Mark your calendars — Viking Fest 2026 is coming to downtown Poulsbo the weekend of May 15–17, and it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of our town’s Scandinavian heritage. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting Poulsbo for the first time, this is the event that kicks off summer on the Kitsap Peninsula in the best possible way.
From the beloved parade and carnival rides to live music, timber sports, and the legendary lutefisk eating contest, there’s something for every age and every appetite. Here’s everything you need to plan your weekend.
photo courtesy of Love Kitsap
Friday, May 15
The festival opens Friday afternoon with food and craft booths along Anderson Parkway and the carnival firing up in the King Olaf parking lot.
General Festival Hours
Noon–10:00pm — Food & Craft Booths, Viking Village on Anderson Parkway
4:00–10:00pm — Carnival, King Olaf Parking Lot
4:00–7:00pm — Timber Sports
Entertainment
4:00–4:30pm — Opening Ceremonies
4:45–5:15pm — Poulsbo Sons of Norway Leikarringen Dancers
6:30–8:00pm — Rising Sons (When Electric Goes Acoustic)
8:15–10:00pm — Cod Peace (Classic Rock)
photo courtesy of Love Kitsap
Saturday, May 16
Saturday is the biggest day of the festival — start your morning with pancakes and end your night dancing in the streets.
General Festival Hours
8:00am–Noon — Lion’s Pancake Breakfast
9:00–11:00am — Viking Fest Road Race (presented by Poulsbo Parks & Rec)
10:00am–10:00pm — Carnival, King Olaf Parking Lot
10:00am–10:00pm — Food & Craft Booths, Viking Village on Anderson Parkway
2:00–4:00pm — Parade
4:00–7:00pm — Timber Sports
Entertainment
10:00–10:45am — Poulsbo Marimbas
11:15am–12:15pm — Leikarringen Dancers, Poulsbo Sons of Norway
12:30–1:30pm — One More Time Dance Co. (Line Dancing)
4:00–5:00pm — Nordic Fashion Show
5:00–6:45pm — Merge (Alternative Rock)
7:15–8:15pm — One More Time Dance Co.
8:00–11:00pm — Street Dance with DJ Z Enterprises
🍺 Beer Garden by the Poulsbo Sons of Norway
photo courtesy of Love Kitsap
Sunday, May 17
Wind down the weekend with contests, live music, and one last chance to browse the booths.
General Festival Hours
8:00am–Noon — Lion’s Pancake Breakfast
10:00am–6:00pm — Carnival, King Olaf Parking Lot
10:00am–6:00pm — Food & Craft Booths, Viking Village on Anderson Parkway
Entertainment & Contests
10:00–11:00am — Donut Eating Contest (by Space City Donuts) & Ice Cream Eating Contest
11:00am–1:00pm — Cornhole Contest (by Poulsbo Chamber & Poulsbo RE/MAX Connect)
11:00am–Noon — Magician Kevin Wolfe’s Magic Show
12:15–12:45pm — Lutefisk Eating Contest (supported by New Day Fisheries & Sons of Norway)
1:00–2:30pm — Hippy & the Squids (Acoustic Cover Band)
3:00–3:45pm — Church Alive
4:00–5:30pm — Morgan Smith & Company (Bluegrass)
Getting There
Viking Fest takes place in the heart of downtown Poulsbo along Anderson Parkway and at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. Admission to the festival is free. For directions and parking tips, visit our Getting Here page.
For the most up-to-date information, check the official Viking Fest website at vikingfest.org.
Looking to make it a weekend? Head on over to the lodging page to book your Viking Fest accommodations.
