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!

August 9, 2024

Schedule of Events:

10:00am-5:00pm: Tours at the Waldensian Heritage Museum at Rodoret Street

5:00pm: Main Street Begins Closing at Main Street - Praley Street to Italy Street

5:30pm: Cruise In, Food Trucks, Beer and Wine Garden at Main Street - Praley Street to Italy Street

6:45pm: Mayor's Welcome and Opening Announcements at Main Stage (Rodoret and Main)

7:00pm: ACE PARTY BAND at     Main Stage (Rodoret and Main)

8:00pm: From This Day Forward - Outdoor drama at Fred B. Cranford Amphitheatre - Church Street

August 10, 2024

08:00am: Waldensian Footrace at Valdese Recreation Department

08:00am: LPDA Bocce Tournament - LPDA

09:00am-5:00pm: Exhibits Open at Main Street - Old Rock School to Carolina Street

09:00am-9:00pm: Food Trucks Open at Main Street near Main Stage area

09:00am: Open Art Competition and People's Choice Award at Old Rock School - Art Galleries

09:00am-4:00pm: FREE Kidz Zone Opens - Bouncy Houses, Lawn Games, Playground, and More! at Main Street (Praley to Old Rock School)

09:00am-3:00pm: Piedmont and Western Railroad Museum Open House at Old Rock School - Train Museum

09:00am-5:00pm: Tours at the Trail of Faith at Trail of Faith - Church Street

10:00am-5:00pm: Tours at the Waldensian Heritage Museum at Waldensian Heritage Museum - Rodoret Street

10:30am: Old Colony Players Reenactment at Main Stage (Rodoret and Main)

11:00pm-1:00pm: Lost Wages at Main Stage (Rodoret and Main)

01:30pm-2:30pm: Never B's at Main Stage (Rodoret and Main)

8:00pm: From This Day Forward - Outdoor Drama at Fred B. Cranford Amphitheatre - Church Street

Date: August 9 - August 10, 2024

Location: Various Venues in Valdese, NC

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