The Statesville Heritage Festival, presented by the City Of Statesville, is a community celebration that brings people together through culture, history, food, music, storytelling, and shared experiences.
đź“… Saturday, August 1, 2026
⏰10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
đź“Ť Statesville Event Center (300 S. Center St)
đź’˛Admission is FREE and open to the public
As part of the nationwide America 250 commemoration, this festival honors the many people, traditions, and contributions that have shaped both our nation and our local community. Throughout the day, visitors will have opportunities to explore cultural exhibits, enjoy live entertainment, participate in hands-on activities, connect with local organizations, and learn about the stories that make Statesville unique.
Activities and experiences for all ages, including:
| Live music and cultural performances | Cultural and heritage exhibits | Community organizations and nonprofit booths |
| Educational demonstrations and presentations | Food vendors representing a variety of traditions and cuisines | Interactive kids activities |
| Community conversations and storytelling sessions | Local Vendors with arts, crafts, and handmade goods | |
| Family-friendly entertainment throughout the day | Community Art Project |
COMMUNITY ART PROJECT
Be part of a one-of-a-kind community art experience led by Charlotte-based artist Julio Gonzalez in partnership with the Visual Arts & Performing Arts Center.
Throughout the event, attendees of all ages and artistic abilities are invited to contribute to a collaborative mosaic mural by adding their own creative touch to a series of panels. Participants are encouraged to express what makes the Statesville community special - whether it's people, places, traditions, or shared experiences.
Once completed, the mural will be divided into individual panels and displayed at locations throughout the community, creating a lasting reminder of the stories, connections, and creativity that bring us together.
No artistic experience is needed - everyone is welcome to participate!
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
From the first beat of the morning to an energetic finale, the Statesville Heritage Festival features a full day of live entertainment celebrating the music, cultures, and traditions that help make our community unique. Bring a lawn chair, gather with family and friends, and enjoy performances throughout the day on the festival's outdoor stage.
Visitors can enjoy a full day of performances on the outdoor stage:
10:00am - 10:45am: Ryan Shah (Solo drummer)
10:45am - 11:00am: Ballet Folklorico Mis Raices
11:15am - 11:45am: MLK Jr Community Choir
11:45am - 12:00pm: Ballet Folklorico Mis Raices
12:00pm - 12:45pm: Clay Lunsford (Bluegrass trio)
12:45p - 01:00pm: Ballet Folklorico Mis Raices
1:00pm - 2:00pm: Banda La Iniciativa
Current Schedule:
10:00am-11:00am: Statesville Recreation & Economic Vitality - Community Forum
11:30am-12:00pm: Iredell County Public Library – Crimes of the Carolina’s Podcast with Shellie Taylor
12:00pm-12:30pm: Iredell County Public Library – Green Street Cemetery Project
12:30pm-1:00pm: Spoken Word (Derick Lee, Kristie Darling, Trinilicious, and The Radiant Poet)
1:00pm-1:30pm: Alfonso Reyes – Impact of Latino culture on Statesville
1:30pm-2:00pm: Full Bloom Film Festival (2 award winning films and a Q&A with Festival Staff)
2:00pm-2:30pm: Tedx Speaker, Mayuko Fukino-Mayhill – Traditional Japanese stories and folklores
3:00pm-3:30pm: Seifullah & Mahasin El-Amin – Q & A on the Muslim community in Statesville
Additional presentations and discussion sessions will be announced as they are confirmed.
The Statesville Heritage Festival is about more than entertainment - it is an opportunity to celebrate the people, cultures, traditions, and experiences that have helped shape our community.
Throughout the festival, visitors can explore exhibits and booths featuring:
Together, these experiences help tell the many stories that make up the shared history of Statesville and America.
