The Icelandic Festival of Manitoba has released the official schedule for its 137th annual event, which will bring thousands of visitors to Gimli from July 30 to August 3, 2026. This long-standing celebration, widely considered the oldest Icelandic festival in North America, features a variety of cultural and family-oriented activities throughout the community.
The five-day gathering includes mainstays such as the Viking Village, Viking Battle demonstrations, a sandcastle contest, a beach volleyball tournament, running races, and the traditional festival parade on August 3. Families can also visit Wonder Shows midway and rides, which will be set up in Gimli Park. Throughout the event, food and craft vendors will be stationed around the harbour area, and live music will be hosted each evening on the Gimli Harbour Stage.
For those looking for a competitive highlight, the Magnús Classic Gimli Strongman qualifier will take place on August 1. The winner of this event will receive an invitation to compete in the Magnús Ver Magnússon Strongman Classic in Iceland later in November 2026.
Visitors interested in enhanced festival access can purchase the Odin’s Festival Pass, which provides VIP benefits. These passes become available for purchase in spring 2026.
First held in Winnipeg in 1890, the festival moved to its current home in Gimli in 1932. It remains the second oldest continuous ethnic festival in North America and serves as a major annual draw for the Interlake region.
