Waldensian Festival

AUGUST 7 & 8th, 2026

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. The Friday night kickoff features live music, a classic car show, amusement rides, and a special presentation of the outdoor drama "From This Day Forward." The weekend continues on Saturday when Main Street is lined with over 170 food/art/craft vendors, amusement rides, a bocce tournament, an open art competition, attraction tours, street dances, and live music throughout the day. The Valdese community looks forward to sharing the celebration with you! 

Download Vendor Applications HERE | Download Food Truck Vendor Applications HERE

Download the Sponsorship Application HERE

FRIDAY KICKOFF CELEBRATION - Aug. 7, 2026

5pm: Main Street Closes

5:30pm Cruise In

6:45pm: Opening Ceremony

*National Anthem

*Sponsor Give-A-Ways

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 - Find out more here

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

The J Creek Cloggers were founded by Kim Campbell Ross, whose childhood love of flatfoot dancing—sparked by watching her father and performers at the Carter Family Fold—grew into a mission to preserve traditional Appalachian dance. Now 25 members strong, the group gained national attention in 2022 when Zeb Ross went viral on TikTok after a performance at Darnell Farms, leading to features and licensing deals including with Epic Games for Fortnite, highlighting how traditional clogging thrives in modern pop culture.

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

Who You Gonna Call to Go Back in Time? Born in the ‘80s and raised on radio, CASSETTE REWIND is the ultimate authentic ‘80s experience. Valley girls, jocks, preppies, and nerds will have the time of their life when the DeLorean hits 88 mph and suddenly they’re at like, the most righteous party of the era. Feel the power of love when your bedroom boombox comes to life with captivating, dynamic performances of countless hits from 1980s icons. Grab your Members Only jacket and put on your leg warmers because nothing’s gonna stop you now – let’s cut footloose!

8pm: Outdoor Drama

NO OUTSIDE COOLERS & ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, OR PETS ARE PERMITTED AT THIS EVENT. Thank you for helping us keep the Waldensian Festival safe and enjoyable for everyone!