Valdese, NC
July, 2025

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Valdese, NC! This charming town offers fun-loving excitement, rich history, and exploration. July in Valdese shines with its Family Friday Nights summer concert series and the spectacular Independence Day Celebration.

On July 4, 2025, join the Valdese Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks. You’ll groove to live music by Too Much Sylvia and admire classic beauties at the Classic & Antique Car Cruise-In on Main Street. Got kids? They’ll love the amusement rides and abundant food vendors. As dusk settles, prepare for a dazzling fireworks display launched from behind the Old Rock School—find your perfect spot and enjoy the show! You can also catch performances of the outdoor drama “From This Day Forward” by the Old Colony Players.

Step back in time and discover Valdese’s fascinating French-Italian Waldensian heritage. Delve into the past at the Waldensian Heritage Museum or wander through the Trail of Faith, an 11-acre open-air walking tour featuring 16 exhibits that bring history to life. As you explore downtown, you’ll find public art installations—murals and sculptures—beautifully telling the Waldensian story. And of course, enjoy some small-town shopping along Main Street.

The Old Rock School isn’t just a historical landmark; it’s a hub for culture. The Rock School Arts Galleries host monthly rotating art exhibits by regional artists, while the Piedmont & Western Railroad Museum showcases an impressive HO-scale model railroad exhibit.

Valdese and its surroundings are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. For hiking, head to Valdese Lakeside Park. Just minutes from downtown, McGalliard Falls Park boasts an elegant 40-foot waterfall with tennis courts, a volleyball court, a playground, and picnic facilities.

For more extensive adventures, South Mountains State Park features the stunning 80-foot High Shoals Falls and over 40 miles of trails perfect for hiking, biking, and fishing. Nearby in Morganton, the Catawba River Greenway offers a scenic route for leisurely strolls, bike rides, or riverside picnics.

With so much to choose from, your visit to Valdese promises to be filled with excitement and discovery. We can’t wait to see you soon!