What is Vinterfest?

In November 2023, the Sons of Norway Sverdrup Lodge of Bismarck received a Public Programs & Community Projects grant from the American Scandinavian Foundation to plan and implement an entire month of cultural, educational, and recreational programming to explore winter traditions throughout the Northern Plains National Heritage Area (NPNHA)in central North Dakota. Additional funding for Vinterfest comes from the Northern Plains Heritage Foundation and are made possible through partnerships with dozens of local and regional businesses and organizations. Find a list of our current partners on our About page.

How do I find out more about a specific event?

Vinterfest events are hosted by a variety of partners. The best way to find out more about a specific event is contact the organization hosting the event directly or reach out at: Contact Us.

Is programming family friendly?

Vinterfest promotes a wide variety of activities. Some activities are suitable for people of all ages while others may be more appropriate for an adult audience. Each event’s description should indicate whether there’s an age limit.

Are the events free?

To cover certain costs, not all Vinterfest activities are free. Artisan workshops, for example, require participants to register ahead of time and pay a materials fee. Each event’s description should indicate whether registration is required, how to register, and if there is an associated materials fee.

Is there a weather contingency?

Yes, January can be brutally cold sometimes. We will do our best to update the website calendar in response to inclement weather. However, please look to each individual event’s hosting entity for information regarding cancellations or postponements. For those events hosted by Sons of Norway Sverdrup Lodge and the Northern Plains Heritage Foundation, a windchill of -15 degrees or colder, will result in cancellation or postponement.

How can I become involved in planning Vinterfest activities next year?

We hope to see Vinterfest become an annual festival in central ND. If you or your organization would like to participate in planning and hosting a Vinterfest program or event in 2025, please contact us here.