Valdese, NC – The Waldensian Festival, held annually in August, began as the “Festival of the Glorious Return” to commemorate one of the most important dates in Waldensian history. In the late 17th century, King Louis XIV of France attempted to destroy the Waldensian people. At his command, thousands were killed, and those who survived were thrown into prison. After other European protestants protested against the persecution, those men who survived prison were released and forced into exile in Geneva, Switzerland.
They were commanded to leave their valleys and traverse the bitter-cold Alps during the dead of winter. Many deaths occurred during the journey, but when the survivors reached Geneva, they were treated with generous hospitality. But they were still determined to return to their homeland. In August 1689, led by Henry Arnaud, 800 men fought their way back through a French force of 2,500. Because of the unconquerable spirit that led them home, celebrating the glorious return of the Waldenses to their valleys has been celebrated each August for more than 300 years. For many years a community picnic and worship service on August 15th commemorated the date in Valdese. In 1976, the first festival of the Glorious Return was held in Valdese on the second Saturday in August.
The event is presented by the Town of Valdese each year to commemorate the heroic Waldensian people who founded Valdese in 1893. Honoring the Town’s unique heritage with a variety of events that fill the quaint downtown with over 15,000 visitors and residents during the 2-day festival celebration.
FRIDAY KICKOFF CELEBRATION – Aug. 7, 2026
5pm: Main Street Closes
5:30pm Cruise In
6:45pm: Opening Ceremony
7pm: Southside Station: A 5-piece band of talented vocalists and musicians who play all of the legendary hits from pop, rock, dance, country, and your favorites singer-songwriters with an eclectic instrumentation. Having performed with Charlie Daniels, ZZ Top, Styx, Foreigner, Jimmy Buffett, Sara Evans, Sheryl Crow, and many others, the veteran musicians of Southside Station are pros on the stage and know how to engage any crowd.
SATURDAY FESTIVAL DAY – Aug. 8, 2026
8am: Waldensian Footrace – Rec Dept
8am: LPDA Regional Bocce Tournament
9am: FREE Kidz Zone Opens at the Old Rock School
Bouncy Houses, Obstacle Courses, Watersides
9am: Information Booth Opens & T-Shirt Sales
9am: Chainsaw Artist @ Farris Insurance
9am: Food/Art/Craft Vendors on Main Street
9am: P&W Railroad Club Open House
9am: RSAF Open Art Competition
9am: Artist Demonstration & Sale
9am: Main Stage Entertainment: The Skillet Jumpers
10am: Waldensian Heritage Museum & Soutissa Tasting (Traditional Waldensian Sausage)
10:30am: OCP – Outdoor Drama Preview
11am: Main Stage Entertainment: J. Creek Cloggers
12pm: Main Stage Entertainment: Twist the Balloon Man
1pm: Main Stage Entertainment: TumbleMania & Elite Storm
2pm: Main Stage Entertainment: J. Creek Cloggers
3-5pm: Main Stage Entertainment: Aces & Eights
7pm: Main Stage Entertainment: Cassette Rewind
8pm: Outdoor Drama “From This Day Forward”
For more information visit https://www.visitvaldese.com.
