Whether you’re Icelandic by heritage, or Icelandic in spirit, Islendingadagurinn will connect people to Icelandic culture with the 132nd festival – “Icelandic at Heart / Íslenskt Innst Inni,” from July 30th to August 2nd, 2021. Celebrate through virtual, hybrid and limited in-person events.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer in-person festival events again, in addition to virtual and hybrid. There are some experiences that can’t be properly replicated online and we’re really looking forward to hosting festival-goers in-person,” says Icelandic Festival of Manitoba President, Jenna Boholij.

The arts are an important aspect of Icelandic culture and this year’s in-person events include the Icelandic Fashion Show, Saturday at Gimli Park, where traditional and modern Icelandic garments are modeled. The event will also feature Icelandic Fashion videos produced by the festival and limited tickets are available for purchase online and at the Festival Gift Shop. The Art Show is celebrating its 52nd year and entries from local artists will be on display Saturday through Monday at the Lakeview Gimli Resort in Darren Hall. 

The Icelandic history and heritage of beautiful Hecla Island will be explored in the “Icelandic Hecla” video, premiering online Friday. 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.

The Viking Park Connectivity Project has been completed and a limited grand opening event will take place Friday to kick off the festival and celebrate the beautiful, culturally rich space surrounding the Viking statute. Donor opportunities are still available. 

Vingólf Beverage Gardens is back in the Gimli Harbour area, 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 different opportunities to shop local.  

We will be hosting a 50/50 draw once again, with the draw taking place on Monday. Tickets can be purchased online at fundingchange.ca/icelandicfestival and from festival volunteers on the weekend.

The Icelandic Festival of Manitoba is pleased to welcome Ambassador Guðmundur Árni Stefánsson, who will be bringing greetings to the traditional program, Monday at 2:00 PM at Gimli Park, as part of his newly appointed role as Consul General of Iceland in Winnipeg. Islendingadagurinn will be honouring long-time friend of the festival Raymond Sigurdson, who will present the Toast to Iceland.

We will also hear greetings from this years’ Fjallkona (Maid of the Mountain), Anna Stevens, and Her Honour, Lieutenant Governor Janice Filmon.

Music is back with a vengeance at this year’s festival, beginning Friday with the online release of exclusive music videos produced in Iceland by acclaimed musician, Sin Fang. For those wishing to enjoy live music in-person, limited tickets are available for the intimate Music on the Rooftop event on Saturday, featuring the powerful vocals of Sol James and guests. Saturday Nite at the Park features live outdoor performances at Gimli Park from The Nobel Thiefs, Raine Hamilton and Boy Golden and Sunday’s Alternative Folk Festival brings a star-studded local line-up comprised of The Secret Beach (Micah Erenberg), Jaxon Haldane with Keri Latimer, The New Lightweights and Field Guide.

Participate in the Sandcastle contest – virtually or in-person on Saturday at Gimli Beach. Families can also take part in the Scavenger Hunt and search Viking Park for painted stones needed to decipher a hidden runic message. If you’re looking to stay active, participants can still register for the annual 1 mile, 5 kilometre and 10 mile races – virtually – or play a round of Fris-Nok at Gimli Park on Sunday.

The festival offers affordable events thanks to interest from our endowment fund, the support of all its sponsors, including the Government of Canada, the Government of Iceland, the Province of Manitoba, the RM of Gimli, corporate sponsors and individual donors.

In-person events may change with limited notice - pending public health, click here for a full up-to-date event schedule and continue to follow @icelandicfestival on social media.