BURNABY, B.C. — Get ready to channel your inner Viking and celebrate the longest days of the year as the annual Scandinavian Midsummer Festival returns to the Scandinavian Community Centre on June 20 and 21, 2026.
The weekend-long cultural celebration promises a vibrant mix of Nordic traditions, continuous live entertainment, and quirky competitions that have become a staple for locals and visitors alike.
A Weekend of Culture and Quirky Contests
The festival grounds will be transformed into a hub of Nordic heritage, featuring a fully interactive Viking Village and the raising of the traditional Midsummer Pole. Attendees can expect a weekend filled with folk dancing, live music, and authentic Scandinavian foods.
One of the festival's most highly anticipated events is the famously fun—and chaotic—Wife-Carrying Contest. The grueling obstacle course always draws massive crowds as pairs navigate the terrain for glory, providing non-stop entertainment for onlookers.
Shopping, Sips, and Family Fun
For those looking to take a piece of Scandinavia home, the Midsummer Marketplace will host a wide variety of commercial and cultural kiosks filled with interesting local vendors.
Families will find plenty of kid-friendly activities throughout the weekend, while adults can relax and cool off in the festival's dedicated Beer Garden.
Festival organizers are also running a 50/50 Raffle Fundraiser, which officially launched in early May. The winning ticket will be drawn on Sunday, June 21st, adding an extra layer of excitement to the closing day of the festival.
If You Go: Event Details
When: Saturday, June 20 (10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and Sunday, June 21 (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Note: Cultural and commercial booths close at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Where: Scandinavian Community Centre, 6540 Thomas St, Burnaby, BC.
Admission: Tickets are available at the gate only. Saturday admission is $20; Sunday admission is $15.
For more information and the full schedule of entertainment, visitors can check out the official event site at www.scandinavianmidsummerfestival.org.