Oregon Midsummer Festival

8800 SW Oleson Rd,Portland OR 97223

23 June, 2023

Description

Immerse Yourself in a 2-Day Midsummer Extravaganza at the Nordic Northwest Campus in SW Portland! Tickets grant access to both Friday evening and Saturday festivities. Friday, June 23rd: 5pm - 10pm Saturday, June 24th: 10am - 5pm At a new location: Nordic Northwest, 8800 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, OR 97223 Bask in the warmth of the midnight sun as we commemorate the end of the cold winter months with the Oregon Midsummer Festival - a delightful fusion of friendship, food, and drinks, transcending the boundaries of Scandinavian ancestry. This family-friendly celebration, steeped in centuries-old traditions, extends a warm welcome to all! The Oregon Midsummer Festival is proud to host The League of Swedish Society’s 96th annual raising of the Portland Midsummer pole, an Oregon Heritage Tradition. Immerse in Captivating Live Performances Revel in the eclectic mix of entertainment, featuring traditional dances and lively music that capture the spirit of Scandinavian culture across the Pacific Northwest. Friday evening sets the stage for music and dancing near a bonfire (weather permitting), while Saturday showcases the traditional Midsummer pole raising. Savor Delectable Nordic Fare & Beverages Satisfy your cravings with delectable Nordic cuisine and refreshing beverages from our beer & wine garden. Tempt your taste buds with offerings from The League of Swedish Societies, Broder Söder, Carina's Bakery, and more! Experience Nordic beer on tap from Ridgewalker Brewing, savor exquisite mead from Oran Mor Artisan Mead, and relish drinks served by Nordic Northwest and Broder Söder. Discover Treasures at Unique Nordic Booths Stroll through the venue and discover an array of Nordic vendors from across the Pacific Northwest. Explore vintage treasures, artisan crafts, and Nordic gear, while also learning about non-profit organizations that promote Nordic programming in the region. With a plethora of unique items and gifts on offer, you're sure to find something special! Craft Enchanting Floral Crowns The fresh summer greenery of nature is said to contain magic. Embrace the enchantment of nature by crafting your own floral Midsummer crown, a centuries-old Scandinavian tradition believed to harness the magic of summer greenery and ensure good health. Create a stunning crown using vibrant flowers, verdant leaves, and delicate birch branches. Legend says that girls who pick seven flowers and put them under their pillow will dream of the person they will marry Revel in the Time-Honored Midsummer Pole Raising Presented by The League of Swedish Societies, join in the 96th annual raising of the Midsummer Pole, an Oregon Heritage Tradition. Engage in the jubilant dance around the Midsummer Pole when the sun reaches its zenith, heralding the arrival of the summer season. Adorned with blossoms and birch, the majstång stands as a symbol of the festivities. Don't miss the parade and gathering, the highlight of Saturday's celebration – let summer begin! Delight in Whimsical Lawn Games & Crafts Unleash your inner child with fun-filled lawn games and crafts for all ages. Test your strength in a friendly tug-of-war, try your hand at the traditional game of Kubb, or embark on a gnome-themed scavenger hunt. Enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, and more! Encounter the Thrilling World of Vikings Experience combat and history come alive with the Timberhaven Vikings. Travel back in time with historical and craft demonstrations of how Vikings lived. Marvel at the impressive 20-foot replica of a Viking ship featured in the Starlight Parade. Experience the Charm of Fogelbo, a National Historic Treasure Travel back in time as you explore Fogelbo, a log house and grounds adorned with walking trails and structures reminiscent of a charming Swedish village. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in July 2020, Fogelbo was built by Henry Steiner and his son, with Steiner known as one of the chief carpenters behind Timberline Lodge. The festival will be held on the Fogelbo grounds, with entertainment on the log house's deck. Feel free to wander and discover the enchanting grounds and trails. Join us in celebrating the festival that attracts audiences and vendors from across the Pacific Northwest. The Oregon Midsummer Festival is an important event for the entire Portland Community regardless of heritage. See the traditions of the region that make up 10% of the population of Oregon’s ancestry. This all day event is one of the many ways Nordic Northwest, along with the Nordic organizations that make up our community, demonstrate and celebrate their Nordic heritage. More information is available at oregonmidsummer.com To volunteerfor the festival please email info [at] nordicnorthwest [dot] org