Waldensian Festival

AUGUST 8 & 9th, 2025

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! 

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!

Want to participate as a vendor? Download the vendor application HERE!

Want to participate as a food vendor? Download the application HERE!

Take part in this special weekend as a FESTIVAL SPONSOR! Download the 2025 Sponsorship Packet HERE!

Waldensian Festival Schedule- 2025 Lineup TBA- Stay Tuned!
FRIDAY FESTIVAL KICKOFF - AUGUST 8 DETAILS LOCATION
5pm - Main Street Closes Public Works & REACT Carolina Street to Columbo Street
5:30pm - Classic & Antique Car Cruise In
6:45pm - Opening Announcements & Welcome
7pm - The Embers Enjoy Beach Music & Dancing on Main Street until 10:30pm Main Stage - Corner of Main & Rodoret
SATURDAY - AUGUST 9
8am - Waldensian Footrace Registration Available in May Valdese Recreation Department
8am - LPDA Bocce Tournament Registration Available in June LPDA - 301 Laurel Street South
9am - FREE Kids Zone Area Bouncy Houses, Obstacle Courses, Waterslides Waldensian Presbyterian Church Playground Area
9am - Vendors Open on Main Street Enjoy over 150 exhibitors ranging from crafts to great eats Carolina Street to the Old Rock School
9am - TBA
9am - Information Booth Opens Festival Maps, Details, Festival Merchandise Corner of Rodoret & Main Street
9am - P&W Railroad Museum Open House
9am - Open Art Competition & Artist Demonstration Vote for the People's Choice Old Rock School - Art Galleries & Waldensian Room
10am - Waldensian Heritage Museum Tours Explore over 850 years of Waldensian Heritage & Artifacts 208 Rodoret Street South
10:30am - Old Colony Players Singers & Reenactment Main Stage - Corner of Main & Rodoret
11am - TBA Main Stage - Corner of Main & Rodoret
12pm - TBA Main Stage - Corner of Main & Rodoret
2pm - TBA Main Stage - Corner of Main & Rodoret
3pm - TBA Main Stage - Corner of Main & Rodoret