About Us
Our History
Norsk Høstfest exists to celebrate Scandinavian Heritage by promoting and preserving its culture and community values for the benefit of future generations.
Norway
Finland
Norway
Sweden
Denmark
Iceland
Who we are
Norsk Høstfest is held annually in the fall in the N.D. State Fair Center on the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot, N.D., USA. The festival was founded in 1978 by the late Chester Reiten and a group of friends who shared his interest in celebrating their Nordic heritage. The festival, now entering into its 45th year, has grown into North America’s largest Scandinavian festival with tens of thousands of people attending from all over the world.
The festival features world-class entertainment, authentic Scandinavian cuisine, Scandinavian culture on display, and handcrafted Norsk merchandise.
Scandinavian Heritage Association
While the festival has grown to become the largest Scandinavian festival in North America, there are other entities in Minot, ND that have sprouted from the same interest of preserving heritage and celebrating Nordic culture. Among those organizations that have been cultivated through the joint interest in the Scandinavian culture are the Scandinavian Heritage Association, and the Høstfest-Heritage Foundation.
Norsk Høstfest receives no city, county, state or federal tax funds. Officers and directors of the board receive no pay.
THE FESTIVAL
Scandinavian tradition is on full display for the four days of the festival. From Nordic entertainment to culinary options, guests will truly have a cultural experience. Visit with artisans showcasing ancient traditions or take a walk back in time at Viking Village. No matter where you may roam during Høstfest, one thing is for sure – it will be a Nordic adventure!
2025 Norsk Høstfest takes place from September 24th, 25th, 26th, and 27th at The North Dakota State Fair Grounds in Minot, North Dakota. Festival doors open at 9 am Wednesday-Saturday. Dining and shopping vendors are open until 7 pm daily.
Our Team
STAFF
Searle Swedlund, Executive Director
Stephanie Kinchen, Festival Operations
Lindsey Bertsch, Festival Technician
Teresa Loftesnes, Volunteer Coordinator
EX Officio BOARD MEMBERS
Brekka Kramer
Craig Rudland
Stephanie Schoenrock
BOARD MEMBERS
Clint Severson
Duane Brekke
Harrison Hruby
Tim Mihalick
Abbie Eads
Karen Krebsbach
Karen Rasmussen
Brandi Field
Deb Burger-Peery
Tonia Vitko
Norsk Høstfest is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and receives no city, county, state, or federal tax money. Officers and Directors of The Board receive no pay.
FAQ
Accessibility
Handicap Accessibility
Handicapped accessible parking is available on the East side of the State Fair Center building, in the Handicapped/VIP parking lot.
An elevator is available on the east side of Chester Avenue Level 1 to allow Høstfest guests access to the Great Hall of the Vikings and Skien Mezzanine on Level 2.
Limited accessibility seating is available in the Great Hall. For more information, please contact the Norsk Høstfest office at
Wheelchairs are allowed at the venue. There will be wheelchairs available for rental inside the festival entrance.
A coat room is available inside the main entrance in Millennium Hall.
A guest with a service dog is allowed at the festival.
Models will gather by the restrooms in Oslo Hall at 10:45 a.m. each day they want to participate in the Bunad Parade. The parade will take place throughout the NORSK HØSTFEST festival halls. The parade will start at 11:00 a.m. and end back in Oslo Hall with the Bunad Show starting at 11:30 a.m. Romayne Kilde (Bunad Show Coordinator romayne@thenordicheart.com) will line up the models.
To participate in the show, please follow the steps by signing up at hostfest.com/volunteering/ to complete/update your volunteer profile. You will then be directed to the Jobs & Shifts page to choose the day(s) you want to model for the show(s). If you’re donating a Bunad, please contact Teresa. See her information below. After we receive your participant confirmation, you will receive an email regarding your Bunad story. For those that participated last year, your description is on file. For new models, you will be sent a link to the Bunad description form.
If you have a Bunad(s), please contact Teresa at the Hostfest office at 701.852.2368 ext. 3 by Tuesday, Sept. 3.
GENERAL INFO
Hours of Operation
Festival Doors Open at 9 am every day.
