Waldensian Festival

August 7 & 8, 2026 - Friday Festival Kickoff Concert & Car Show | Saturday Festival Day

Thank you for your interest in the Annual Waldensian Festival. For 50 years, the Town of Valdese has honored the unique Waldensian heritage of Valdese through an annual celebration. We look forward to making the 50th year even better than the ones before! The Waldensian Festival is an event mirrored all over the world in Waldensian communities and settlements, commemorating the “Glorious Return” of the Waldenses to their native valleys in the Cottian Alps of Italy after years of exile and turmoil.

Each year, the Town of Valdese strives to reach new heights, and are so glad you want to take part in this special tradition! The 2026 Waldensian Festival will concentrate on unique crafts, great food, and top-quality entertainment. To achieve this goal, the festival committee has researched wonderful artists, specialty food vendors, and entertainers from around the country. We work hard to select exhibits that will come together to make an unforgettable Festival.

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: Main Stage Entertainment TBA

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 TBA
10am: Waldensian Heritage Museum & Soutissa Tasting (Traditional Waldensian Sausage)
10:30am: OCP - Outdoor Drama Preview
11am: Live Music: Main Stage Entertainment TBA
1pm: Main Stage Entertainment TBA
2pm: Main Stage Entertainment TBA
3-5pm: Main Stage Entertainment TBA
7pm: Main Stage Entertainment TBA
8pm: Outdoor Drama