MINOT, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The following is a news release from the Norsk Hostfest board of directors.

“It is with sincere reflection that we share this message with those who have supported and attended Norsk Høstfest over the years. We recognize the meaning this festival has held for so many individuals and families, and we do not take lightly the responsibility of sharing difficult news with a community that has given so much.

The Board of Directors of Norsk Høstfest Association announced that the annual Norsk Høstfest festival, long recognized as North America’s largest Scandinavian festival, will no longer continue after the conclusion of the 2025 event.

For more than four decades, Norsk Høstfest brought together millions of attendees to celebrate Nordic culture through community, music, art, food, and education. The festival was founded in 1978 by the late Chester Reiten and a group of friends who shared his interest in celebrating their Nordic heritage. The decision to end the festival was not made lightly. After careful evaluation, the Board determined that rising operational costs combined with declining attendance have made it financially unsustainable to continue the event at the scale and quality expected by patrons, artists, and partners.

“In recent years, the festival has faced significant increases in the cost of nationally recognized performers, as well as insurance, facilities, labor, and logistics,” said festival leadership. “At the same time, attendance levels have not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, creating ongoing financial challenges that cannot be responsibly overcome.”

While the festival, as we know it, is ending, its spirit lives on in Minot through the Scandinavian Heritage Association (SHA). As the creator and steward of the Scandinavian Heritage Park, the SHA remains committed to this legacy through ongoing education and community engagement. We invite the community to help shape this future by volunteering, joining a society, or contributing their time and talents; to learn more or get involved, please visit scandinavianheritage.org.

Norsk Høstfest has been made possible through generations of volunteers, staff, performers, donors, vendors, sponsors, and supporters whose passion and dedication built the festival into a beloved international tradition. The organization extends its deepest gratitude to the community of Minot and to the people of North Dakota, as well as to supporters across the United States, Canada, and the Nordic region. We also offer special appreciation to Minot’s sister city, Skien, Norway; to the many dignitaries who have joined us over the years; and to the Royal Family of Norway, whom we were honored to host. Together, these individuals and communities were instrumental in making Norsk Høstfest a cherished and enduring success.”

Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey and for your continued support of Scandinavian culture.

With sincere appreciation, Norsk Høstfest Association.

While the annual Norsk Høstfest festival will no longer take place, the important and historic mission of preserving and sharing our cultural heritage continues. The Scandinavian Heritage Association (SHA), which has been the creator and curator of the Scandinavian Heritage Park, remains steadfast in its commitment to this cause. The park features the Edward T and Leona B Larson Visitors Center, the iconic Gol Stave Church, Heritage House Museum, the larger-than-life 25-foot Dala Horse, and many other remarkable attractions. SHA is endeavoring to expand the opportunity for
everyone to experience the culture of the region’s Nordic settlers.

SHA hosts a variety of activities throughout the year and serves as the umbrella organization for several active Scandinavian societies, including The Sons of Norway, Thor Lodge 4-067, the Swedish Heritage Society of Northwest North Dakota, and the Dakota Finnish Society. These groups, along with SHA, provide multiple opportunities year-round to engage with, experience, and celebrate the interesting and historic Scandinavian culture that forms the region’s past, present, and future.

“At this juncture, it is more important than ever to promote the unique and enjoyable opportunities SHA has to offer, and to extend a genuine invitation to all who have celebrated the past years with Norsk Høstfest! Please, join with us, creating a pathway of participation forward featuring innovative programming, activities, and special events. We remain passionate and enthusiastic, whatever the future holds, given the resourcefulness of our members, advocates, and sponsors.” – SHA Board of Directors

You are invited to participate in SHA’s mission through volunteerism, society and association memberships, sponsorships, and personal involvement in the many activities offered throughout the year. Please visit scandinavianheritage.org to continue your Scandinavian adventure and journey forward with us!