Burke County, NC
August, 2025

As the North Carolina summer begins to soften into autumn, Burke County throws a party—three of them, to be exact. August and early September usher in a trio of beloved festivals, each rooted in its town’s unique history and character. Whether you’re craving handmade sausage, transfixed by the glow of carnival lights, or swaying to the sounds of the next big name in music, there’s a place—and a festival—for you right here in the foothills.

The Waldensian Festival in Valdese, held on August 8–9, 2025, is more than a celebration—it’s a tribute to the heritage of the Waldensian people who fled religious persecution in the Italian Alps and settled in this charming Burke County town in 1893. Downtown Valdese comes alive with cultural demonstrations, live music, a street market of regional crafts, and a moving historical reenactment that reminds us how far these early settlers came. Don’t leave without trying the “soutissa”—the Waldensian sausage made from fresh pork and seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a Valdese delicacy that packs centuries of tradition into every bite.

Old-school Americana comes to life at the Drexel Fair, running from August 15–19, 2025, at the Drexel Fairgrounds. This homegrown carnival is filled with thrilling rides, 4-H exhibits, fried food stands, and nightly entertainment. It’s the kind of fair where generations of families return each year, where the scent of kettle corn mixes with the hum of carnival rides, and where small-town pride runs deep. Plan to stay for the nightly fireworks; there’s nothing quite like watching the sky light up in bursts of color above the glowing Ferris wheel while a funnel cake warms your hands.

Rounding out the festival season is the Historic Morganton Festival, taking place on September 5–6, 2025, in downtown Morganton. This two-day event offers art, food, rides, and music in one of Burke County’s most scenic downtowns. Local vendors line the streets with everything from pottery to handcrafted soaps, while the scent of street food fills the air. The kid zone is a hit with families, and the beer garden draws a lively crowd. Be sure to stick around for the main event: music on the main stage. Every year, the festival books up-and-coming talent that you’ll be bragging about one day—“I saw them before they were famous.”

Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, this stretch of summer festivals showcases the heart and soul of Burke County. Each event offers a different lens into what makes this corner of North Carolina so special: resilience, celebration, community—and a whole lot of flavor.

For more on outdoor adventure in Burke County, call (888) 462-2921, or go online to: discoverburkecounty.com.