Winnipeg 
Events Description
Crowd favourites are back, the Magnús Classic Gimli Strongman competition returns for the fifth year, hosted by 4x World’s Strongest Man and legendary Icelander, Magnús Ver Magnússon. Strongman athletes compete in a series of events that showcase traditional Icelandic strength and culture on Saturday at the Viking statue.
Íslendingadagurinn wouldn’t be complete without the Viking Village. Re-enactors live like authentic 800 A.D. period Vikings by the Harbour Park Hill during the festival and host combat demonstrations each day. The Village is open Friday to Monday to visitors interested in demonstrations of authentic Viking life.
Enjoy live music all weekend long at Friday Night at the Harbour, Saturday Night at the Harbour and Sunday’s Alternative Folk Festival which includes performances by Brendan Sutton, The Prairie Joggers, Car 287, Radio Riders, We’re Only Here for the Snacks, Jamie Buckboro and Friends, Jess Rae, JD Edwards, Son of Dave and D. Rangers, and musicians from Iceland— Ólöf Arnalds and Skúli Sverrisson.
Fishing has long been an important part of Icelandic culture, and we’ve partnered with Kickerfish again to host the second annual Íslendinga-Derby at Gimli Harbour Pier on Saturday. Register via the festival website.
‘Get Dinged’ on Saturday at Vingólf Beverage Gardens by dressing up in a traditional Viking costume, eating a piece of Harðfiskur (dried fish), drinking a shot of Brennivín, chanting “Íslendingadagurinn,” and giving your best Viking roar! Stick around until late to see the fireworks over Gimli Harbour. Take part in one of Manitoba’s largest and longest running parades Monday morning, led by fellow Interlaker and local radio personality, Chrissy Troy.
The popular Icelandic Fashion Show event takes place at Gimli Theatre on Saturday and features traditional Icelandic dress and cultural attire celebrating heritage and community. Tickets are available for purchase online and at the Icelandic Festival Gift Shop.
Vingólf Beverage Gardens is at the Gimli Harbour Friday to Sunday, and festival-goers can enjoy cold drinks and cocktails featuring the infamous Icelandic spirit, Brennivín, and locally produced Crown Royal. The food truck and vendor areas are close by, offering many opportunities to eat and shop local.
The Art Show celebrates its 57th year with entries showcasing Icelandic culture and heritage from local artists on display Saturday through Monday at the Darren Hall in the Lakeview Gimli Resort.
The Icelandic Culture and Heritage Pavilion hosts interactive workshops at the Gimli Park Pavilion on Sunday such as painting a Huldufólk house, meeting Gimli Huldufólk Snorri and Snæbjörn themselves, and learning about Icelandic Folk Monsters and a thousand-year family saga. While there make sure to visit Amma’s Kitchen for traditional Icelandic / New Iceland treats such as Vínarterta and Rullupylsa.
Relax and enjoy poetry and music by local artists on Sunday at Gimli Park. Discover more about your Icelandic ancestors at the Icelandic Roots Saga Presentations and Genealogy Workshop at the New Iceland Heritage Museum on Sunday.
50/50 draws take place daily and support partner organization—Hailey’s Way. Tickets can be purchased online at icelandicfestival5050.com and from festival volunteers on the weekend.
Bring your competitive spirit and participate in contests—Beach Volleyball at Gimli Beach on Saturday, Fris-Nok at Gimli Park on Sunday and risk being knocked into Lake Winnipeg at Islendingadunk on Sunday at Gimli Harbour.
Participate in the Sandcastle contest Saturday at Gimli Beach. Families can also take part in the Scavenger Hunt around Gimli, BIG Games—oversized board games Saturday and Sunday at Gimli Harbour, and Family Sports Monday at Gimli Park and farm tours and a petting zoo at local Icelandic sheep farm, Luckystone Acres on Saturday and Sunday.
Wonder Shows Midway and Rides returns to Gimli Park Friday through Monday.
HOW MUCH
Free
Odin’s Festival Pass – 2026 – $99.
How to get tickets?
WHEN & WHERE
Date & Time:
July 31, August 1 – 3, 2026
Venue & Address: Various Locations, Gimli, MB – Map
