About the Festival

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.


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All Scandinavian Midsummer Festival events are open to the public. Admission is family friendly. Multi-generational families attend with youngsters being especially keen to return for the fun, food and family time, and seniors being glad to share their family traditions and history with the upcoming generations. Survey results show that half of attendees are returnees and the other half are newcomers eager to learn about a new culture.
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3-day Wristband - Adult $10
3-day Wristband - Children (6-12 yrs.) $4
(5 and under free)


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Clatsop County Fairgrounds
92937 Walluski Loop
Astoria, OR 97103

Click for directions


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Clatsop County Fairgrounds
$5 for the weekend


No Pets Allowed
Only verifiable registered service animals will be permitted

Friday!

Friday, the festival kicks off with vendors, food and live entertainment. Friday’s major evening events include Queen's Coronation, a Bonfire with Hex burning, and a public dance

Friday!

Learn more about all of the fun Friday events!

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Saturday!

Saturday continues with the Midnight Sun Breakfast, Troll Run/Walk, parade, Midsummer Pole, Beer Garden, folk dress parade, Viking Encampment, children’s games, public dance, & more.

Saturday!

Learn more about all of the fun Saturday events!

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Sunday!

Sunday’s activities include a Pannukakku Breakfast, church service, shopping, food, and live entertainment. Festival concludes with the closing ceremonies.

Sunday!

Learn more about all of the fun Sunday events!

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