GREAT HALL CONCERTS
For afternoon shows: doors open at noon, and concerts begin at 1 pm.
For evening shows:
Wed-Fri: doors open at 6 pm, and shows begin at 7 pm.
Sat: doors open at 4pm, and show begins at 5pm
HALLS CLOSE
Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Helsinki close at 7:00pm. Reykjavik closes at 11:00pm.
Models will gather by the restrooms in Oslo Hall at 10:45 a.m. each day they want to participate in the Bunad Parade. The parade will take place throughout the NORSK HØSTFEST festival halls. The parade will start at 11:00 a.m. and end back in Oslo Hall with the Bunad Show starting at 11:30 a.m. Romayne Kilde (Bunad Show Coordinator romayne@thenordicheart.com) will line up the models.
To participate in the show, please follow the steps by signing up at hostfest.com/volunteering/ to complete/update your volunteer profile. You will then be directed to the Jobs & Shifts page to choose the day(s) you want to model for the show(s). If you’re donating a Bunad, please contact Teresa. See her information below. After we receive your participant confirmation, you will receive an email regarding your Bunad story. For those that participated last year, your description is on file. For new models, you will be sent a link to the Bunad description form.
If you have a Bunad(s), please contact Teresa at the Hostfest office at 701.852.2368 ext. 3 by Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Items Allowed
ALLOWED
- Bags and Backpacks (subject to search)
- Strollers
- Seat Cushions (will also be available for purchase in the Souvenir Boutique and the Little Shop on Joy Street)
- Service Animals
NOT ALLOWED
- Professional cameras/recording devices (unless you’ve received a media pass)
- Chairs
- Outside food or beverage
- Weapons of any sort
- Non Service Animals
Visitors to Norsk Høstfest 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.
Lost & Found
If you lose something (or find something), stop by the official “Lost and Found” at the Operations Office on Joy Street.
Coat & Merchandise Check
Don’t carry around those purchases! Coat and package check is found in the Leif Erikson Millennium Hall.
Acceptable Forms of Payment
Cash (USD) and card. Please note: we can’t accept American Express (AMX) on any Ticketmaster purchases.
ATM’s
ATMs are available throughout the festival grounds.
On-Site Box Office
You can purchase tickets at the door on the day of the event (if they are still available). We strongly encourage you to purchase your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in any long lines.
Identification
If you are 21+ and purchasing alcohol, you need a valid ID.
If you are picking up at will call, you need a valid ID matching the name on your tickets.
Re-Admittance Policy
To re-enter the festival, make sure to receive a hand stamp when initially entering the festival and getting your ticket scanned.
Wi-Fi
This year’s festival will have Free public WiFi provided by SRT!
Wi-fi will not be available at the campgrounds, but will be available at RV Hospitality.
Network Name: SRT Free Public WiFi
Password: No Password
Getting Here
Location
The festival is located at
Ride Services
There will be shuttles roaming the parking lots providing patrons free rides to the entrance of the festival.
Minot City Transit will be providing all day bus tickets for $5. Bus departs the arena at the top of each hour starting at 8 am. Busses stop running at midnight.
Parking
Parking is FREE. You can leave your vehicle there over-night, but must be picked up prior to 8 am the next morning. Norsk Høstfest is located on the North Dakota State Fairgrounds, which has a large parking lot to the East side of the grounds, accessible from County Road 19 (27th St SE). Parking includes shuttles that will take you from the parking lot to the doors of Norsk Høstfest. To see our official parking map, click here.
Health, Safety, Security
Emergency Services
The Police Department, Sheriff’s Department, and Ambulance will be available during the Great Hall concerts in case of emergency.
Metal Detectors/Wands
There will not be metal detector/wands, but all bags will be searched prior to entry.
Smoking Policy
Norsk Høstfest does not allow smoking anywhere on the fairgrounds. In order to smoke, you will be required to leave the festival and go to a designated smoking area.
