We are excited for a full return of in-person events for the 133rd festival, with the addition of virtual and hybrid elements so that festival-goers can continue to celebrate from afar.

The theme for this year’s festival, “Spirit of Iceland / Andi Íslands,” is inspired by the Northern Lights. This incredible phenomenon is prevalent in both Iceland and New Iceland. Just as the mysterious lights connect us and illuminate the dark night, Íslendingadagurinn is an occasion to celebrate Icelandic culture and heritage and joyously gather after many months apart. Join us July 29th, 30th, 31st and August 1st, 2022 in Gimli, Manitoba.

“We’re back in full swing this year, and potentially bigger and better than we’ve ever been. We have many special guests joining us from Iceland, new events and we’re excited to see everyone in person again,” says Icelandic Festival of Manitoba President, Jenna Boholij.

Among the new events this year is a strongman competition hosted by 4x World’s Strongest Man and legendary Icelander, Magnús Ver Magnússon. Strongman athletes will compete in a series of events that showcase traditional Icelandic strength and culture on Saturday at the Viking Statue and Sunday at Gimli Beach. Magnússon will serve as Parade Marshall of the in-person parade on Monday, one of the largest in Manitoba. 

The arts are an important aspect of Icelandic culture and this year the popular Icelandic Fashion Show event moves to the Gimli Theatre on Saturday to offer increased seating capacity. Tickets are available for purchase online and at the Festival Gift Shop. The Art Show celebrates its 53rd year and entries showcasing Icelandic culture and heritage from local artists will be on display Saturday through Monday at the Lakeview Gimli Resort in Darren Hall. 

The Icelandic Culture and Heritage Pavilion returns to the Gimli Park Pavilion on Sunday and Monday and will host new interactive workshops such as painting a Huldufólk house, making pönnukökur (Icelandic pancakes), learning Icelandic and more. Amma’s Kitchen also returns to the Pavilion and offers a selection of traditional Icelandic and New Iceland food such as Vínarterta and Rullupylsa.

Get your fill of culture on Sunday with music and poetry at Gimli Park on Sunday, a genealogy workshop with Icelandic Roots at the New Iceland Heritage Museum and an Icelandic Film Screening at Lady of the Lake Theatre.

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.

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.

50/50 draws take place daily and support partner organizations – Interlake Women’s Resource Centre and Gimli Stands with Ukraine. Tickets can be purchased online and from festival volunteers on the weekend.

The Icelandic Festival of Manitoba is pleased to welcome Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Þórdís Kolbrún R. Gylfadóttir, who will be presenting the Toast to Canada during the Traditional Program at Gimli Park on Monday. Newly appointed Ambassador of the Embassy of Iceland in Canada, Hlynur Guðjónsson, and Consul General of Iceland in Winnipeg, Vilhjálmur Wiium will also be attending the festival.

Long-time volunteer and Past President, Kathi Thorarinson Neal will present the Toast to Iceland at the Traditional program and we are honored to hear greetings from lovely Fjallkona, Janice Arnason

Enjoy live music all weekend long, starting with Friday Night at the Harbour featuring VVonder, Lev Snowe and DILLTHEGIANT. Saturday Night at the Harbour features performances by French Class, Smoky Tiger, House of Gold Diamonds. Sunday’s Alternative Folk Festival line-up includes Kael Sauerborn, Bobby Dove, Lindy Vopnfjörd, Snackie and Icelandic band - Prins Póló. Those looking an  intimate evening of music can purchase tickets to Music on the Rooftop on Saturday night featuring Todd Martin and Sage Helgason-Stoyanowski.

Participate in the Sandcastle contest – virtually or in-person on Saturday at Gimli Beach. Families can also take part in the Scavenger Hunt around Gimli, BIG Games – Oversized Board Games Saturday at Gimli Harbour, and Family Sports Monday at Gimli Park. 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, 5 kilometre and 10 mile races – virtually or in-person on Sunday. Fris-Nok is at Gimli Park on Saturday and Beach Volleyball is back 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 the new 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, corporate sponsors and donors. click here for a full event schedule.