Norsk Hostfest, North America’s largest Scandinavian festival, is an annual celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Nordic countries, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
The festival features a variety of traditional activities, including authentic Nordic food, music and dance performances, artisan crafts, and hands-on cultural experiences.
Largest Scandinavian Festival in North America!
Norsk Hostfest celebrates Scandinavian culture and heritage of the five Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Each nation is represented in one of the halls in which the festival takes place, and each named after their country’s capital city. The individual styles of each country’s entertainment,crafts, food, clothes, art, and jewelry can be found throughout Norsk Hostfest and also in the Scandinavian Heritage Park, the only park in the world representing all five Nordic countries.
Scandi-Themed Activities
Embark on an adventure like no other at this year’s Norsk Hostfest! Feel the rush of competition at the Lutefisk Eating Contests, revel in the elegant tradition of the Bunad Parade, and savor the art of Nordic cuisine at the cooking demos on the Nordic Kitchen stage. Immerse yourself in the spirit of Scandinavia with every step, and be part of these traditional activities.
Lutefisk Eating Competition
Experience the ultimate culinary showdown at the Lutefisk Eating Competition, a highlight of Norsk Hostfest held in Oslo Hall! Contestants from all corners gather to indulge in this traditional Norwegian dish, known for its unique preparation involving lye-soaked fish. Witness contestants push their taste buds to the limit as they vie for the coveted title of Lutefisk Champion. It’s a spectacle of gastronomic bravery, cultural celebration, and a must-see event for those craving a taste of Norway’s culinary traditions. The competition will take place daily during the festival in Oslo Hall.
Bunad Show & Parade
Hostfest guests are invited to model their Bunad (traditional folk costume). Folk costumes from all Nordic countries are welcome. Men, women, and children of all ages display the vivid taspetry of garments, each unique to their Nordic region.
Nordic Kitchen
The Nordic Kitchen cooking demonstrations at Norsk Hostfest offer visitors a chance to experience Scandinavian cuisine in a unique and exciting way. The demonstrations feature professional chefs who are experts in preparing traditional Scandinavian dishes, from smoked salmon to meatballs and everything in between. The chefs share their knowledge and techniques with the audience, offering tips on how to cook and serve the dishes at home. The demonstrations are not just informative but also entertaining, as the chefs are known to engage the audience with their humor and personality.
Visitors to Norsk Hostfest can expect to learn about the unique flavors and ingredients of Scandinavian cuisine while being entertained by the charismatic chefs. The Nordic Kitchen cooking demonstrations are a great way to learn about Scandinavian culture and discover new and exciting dishes to add to your culinary repertoire.
Mystery Viking
Each day of the festival, one Mystery Viking will be roaming the festival with $100 cash to give out to the first person who locates them!
How do you locate this mysterious seafarer you ask? It’s simple – greet people throughout the festival grounds with a “Hi, how are you?”
Viking Battles
Step into the heart of the Viking spirit at Norsk Hostfest as you witness thrilling live Viking demonstrations that transport you back to an age of bravery and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, the live Viking demonstrations promise excitement and education for all ages.
Great Hall Stage Entertainment
From iconic tributes to ABBA, Elvis, and Johnny Cash to Scandinavian legend Bjoro Håland, the 46th Norsk Hostfest delivers unforgettable entertainment. Enjoy affordable, family-friendly performances that highlight Nordic culture through live performances and cultural celebrations.
Competitions
Compete in uniquely Nordic challenges at Norsk Hostfest. From the Lutefisk Eating Competition to searching for the Mystery Viking, these events invite you to immerse yourself in authentic cuisine and quirky cultural traditions.
Side Stage Concerts
Five free stages are positioned throughout the festival featuring a wide array of different entertainment and acts! With everything from traditional Scandinavian folk music, to dance, there is something for everyone to enjoy during the festival.
FAMILIE FJORD
Tailored specifically for families, Familie Fjord transforms the festival grounds into a vibrant playground of cultural exploration and fun. The area is filled with interactive exhibits, hands-on games, and engaging activities like the scavenger hunt and Kids Passport challenge, all designed to spark curiosity and creativity in young festival-goers.
Gather around as we celebrate the vibrant return of the Great Hall of the Vikings, a cornerstone of the Norsk Hostfest experience that brings together the spirit of Nordic culture and community. This year, we’re thrilled to announce an impressive lineup of acts that will ignite your passion for music and heritage, ensuring unforgettable memories for all who attend. From the soul-stirring melodies of our featured artists to the lively atmosphere that fills the hall, the Great Hall of the Vikings promises to be a highlight of the festival, offering a unique opportunity to connect with fellow festival-goers and immerse yourself in a truly Nordic celebration. Join us in the revelry as we honor our ancestry through the power of music and community spirit like never before.
Concert Line Up:
1pm: The Ultimate ABBA Tribute:
ABBAcadabra
1pm: Medora Presents
Cash vs The King