Vendors
Program and parking and map, oh my!
Performances & Presentations
Check out our amazing vendors! We have painters, authors, woodworkers, wool-workers, photographers, mixed media artists, and more!
Performances & Presentations
Program and parking and map, oh my!
Performances & Presentations
Have you ever wanted to see a one-man band? How about a trio of traveling fiddlers? Or maybe a group of viking reenactors? We've got it all!
Program and parking and map, oh my!
Program and parking and map, oh my!
Program and parking and map, oh my!
Look here for the schedule of events, free bus route info, and a map of the Hjemkomst Center. (And don't worry, we'll teach you how to say 'Hjemkomst')
Menu, Herring, & Beer Garden
Menu, Herring, & Beer Garden
Program and parking and map, oh my!
Enjoy treats from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland! Food is available for purchase with meal tickets, plus there will be herring tastings both days of the festival. AND: if you're 21+ enjoy delicious brews from Swing Barrel Brewing Co.
For the Kids! 'Barn Klubb'
Menu, Herring, & Beer Garden
For the Kids! 'Barn Klubb'
Our kids' club has a variety of activities, including stories and crafts, interactive activities, and Passports! Each booth labelled 'Passport Destination' has fun facts about the country it represents, and a sticker for your passport!
FAQs
Menu, Herring, & Beer Garden
For the Kids! 'Barn Klubb'
Have questions? We (hopefully) have answers! And if you have a question that isn't answered here, feel free to reach out to one of our members (see 'About')
VENDORS: FOLK ARTISTS, AUTHORS, & NON-PROFITS
Gluten Free Scandinavian Treats - Phyllis E. Johnson
This cookbook was born when retired USDA food scientist, Phyllis E. Johnson, set out to make gluten-free lefse for her daughter’s boyfriend at Thanksgiving. Inspired by her Scandinavian heritage and growing family needs, she developed gluten-free versions of traditional Nordic cakes, cookies, and desserts. Each recipe was carefully tested to match the taste and texture of the originals. The result is a collection of holiday favorites everyone can enjoy—gluten-free.
Don't Know Nothin Woodwork
"My works are one of a kind, but are not perfect. They are full of knots, nicks, dents, and other imperfections.
This is what gives them great character, much like our own imperfections, which makes us individual and gives us character."
Carvings of Thor's hammer, plaques, pictures, toys, games, boxes, chairs, and more!
Baltic Inspirations
"Our product is made in Estonia, the northernmost of the free three Baltic Republics, on the coast of the Baltic Sea.
The art and craft of wool making and garment knitting have been a part of folk culture in Estonia for over 800 years. From this small country a precious few of these garments are available to the world market. Many of our garments are home made on knitting machines yet significant amount of work is also handcrafted."
Flemming Peterson Woodworking
Flemming Peterson grew up in Denmark and moved to Minnesota in 2001, where he has been ever since. He turned his woodworking passion into a business in 2009. In his work he uses a variety of types of wood and finishes each piece with an all-natural, food-safe mineral oil & beeswax finish.
Stabo Scandinavian Imports
Stabo Scandinavian Imports was established in 1972 in Fargo, ND, and has become an iconic part of the FM Scandinavian community. Stabo carries a wide range of items including glassware,jewelry,sweaters, woodcarvings, novelties, linens, rosemaling, candy, chocolate, food, books and more.
Nyquist Photography
Cole Nyquist is a professional nature and landscape photographer and woodworker from Minnesota.
Nordic Designs
Lois and Ron Mueller are the husband-and-wife team behind Nordic Designs, where traditional rosemaling meets Scandinavian-inspired jewelry. Lois is a published author who has been painting since 1977, studying with artists in Norway and the U.S., and is a former President of Rosemaling Coast to Coast. See one of her rosemaling violins in the photo! Ron crafts jewelry using stones from Scandinavia, adding his own creative touch. Together, they offer books, painting packets, woodenware, and their distinctive jewelry.
Arts & Crafts Norway
Anne Jorunn Syvertsen from Lillesand, Norway will feature handmade Norwegian, sweaters, kofte, bunads for children, hats, socks, mittens, ornaments, and books. She’s an author of multiple books - learn more on her Facebook page!
Fiddle Display
Come see hardanger fiddles in various phases of the creation process! Bud Larson creates these beautiful pieces by hand. Plus, see the bicentennial community harder fiddle - guests at the 2024 festival had the opportunity to help carve it, and now it's finished!
