The Ultimate Viking Fest Guide - Poulsbo’s Legendary Nordic Waterfront Celebration May 15-17!
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 to financial assistance for families attending WildWise Forest School (PreK-8), as well as their Wilderness Rites of Passage for Youth program. 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 during 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 that street parking in neighborhoods is for residents. 6th Ave is where the parade queues up on Saturday, so it is not available for parking during the parade.
SHUTTLE SCHEDULE
👇👇👇 Use the City of Poulsbo map link below to find locations, parking and road closures 👇👇👇
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.
Experience the Carnival
Carnival rides and games will be available during Viking Fest weekend in the King Olaf parking lot. Wristbands and tickets will be available at the Carnival.
Discounted wristbands will be available for purchase before the event through Thursday, the 15th, at the following locations:
Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce Office: Mon-Fri: 10-4
Western Red Brewing
Monday: 2-8pm
Tues, Wed, Thur: 2-9pm
Carnival schedule
FRIDAY: May 16th, 4-10PM
SATURDAY: May 17th, 10AM–10PM
SUNDAY: May 18th, 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 16th
9am - 5 mile race
9:05am - 1 Mile Race
10am - kids dash
Early bird registration ends March 31st.
washington’s 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 North Kitsap High School.
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 16th, 7Am-1PM
Visit Poulsbo and stay awhile
There are lots of great options for accommodations for travelers of all types in the Poulsbo area, here are a few options to explore.
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 to Poulsbo’s beautiful waterfront shopping and dining district, the GuestHouse Inn & Suites of Poulsbo is convenient, comfortable, and 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.
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 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!
Great places to eat & drink in Downtown
There are 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.
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 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.
sluy’s 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 are served amid brick walls, a fireplace & a 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!
JJ'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 wood-fired pizza!
additional poulsbo guides below
Waterfront bliss and views for days…perfectly nestled on the waterfront between Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island.