On Saturday, August 1, 2026, the Statesville Event Center became a gathering place for music, culture, history, art, storytelling and community during the inaugural Statesville Heritage Festival.
Presented by the City of Statesville as part of the nationwide America 250 commemoration, the free festival was created to celebrate the many people, traditions, experiences and stories that have shaped our nation and continue to shape Statesville today.
From live performances on the outdoor stage to meaningful conversations inside the Statesville Event Center, the day offered opportunities to experience something new, learn from one another and celebrate the community we call home.
A full day of music and entertainment
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Music and performance played a big part in bringing the festival to life.
The outdoor stage featured a diverse lineup of entertainment throughout the day, including Ballet Folklórico Mis Raíces, the MLK Jr. Community Choir, Clay Lunsford, Banda La Iniciativa, Iredell Rhythm Experience (IRE) and headliner Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band.
Together, the performers brought an incredible variety of sounds and traditions to the festival, from percussion, bluegrass and gospel to traditional Mexican folkloric dance, regional Mexican music, local rhythms and high-energy funk.
Sharing our stories
Inside the Media Room, the Community Conversations and Presentations provided another way to experience the festival.
Local organizations, historians, artists, cultural leaders and community members shared presentations exploring Statesville's history and the diverse traditions and experiences represented throughout the community.
Topics ranged from the history of Green Street Cemetery and the impact of Latino culture in Statesville to Japanese folklore, spoken word, independent film, Asian American experiences in the Carolinas and conversations about Statesville's Muslim community.
These sessions created opportunities to listen, learn, ask questions and discover stories that may not always be part of everyday conversations.
Creating and connecting as a community
The celebration continued throughout the festival grounds with cultural and heritage exhibits, local vendors, food, children's activities, community organizations, educational displays and opportunities to connect with neighbors.
Festivalgoers were also invited to contribute to a collaborative community art project led by Charlotte-based artist Julio Gonzalez in partnership with the Visual Arts and Performing Arts Center. Each contribution became part of a larger piece celebrating the people, places, traditions and shared experiences that make Statesville special.
The annual School Supply and Bookbag Giveaway was also part of this year's celebration, helping local students and families prepare for the new school year while enjoying everything happening throughout the festival.
See you in 2027
The inaugural Statesville Heritage Festival was only the beginning.
The City of Statesville is excited for the Heritage Festival to return as an annual celebration, continuing to bring the community together through stories, culture, music, history, art and shared experiences.
Thank you to the performers, presenters, vendors, community organizations, partners, volunteers, City of Statesville teams and everyone who helped make the first Statesville Heritage Festival possible.
And thank you to everyone who joined the celebration.
Watch for the announcement of the 2027 Statesville Heritage Festival date and plans for next year's celebration.
