Annual Events & Festivals
Poulsbo punches well above its weight when it comes to community celebrations. Rooted in Scandinavian tradition and Pacific Northwest spirit, the town’s annual event calendar runs year-round — from winter bonfires on the waterfront to summer arts festivals, makers fairs, beer runs, and the beloved Viking Fest each May. Whatever time of year you visit, there’s likely something happening worth planning around.
Recurring Events
Second Saturday Artwalk (Monthly, Year-Round) On the second Saturday of every month, Historic Downtown Poulsbo comes alive with art, culture, and community. Local galleries, shops, and studios along Front Street open their doors for special showings, live demonstrations, artist meet-and-greets, and refreshments. It’s one of the best ways to experience Poulsbo’s thriving creative scene — and a great reason to plan a visit any month of the year.
Poulsbo Farmers Market (Saturdays, April–December · 9am–2pm) One of the Kitsap Peninsula’s most beloved outdoor markets, the Poulsbo Farmers Market sets up every Saturday morning in the parking lot of Gateway Fellowship Church at 18901 8th Ave NE. Over 35 regional farmers, food producers, and artisan crafters gather weekly alongside live music — making it a can’t-miss stop for fresh local goods from spring through the holidays. Visit poulsbofarmersmarket.org for vendor and seasonal info.
January
Lutefisk & Meatball Dinner — Sons of Norway Ring in the new year the Norwegian way. The Sons of Norway Lodge hosts this annual dinner featuring an authentic lutefisk and meatball meal in the historic Sons of Norway Hall — a true taste of Little Norway’s Scandinavian heritage. Visit poulsbosonsofnorway.com for dates and tickets.
February
Valisblot One of Poulsbo’s most beloved winter traditions, Valisblot takes place the weekend of Valentine’s Day at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. Sons of Norway Vikings gather at the fire ring to light a bonfire and make traditional Viking proclamations of love — a uniquely Poulsbo take on the holiday that draws locals and visitors alike.
March/April
Poulsbo Beer Run — St. Patrick’s Day Edition Poulsbo’s famous Beer Run happens twice a year, and the St. Patrick’s Day edition is one of the most spirited. Runners tackle 4 miles with 7 (9oz) beer stops along the way — a beloved tradition for those who like their cardio with a side of craft brew. Visit poulsbobeerrun.com for registration and details.
Easter Egg Hunts Several community Easter egg hunts take place across Poulsbo each spring, including events through Poulsbo Parks & Recreation at Raab Park and through the Sons of Norway at Waterfront Park.
Poulsbo Farmers Market opens for the season in March/April — see Recurring Events above for details.
May
Viking Fest (Third Weekend in May) Poulsbo’s signature annual celebration and one of the largest Norwegian Constitution Day festivals in the United States. Since 1969, Viking Fest has filled the waterfront and downtown streets each May with a parade, carnival rides, food and vendor booths, live music, and the spirit of Norway’s Syttende Mai (May 17th). The festivities take place at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park, Anderson Parkway, and the King Olav Parking Lot. A family-friendly road race kicks off Saturday morning with distances from a kids’ dash to 5 miles. Visit vikingfest.org for the full schedule.
Girls Night Out in Historic Downtown Poulsbo Local shops host this annual fundraising evening from 5–8pm, featuring drawings, specials, and a reason to explore everything downtown has to offer after hours.
June
Midsommer Fest / St. Hans (Summer Solstice) Join the Sons of Norway at Waterfront Park for a celebration of the Scandinavian Summer Solstice. Festivities include folk dancing, Norwegian dog breeds on display, traditional cuisine at the lodge (3:30–6:30pm), a Viking Parade, and the lighting of the ceremonial Midsommer bonfire. Visit poulsbosonsofnorway.com for details.
Viking Tour A group cycling ride on the Kitsap Peninsula starting and finishing in Historic Downtown Poulsbo, held in conjunction with Viking Fest weekend. Routes of 18, 30, and 58 miles accommodate all riding levels.
Poulsbo Makers Faire (Last Weekend of June) A gathering of fascinating, DIY-enthusiastic and curious people who enjoy learning and sharing what they can do. The Makers Faire highlights Poulsbo’s DIY community and appeals to a broad spectrum of makers ranging from robotics, 3D printing, woodworking, arts, crafts, and more — all at the Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. 2026 dates are June 26–28. Visit cafnw.org/makers-faira for details.
July & August
Summer Nights at the Bay (July/August) Free family concerts on summer evenings at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. Check poulsbo.gov for the current lineup and schedule.
Poulsbo Arts Festival (Third Weekend of August) Celebrated for 25 years on the lawns of the beautiful Poulsbo waterfront park, the Arts Festival features fine art and craft booths, a live music program, and a raffle. Jewelry, photography, metalworking, ceramics, woodworking, and fabric arts are all represented, alongside food booths and art demonstrations. Free and open to the public. Visit cafnw.org/poulsbo-arts-festival for details.
September
Poulsbrew Local and regional brewers gather for a celebration of craft beer, featuring food trucks and live music. Presented by the Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce. Visit poulsbochamber.com for dates and ticket info.
October
Poulsbo Beer Run — Oktoberfest Edition The second Beer Run of the year, with a seasonal Oktoberfest twist. Same great format — 4 miles, 7 beer stops — with fall flavors. Visit poulsbobeerrun.com to register.
Trick or Treating in Historic Downtown Poulsbo Ghosts, goblins, and pirates descend on Front Street each October as local merchants hand out treats to costumed kids. Front Street closes to traffic from 4–6pm, and live music adds to the festive atmosphere. A safe, walkable Halloween tradition for the whole family.
November
Art in the Woods Studio Tour (Second Weekend of November) A self-guided tour through North Kitsap County’s working artist studios, presented by the Cultural Arts Foundation Northwest. Pick up a map and spend the weekend meeting local artists, viewing new work, watching demonstrations, and bringing home something one-of-a-kind. Visit cafnw.org for the studio map and details.
Poulsbo Tree Lighting Ceremony (Friday after Thanksgiving · Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park) The official kickoff to the holiday season in Poulsbo. Each year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, the community gathers at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park for the annual tree lighting ceremony — festive music, holiday cheer, and the magical glow of Little Norway dressed for Christmas. A beloved tradition that marks the start of the most wonderful time of year in Poulsbo.
December
Julefest & Holiday Bazaar Celebrated the first Saturday of December at the Sons of Norway Lodge, Julefest is one of Poulsbo’s most magical holiday traditions. The evening features a Christmas Bazaar, caroling around the waterfront Christmas tree, and the dramatic arrival of the Lucia Bride by boat — accompanied by Vikings — before Father Christmas and the Lucia Bride light the ceremonial bonfire. Visit poulsbosonsofnorway.com for details.
Meet Santa in Historic Downtown Poulsbo Beginning Thanksgiving weekend and running through the weekend before Christmas, Santa sets up in Historic Downtown Poulsbo for photos and visits — the perfect excuse to do your holiday shopping locally.
Lighted Boat Parade Presented by the Poulsbo Yacht Club and the Historic Downtown Poulsbo Association, boats cruise Liberty Bay adorned in their finest Christmas lights in a beloved waterfront tradition. Hot cider and cookies are served at the pavilion, and a ceremonial pinecone fire invites visitors to make a wish or resolution for the season ahead.
Holiday Concert — Poulsbo Community Orchestra The Poulsbo Community Orchestra caps the year with a holiday concert showcasing local musical talent. Check local listings for performance dates and venue.