If you’ve ever wanted to spend a day in Moominvalley, this is about as close as you’ll get. On August 9, the National Nordic Museum is celebrating Moomin Day and the birthday of beloved Finnish author and illustrator Tove Jansson with a family-friendly festival filled with crafts, films, treats, and plenty of opportunities to meet the world of the Moomins. Better still, all of the day’s activities are included with regular museum admission.
What’s happening on Moomin Day?
Visitors can enjoy a full programme of drop-in activities throughout the museum, including Moomin face painting, children’s craft workshops, screenings of classic Moomin films, and a traditional Nordic fika complete with cookies and lemonade. Whether you’re introducing little ones to the characters for the first time or revisiting a childhood favourite, it’s a joyful way to celebrate one of the Nordic world’s most cherished creations.
Step inside Moominvalley
Your ticket also includes entry to the museum’s special exhibition, Moomins’ Sea Adventures & Tove and the Sea, on view through September 6. Making its North American debut, the exhibition features life-sized Moomin characters, immersive environments, original illustrations, photographs, and film exploring both the magical world of Moominvalley and the extraordinary life of creator Tove Jansson.
At its centre sits an interactive island complete with a lighthouse and rowboats, inviting visitors of all ages to create adventures of their own.
More Moomin events this August
The celebrations don’t stop with Moomin Day. On August 6, the museum’s monthly Nordic Stories programme will feature Moomin and the Spring Surprise, pairing story time with a hands-on craft activity for preschoolers and their caregivers.
Then, on August 20, the museum concludes its Moomin Movie Night series with a screening of Tove (2020), the acclaimed biopic exploring Jansson’s life, relationships, and the creation of the Moomins.
Things to know before you go
Moomin Day runs from 10am–5pm at the National Nordic Museum in Ballard, with all activities included in the price of general admission. Families are free to drop in throughout the day, making it easy to explore the exhibitions, enjoy the activities, and celebrate Tove Jansson’s birthday at your own pace. Beyond its museum programming, the venue also hosts the popular Candlelight concert series, where thousands of candles illuminate the impressive architecture with live tributes to artists ranging from Taylor Swift to Vivaldi, making it one of Seattle’s most distinctive cultural destinations year-round.
📅 Moomin Day, August 9, from 10am–5pm
📍 National Nordic Museum, Ballard
🎟️ All activities are included with regular museum entry
🎨 Moomin face painting, children’s crafts and drop-in workshops
🎬 Screenings of classic Moomin films
🍪 Traditional Nordic fika with cookies and lemonade
🌊 Explore Moomins’ Sea Adventures & Tove and the Sea, featuring life-sized characters, original artwork and an interactive island
📖 August 6: Moomin and the Spring Surprise story time and craft session for preschoolers
🎥 August 20: Screening of Tove (2020), a biopic about Moomin creator Tove Jansson
