Celebrate the 135th Icelandic Festival of Manitoba in Gimli on August long weekend, August 2nd to 5th, 2024.
The theme for this year’s festival is "Celebrating a Century of the Fjallkona / Fögnum Heilli Öld Af Fjallkonunni.” Each year since 1924 the festival has chosen a Fjallkona “maid of the mountain,” to preside over the festival, she is Iceland personified.
“After one of our biggest festivals yet in 2023 we’re pleased to welcome everyone back to Gimli in 2024,” says Icelandic Festival of Manitoba President, Marilyn Valgardson.
Crowd favorites are returning with a splash, including Islendingadunk at Gimli Harbour on Sunday. The event features two combatants battling with a sack containing a wet sponge on a soap-lubricated pole suspended over the water. The Magnús Ver Magnússon strongman competition returns for the third year, hosted by 4x World’s Strongest Man and legendary Icelander, Magnús Ver Magnússon. Strongman athletes compete in a series of events that showcase traditional Icelandic strength and culture on Saturday at the Viking statue.
The popular Icelandic Fashion Show event returns to their regular Saturday time slot at the Gimli theatre and welcomes Therma Kōta, an exciting design brand by sisters Mosha and Sophie Lundström Halbert with influences from their mother, notable designer Linda Lundström. Tickets are available for purchase online and at the Icelandic Festival Gift Shop.
The Art Show celebrates its 55th year with entries showcasing Icelandic culture and heritage from local artists on display Saturday through Monday at the Lakeview Gimli Resort in Darren Hall. The Icelandic Culture and Heritage Pavilion will continue to host interactive workshops at the Gimli Park Pavilion on Sunday such as painting a Huldufólk house, Icelandic sing-alongs and learning the Gimli Waltz. While there make sure to visit Amma’s Kitchen for traditional Icelandic / New Iceland treats such as Vínarterta and Rullupylsa.
Get your fill of culture on Sunday with music and poetry at Gimli Park and discover more about your Icelandic ancestors, their farms, the emigration from Iceland, and more at the Icelandic Roots event at the Lady of the Lake Theatre at Waterfront Centre.
Vingólf Beverage Gardens is at the Gimli Harbour Friday to Sunday, and festival-goers can enjoy cold drinks and cocktails featuring the infamous Icelandic spirit, Brennivín, and locally produced Crown Royal. The food truck and vendor areas are close by, offering many opportunities to shop local.
‘Get Dinged’ on Saturday at Vingólf Beverage Gardens by dressing up in a traditional Viking costume, eating a piece of Harðfiskur (dried fish), drinking a shot of Brennivín, chanting "Islendingadagurinn," and giving your best Viking roar! Stick around until late to see the fireworks over Gimli Harbour.
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Those wanting to show their Icelandic pride can decorate their lawns and submit photo entries for the lawn parade contest from anywhere in the world. Take part in person at one of Manitoba’s largest and longest running parades Monday morning, led by Parade Marshal, friend of the festival and long-time community supporter, Michael Lazer.
50/50 draws take place daily and support partner organization—Hailey’s Way. Tickets can be purchased online and from festival volunteers on the weekend.
The Icelandic Festival of Manitoba is pleased to welcome Minister of Justice of Iceland, Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir, who will be presenting the Toast to Canada during the Traditional Program at Gimli Park on Monday. Ambassador of Canada to Iceland, Hlynur Guðjónsson, Ambassador of the Embassy of Iceland in Canada and Vilhjálmur Wiium, Consul General of Iceland in Winnipeg will also be attending the festival.
Owen Roberts will present the Toast to Iceland at the traditional program, and we are honored to hear greetings from our 100th Fjallkona, Kerrine Wilson.
Enjoy live music all weekend long at Friday Night at the Harbour, Saturday Night at the Harbour and Sunday’s Alternative Folk Festival which includes performances by Beatox, Saint-Beach Boys, The Mariachi Ghost, Jaxon Haldane, and musicians from Iceland—Axel Flóvent, RAKEL and Pétur Ben. Those looking for an intimate evening of music can purchase tickets to Music on the Rooftop on Saturday night featuring SunDog Ensemble with Theresa Thordarson, Christopher Byman, John Himes and Ava Glendinning.
Participate in the Sandcastle contest Saturday at Gimli Beach. Families can also take part in the Scavenger Hunt around Gimli, BIG Games—oversized board games Saturday and Sunday at Gimli Harbour, and Family Sports Monday at Gimli Park and farm tours and a petting zoo at local Icelandic sheep farm, Luckystone Acres on Saturday and Sunday.
Wonder Shows Midway and Rides returns to Gimli Park Friday through Monday.
If you’re looking to stay active, participants can still register for the annual 1 mile, and 56th annual 10 mile running race, the 5 kilometre is sold out for 2024.
Fris-Nok is at Gimli Park on Saturday and Beach Volleyball is at Gimli Beach.
Islendingadagurinn wouldn’t be complete without the Viking Village. Re-enactors live like authentic 800 A.D. period Vikings by the Harbour Park Hill during the festival and host combat demonstrations each day. The Village is open Friday to Monday to visitors interested in demonstrations of authentic Viking life.
Those interested in cutting the lines, crowds and costs can take advantage of Odin’s Festival Pass. The festival offers affordable events thanks to the support of all its sponsors, including the Government of Canada, the Government of Iceland, the Province of Manitoba, the RM of Gimli, platinum sponsor: Mackenzie Investments and corporate sponsors and donors. Click for a full up-to-date event schedule or follow @icelandicfestival on social media.
Media Contact: Jenna Boholij
Office Contact: Thora Palson, (204) 642-7417
