Scaled-down Swedish Days festival returns June 24-27 to Geneva
Geneva's popular Swedish Days festival kicks off Thursday, June 24. This year it will be two days shorter, missing a few favorite activities and spread out throughout the city. The festival will run through Sunday, June 27.
It had already been announced, two months ago, that there will not be a parade.
Here's a look at what visitors can expect. For a detailed schedule and map, visit www.genevachamber.com/festivals-events/swedish-days.
New this year
Instead of having free main stage entertainment on Third Street, there will be Dala-Palooza from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 26 at Northwestern Medicine Field at the Kane County Events Center, Kirk Road and Cherry Lane. Dala refers to the traditional Swedish souvenir of painted wooden Dala horses.
Entertainers include a local dance school, a classic-rock cover band and a Dave Matthews tribute band. Food trucks will set up there. Tickets are $15 and can be bought through the Kane County Cougars ticketing system.
Also new this year is a Family Fest on Saturday, June 26, at Geneva Commons shopping center on Randall Road. There will be a classic car show, food trucks, dog adoption, School of Rock performances and author readings.
Returning favorites
Shopping deals and sidewalk sales: Throughout the festival, merchant sidewalk sales will offer “must have” bargains in Geneva's 100-plus specialty shops. Enjoy entertainers on select corners in the downtown area as you peruse the shops during Moonlight Madness on Thursday evening where shops are open late.
Carnival rides: Spin, whirl and twirl at the Windy City Amusements carnival, opening at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the Kane County Courthouse parking lot, 100 S. Third St.
Swedish pancakes: Geneva Lutheran Church's annual Swedish pancake breakfast is back on Saturday, June 26 at 301 S. Third St. Orders — $8, cash only — will be available to go, and there will be limited seating outdoors.
Car show: The Swedish Days Car Show is back on South Third Street from 5-8 p.m. Thursday.
Concerts and entertainment: Concerts on the Lawn take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday on the north Courthouse Lawn. Saturday and Sunday, the south side of the lawn brings Swedish excitement with games, dancers, singers and Vikings.
Craft beer tent: The Craft Beer Tent is back, bigger and in a new location for all four days — on James Street. Penrose Brewing, Stockholm's, Art History Brewing and The Beer Cellar will be serving up their favorites. Food will be available to purchase. Select evenings will also have entertainment.
Cottage Walk: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Good Templar Park, 528 East Side Drive, visitors can tour six historic Swedish stugas (tiny houses). Guided tours begin on the hour and half-hour. Admission $10. Children 11 and younger are free.
For kids: Friday, June 25, is “Kids' Day.” In a new location at Geneva Public Library, kids can stay busy from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with activities both inside and outside. This year will feature more booths, games and activities. There will not be a kids' parade.
Swedish Days 5K Lopp: Located along the scenic Fox River in Geneva, the Swedish Days 5K Lopp, set for 7:30 a.m. Saturday, June 26, promises an unbelievable race experience. Participants are encouraged to tie-in with the Scandinavian theme with your attire. Registration is $35; the kids' dash is $7. For details and to register, visit raceroster.com/events/2021/47985/swedish-days-lopp-5k.