Viking Fest 2024 - How to Make the Most out of Poulsbo’s Legendary Nordic Waterfront Celebration May 17-19
photo credit vikingfest.org
viking Parade, carnival, street fair, music, strongman contest, road race and a pancake breakfast make viking fest an iconic kitsap peninsula spring tradition.
Ride the Shuttle to avoid parking frustrations
Parking in Poulsbo during busy events can be tricky, avoid the hassle by taking the shuttle! Shuttle service is available from North Kitsap High School (1780 NE Hostmark St, Poulsbo, WA 98370). The shuttle cost is $3.00 per way. All proceeds contribute financial assistance to families for children to attend the WildWise Forest Pre-School, Forest School for grades K-8, as well as Wilderness Rites of Passage for youth. Make plans to drop your loved ones off downtown and then park at NKHS and take the shuttle.
Many/most downtown parking lots will be closed for use for the event.
However, there is limited handicap parking close to the event. If you have a handicap placard there are a few spots close to Front Street, including the Edward Jones lot. Please keep in mind street parking in neighborhoods is for residents. 6th Ave is where the parade queue’s up on Saturday, so it is not available for parking during the parade.
SHUTTLE SCHEDULE
FRIDAY May 17th 4–10PM
SATURDAY May 18th 10AM-10PM
SUNDAY May 19th 10AM-6PM
explore
Don’t you dare miss the Viking Parade!
One of the highlights of the festival is the iconic Viking Parade The parade starts at 2:00pm on the Saturday of Viking Fest.
The Viking Parade begins on 6th & Fjord and ends at Martha & Mary on Front Street. The best viewing is along Fjord Drive and Front Street. Be sure to get there early to grab a good spot, especially downtown as it can get quite crowded.
Bring the kids to the Viking Fest Carnival
Carnival rides and games will be available during Viking Fest weekend in the King Olaf parking lot.
Carnival schedule
FRIDAY: May 17th, 4-10PM
SATURDAY: May 18th, 10AM–10PM
SUNDAY: May 19th, 10AM–6PM
Shop local goods and crafts at the Street Fair
During Viking Fest weekend Anderson Parkway, the parking lot between Front St and the Liberty Bay Waterfront Park, closes to traffic and turns into a lively street fair, featuring local food, crafts & art vendors as well as games. Come ready to snack and shop at this incredible lineup of Kitsap Peninsula & PNW small businesses and artisans!
Run in the Viking Fest Road Race
Presented by Poulsbo Parks and Recreation | Come seize the day and start your Saturday morning right with this perfect family-friendly event for all ages. Complete your choice of a 5 Mile, 1 Mile, and Kids Dash along the beautiful Poulsbo waterfront. Full details + registration info at runsignup.com/VikingFestRoadRace
saturday may 18th 9Am
10am kids dash
Strongman & Strongwoman Competition
Test your strength…or just watch others test theirs in this annual event of might & muscle! Competitors from multiple classes will work to earn the title of strongest man & strongest woman. Log clean, deadlift, boat carrying and stone lifts are just some of the feats of strength that will be on display. MORE INFO at dfstrength.com/events/vikingfest2024
Sunday May 19th 10Am-3PM
photo credit Ken Imagery
Pancake breakfast
The Poulsbo Lion’s are raising money for scholarships and invite you to join them at Sons of Norway.
They’ll be serving up buttermilk pancakes with sausage, eggs, milk, orange juice, coffee and tea.
$12 for adults, $6 for kids 12 and under.
Saturday, May 18th 7Am-1PM
stay
Places to Stay in Poulsbo
There are lots of great options for accommodations for travelers of all types in the Poulsbo area, here are a few options to explore.
EAGLE TREE RV PARK
16280 State Hwy 305
(360) 598-5988
A short drive from Poulsbo, the Eagle Tree RV Park is the perfect year round destination for RV owners looking for a peaceful place tpo stay on the Kitsap Peninsula. Eagle Tree RV Park is private and spacious, with trees surrounding our perimeter.
