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.