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, :00 amusement rides, and a special presentation of the outdoor dr:00 ama "From This Day Forward." The weekend continues on Saturday when Main Street is lined with over 170 food-art-craft vendors, :00 amusement rides, a bocce tourn:00 ament, 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! 

Schedule of Events:

08:00 am: Waldensian Footrace - Rec Dept
08:00 am: LPDA Regional Bocce Tournament
09:00 am: FREE Kidz Zone Opens at the Old Rock School - Bouncy Houses, Obstacle Courses, Watersides
09:00 am: Information Booth Opens and T-Shirt Sales
09:00 am: Chainsaw Artist at Farris Insurance
09:00 am: Food-Art-Craft Vendors on Main Street
09:00 am: PandW Railroad Club Open House
09:00 am: RSAF Open Art Competition
09:00 am: Artist Demonstration and Sale
09:00 am: Mr. Pokeeto - Clowning around since 1972
10:00 am: Waldensian Heritage Museum and Soutissa Tasting (Traditional Waldensian Sausage)
10:30 am: OCP - Outdoor Drama Preview
11:00 am: Live Music: Syncro-Tonic Swag
01:00 pm: Tumblemania Gymnastics and Elite Storm
02:00 pm: Dance Tyme Dancers
03:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Live Music: Lost Wages
08:00 pm: Outdoor Drama