The Norsk Hostfest, North America’s largest Scandinavian Festival, is celebrating its 34th year, starting the evening of Tuesday, September 27th and continuing through Saturday, October 1st. Tens of thousands of people attend the event annually to celebrate and partake in the Scandinavian culture and entertainment. Over 200 internationally recognized artisans, craftsmen and chefs participate. The experience is an eclectic array of contemporary and traditional. The cuisine as well as the clothes, art and jewelry are authentic, fine quality and exquisitely Nordic.
For those of you out there who can shop ‘til you drop, the Nordic history and heritage is alive from the Clog Shop and the Import Shop to the Sølje Shop and the General Store. More unique and fascinating shops are found in the International Marketplace. Buy silver jewelry, Norwegian sweaters, authentic Scandinavian gifts, fine art and souvenirs.
After filling your bags with Nordic goodies, have a bite where the cuisine cannot be matched. You won’t find such a wide variety of authentic Scandinavian food anywhere else in North America. People come to the Norsk Hostfest just for the superb fare! Choose from four sidewalk cafes, The Scandinavian Kitchen, Swedish Bakery, En To Tre Fine Dining, and many more. Indulge in such culinary favorites as Danish Aebelskivers, lutefisk, lefse, Oof-Da Tacos, rice pudding, Swedish meatballs and Viking-on-a-stick.
During all the festivities, feel the warmth of the Scandinavian hospitality at Norsk Hostfest as you meet and make new friends. There is a tradition of introducing yourself with, “Hi, and where are you from?” If you participate and ask the right person, that person might be the “Mystery Viking,” and you’ll win $100! A surprise and potential new friend is around every corner. Dance with a troll or play “Knock the Fleas Off the Black Plague Rat!” Take part in the camaraderie! That is what the Norsk Hostfest is all about.
Aside from the delicious food, exquisite shopping and fun events, take a minute to relax and enjoy some entertainment. The Great Hall Entertainment features: Martina McBride, Trace Adkins, The Judds Reunion Tour, Gaither Hostfest Homecoming, and Charlie Pride. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 701-852-2368. Great Hall of the Vikings tickets (Wednesday-Saturday) include all day festival admission AND a reserved seat for the featured entertainer. Tuesday’s opening night concert tickets with Martina McBride to the Great Hall of the Vikings are for the concert ONLY. General admission tickets (Wednesday-Saturday) allow all day festival admission, excluding the Great Hall of the Vikings. Ticket prices this year are $65.00 and $58.00 for Wednesday through Saturday Great Hall shows. The opening night concert with Martina McBride costs $56.00 and $63.00, as this is a concert only performance.
There is also plenty of side stage entertainment available that is included in the general admission at the door. This entertainment includes the Oak Ridge Boys, ABBA, The Lowe Family, Monroe Crossing, Williams & Ree, Bjoro Haaland, The Boundary Water Boys, Telegraph Road, Ingemars, Geitungen, The Western Senators, Randy Bear, Wayne Kabanuck, Jeremiah James, Abbey Road Band, Ann-Marita, Kerry Christensen, Zelda Nera, Leah Durelle, Radio Stars, Dakota Nights, Bunad Show Skalmusik, Parade of Flags, Norsk Hostfest Accordion Club Band, and Gordy Lindquist.