Jobs/Careers
Careers
If you are passionate about preserving Scandinavian heritage and want to be a part of this exciting event, consider joining the Norsk Høstfest team. As a staff member, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated group of individuals who share your love of Norwegian culture. Whether you’re interested in event planning, hospitality, ticket sales, customer service, or simply want to lend a helping hand, there are numerous ways to get involved.
Being a part of the Norsk Høstfest team is a rewarding experience that allows you to make new friends, learn new skills, and contribute to a beloved cultural event. Join us in celebrating all things Scandinavian and become a valued member of our team!
If you’re interested in working for Norsk Høstfest but don’t see a job posting that matches your skills or interests, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team directly.
We are always looking for talented individuals who are passionate about preserving Scandinavian culture and making the event a success. Whether you have experience in event planning, hospitality, customer service, or something else entirely, there may be a role for you on the team.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of this exciting cultural event. Contact us today and see how you can contribute to this beloved celebration of Scandinavian heritage!
RV Camping
You can stay on the festival grounds. Norsk Høstfest can accommodate over 1,000 RVs at our grounds and offer an RV hospitality center for our campers.
Hotels
Minot has many new hotels built in the last couple of years and Visit Minot has created an amazing database of hotels available during Norsk Høstfest. Simply click here to find a room! Or, you are more than welcome to bring an RV or tent and camp right at the festival!
Home Housing
Home Housing is a way for artisans, vendors and entertainers to find affordable housing while the festival is going on. Volunteers provide housing to the those working Norsk Hostfest.
Visitors to Norsk Høstfest 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.
Business Sponsorship
Why Sponsor?
Sponsoring Norsk Høstfest is a great opportunity for companies and organizations to showcase their brand and support a vibrant community event. This festival celebrates the rich heritage and traditions of Scandinavian culture and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country. Sponsors can participate in a variety of ways, from providing financial support to donating products or services. Sponsoring this festival provides a unique opportunity to reach a diverse audience and align with a positive cultural event.
In addition to brand exposure and positive community impact, sponsoring can also provide valuable networking opportunities. Sponsors can connect with other businesses and organizations in the region, potentially leading to new partnerships and collaborations. Sponsoring this festival demonstrates a commitment to supporting local communities and celebrating cultural diversity, which can enhance a company’s reputation and strengthen relationships with customers and stakeholders.
Become an AG Day Sponsor
$5,000 opportunity! Høstfest is held in the fall of each year to celebrate the Scandinavian heritage throughout North America. “Norsk Høstfest” means “Fall Festival” in Norwegian, and it represents the time of harvest.
Scandinavians immigrated to North America and North Dakota specifically because they saw opportunity. For many this meant purchasing land and farming. Many farms throughout North Dakota have Scandinavian ancestry.
Visitors to Norsk Høstfest 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.
Volunteer Opportunities
Become a Volunteer!
Volunteering at Norsk Høstfest in Minot, North Dakota is a great way to get involved in the community, meet new people, and support a valuable cultural event. This festival celebrates the rich heritage and traditions of Scandinavian culture and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country. Volunteering at this festival provides a unique opportunity to give back to the community and be a part of a positive cultural experience.
Hundreds of volunteers are needed to help with setup and takedown, decorating, assisting with Scandi Kitchen tasks, welcoming visitors, scanning and selling tickets, selling Høstfest merchandise, and, of course, scooping delicious ice cream.
Your Perks as a Volunteer!
– A fabulous time supporting the Norsk Høstfest!
– FREE all-day festival admittance with your wristband each day of your shift (no admission to any Great Hall concerts).
– FREE volunteer t-shirt to be worn during volunteer shifts to identify you as a volunteer.
– DISCOUNT on one Great Hall concert ticket. The volunteer pays the difference between the concert ticket price and the General Admission price. This perk can only be redeemed during the festival for open seats. Contact a volunteer at the volunteer booth for your voucher. No refunds will be granted for tickets purchased prior to the festival.
– 20% off Norsk Høstfest merchandise at a Souvenir Shop (2 or more shifts required, contact volunteer desk for voucher).
– FREE meal voucher. To qualify for a free meal voucher, you are required to volunteer at least 8 hours in one day (contact volunteer desk for voucher).