Norwegian Culture

Stoughton’s annual Syttende Mai Festival is the best place to experience Norwegian culture in Wisconsin. If you’re a music lover, you’ll enjoy the Edvard Greig Men’s Chorus and the Hardanger fiddle performances. Like art? There’s plenty to see and buy at the Rosemåling Exhibit and Sale. Tap your toes along to the music and dance of the SHS Norwegian Dancers. Visitors can even learn the history of the Norwegian immigration story between 1825-1910 at the state of the art Norwegian Heritage Center.

  • Division Street Festival Tent (Between McGlynn Pharmacy & Mershon’s Cidery):

    Saturday 2:00

    High School Gymnasium Performances:

    Saturday 3:45
    Saturday 5:30 (with Alumni)

    Sunday 3:45 (final performance

    Be sure to catch the Stoughton Norwegian Dancers at the Syttende Mai festival! For 70 years, this talented high school group, composed exclusively of Stoughton Area High School students, has delighted audiences with their lively, athletic performances and stunning traditional bunad costumes. Accompanied by skilled musicians playing authentic Norwegian folk music, the dancers bring the rich cultural heritage of Norway to life. Membership is a prestigious honor, with rigorous selection and a significant time commitment. These dedicated students often travel across the country, sharing their vibrant performances with audiences nationwide. Their authentic and energetic shows are a must-see highlight of the three-day festival!

    Click here to visit the SHS Norwegian Dancer website.

  • First Lutheran Church | Saturday 2:30 pm

    Stoughton’s annual bunad style show is an opportunity to see these beautiful costumes including bunad jewelry called “sølje” up close, and hear about how and when it was designed in each region of Norway. More importantly the story of each model’s bunad is told and why it is so cherished and passed down to future generations.

  • Presented by the Wisconsin State Rosemaling Association

    United Methodist Church (525 Lincoln Ave) — lower level/back entrance of church

    Friday: 9am - 4pm
    Saturday: 9am - 5pm
    Sunday: 9am - noon

    Rosemåling is the term for the bright, flowing Norwegian folk art painting that decorates many Norwegian wooden objects like furniture, frames and the trim around doors and windows. The artform began in rural Norway in the mid-18th century as an imitation of the intricate wood carvings common to the upper class. Its popularity faded 100 years later, but Norwegian immigrants brought the painting tradition with them to the New World on their colorful, painted trunks and revived the style in the U.S. The exhibit contains items on display and others for sale. Local rosemaling artists will demonstrate their process.

  • Chorus Public House (154 W Main St)

    Friday: 9am - 4pm
    Saturday: 9am - 5pm
    Sunday: 9am - noon

    The Hardanger Embroidery Exhibit showcases intricate Norwegian textile art. Hardangersøm uses counted threads to create geometric designs with needle and cutwork. Originating in the Middle East, it spread to Scandinavia and became popular in Norway’s Hardanger region, decorating bunads, table linens, and home décor.

    The Syttende Mai exhibit features artists taught by Donna M. Olson. While traditional Hardanger embroidery is white-on-white, modern pieces use color. Displayed works include table linens, clothing, doll clothes, and more.

    None of the pieces in the Hardanger Exhibit are for sale; artists will offer demonstrations throughout the day.

  • Festival Hours:

    Friday 11am - 6pm
    Saturday 9:30am - 5:00pm
    Sunday 10am - noon

    The Norwegian Heritage Center, also known as Livsreise- Meaning “Life’s Journey,” in downtown Stoughton with its new Scandinavian inspired building, opened its doors in May of 2015. This idea for this center was conceived of and is sponsored by the Edwin and Janet Bryant Foundation of Stoughton.

    Exhibits are regularly updated with new information, ensuring every visit offers a fresh and exciting experience that will keep you coming back!

    Click here to visit the Livsreise website.

  • Located at 317 S Page Street

    Festival Hours (for bake sale and luncheon):

    Hours: Saturday 10am - 4pm | Sunday 11 am - 2pm* (as supplies last)

    The Sons of Norway-Mandt Lodge (317 S. Page St.) is one of 380 lodges across North America and Norway that belong to the Sons of Norway international fraternal benefit society. The society’s mission is to promote Norwegian heritage, culture and traditions and its worldwide membership is over 58,000 people. Anyone who is interested in Norway, its people and its culture is welcome to join the society, attend meetings or participate in its events.

    Norwegian Style Bingo

    Join the Sons of Norway-Mandt Lodge for a night of bingo, Norwegian style. Food is served at 5 p.m. and again during the bingo break. Players can expect an evening of fun and cash prizes.

  • Christ Lutheran Church (700 CTY HWY B)

    Sunday, 10:30am

    The public is invited to attend the Sunday worship service at Christ Lutheran Church. Listen to the sounds of Norway while the celebrant sings part of the traditional Norwegian liturgy. The Edvard Grieg men’s chorus of Madison, will also perform.

    After the service, the church will serve a Norwegian brunch.

    There is no admission fee, but goodwill donations are welcome.

  • Located at the Stoughton Opera House (381 E Main St)

    Nordic Fiddles — Saturday, 9:30am

    Edvard Grieg Chorus — Saturday, 11:30am

    Scandinavian-American Old Time Dance Music Ensemble — Saturday, 2:00pm