Rob Neuteboom, Author
Rob Neuteboom is a writer, a professor and administrator at Rasmussen University, and an enthusiast of myth and fantasy. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from Minnesota State University Moorhead and a Ph.D. in Rhetoric, Writing and Culture from North Dakota State University. The Growing Ax is his first novel, and its sequel, The Fallen Queen, is his second.
Nordic Gal Designs
Michelle Carlson with Nordic Girl Designs has been painting since 1992 and is proficient in many Rosemaling styles including Telemark, Rogaland, Os, Hallingdahl, Vest Agder and Gudbrandsdal. She has won many awards for her artwork and even finished a Vesterhiem Apprenticeship.
Darrell J. Pedersen, Author
Darrell J. Pederson is a Minnesota author who chronicles his life and perspective with light, witty, and insightful prose. His latest release, Who Will Carry the Fire? More Reflections from a North Woods Lake doubles down on his enjoyable style as he ponders one of the most pertinent questions of this generation - Who will carry the fire?
99th Infantry Battalion - featuring Irene Starck
The 99th Infantry Battalion Foundation is dedicated to preserving the history of the Norwegian-American Infantrymen of the United States Army in WWII. They have published numerous books, including 'The Viking Battalion: Norwegian American Ski Troopers in World War II,' and member Irene Starck will be giving a presentation at the festival.
Todd Hanson
Todd Hanson will showcase a remarkable collection of Norwegian antiques on the atrium level. With experience exhibiting at Høstfest and many other venues, he brings deep knowledge and a passion for preserving Scandinavian heritage. His display will feature three tables filled with rare and fascinating artifacts—each with its own story. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore a truly unique glimpse into Norwegian history and culture.
Performances & Presentations
Wandering Hardanger Fiddle Players
Wandering Hardanger Fiddle Players
Wandering Hardanger Fiddle Players
We will be welcoming back Bud Larsen and Erin Renner, the amazing Hardanger fiddle players. They'll be wandering the festival with their fiddles, continuing a beloved festival tradition.
Project: Constellation
Wandering Hardanger Fiddle Players
Wandering Hardanger Fiddle Players
Santiago and Christina are an acoustic-folk-rock-punk-pop (and more) duo from Grand Forks ND. Their songs are influenced anywhere from old Irish folk music to modern day punk, and they will be playing Swedish music.
Nordic Folkedansklubb
Wandering Hardanger Fiddle Players
The Luren Singing Society
The Nordic Folkedansklubb is a social club that learns and practices Nordic couple folk dances. They will be performing daily, and their dances typically have an opportunity for audience participation!
The Luren Singing Society
Ole Olsson's Old-Time Orkestra
The Luren Singing Society
Coming from from Decorah, Iowa, this group dates back to 1868 when 814 homesick Norwegian immigrants began to sing together. in 1874 The Group became a full-fledged Norwegian – American male chorus. It is the oldest Norwegian American male chorus in the world! They'll be performing once daily.
Ole Olsson's Old-Time Orkestra
Ole Olsson's Old-Time Orkestra
Ole Olsson's Old-Time Orkestra
A fun loving group of musicians who play some pretty darn good Scandinavian music for oldtime dancing and/or just plain enjoying. They play fiddles, accordions, pump organ and guitar, and sing some funny Scandinavian vaudeville songs that may occasionally make Lutheran ladies smile.
Cristopher Anderson
Ole Olsson's Old-Time Orkestra
Ole Olsson's Old-Time Orkestra
View Cristopher Anderson's documentary, 'Dwight in Denmark: Saving Tunes from Extinction' twice daily on the main stage! This work follows Iowa old time fiddler and Danish button accordion player Dwight Lamb, and explores the power of memory
This event is supported in part by a grant from the Lake Region Arts Council through the Minnesota State Legislative appropriation.
Viking Encampment!
"The Viking Encampment is an education-based performance troupe located in the Twin Cities (Minnesota). We promote education, cultural exchange and fun through active demonstrations and direct interaction with our Vikings."
They'll be doing craft demonstrations, story time, and weapon demos!
Valley Ukes
Thor "Squeezebox" Anderson
Spelemannslag
Check out the Sons of Norway Ukulele Band, the 'Valley Ukes,' who are returning to the festival by popular demand. They host a weekly ukulele circle that is open to all levels of players.
Spelemannslag
Thor "Squeezebox" Anderson
Spelemannslag
The spelemannslag is a Norwegian group of fiddlers who play lively traditional music that's great for dancing! they will be performing in the Stave Church on the Hjemkomst Center Grounds.
