information from the Nordic Museum
Free family-oriented festival includes music, food, arts and crafts, vendors, Viking reenactors, Valhalla beer garden, Run Like A Viking 5K Fun Run, children’s activities, and more…
The Nordic Museum announced the line-up of activities and entertainment at this weekend’s 35th Annual Viking Days celebration, a free family-oriented festival from 10–5pm on Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15, at the new Nordic Museum at 2655 NW Market Street in Ballard. This year’s festival is being presented in collaboration with Ballard SeafoodFest, so there are twice as many reasons to spend the weekend in Ballard.
The Viking Days celebration starts with the “Run Like A Viking” 5K Fun Run at 9am Saturday morning (registration opens at 7:30am). Runners are encouraged to run in costume, and strollers and dogs on leash are welcome – for more information, see http://nordicmuseum.org/events/runlikeaviking.
One of the highlights of the weekend is the Viking Encampment, featuring Viking reenactors in elaborate Viking dress, who will demonstrate a wide range of Viking activities, including wood carving and tool making, to weaving and shoe making, to weapons and sword fighting.
The Valhalla beer garden will be open from 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday, as will the Nordic Grill, æbleskiver and ice cream stands. Swedish pancakes will be served until 3pm both days.
The weekend will also feature a wide range of traditional Nordic music on two stages, and nearly two dozen vendors. For the full schedule of music and entertainment, see http://nordicmuseum.org/vikingdays.
And with temperatures predicted to be in the 80s, families may want to take advantage of the free family movies in the Museum’s stunning – and air-conditioned – performance hall. How to Train Your Dragon will screen at 3pm Saturday, and Frozen will screen at 3pm Sunday.
“Viking Days has something for everyone – two full days of music and singing and dancing, Swedish pancakes, æbleskiver, a Valhalla beer garden, ice cream and arts and crafts for kids, a family-friendly Viking 5K run, and an amazing Viking encampment where visitors can get a taste of how Vikings lived over 1,000 years ago. We even have a reenactment of a Viking battle. Whether or not you have Nordic roots, I guarantee you’ll have a great time at Viking Days,” said Eric Nelson, Nordic Museum executive director.
A full schedule and description of Viking Days activities is available at http://nordicmuseum.org/vikingdays.
About the Nordic Museum
Recently relocated to a stunning new facility in the heart of Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, the Nordic Museum is the only museum in the United States that showcases the impact and influence of Nordic values and innovation in contemporary society and tells the story of 12,000 years of Nordic history and culture, across all five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The Museum’s mission is to share Nordic culture with people of all ages and backgrounds by exhibiting art and objects, preserving collections, providing educational and cultural experiences and serving as a community gathering place. The Nordic Museum presents a wide range of vibrant programs including contemporary art exhibitions, outstanding concerts, lectures, and films and a variety of special events throughout the year.
The Nordic Museum is located at 2655 NW Market Street, Seattle WA 98107. The Museum is open from 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday, with extended hours 10am-8pm on Thursday. The Museum is closed on Mondays.
