Scandinavian Days

06/05/2026

06/04/2026

For many, this is simply a festival. But for those of us who call Story City home, it is so much more. It is a celebration of who we are, where we came from, and the community we continue to build together.
This week is about tradition. It is about honoring the generations before us who dreamed big enough to create something that would bring people together year after year. It is about families making memories, friends reconnecting, and visitors discovering the special spirit that makes Story City unique.
But most importantly, Scandinavian Days is about people.
It is about the volunteers who spend countless hours planning, organizing, setting up, serving, cleaning up, and doing a hundred little things that often go unnoticed. It is about community members who step forward because they believe in preserving traditions and creating opportunities for others to enjoy.
Without volunteers, there is no festival. Without people willing to give their time, energy, and talents, these cherished traditions simply would not exist.
As we welcome thousands of guests to our community this week, I ask that we all lead with kindness. Offer a smile. Extend patience. Say thank you. Support one another. There are many moving pieces and many people working hard behind the scenes to make this celebration possible.
The true magic of Scandinavian Days isn't found in a single event, parade, performance, or activity. It is found in the spirit of community that brings it all together.
Thank you to every volunteer, sponsor, business, organization, staff member, and community member who helps make this tradition possible. You are the reason Scandinavian Days continues to thrive.
Let's celebrate our heritage, embrace our traditions, and show everyone what it means to be Story City Strong and Scandinavian Strong.
Happy Scandinavian Days, everyone! 🇳🇴💖

06/03/2026

Before the Vikings arrive, before the parade rolls down Broad Street, and before the first lefse is served, there is work to be done!

Bright and early this morning, the City of Story City Streets Department and Director McKinley were out transforming downtown, replacing the flags and preparing our community for a weekend of Scandinavian pride and celebration.

With every flag raised, the spirit of our Nordic heritage comes alive. The colors of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland now wave proudly above our streets, welcoming visitors and reminding us of the traditions, hard work, and community spirit that built Story City.

As the flags dance in the Iowa breeze, we know one thing for sure....Scandinavian Days is almost here!

06/03/2026

A huge THANK YOU to 93.3 for the quick shout out about Scandinavian Days! 🎉🇳🇴🇸🇪🇩🇰

We're excited to welcome visitors from near and far to Story City for a weekend packed with traditions, entertainment, delicious food, shopping, family activities, and community fun. From the parade and live music to vendors, the carousel, and special events throughout town, there is truly something for everyone.

Check out the quick shout out and then make plans to join us for an unforgettable weekend. Together, let's make Scandinavian Days amazing!
Stanhope State University

06/02/2026

You don't want to miss this event.
Get Signed Up Today!!!!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1cJ5rLYCKu/

Here is our menu for Scandinavian Days luncheon this Sunday June 7th. Get your tickets now for a taste of classic Norwegian cuisine elevated with a chefs touch and local ingredients.

https://www.storycitygcc.org/2026/06/07/547734/fiddlers-farm-feast/

Looking forward to doing my Norwegian heritage proud and excited to serve food that I've gown up eating.

06/01/2026

🇳🇴 Skål, Story City! 🇳🇴

Scandinavian Days is almost here, and there is SO much happening that you'll want to make a plan before the festivities begin!

🎥 First, watch this video for a glimpse of all the fun, traditions, entertainment, food, contests, music, family activities, and community celebrations waiting for you.

📍 Then explore our Interactive Festival Map & Schedule:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1zur2WU3ywLqou_dKRm2VYd5Z69CqcHk&usp=sharing

🌐 Visit our official Scandinavian Days website:
https://www.storycitygcc.org/scandinavian-days/

📖 Prefer a printed guide? Pick up a festival brochure at locations throughout Downtown Story City, or find the schedule in the comments below!

From cherished traditions and Scandinavian heritage to exciting new events, delicious food, live entertainment, shopping, and family fun, Scandinavian Days is all about bringing our community together. Whether you're a lifelong resident, a returning visitor, or experiencing the festival for the very first time, there's a place for you in the celebration.

❤️ Honoring our Past.
💙 Celebrating our Present.
🤍 Embracing our Future.

