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 “From This Day Forward”. » Downtown; Friday 5 p.m..-7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; free, $25-$35 race, $40 bocce tournament; (828) 879-2129; www.visitvaldese.com