Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Syttende Mai?
Syttende Mai is Norwegian for seventeenth of May.
In the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, Norwegians gathered on May 17, 1814, in the small village of Eidsvoll to ratify their own constitution, which established Norway as an independent country. Norwegians throughout the world continue to celebrate May 17 as Syttende Mai, the Norwegian Constitution Day.
In Stoughton, the Syttende Mai festival is held on the weekend closest to May 17. From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, Stoughton enjoyed an influx of Norwegians and at one time, as many as 75 percent of its residents spoke Norwegian. These immigrants celebrated Syttende Mai unofficially, but it became an annual, city-wide tradition in the 1950s. In 1967, the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce took over the festival, and has planned the event each year since.
As many as 20,000 people attend the Syttende Mai festival each year to celebrate Norway’s National Day and Stoughton’s deep Norwegian roots. Today, Syttende Mai serves as a way to preserve the city’s Norwegian heritage and share its culture with a new generation.
What are the festival hours?
Friday • 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday • 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday • 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
How much does it cost to attend the festival?
Enjoy a full weekend of Syttende Mai fun for just $5!
Your Booster Button is your all-access pass to the festival—no single event tickets needed. Experience all the must-see events, including the Arts & Crafts Fair, Quilt and Hardanger Show, Bunad Show, Rosemaling Exhibit, Entertainment Tent, Viking Games, Norwegian Dancers Performances, and more!
Plus, your purchase helps keep the celebration alive, supporting parades, prizes, shuttles, performances (including the beloved Stoughton Norwegian Dancers), and other festival favorites.
For just $5, the Booster Button unlocks a weekend of non-stop fun—now that's a steal of a deal! Kids 5 and under are free.
Where can I buy my Booster Button?
You can buy your $5 festival Booster Button at the Blue Information Booths at these locations:
Stoughton Opera House • 381 E. Main Street
S. Division and Main Streets • near McGlynn Pharmacy, 100 E. Main Street
Livsreise • 277 W. Main Street
Booster Buttons are available at the entrance to these official festival locations:
Chorus Public House • 154 W. Main St. (Scandinavian Arts, Crafts, and Music)
Stoughton High School • 600 Lincoln Ave (Norwegian Dancer Performances and Arts & Crafts Fair)
Booster Buttons are available at these retail shops in Stoughton for 2024:
Asleson's Hardware, Cheesers, Fosdal's Bakery, Jung Garden Center, McGlynn Pharmacy, One Community Bank, Quality Inn and Suites, Stoughton Floral, Stoughton Lumber, Stoughton Utilities, and The UPS Store.
Booster Buttons are available for purchase at the Chamber office prior to Syttende Mai weekend starting in April, but note that Chamber office will not be open during festival hours.
What’s the difference between a Booster Button and the Commemorative Coin?
All visitors to the Stoughton festival must purchase the $5 Booster Button to access Syttende Mai weekend events. This is the all-access pass to the festival and no one will be admitted to the events without the Booster Button. Individual event tickets will not be sold.
Designed by our Cultural Committee, the Commemorative Coin is a must-have keepsake from each year’s Syttende Mai festival. Featuring a unique illustrations celebrating Stoughton’s rich Norwegian heritage, this $12 collectible is a cherished tradition for visitors and locals alike. Don’t miss your chance to add this year’s coin to your collection!
Past Commemorative Coins can be purchased here.
Where can I buy the Commemorative Coin?
For the 2025 Festival you can find buttons and coins at: Cheesers, Fosdal's Bakery, Jung Garden Center, McGlynn Pharmacy, One Community Bank, Quality Inn and Suites, Stoughton Floral, Stoughton Lumber, Stoughton Utilities, and The UPS Store.
Coins may be purchased at the Chamber office prior to Syttende Mai weekend starting in April, but note that Chamber office will not be open during festival hours.
Past Commemorative Coins can be purchased here.
Where can I park?
On street parking with a two-hour limit is available on Main Street and adjacent side streets.\
Check the signs at each lot for rules about parking.
PUBLIC PARKING LOTS (Green Marks on Map)
Senior Center Public Parking Lot: enter from S. Page Street, lot is behind the Senior Center
W. Washington Street Public Parking Lot: enter from S. Water Street, W. Washington Street, or S. Division Street
Public Parking Library Lot: enter from S. Fourth Street, adjacent to the Stoughton Library
Public Parking Jefferson St.: 425 E. Jefferson Street at the corner of 6th Street across from Rotary Park
ADA PARKING (Blue Marks on Map)
Fire Department Parking Lot: 381 E. Main Street. The Festival shuttle stops at this location approximately on Saturday and Sunday approximately every 20 to 30 minutes.
W. Jefferson St between Water and Division Street.
SHUTTLE BUS PARKING (Purple Mark on Map)
Stoughton High School (600 Lincoln Dr.): Busses run every 30 minutes. Saturday and Sunday only
Where do I get on the Shuttle Bus?
Stoughton High School • 600 Lincoln Ave
Park your car at Stoughton High School and utilize the shuttle service with their multiple stops throughout festival grounds.
Saturday • 9:30 - 6 pm | Sunday • 10:30am - 5 pm
How will I know where to go?
Let us make some suggestions!
If you’ve never attended a Syttende Mai festival plan your visit by reviewing the complete schedule of events and choosing events that are a must see for you. Expect to park at a distance from downtown and walk to the event, or park at the Stoughton High School parking lot, and take the shuttle.
Purchase your festival Booster Button to gain entry to some of the festival favorites around town. Buttons will get you access to the Quilt Show, Stoughton High School Norwegian Dancers, and many more!
The festival takes place across Stoughton’s entire Arts & Entertainment District from S. Page Street on the west side of town to the east side at about Fifth Street (about a half mile), north to the River Bluff School Campus, and south to Mandt Park (about 0.7 miles).
Where can I find outdoor toilets?
Outdoor Toilets are available at:
W. Washington and S. Division Streets
S. Fourth and 400 Mandt Parkway • Mandt Park
S. Division and W. Jefferson Streets
Where can I find an ATM machine?
ATMs are available at:
Kwik Trip West • 517 W. Main Street
One Community Bank • 207 S. Forrest Street (in the drive-through)
Viking Brew Pub • 211 E. Main Street
Anderson Plaza (South) Parking Lot • S. Division near W. Jefferson Street
Can I be a vendor at Syttende Mai?
We welcome vendors who align with the spirit of the Syttende Mai Festival and our community-focused mission. Please review the following guidelines.
Food Vendors
All food vendors must be a local non-profit organizations or work in partnership with a non-profit. We do not allow commercial or for-profit food vendors to participate in the festival. If you are a local non-profit interested in having a food stand, email us at events@stoughtonwi.com.
Please note that we are currently not taking food stand inquiries for the 2025 Festival.
Booth Space
Booth space is available for Stoughton Chamber of Commerce members or businesses that celebrate Norwegian heritage and enhance the festival experience. All booth placements are at the discretion of festival organizers, and space may be limited.
Arts & Crafts Fair
The Syttende Mai Arts & Crafts Fair seeks to highlight handmade works that support and accentuate the spirit and intent of the festival. We encourage artists and crafters specializing in traditional and unique arts such as rosemaling, woodcarving, painting, graphics, pottery, ceramics, sculpture, photography, handicrafts, jewelry, and weaving. All work must be original in design and execution, and all items displayed must be available for purchase. Artists will retain 100% of their proceeds. Please note that all booth spaces must be paid for in advance to secure your spot.