Thousand Oaks Scandinavian Festival 50th Anniversary

May 18-19, 2024, 10 a.m. daily; closes at 6 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday

Cal Lutheran Campus
60 W. Olsen Rd.
Thousand Oaks, Calif.
callutheran.edu | scandinavianfest.org
Admission: $15-20, ages 12 years & under free
Free parking

2024 Entertainment

Headliner: ABBA Fab (ABBA tribute)

Danish-American Songbook with Mads Tolling, Norwegian & Swedish Folk songs by Ann-Marita Garsed, Saami Joik singing with Nathan Muus, North Star Nordic Dancers, The Swedish Folk Dance Club of Los Angeles, Debbie and Garth Norwegian Music and Fun, Redwood Middle School Jazz Band, Thousand Oaks High School PM JAZZ Band, Scandia Dancers of Southern California with Scandia Gammeldans Band, Parade, Flags, Speakers, North Star Nordic Dancers,  Midsummer Pole Ceremony, Singer Grim Bernhoft, Bunad Fashion Show,

Performers include storytellers  of Norway, musicians and entertainers, bands, and Finnish, Scandia and Swedish folk dance groups.

Immerse yourself in Scandinavian culture with music, food, dance, and a Viking encampment and Sami Village. In the past the festival launched with a colorful parade of flags, along with dignitaries from the Scandinavian countries dressed in Old World costumes. Past events have also included Maypole ceremony will take place with dance and traditional songs.

The two-day Scandinavian Festival  is expected to draw thousands of people. The Festival Committee is planning a full program of Scandinavian activities in an energized and festive Scandinavian atmosphere. The focal point is an entertainment and dining area located in Kingsmen Park that will include traditional festival stage where the opening ceremonies, folk dancing, and musical programs that will be held throughout the two days to provide the best of Scandinavian entertainment. In addition, see & enjoy cultural presentations, children's craft booths, games for the children, and the vendor marketplace. The vendor marketplace will be primarily located on Memorial Parkway next to Kingsmen Park.

Food: Swedish Meatballs, Aebleskivers, Swedish Pancakes, Lefse, Danish Pastries, and more are some of the tasty foods that insiders love.

Vintage Cars: Vintage Cars and Motorcycles such as Volvos, Saabs and Nimbus Motorcycles will be on display.

This family-friendly event is a cultural feast of learning, sharing and doing. On the Festival Stage music, songs and dancing will change hourly. Music, dancing, food, lectures, demonstration, vendors and activities for kids make for a non-stop event held annually in Thousand Oaks.

Crafts play a big part in the cultural heritage of Scandinavian life. Good for all ages and boys and girls, men and women alike, make a head wreath with real flowers and ribbon!

Great Skills!

Kubb: Play an ancient Viking game like horseshoes, but without horseshoes or the stake, then try Croquet. Hit the balls through the Dala Horse hoops. A very useful skill is orienteering— navigation.

Craft and Food Demonstrations include how to make a Krumkake, bobbin lace, and how to spin wool? Demonstrations will take place on both days.

The festival was launched in 1974 as a way to educate and celebrate the history of the Conejo Valley which was settled by Norwegians in the 1890s. The festival began as a celebration of the founding of the college and about 600 people attended. Today the festival has spread to venues throughout the university campus. The Festival Stage and children's craft areas are located outdoors in Kingsmen Park, the vendor booths are on Memorial Parkway, and other exhibits and programs are held in Samuelson Chapel and other nearby California Lutheran University facilities.

This event is produced by the Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation with support from California Lutheran University.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.