Velkommen - Join us for Petersburg's Little Norway Festival!

Velkommen! Every spring, just as the snow begins to melt and the fishing boats shine up for summer, Petersburg throws a party like no other: Little Norway Festival, affectionately known as Mayfest. This quirky, colorful celebration is where Norwegian heritage meets Southeast Alaskan spirit—and trust me, you don’t want to miss it.

What is Mayfest?

Held in mid-May, Mayfest is Petersburg’s way of honoring its Scandinavian roots. The town transforms into a little slice of Norway with bunads (traditional dresses), rosemaling (decorative folk art), seafood feasts, dancing in the streets, and enough lefse to make you forget you're in Alaska.

From the moment you step into town, it’s like walking into a Norwegian storybook—with a few distinctly Alaskan twists (like the fish-holding contest and the tug-of-war competition).

Art, Heritage & Hands-On Fun

Start your Mayfest weekend off right with a wander through the Clausen Museum Art Show or by getting your hands floury at the Norwegian Baking Social. Want to take home something extra special? Check out the rosemaling  class or the authentic Solje jewelry at the Diamante Gift Shoppe.

Feeling crafty? Sign up for a Make-It Take-It Rosemaling Class and paint your own Viking Ship (or similar) ornament—don’t worry, no experience needed!

Parades, Pageants & People in Bunads

The Festival Parade is a highlight—led by a helicopter flyover (because, Alaska), followed by kids waving Norwegian flags, Vikings tossing candy, and townsfolk dressed to the nines in embroidered Norwegian garb.

There’s also a Festival Pageant complete with anthems, cultural honors, dancing, and the reveal of the lucky raffle winner. (Hint: Don’t leave town without buying a ticket.)

Fish, Feats & Totally Unique Fun

Only in Petersburg can you watch pros filet a halibut in under a minute, then try your hand at a fish-holding contest. Or cheer on teams yanking ambulances in the Guns & Hoses Showdown. Want more action? How about tug-of-war over water, a sled pull contest, or grocery cart races down Main Street?

Kids can cast a line in the Lil’ Fisk Derby, show off their pets in the Fashion & Obedience Show, and everyone can laugh through the Sild (herring) Toss, a slippery tradition you’ve got to see to believe.

Music, Dancing & Street Vibes

At night, the town grooves to local and visiting musicians with spontaneous street dancing and outdoor concerts. The Downtown Street Dance is where generations come together—toddlers to grandparents—spinning under the late-spring sun that barely sets.

Shrimp Feeds, Salmon Bakes & Scandinavian Sweets

Let’s talk food. Mayfest delivers. There’s a Viking Shrimp Feed, a Seafood Bake at Sandy Beach, and a Pancake Breakfast to wrap up the weekend. Don’t miss the cozy Kaffe Hus for traditional Norwegian pastries and sandwiches, or grab a root beer float during the Cornhole Tournament (yes, those two things go together here).

A Short Boat Ride to Kupreanof Adventure

For a little wilderness escape, come early and hop the boat to nearby Kupreanof Island for geocaching, hiking, and a mellow day of nature and exploration. Bonus: the boat ride is free, and the views are stunning.

Mayfest isn’t just a festival. It’s a town-wide hug, a swirl of music, food, heritage, and joy that wraps you up in community spirit. Whether you’re donning a Viking helmet or just along for the pastries, Petersburg’s Little Norway Festival will leave you smiling (and possibly covered in glitter, beer, herring juice, or all three).

See you at Mayfest -- Call us at Viking Travel to get your travel booked!