Frequently Asked Questions
Attendee Info
Where Can I Park/is there a shuttle?
Yes there's a shuttle, head on over here for parking, shuttle and street closure info.
Do I need tickets/is there a cost?
No! Viking Fest is free to attend. The only thing that requires tickets are carnival games & rides which can be purchased at the event.
When/Where is Viking Fest
Viking Fest takes place the 3rd weekend of May, coinciding with the Norwegian Independance Celebration "Syttende Mai". Poulsbo is located in Washington State, just West of Seattle. It can be reached by car, by driving across the Tacoma Narrows or taking the Ferry from Seattle or Edmonds. Poulsbo can also be reached by boat or seaplane.
I'm visiting from out of town, what are the best places to stay?
Head on over to our tourism site, VisitPoulsbo.com for a list of accomodations in our area.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, this event is a public event taking place in public areas. Keep in mind this event can get very crowded, also much of it is on blacktop, so on hot days it may not be a fun event for your fur friends. Please use your best judgement to ensure this is a fun and safe event for everyone.
When is the schedule of events available?
The schedule of events is available early April each year.
Participant Info
Who Can Have a Booth or Table at Viking Fest?
All vendors must apply — no exceptions. Whether you're selling products, offering samples, representing an organization, or setting up any kind of display or table, you must be an approved vendor through the official Viking Fest application process. There is no such thing as an informal or last-minute table setup at the event.
The application window opens once a year. Applications open in early spring and close on March 15th each year. This deadline is firm — we are not able to accept late applications or add vendors after the deadline has passed, regardless of circumstance.
Space is limited and fills up fast. Approved vendor spots are confirmed well in advance of the event. Once the deadline closes, all available spaces are committed and the finalized vendor list is submitted to the city and county for permitting, health, safety, and insurance purposes. This process makes it impossible to add vendors after the fact.
Showing up without approval is not an option. Only vendors who have completed the official application process and received confirmation from Viking Fest management are permitted to operate in the vendor area. Unauthorized setups will not be allowed.
Want to be a vendor next year? Keep an eye on our website and social channels in early spring for the application announcement!
How do I know if I've been accepted as a vendor or in the parade?
Vendors will receive notification whether they have been accepted or not 2-4 weeks prior to the event (sooner if time allows). We receive over 100 applications each year, and are a small, volunteer group, so please be patient.
Parade applicants, if you submitted your application before deadline you will receive a notification 1 week prior to the event with instruction on when and where to show up for the Parade which begins at 2:00pm the Saturday afternoon of the event.
Booth Hours & Schedule
Setup
- Thursday, May 14th — 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm
- Friday, May 15th — 7:00 am to 10:30 am
Festival Hours
- Friday, May 15th — 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Saturday, May 16th — 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Sunday, May 17th — 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Takedown
- Sunday, May 17th — 6:15 pm to 10:00 pm
Vendors will be granted access to the vendor area during the times listed above. Please plan your arrival accordingly — entry outside of these windows is not permitted.
Overnight access is not allowed. The vendor area and Anderson Parkway are not accessible overnight, and no sleeping in booths or on the premises is permitted.
Setting up your booth
Stay within your assigned space. All activity — selling, demos, samples, signage, and displays — needs to stay within the footprint of your assigned booth. Please make sure nothing extends into walkways, neighboring booths, or common areas.
Be a good neighbor. Signs and displays should not block sightlines into adjacent booths. We're all here to succeed together!
Noise and music. If your booth uses speakers, music, or any amplified sound, it needs to stay at a level that doesn't disrupt your neighbors. All amplified sound must be pre-approved by Viking Fest management — if that applies to you, please reach out ahead of the event.
Keep it tidy. Your booth and the area immediately around it should stay neat and organized throughout the entire event — front, back, and sides.
Approved vendors only. Only vendors who have completed the official Viking Fest application and been accepted may operate in the vendor area. No booth space may be shared with or transferred to another vendor without prior written approval from Viking Fest management.
When are vendor applications available?
Vendor applications are generally posted end of January to early February each year. We are run by volunteers, so please keep checking the site and be patient. Once posted the application deadline for vendors is generally March 15th. After the deadline we review all applications and make our selections, at which point will we contact those that are chosen. Any vendor who are not chosen will have their checks retuned to them. We will not accept any applications after deadline.
How do I become a vendor?
Print the appropriate application from the applications page, submit application and wait for a reply as the approval process takes time. Vendors are selected more than 30 days prior to the event, if you wish to be a vendor please be sure to have your application in early.