Nordic Fest

Nordic Fest is a weekend festival held annually in Decorah, Iowa to commemorate the traditional customs and culture of Scandinavian countries, especially Norway.

[1] Started in 1967, Nordic Fest grew from Luther College Women's Club annual celebration of Norwegian Constitution Day known as Syttende Mai.

Chosen dancers start in third grade and perform at Nordic Fest and other events through their high school graduation, representing 10 years’ commitment.

Nordic Fest features traditional foods, antique show, arts and crafts, musical entertainment and Norse storytelling.

Norwegian immigrants to Decorah decided early on they wanted to preserve the old ways; in 1861, they established Luther College, and in 1877, they started a museum, Vesterheim, today a village of pioneer buildings that keeps traditions alive with year-round workshops and celebrations.