It’s one of those Minot topics that floats around by word of mouth, starting in summer and rolling into fall. Locals toss around the term like it’s as familiar as McDonald’s or Walmart, like it’s something everyone just knows. But to outsiders or first-timers in Minot, Norsk Høstfest might sound more like someone clearing their throat and sneezing than the name of a cultural festival.

This writer didn’t even realize what she was hearing were actual words the first few times the term came up. So what exactly is this “Norsk Høstfest,” and why is it so important to Minot? Also… what does it even mean?

If you’re new to North Dakota, the second least populous state in the country, you might not yet know about the deep connection this region has with Scandinavian heritage, especially from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. If the enormous and colorful Scandinavian Heritage Center off South Broadway didn’t clue you in, here’s a brief history:
According to North Dakota Tourism, “Immigrants came to North Dakota from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Most settled in east and north-central North Dakota, along the main line of the Great Northern Railroad, beginning in the 1870s. Today, 193,000 people of Norwegian heritage live in North Dakota. About 38% of the state’s population is of Scandinavian descent, with about 33% being Norwegian. The continent’s largest Scandinavian event, Norsk Høstfest, is celebrated each fall in Minot.”

So yes, many people in this state can trace their roots back to Scandinavia.
One such Norwegian-American was Chester M. Reiten, a former Mayor of Minot and North Dakota State Senator. In 1978, Reiten sat down to discuss creating an event that would celebrate Minot’s unique connection to its Scandinavian roots. The idea for Norsk Høstfest (translated as “Norwegian Harvest Festival”) was born. What started small has since grown into a major annual celebration that draws thousands of Scandinavian heritage enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.
Like anything meaningful, it’s grown and changed over the years. Today, Norsk Høstfest proudly claims the title of “Largest Scandinavian Festival in North America!” It usually takes place over a weekend in late September or early October, packed with concerts, performances, traditional Scandinavian food, cultural exhibits, artisan markets, and the always-popular Familie Fjord, a vibrant playground of cultural exploration for kids and families.

This year, from September 24–27, the North Dakota State Fairgrounds will once again come alive with the sounds, smells, and sights of Scandinavian celebration. Festivalgoers can expect concerts from acts like Little Texas, The Killer Bees, and many more, alongside rows of authentic food vendors and artisan booths showcasing everything from rosemaling to Viking gear.

All in all, Norsk Høstfest is a beloved annual event that’s become part of Minot’s cultural fabric. It’s one of those quirky-yet-wonderful things that makes this town feel like home. So don’t be put off by the strange-sounding name or how casually locals drop it into conversation. Go check it out! You might just find yourself counting down the days until next year’s festival and throwing around the term “Norsk Høstfest” like a true Minotian.

To get tickets and find out more: https://nhf.indakmediahosting.com/