Gather your friends, bring the family, and join us as Story City transforms into Iowa's Scandinavian hometown for an unforgettable weekend!

06/01/2026

Thanks KCCI for the great shout out - yes this is one of the many new things this year. Make sure to check the schedule of events to not miss a single moment of the fun.
https://www.kcci.com/article/story-city-scandinavian-days-lutefisk-contest/71453432

Story City is adding a lutefisk-eating contest to Scandinavian Days, daring brave contenders to try the lye-soaked cod.

05/30/2026

🌾🎻 Fiddler’s Farm Fest 🎻🌾
We're excited to bring unique experiences like Fiddler's Farm Fest to Scandinavian Days events that celebrate our heritage, showcase local businesses, and create lasting memories for our community and visitors alike.
But here's the reality: for us to continue growing the festival and adding exciting new events, we need your support. Every ticket purchased, every meal enjoyed, and every event attended helps make future opportunities possible.
Join us for a delicious Scandinavian-inspired meal from Hoffmann Farm & Forage featuring:
🥖 Kavring Canapés
🥔 Pan-Seared Kumla
🌯 Lefsa Pinwheels
Then spend the afternoon enjoying Judge Story's production of Fiddler on the Roof a perfect continuation of a weekend celebrating tradition, family, storytelling, and community.
👉 Learn more and reserve your spot: https://www.storycitygcc.org/2026/06/07/547734/fiddlers-farm-feast/
🎟️ Get your show tickets: https://judgestorytroupe.org/events/
When you support events like these, you're helping Scandinavian Days continue to evolve, grow, and bring even more amazing experiences to Story City.
Thank you for supporting your festival, your community, and the traditions that make Story City special. ❤️

Hoffmann Farm & Forage Judge Story

Scandinavian Days 2026 Fiddler on the Roof Dale Henricks Auditorium || Roland-Story High School 1009 Story St, Story City, IA 50248 May 29th – 30th & June 5th – 6th – 7:00 p.m…

05/27/2026

🚨 NEW EVENT ALERT 🚨

Think you’re brave enough?!

Stanhope State University is proud to present the FIRST EVER Lutefisk Eating Contest at Scandinavian Days 2026 in Story City on Friday, June 5th! 🇳🇴

That’s right… plates of legendary lutefisk, fierce competition, and unforgettable laughs are coming to downtown Story City!
Whether you LOVE lutefisk, tolerate it for tradition, or just want bragging rights, this is your chance to become a Scandinavian legend. 💪😂

🏆 Prizes
🐟 Lutefisk Glory
🤣 Endless Entertainment
📅 Friday, June 5, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. RS Stadium

Spots will be limited, so make sure to SIGN UP https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fx2jx1J-Gp9xjdB9JXSVx0oNEEcCSrHzaoK5ATzoxwQ/viewform?edit_requested=true and prepare your stomachs now!
Spectators are highly encouraged because this may be the funniest event of Scandinavian Days 2026!

Who’s ready to take the lutefisk challenge?!

05/18/2026

18 DAYS OUT. 21 VOLUNTEERS SHORT.

I honestly don’t even know what to say anymore except… we need help.

Scandinavian Days is one of the biggest traditions our community has.
People wait all year for it. Families plan around it. Kids make memories at it. Visitors come because of it.

But right now, behind the scenes, there are too few people carrying too much.

We are still 21 volunteers short. And the heartbreaking part is knowing that if people don’t step up soon, things are going to start disappearing. Activities will have to be cut back. Pieces of the weekend people love may simply not happen.

That is devastating to even type.

This event is built by volunteers—not magic. Not paid staff. Neighbors. Community members.
People willing to give a little bit of time so something special can exist for everyone else.

Right now, we need this community to show up.

Not tomorrow. Not next week. NOW.

Please… if Scandinavian Days has ever meant something to you, if your kids love it, if your family has traditions tied to it, if you believe our community deserves events like this sign up.

Even ONE shift helps.

Because at this point, it’s not about making things bigger and better.
It’s about keeping traditions alive at all.

💛 Volunteer here:
https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/201717302053/false #/invitation

Story City Greater Chamber Connection, a Main Street Partner