Valdese, NC – Get ready for an unforgettable Summer in Valdese! The 2023 Summer Concert Series has been announced, along with some exciting upgrades to the new Temple Field. This year’s lineup will feature various genres among talented groups- from beach to rock, from country to beach. In addition to hosting fan favorites of seasons past, 2023’s lineup also welcomes a few newcomers to the Valdese FFN stage, including Chasing Phoenix, Stella Rising, and New Local. The Annual Independence Day Celebration and the 48th Annual Waldensian Festival will take place in conjunction with the series, with those performances taking place at Main Stage Downtown, at the intersection of Rodoret St and Main. Festival Headliners include Southside Station and Ryan Perry.
Initially moved from the town parking area along Main Street to allow more space for social distancing, the location change to Temple Field in 2021 completely reinvented the summer event, drawing a record number of attendees each Friday night. The larger space on the football field provided a much safer, cooler area with ample room to spread out, picnic, enjoy games, etc. “The success of the 2022 season was truly the highlight of the summer,” states Morrissa Angi, Director of Community Affairs for Valdese. “Since last summer, we have worked to improve the venue much more, including a dance floor expansion, outdoor stage curtains, a new entrance, and landscaping.”
The Season Kick-Off celebration will take place on May 26th with a performance by ACE Party Band. ACE Party Band is a diverse group of talented musicians whose versatile style keeps attendees entertained all night. ACE Party Band performs for all generations and includes music from all genres spanning over the past 50 years, from Beach and Motown to Top 40s, Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, R&B, Country, and Jazz Standards.
The event will feature fun for the whole family with free bouncy houses, games, and specialty food items. The Pilot Club of Valdese will be selling concessions and offering a 50/50 raffle which will raise funds for their special annual projects. The event will also welcome Pelican’s and Dig N Dogs & BBQ. Attendees are reminded to visit the numerous restaurants located within walking distance. The complete list of local eateries can be found online at visitvaldese.com. Downtown Restaurants provide various cuisines (Pizza, Burgers, Mexican, Sushi, Sandwiches, Ice Cream), and Main Street features several unique and spirited boutiques, offering something to pique the interest of every family member. In addition, many downtown businesses offer special events on Friday nights ranging from cruise-ins to bingo.
The Town of Valdese would like to thank our season sponsors, Western Piedmont Community College, Farm Bureau of Rutherford College, UNC Health Blueridge, and Bimbo Bakeries, for their contributions to this year’s season. The concerts are free, and the location provides a safe place for families to enjoy live music.
The summer will feature numerous events for attendees to enjoy. This year marks the 48th year of the Waldensian Festival, and this year’s event will be bigger than ever with the addition of Friday night fireworks!
For more information about the Family Friday Night Summer Concert series or a full Valdese event calendar, go to visitvaldese.com or call 828-879-2129.
2023 Season Lineup:
5/26: Kickoff Celebration- ACE PARTY BAND (Variety)
6/2: SKATERINK JUKEBOX (Variety)
6/9: THE NIGHT MOVE BAND (Variety/Dance)
6/16: SHAKEDOWN BAND (Variety/Dance)
6/23: LITTLE JOHNNY TRAILER TRASH (Classic Rock)
6/30: Independence Day Celebration *Downtown- THE TONEZ (Variety/Dance)
7/7: FRACXURED (Variety/Classic Rock)
7/14: SOUTHSIDE SAINTS (Classic Rock)
7/21: CHASING PHOENIX (Variety)
7/28: SMITTY & THE JUMPSTARTERS (Blues)
8/4: SHELBY RAE MOORE BAND (Americana/Blues/Soul)
8/11: Festival Kickoff Fri*Downtown SOUTHSIDE STATION (Variety)
8/12: Festival Finale Sat *Downtown RYAN PERRY (Country)
8/18: STELLA RISING (Variety)
8/25: THE SUPER 60S (60s era)
9/1: Season Finale –NEW LOCAL (Pop/Rock).
Valdese Family Friday Night Concert Series
