognized Landmark in Virginia’s Tourism Landscape
Mountain Lake Lodge is more than just a film location—it’s a historic property and hospitality icon. The resort earned recognition in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards 2024 and was inducted into The Knot’s Best of Weddings Hall of Fame, underscoring its appeal for both leisure travelers and special event planners.
According to the Virginia Tourism Corporation, heritage-based film tourism is a growing trend, and Mountain Lake Lodge plays a significant role in drawing both national and international visitors to the Blue Ridge region.
Conclusion: Relive the Magic Where It All Began
The Dirty Dancing Days Summer Festival 2025 is more than a fan event—it’s a full-fledged celebration of cinema, music, and timeless romance. Whether you’re dancing in Mary’s Barn, watching the film under the stars, or exploring iconic movie locations, Mountain Lake Lodge offers a chance to relive the unforgettable charm of Dirty Dancing—right where it all began.
So mark your calendars for August 16, 2025, pack your dancing shoes, and prepare to have “the time of your life” in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
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