2 minute read | Written by: Dustin Khong
“The festival was born out of a desire to preserve and celebrate that cultural legacy. Today, it stands as one of the largest Scandinavian heritage festivals in the western U.S“
As one of the many festivals in Utah, it is also one of the longest running festivals in our state’s history. Utah’s Scandinavian Festival has been a staple and a spectacle since 1976 as an effort to revive the city of Ephraim’s Nordic heritage that has been long standing in the area since 1880 earning it the nickname “Little Denmark.”
The festival was born out of a desire to preserve and celebrate that cultural legacy. Today, it stands as one of the largest Scandinavian heritage festivals in the western U.S., drawing around 25,000 visitors annually. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, this free, family-friendly event offers a colorful blend of history, music, dance, food, and fun that is open to all!
Photo Credit: Utah Scandinavian Festival
What to Expect at the Scandinavian Festival
- Villages and vendors – Explore artisan booths offering crafts, goods, and souvenirs such as embroidered textiles, quilts and wood carvings inspired by Scandinavian culture.
- Live Music and performances – Enjoy traditional folk music, local entertainers, and special performances from icons.
- Scandinavian food – Taste aebleskivers, Swedish meatballs, and other Nordic delicacies.
- Heritage exhibits – Visit the Quilt Show, Pioneer Museum, and Granary Arts for hands-on experiences and local artwork.
- Competitions and family fun – From the parade and chalk art festival to quirky contests like Wife Carrying and beard-growing, there’s a selection of new experiences for a first time visitor to explore.
- Fun runs and tours – Participate in the Copenhagen 1K, 5K “Run Like Lars,” or hop on a heritage bus tour through town.
Whether you come for the music, the history, or the aebleskivers, the Utah Scandinavian Festival aims to offer a rich cultural experience for visitors. Keep an eye out and mark your calendars to plan a trip to Ephraim, for the Utah Scandinavian Festival— where history comes alive and community thrives.
Learn more and find a date to join the fun here!