Who we are
Norsk Høstfest is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that raises funds to preserve and share Scandinavian culture, heritage and educational programs. Program focus areas include Høstfest in the Schools, Scandinavian Youth Camp, the Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame, Skien-Minot sister city relationship, and Norsk Høstfest. The festival also crowns an yearly Miss Norsk Høstfest and holds trips to Denbigh, ND, for the annual wreath-laying ceremony honoring Sondre Norheim.
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 44th 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.
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.
Norsk Høstfest 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, food, clothes, art, and jewelry can be found throughout Norsk Høstfest and also in the Scandinavian Heritage Park, the only park in the world representing all five Nordic countries.
OUR MISSION
Norsk Høstfest exists to celebrate Scandinavian Heritage by promoting and preserving traditional family, culture, and community values for the benefit of future generations.
Iceland
Denmark
Sweden
Norway
Finland
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!
2023 Norsk Høstfest takes place from September 27th, 28th, 29th, and 30th at The North Dakota State Fair Grounds in Minot, North Dakota. Festival doors open at 12pm on Wednesday and at 9 am Thursday-Saturday. Dining and shopping vendors are open until 8 pm daily.