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES
22022 Quickstep Court NW
(360) 394-0055
Conveniently located 2.5 miles from downtown Poulsbo, enjoy large rooms and beautiful views while visiting Little Norway. Before heading out to explore, enjoy the complimentary hot breakfast and all-day coffee, and enjoy local beer and wine available for sale in our 24-hour Market.
GUESTHOUSE INN & SUITES
19801 7th Ave NE
(360) 697-4400
Super close Poulsbo’s beautiful waterfront shopping and dining district, the GuestHouse Inn & Suites of Poulsbo is convenient, comfortable, and the newly renovated!
18830 Front St NE
Hotel Scandi is an small upscale boutique hotel in historic Poulsbo. Established in 1892 as the first hotel in Poulsbo, this completely restored and remodeled nine-room hotel is in the heart of Downtown Poulsbo, offering easy access to a vibrant waterfront boardwalk with its an array of shops, specialty boutiques, and mouthwatering eateries + breweries.
KITSAP MEMORIAL STATE PARK
202 N.E. Park St.
(360) 779-3205
Located on the scenic Hood Canal shoreline and popular with campers, this park's sunsets, grassy lawns and quaint Log Hall Heritage Area make it aKitsap favorite for weddings and picnicking. Enjoy the stunning views of the Olympic Mountain range while you kayak the Hood Canal or let the kids hang out on the playground.
NORDIC HILL MANOR
13913 South Keyport Road NE
(360) 779-4927
Located on the outskirts of Poulsbo, Nordic Hill’s castle like manor enjoys sweeping views of Liberty Bay. The design is a mix of Scandinavian and Northern European, making this unique and beautiful vacation rental the a perfect place for your next Poulsbo adventure.
POULSBO INN & SUITES
18680 St Hwy 305 NE
(360) 779-3921
The Poulsbo Inn & Suites is conveniently located near downtown Poulsbo and offers a variety of rate plans and options to suit just about any need from weekend getaways to business travel or extended vacations. Rooms are full of amenities that make guests feel right at home!
eat & drink
Great places to eat & drink in Downtown
There are simply too many amazing places to eat in and near downtown Poulsbo to list but here are a few favorites we’re sure you’ll love!
Cafe Cocina
Amazing coffees, salads, wraps, sandwiches & pastries and ambience make Cafe Cocina a local favorite..
slippery pig brewery
Delicious beers, hearty portions of comfort and a a small arcade / pinball room make this family friendly brewery a great choice.
Valhöll Brewing
Just up the hill from Viking Fest activities, Valhöll is an oasis of quality craft brew
The Brass Kraken Pub
The Brass Kraken is well known for their yummy pub food in a casual nautical atmosphere right over the waters of Liberty Bay.
The Loft at Latitude Forty Seven Seven
Located above The Brass Kraken Pub, the Loft is known for amazing elevated food, excellent service and beautiful views.
Juicy J’s Smoked Burgers 100% Plant Based!
Juicy J’s specializes in uniquely seasoned and in-house smoked patties with an abundance of high quality toppings and ingredients.
sluys poulsbo bakery
A Poulsbo LEGEND, Sluys usually has a line out the door…get in line!
Sogno di Vino
Wood-fired pizzas & Italian fare with a huge wine selection served amid brick walls, fireplace & patio. Amazing ambiance inside and outside.
Green Light Diner
A classic American diner, you can’t go wrong if you crave diner or breakfast food.
Casa Luna
Casas Luna offers chile relleno, chicken mole, pollo asado, fajita burrito and other Latin American favorites!
J J's Fish House
A Poulsbo staple for fish ‘n chips and delicious seafood.
Tizley's EuroPub
Get your schnitzel itch scratched at this amazing chalet-like Bavarian restaurant!
Poulsbo Woodfired Pizza
Overlooking the waterfront, in the heart of Viking Fest, you can’t go wrong with woodfired pizza!
Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse
Right up Front Street a short walk from the waterfront park, this coffee shop is cute, the service is great, and the views are incredible.
additional poulsbo guides below
All of the Christmas and holiday events, festivals, tree lightings, and Christmas markets on the Kitsap Peninsula. Holiday events and activities in Bainbridge Island, Port Gamble, Poulsbo, Kingston, Bremerton, and Port Orchard.