The earliest documented summer gathering of Nordic immigrants in Astoria took place in 1938. Other historical sources refer to Nordic gatherings centered around folk dance in the 50’s and 60’s. The first documented source that refers to the summer festivities as the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival is from 1968.

The Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival is an Oregon Heritage Tradition which means the festival is more than fifty years old. The Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival is held the third weekend in June at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds east of Astoria. The festival opens Friday afternoon with vendors, food and live entertainment. Friday’s major evening events include a catered dinner,  Queen's Coronation, a Bonfire with Hex burning, and a public dance. On Saturday there is a Midnight Sun Breakfast and continuous opportunities all day long for attendees to visit vendors, buy authentic Nordic food specialties from the lodges, and dance and listen to live entertainment from the Nordic lands and the Pacific Northwest. Other major events on Saturday include the Troll Run, a costumed walking parade through the fairgrounds, flag raising, raising and dancing around the Midsummer Pole, and a Beer Garden. The Viking Encampment is open to the public with almost hourly demonstrations. All ages are invited to participate in a Kubb (a Nordic lawn game) tournament, and children’s games take place in the Barnefest Area. Icelandic horses are available for viewing in the horse arena and there is a narrated parade of Nordic folk wear. Saturday evening concludes with special entertainment by GASLIGHTER Songs of the Chicks and ARRIVAL, Canada’s Tribute to ABBA.  Special tickets are required for this concert. Sunday’s activities include a Pannukakku (Finnish pancake) Breakfast, a non-denominational church service, more shopping, food and live entertainment. The event concludes in the afternoon with the raffle drawing and closing ceremonies with flags.