Lifestyle

Swedish Days returns to Geneva with food, entertainment, parade and more

Posted June 19, 2022 7:00 am

Submitted by Geneva Chamber of Commerce

The Swedish Days Festival returns to Geneva June 22-26. It will include Nordic folk dancing in Sweden Väst. Courtesy of Geneva Chamber of Commerce

A must stop for a summer fun destination is Geneva's 72nd Annual Swedish Days Festival, supported by Northwestern Medicine.

"The Granddaddy of Illinois Festivals" will run Wednesday through Sunday, June 22-26, in downtown Geneva. More than 200,000 visitors and residents stop by for a variety of activities - combining traditional events and new attractions.

"The Geneva Chamber is pleased and excited to bring back Swedish Days in all its blue and yellow glory," says Laura Rush, communications manager. "We know Genevans and visitors are ready for five days of fun."

Here's a sneak peek of what visitors can expect.

Shopping and treasures

Some shops will be offering specials during Swedish Days. Sweden Väst, on Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26, will specialize in Swedish items. If you are looking for that Swedish Days souvenir, this is where you will find it.

Free entertainment

Free nightly musical entertainment on the Central Stage kicks off Wednesday with Geneva Park District performances and Geneva's Got Talent. On Friday and Saturday, bands will play. On Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 1-3 p.m., relax on the courthouse lawn and listen to featured artists.

Swedish Days will feature a car show from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, June 23, on South Third Street. Courtesy of Geneva Chamber of Commerce

The Swedish Days Car Show is back on South Third Street from 5-8 p.m. Thursday.

Food booths

Festivalgoers can feast on traditional Swedish and favorite American and ethnic foods, including, brats, corn dogs, turkey legs, sandwiches, meatballs, pizza, garlic crab pasta and roasted corn, to name a few, at the many nonprofit food booths. Desserts will also be available.

Restaurants and pubs

Festivalgoers can enjoy craft brews in the beer tent at Swedish Days. Courtesy of Geneva Chamber of Commerce

Don't forget all the fine restaurants in Geneva. From casual bistros to five-star formal dining, a day in Geneva isn't complete without sampling one or more of its restaurants and eateries. Or stop by one of the beer gardens that will offer good food, drink, and entertainment during the festival, including the Chamber's Craft Beer Tent on James Street. Visit genevachamber.com for a listing of restaurants, pizzerias and pubs.

Seeking longtime Genevans

If you have lived in Geneva for more than 15 years, join others for the Geneva Settlers Breakfast on Thursday, June 23. This popular event is moving to Copper Fox, 477 S. Third St., beginning at 8:30 a.m. No reservations necessary.

For young visitors

The carnival will be open daily throughout Swedish Days. Steven Buyansky for the Daily Herald, 2021

Wednesday brings the carnival to town. It is open every day of the festival, and each day offers an unlimited ride wristband opportunity.

Swedish Days 2022 is packed with favorites, including a Dodgeball Tournament, 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament and mini golf.

Friday, June 24, is "Kids' Day," where from early in the morning to late into the night, kids can stay busy. The day kicks off with the Kids' Parade leaving from the Kane County Courthouse lawn on the Campbell Street side. The fun continues with activities galore at the Geneva Public Library, outside and inside.

The Kids' Day Parade invites children ages 10 and younger to enter in one of the parade categories.

5K Lopp

Moved to a new location and day, the Swedish Days 5K Lopp promises an unbelievable race experience. Join runners at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 23, at the Northwestern Medicine Cross Country Course. See details at genevachamber.com.

Grand Parade

Special Olympics athlete Mari Landwehr will be the Grand Marshal at this year's Swedish Days parade. Courtesy of Geneva Chamber of Commerce

On Sunday, bring some chairs and blankets so the entire family can enjoy the Grand Parade - truly a community parade that more than 45,000 people will be viewing. This year's Grand Marshal is Mari Landwehr, 19, a Special Olympics athlete and Geneva High School graduate who volunteers at church and Feed My Starving Children.

Admission to Swedish Days is free. Visit genevachamber.com for a complete schedule of events or call (630) 232-6060.

• • •

72nd annual Swedish Days

What: A midsummer celebration featuring food, entertainment, a carnival, kids' activities, Swedish offerings, shopping and more.

When: Wednesday through Sunday, June 22-26. Each day's activities generally begin at 11 a.m.; see schedule for exact times.

Where: Most activities take place throughout downtown Geneva; see map for specific locations.

Cost: Free general admission; cost for some activities.

Parking: Public parking for the festival is close, with four parking lots located just blocks from the festivities, courtesy of Geneva merchants. Look for Find Us/Parking on the home page of genevachamber.com. Details: (630) 232-6060 or www.genevachamber.com/swedish_days.php

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