Wondering what to expect at Nordic Fest? While specific entertainment and event details are announced closer to the event dates each year, the overall rhythm of the festival remains a beloved tradition. From opening ceremonies to the final fireworks farewell, here’s a look at the general flow of the weekend.

*For detailed daily schedules, performance lineups, and event times, look for the yearly program (debuting each June).

Thursday

• NOON: Water Street and side streets close to prepare for Nordic Fest!
• 5PM – 9PM: Water Street Food Booths Open
• 6:45PM – 7:45PM: Opening Ceremonies at Courthouse Square, including performance by the Nordic Dancers
• 8PM – 10:30PM: Entertainment at Canopies 1 & 2, Trivia outside of Impact Coffee

Friday

• 9AM – 5PM: Vesterheim Museum open, with various activities around the campus
• 9AM – 4PM: Arts & Crafts Center Open
• 10AM – 9PM: Water Street Food Booths open
• 10AM – 9PM: Kid’s Activities and Programming throughout Nordic Fest grounds
• 11AM: Nordic Dancers performance at Courthouse Square
• 11AM – 11PM: Entertainment at Canopies 1, 2, & 3
• 2PM – 4PM: Bags Tournament
• 6:30PM – 7:30PM: Kanolopet River Race
• 6PM: Luren Singers performance at Courthouse Square
• 7PM: Nordic Dancers performance at Courthouse Square

Saturday

• 7:30AM: Elvelopet 5k & 15k Race
• 9AM – 5PM: Vesterheim Museum open, with various activities around the campus
• 9AM – 4PM: Arts & Crafts Center Open
• 10AM – 9PM: Water Street Food Booths open
• 10:30AM: Grand Parade
• 12:30PM – 9PM: Kid’s Activities and Programming throughout Nordic Fest grounds
• 12:30PM – 11:30PM: Entertainment at Canopies 1, 2, & 3
• 1PM – 3PM: Nordic Rock Throw
• 2PM: Bunad Show
• 2PM – 4PM: Bags Tournament
• 3:30PM – 5PM: Lutefisk Eating Contest
• 7PM: Nordic Dancers performance at Courthouse Square
• 10PM: Fireworks