In-person

17th of May in Ballard

May 17, 2025

Museum Hours: 10:00am - 5:00pm; Parade: 4:00 - 6:00pm

Celebrate Norwegian Constitution Day—commonly known as “Syttende Mai”—in Ballard!

Read below for a list of all the fun activities throughout the neighborhood. For more information, please visit 17thofmay.org.

This year's commemorative Syttende Mai pin was designed by artist Erik Bjarne Witzoe. Available for purchase in the National Nordic Museum Store and other Ballard locations.

The Largest Syttende Mai Celebration Outside of Norway 🎉

The earliest recorded 17th of May celebrations in Seattle were held in 1889. By 1901, Ballard's Norwegian-American residents were hosting a parade, and the celebration of Norwegian Constitution Day has grown from there to include the entire neighborhood and city! The festivities in Seattle are the largest outside of Oslo and Bergen.

2025 Festivities in Ballard

National Nordic Museum: 2655 NW Market Street

10:00 am - 5:00 pm – A trip to the National Nordic Museum is a must on Syttende Mai! Immerse yourself in Nordic culture and history while learning about Ballard's strong Norwegian ties.

10:00 am to 2:00 pm – Join us for family activities in the Museum parking lot!

11:00 am - 1:30 pm – 17th of May Seattle Luncheon(Opens an external site in a new window) in Osberg Great Hall
– Grand Marshall Anniken Huitfeldt, Norway’s Ambassador to the United States

Bergen Place Musical Entertainment: 5450 22nd Avenue NW

11:00 am - 3:30 pm – Listen to an All-Star music line-up brought to you by Seattle-Bergen Sister City Association and NordicOnTap.com.

Leif Erikson Lodge Open House: 2245 NW 57th Street

11:00 am - 3:00 pm – Authentic Norwegian food and live entertainment

Skål Beer Hall: 5429 Ballard Ave NW

11:00 am - 11:00 pm – Live music and a special menu with a street-side walk-up grill from 2:30-6:00pm.

17th of May Ballard Parade

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm – Celebrate with the largest 17th of May parade outside of Norway!

Interested in walking with the National Nordic Museum in the parade? Please sign up here. For questions, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Tim Krumland at timothyk@nordicmuseum.org.

Walking with Us in the Parade? Here's What You Need to Know:

Finding Our Group 🔍

All parade groups will be meeting up on the north side of Adams Elementary on 62nd street between 28th Ave and 24th Ave. There will be several groups lining up in sequential order, so plan to arrive with plenty of time to find the National Nordic Museum group. We are group number 25 in the parade.

Check in by 3:30pm 🕒

Please plan to be checked in by 3:30pm. The parade begins at 4:00pm. Ballard is bustling on Syttende Mai, so please keep in mind that it may take a considerable amount of time to find parking and to find our group.

Sign Up to March with the Museum ✍️

If you are planning to walk with us in the 17th of May parade, please sign up here. All parade participants are required to sign a Hold Harmless form. You may complete this form online or in-person at the parade route.