Nordic Fest at Luther College

Contact Information

Alecia Bucksa
Coordinator of Campus Events and Outreach

conferences-events@luther.edu

Phone: 563-387-1538

Welcome alumni and Nordic Fest Guests

Luther College is excited to welcome you to Decorah for Nordic Fest, July 23-25, 2026! Here you will find all the details you’ll need to navigate your weekend between downtown’s festivities and the events and hospitality here at Luther.  We’re so glad you’re going to be here!

Luther housing for Nordic Fest 2026

Luther College is pleased to offer housing for Nordic Fest attendees. Single rooms are $112 per night and double rooms are $186 per night. Guests will be staying in Farwell Hall.

reserve Nordic Fest Housing at Luther

Nordic Fest 2026 Weekend Activities

Campus/Community Shuttle 

Free shuttle service between downtown Decorah and Luther’s campus! 

Shuttle runs continuously between 9 a.m.-10 p.m. on Friday , and 8 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday.

Pick-up and Drop-off at Dahl Centennial Union and park-and-ride from the Gerdin Fieldhouse Parking lot (map), and downtown at the City Parking Lot off Water Street and Mechanic Street.

Thursday, July 23
  • Oneota Market is open 7:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
  • The Luther Cafeteria is open for lunch 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (closed breakfast and dinner)

Friday, July 24

  • Oneota Market is open 7:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
  • The Luther Cafeteria is is open for the Norwegian Meatball Supper, 4-7 p.m.
    • Tickets and Walk-In Purchases Available ($15 for adults; $8 for kids 6-10)
    • In the weeks leading up to Nordic Fest, tickets for the Meatball Supper will be available at tickets.luther.edu.
    • Menu: 
      • Norwegian Meatballs w/ Nutmeg Gravy
      • Mashed Potatoes
      • Sauteed Green Beans and Carrots
      • Luther Dinner Rolls w/ Whipped Butter
      • Salad Bar
      • Rommegrot Bars
Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26,  all locations closed

The Luther Book Shop will be open during Nordic Fest

Thursday, July 23
  • 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Friday, July 24
  • 8:15 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 25
  • 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 26
  • 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Picturing Luther: Remembering Place, Space, and the Passage of Time
Dahl Centennial Union Art Gallery, Main Level
Open Daily 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

The Luther College campus has long been known for its scenic landscape, historic character, and strong sense of community. This gallery exhibit highlights artworks from the Luther College Fine Arts Collection that depict iconic campus spaces and explore their significance over time, featuring artworks by faculty and alumni, including Norwegian-American artist H. Gausta, O. Running, C.Homstad, and recently acquired Doseff watercolors from the 1920s. The exhibit will also feature archival photographs of student life from different eras, illustrating how these spaces have been used to foster connection, learning, and community across generations.

Luther will have a booth downtown, stocked with information and goodies for prospective students, alumni, parents, and community members alike! Luther Dining Services partner Bon Appetit will also be hosting the popular food booth again this year!

 Food booth hours:

  • Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Food Booth Menu

  • “Karbonader” – Norwegian Butter Burger w/ Carmelized Onions, Jarlsberg Cheese, Lingonberry Aioli on a Brioche Bun

We hope you will join us in representing Luther College in the Nordic Fest Parade! We will provide details about where and when to meet here.

4:00-5:30 p.m., Saturday, July 25
President’s House, 711 Ridge Road

Join Brad and Julie Chamberlain for popsicles at the president’s house! Cool off with a sweet treat, enjoy the company of fellow Nordic Fest goers, and enjoy time with the president. All are welcome!

Children playing in a train-style vehicle during the Nordic Fest parade

Fun for all ages downtown.

Luther College participants in the Nordic Fest parade.

Way to represent, Norse!

Nordic fest parade leading banner

We are excited to welcome you to campus! Velkommen!

Luther College in the 2023 Nordic Fest parade.

The 2022 Feastmaster

You can find all kinds of fun this weekend!

The Luren Singers on their float during the nordic fest parade

You will find many musical groups around town this weekend.

Contact Information

Alecia Bucksa
Coordinator of Campus Events and Outreach

conferences-events@luther.edu

Phone: 563-387-1538