Icelandic Festival Events - Summer 2026

by Doreen Borgfjord McFarlane 

Each summer for many years, Icelandic festivals take place in various communities in North America. Two of the main festivals, in Mountain and Gimli, occur on the long weekend in August. Celebrations with songs, dancing, food and parades, as well as numerous other events are shared. Some festival-goers attend both locations. This year Doreen, accompanied by her husband Eigil, did just that. And, what a time they had...

You may call yourself an Icelandic-American or an Icelandic-Canadian. Or, you [may] use the term the people of Iceland often use: “Western Icelander.” Either way, late July and early August are a good time to raise a cheer, join the "cousins" and get out to celebrate. The reason, as I am sure you already know, is two-fold. In the USA, the celebrations begin with August the Deuce Icelandic Festival in Mountain, North Dakota going on yearly for 127 years. In Canada, you can enjoy Íslendingadagurinn in Gimli, Manitoba, now in its 151st year. This year, my husband Eigil Hillerup (Danish, but Icelander by choice) and I (Borgfjord by maiden name) attended both. 

Doreen signing her book Leirarskotta at the Icelandic festivals August 2026. Image shared by author.

One reason for our trip (by car from our home near Niagara Falls, Ontario) was that I have recently written a book about an Icelandic family ghost who has been in my family for eight generations, that is, since the year 1704. I had been invited to say a few words about this book, and to sell and autograph copies. The book is entitled Leirárskotta: Memoirs of an Icelandic Immigrant Ghost. The talks and book signings all went very well, but let me tell you more about our trip to the two fabulous festivals and, for us, the beautiful surprise ending.

Our drive to Mountain was a long one, but the weather was great and the scenery delightful. But the best surprise was at our arrival at One Majestic Place, which is a brand new, big, beautiful lodge nestled in the rolling hills. The hosts were welcoming and our room was well-appointed and very comfortable. It was difficult to realize that the town of Mountain has a population of about 85! The parade was long and great fun. The program was traditional with speeches and singing. There was even a fish fry with a live band followed by Icelandic Bingo and a street dance!

But our main purpose for going to Mountain was to attend the historical groundbreaking for the new cultural center, which will be called Icelandic Rootshús. Founders, donors and volunteers were invited in turn to don hard hats, pick up gold-painted shovels, and get photos taken as they dug into the ground. Next year it is expected that there will be a grand opening. Our beloved Sunna Furstenau made this happen! It is something for all of us Icelandic Roots people to be proud of.

Eigil discussing Icelandic genealogy with a festival attendee. Image shared by author.

No, Eigil and I had not had enough. On Sunday morning we got up early and headed north to Gimli! Sunday and Monday were filled with adventure. We just made it in time for me to give my talk at the Icelandic Roots event and to sign and sell my books.

Monday morning, while waiting for the parade to come, Eigil was busy collecting information for Icelandic Roots from various people next to us along the route. After the parade, we spent the afternoon in the old Pavilion in Gimli Park at the Icelandic Roots table. Eigil worked with people who stopped by, helping them find their own roots and, of course, encouraging Icelandic Roots membership. I was, again, signing my book and sharing with them about my infamous ghost. 

As an entirely fitting conclusion to this historic weekend, we drove to Arborg and finally found the exact location of Melstath, our family homestead farm. And, better yet, thanks to Eigil's willingness to knock on a few doors (while I shyly hid in the car), we were able to re-unite with a FIRST cousin and his family. I had not seen him for sixty years. It truly turned out to be OLD HOME WEEK!

Melstath, the Borgfjord family homestead farm taken August 2026. Image shared by author.

Doreen (sitting right) and her first cousin (sitting left) in Arborg, along with his spouse (back left) and their two children, August 2026. Image shared by author.

This has been such a meaningful Icelandic Canadian holiday for us. Do think about joining us [at the festivals] in 2027! You won't be sorry!

Note: Icelandic Roots has additional articles about Leirárskotta. You can read them here:

• One Icelandic Immigrant You Don’t Know -A New Book July 2026

• Leirarskotta October 2025

• My Icelandic Immigrant Ghost October 2022