In-person

17th of May in Ballard

May 17, 2024

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Celebrate Norwegian Constitution Day—commonly known as “Syttende Mai”—in Ballard! We are thrilled to commemorate the historic 50^th anniversary of the 17^th of May Seattle parade. Read below for a list of all the fun activities throughout Ballard! For more information or to purchase official 17^th of May Seattle Luncheon tickets, please visit 17thofmay.org.

This year's commemorative 50th anniversary Syttende Mai pin was designed by artist Erik Bjarne Witzoe. Available for purchase in the National Nordic Museum Store and other Ballard locations.

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.

National Nordic Museum: 2655 NW Market Street

10:00 am to 5:00 pm – Family activities include Fjord Horses and Nordic Express Train in the Museum parking lot!

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm – 17th of May Seattle Luncheon in Osberg Great Hall
– Grand Marshall Torleiv Opland, Deputy Chief of Mission (US Norwegian Embassy)
– Honorary Marshall Jeanne Kohl-Welles, King County Councilmember/WA State Senator (ret.)

Bergen Place Musical Entertainment: 5450 22nd Avenue NW

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm – Emcee Eric Stavney & Holden Tubbs bring you an All-Star Nordic Lineup

Leif Erikson Lodge Open House: 2245 NW 57th Street

1:00 - 5:00 pm – food, live entertainment, dancing, and genealogist

17th of May Ballard Parade: 24th Avenue NW to Market Street to Ballard Ave and Ione

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Interested in walking with us in the parade? We'd love to have you! Please fill out this form so we know to expect you!

Parade Check-In Station opens at 4pm, 28th Ave NW & NW 62nd Street, just north of Adams Elementary School. Come early to save your spot!