Each August, Valdese joins with other Waldensian communities in celebrating the 1689 return of the Waldenses from exile in Switzerland to their native valleys in Italy. It’s a carnival of sorts, with amusement rides, dancing, a footrace, music, a classic car show, and food and craft vendors. The festival even includes a state-qualifying bocce ball tournament. Also catch a production of This Day Forward. » Downtown; Friday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; free, $25-$35 race & $15 student, $40 bocce tournament; (828) 879-2129; www.visitvaldese.com