Festivals & Annual Events
January
Lutefisk and Meatball Dinner – Sons of Norway
Always a treat -authentic Norwegian meal in our Sons of Norway Hall.
February
Valisblot
An annual Viking tradition, the weekend of Valentine’s Day. The Sons of Norway Vikings proceed to the fire ring in the waterfront park to light the bonfire and make Viking proclamations of love to their sweeties.
March
Poulsbo Beer Run (St. Patrick’s Day Edition)
The Poulsbo Beer Run is a memorable event that rocks the city of Poulsbo twice a year. The run includes 4 miles and 7 (9oz) beers!
Easter Egg Hunts
Several community-held Easter egg hunts for the little ones: Through Poulsbo Parks and Rec, held at Raab Park. Through Sons of Norway, held at the Waterfront Park.
April
Poulsbo Farmer’s Market
The Poulsbo Farmers Market is an outdoor market running from April-December, featuring live music and over 35 regional farmers, crafters, and food processors showcasing some of the freshest, most local products available. The market is Saturday from 9am – 2pm at 18901 8th Avenue NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370 – in the parking lot of Gateway Fellowship Church.
May
Viking Fest
Since 1969, Poulsbo has been celebrating Viking Fest–a celebration rooted from Norway’s Constitution Day of May 17. In Norway, it is a festival of flags and colorful processions, where children walk to the music of marching bands. Traditional Norwegian costumes are a prominent and common part of the celebrations. The festivities last from early morning until late at night. Parties with family and friends featuring traditional food and drinks are common.
Come join us for this great family-friendly event held every year on the third weekend in May in the Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park, Anderson Parkway & King Olav Parking Lot in Downtown Poulsbo. Festivities include a parade, food & vendor booths, as well as a carnival with rides.
Road Race
The Saturday morning of Viking Fest, before the parade is a family-friendly road race. Choose from 1 to 5 miles, with a kids dash.
Viking Tour
The Viking Tour is a group ride on the Kitsap Peninsula that starts and finishes in historic Poulsbo, and is held during Viking Fest. The ride has three different lengths for all riding levels: 58, 30 and 18 miles.
Girls Night Out in Historic Downtown Poulsbo
Historic Downtown Poulsbo shops host this annual fundraising event from 5p – 8p and features drawings and specials.
June
Midsommer Fest (St. Hans)
Come to Waterfront Park in Poulsbo to join in the Scandinavian tradition of the Summer Solstice. Enjoy folk dancing, meet Norwegian and Icelandic dogs, partake of traditional Norwegian cuisine in the lodge (3:30-6:30) and other activities. Enjoy the Viking Parade, lighting of the Bon Fire and Midsommer proclamation by Sons of Norway Vikings.
July
Summer Nights at the Bay
Free family concerts at 6:30 p.m. on July evenings at Muriel Iverson Willian Waterfront Park.
Performances at the Passage (Suquamish)
Thursday evenings don’t get better than this. Sitting on the grassy lawn, overlooking the water, listening to FREE live music each week is a treat. This event is family-friendly, pack a picnic or grab a glass of wine and enjoy live music on the lawn in front of the Clearwater Casino Resort. Runs through August.
August
Chief Seattle Days (Suquamish)
Chief Seattle Days is a 3-day public festival established in 1911 to honor chief Seattle, a famous leader of the Suquamish People for whom the City of Seattle is named. Activities include the traditional salmon bake, canoe races, drumming and dancing, Powwow, Fun Run, craft and food vendors and a memorial service for Chief Seattle at his gravesite in Suquamish.
Poulsbo Arts Festival
The third weekend in August celebrate the arts at Poulsbo’s Muriel Iverson Waterfront Park. There is something for all the family to enjoy including a children’s arts corner, original design jewelry, metal, ceramic, wood, and fabric art.
September
Poulsbrew
Local brewers gather to share their best October brews, foods trucks and live music. Presented by the Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce.
October
Poulsbo Beer Run (Oktoberfest Edition)
The Poulsbo Beer Run is a memorable event that rocks the city of Poulsbo twice a year.
Trick or Treating through Historic Downtown Poulsbo
Watch out for ghosts, goblins and witches roaming the streets of Historic Downtown Poulsbo looking for candy treats from local merchants. For the safety of the children, Front Street will be closed from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy live music and a fun and safe atmosphere for the kids.
November
Art in the Woods Studio Tour
A fun time – grab a map and take a self-guided tour through Kitsap County, to all the great studios!
The Poulsbo Tree Lighting Ceremony on Viking Way
Get festive at the Annual Poulsbo Tree Lighting Ceremony at Viking Avenue. Experience the holidays in a grand way with your family and friends.
December
Julefest and Holiday Bazaar
Julefest is celebrated the first Saturday in December at the Sons of Norway. This fun community event includes a Christmas Bazzar, Christmas music around the Christmas tree down on the waterfront, the Lucia Bride arriving by boat with Vikings, and Father Christmas and the Lucia Bride lighting the bonfire.
Meet Santa in Historic Downtown Poulsbo
You can’t miss out on a visit with Santa in Historic Downtown Poulsbo! Makes a great photo opp for the family, and you can even get all your Christmas shopping done while you’re at it downtown! Beginning the weekend of Thanksgiving, and ending the weekend before Christmas.
Holiday Concert – Poulsbo Community Orchestra
What brings more cheer than beautiful music performed by our very own Poulsbo Community Orchestra! Amazing!
Lighted Boat Parade
Presented by the Poulsbo Yacht Club and the Historic Downtown Poulsbo Association, the boats cruise Liberty Bay, showing off their finest Christmas sparkle for a great family event. Hot Cider and cookies are served in the pavilion. Toss your pinecone into the Ceremonial fire, make a resolution, pledge, or wish, and believe in the season.