Thor "Squeezebox" Anderson
Thor "Squeezebox" Anderson
Sons of Norway Accordion Band
Thor specializes in Scandinavian folk music arranged for the accordion, featuring traditional Nordic dances like polska, schottis, and vals. Influenced by the Swedish band Väsen, his sets blend engaging arrangements with optional tune commentary and have been featured at Nordic Fest, farmers markets, cafes, and church-sponsored events.
Sons of Norway Accordion Band
Sons of Norway Accordion Band
Sons of Norway Accordion Band
The Sons of Norway Accordion Band is exactly what it sounds like: a hoot! Enjoy these talented musicians as they lead you through a delightful afternoon of song.
Kevin Wallevand
Sons of Norway Accordion Band
Kevin Wallevand
This well-known local newscaster with Norwegian roots will be giving a special talk on our main stage!
Storyteller Chad Filley
Fresh from his 2024 tour of Norway, where he performed, collected new stories, and explored Sami and Kven cultures in the Arctic Circle, comedian, author, and storyteller Chad Filley brings his unforgettable humor and history to the stage — don’t miss this unique event!
This event is supported in part by a grant from the Lake Region Arts Council through the Minnesota State Legislative appropriation.
From the shores of Norway to the heart of America — a pioneer’s tale brought to life. In the heart of the Stave church, Pati Kachel brings history to life with THAT MY CHILDREN MAY KNOW, a heartfelt first-person portrayal of her Great-Grandmother Ane Marie Anderson’s courageous journey from Norway’
Runes and Runic Inscriptions with Loraine Jensen
Viking Pockets and Graves with Stephanie Anderson
Viking Pockets and Graves with Stephanie Anderson
What are runes? What does runic writing teach about Scandinavian ancestry? This presentation will provide an overview of the thousands of runic inscriptions existing today, primarily in Sweden, Norway and Denmark, but some being researched in North America. Also reviewed with be examples of runes in pop culture. A new game “Runic Alphabet Bingo” created by Loraine, will be introduced for two afternoon sessions, designed for kids, families and adults.
Viking Pockets and Graves with Stephanie Anderson
Viking Pockets and Graves with Stephanie Anderson
Viking Pockets and Graves with Stephanie Anderson
Stephanie Anderson—fiber artist, beekeeper, and co-founder of the Pine to Prairie Folk School—returns this year to present on Viking-age grave recreations and the history of Norwegian pockets. Drawing from her work with archaeologists and museums in Norway, Sweden, and the Vesterheim Museum in Iowa, she’ll explore experimental archaeology and historical textile traditions. Her engaging talks, featuring slideshows of grave reconstructions and beautifully decorated pockets, offer a fascinating glimpse into Viking-era daily life and women’s hidden histories.
Special Talk with Eric Dregni
Viking Pockets and Graves with Stephanie Anderson
Special Talk with Eric Dregni
Eric Dregni, a Minneapolis-based author, professor, and dean at Concordia Language Villages, has written over 20 books, many exploring his deep Norwegian roots. He will be giving presentations at the festival, sharing stories from his memoir In Cod We Trust, which recounts a year spent in Norway on a Fulbright Fellowship with his pregnant wife—an adventure filled with humor, culture shock, and heartfelt discovery. His stories bring to life the quirks, warmth, and unexpected lessons of reconnecting with ancestral heritage.
Enjoy the Beer Garden with Swing Barrel Brewing Co.!
Enjoy a delicious selection of local beers provided by Swing Barrel Brewing Co. out of downtown Moorhead.
Enjoy Herring Tastings from our Sponsor Olsen Fish Co.
Free pickled herring samples will be available both days of the festival from 9:30-4:30!
How does the food court work?
Instead of cash, our food court operates with Meal Tickets that you can use to purchase all sorts of different Scandinavian foods from the cultural clubs. One table selling meal tickets will be located at the festival entrance and one will be located at the entrance of the food court.
Tickets are $1 each and can be purchased day-of at the festival. Tickets are typically sold in bunches of 5, 10, or 20, but can be purchased in any quantity/increment.
Cash and card will NOT be accepted for food, however, cash/card is accepted at the beer garden, by our vendors, and for other items at the festival! Leftover Meal Tickets can be returned to either of the tables for cash or donated to the festival... or you can use them to grab some treats to go!
Notice
All foods are prepared by volunteers from the various cultural clubs and may contain common allergens. Please ask at individual tables about allergens and food restrictions.
NCC is not responsible for any reactions that may occur.