Voices of Oakdale

 

The Hendersonville Historic Preservation Commission invites the community to experience Oakdale Cemetery in a new way this October with Voices of Oakdale, an original, fully staged theatrical tour written and directed by Hendersonville Playwright Katie Winkler and Historic Preservation Commission members and presented in collaboration with the Hendersonville Theatre.

 

The play will be presented on Friday, October 23, through Sunday, October 25, offering audiences an immersive opportunity to explore Hendersonville’s history through the stories of those connected to Oakdale Cemetery.

 

Established during Hendersonville’s period of rapid growth in the late 19th century, Oakdale Cemetery reflects the city’s early commitment to a professionally maintained public burial ground serving all Hendersonville residents. The cemetery’s development also reflects the influence of the national Rural Cemetery Movement, which transformed cemeteries into carefully planned landscapes intended to provide peaceful places for remembrance while also serving as spaces for public reflection.

 

Voices of Oakdale builds on this history by bringing the cemetery’s stories to life through a series of performances staged throughout the grounds. The stories range from those who first settled what is now Hendersonville and the surrounding communities to those who helped build the city’s many racial and ethnic communities. And, of course, no story of Oakdale would be complete without the enduring story of Wolfe’s Angel.

 

Each performance will last approximately one hour and will involve a significant amount of walking throughout the cemetery. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for outdoor conditions.

 

The production will take place rain or shine, except in the event of severe weather. If a performance must be canceled due to severe weather, ticket holders will have the opportunity to transfer their tickets to another available performance.

 

Tickets are $10 for adults (18+) and $5 for children (2-17) and tours will take place every 30 minutes each day from 4-6:30 PM. Advance tickets are recommended. Tickets will be on sale starting on Monday, September 28th, 2026, at the Hendersonville Visitor Information Center, 201 S Main St., Hendersonville, NC (828) 693-9708, and online.

 

 

The Hendersonville Historic Preservation Commission encourages residents and visitors to join this special October event and discover the stories that have helped shape Hendersonville.

 

Event: Voices of Oakdale

Dates: Friday, October 23–Sunday, October 25

Performance Times: 4:00–6:30 p.m. every 30 minutes

Location: Oakdale Cemetery, Hendersonville, North Carolina

Duration: Approximately 1 hour

Walking: Significant walking is required

Weather: Rain or shine, unless severe weather requires cancellation

Tickets: $10 for adults (18+), $5 for children (2-17) For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the following link or the Hendersonville Visitor Information Center, 201 S Main St., Hendersonville, NC (828) 693-9708