Dirty Dancing Festival

W hen filmmakers shot Dirty Dancing in and around Lake Lure, the movie crew wanted to keep the suggestive title a secret from area residents. Now, locals celebrate the ’80s classic each year with a festival. Pack a picnic and lawn chairs and catch a free lakefront screening on Friday night. Learn Johnny and Baby’s moves during merengue, cha-cha, and mambo lessons on Saturday, then show your skills during the weekend’s signature event: the lake lift competition. Art and food vendors, a beer and wine garden, and a watermelon carrying contest are part of the merriment. Group packages are available online.

>> Various locations; Friday, 7-10 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; $20, $15 advance, $8 children, $5 advance, $50-$120 packages; (310) 372-4600; www.dirtydancingfestival.com