Geneva's Swedish Days Festival

'The Granddaddy of Illinois Festivals' will run Tuesday through Sunday, June 19-24.  

  • The annual Swedish Days Festival offers fun for the whole family.
  • A must for a summer fun destination is Geneva’s 69th Annual Swedish Days Festival. More than 200,000 visitors and residents stop by for a variety of activities – combining traditional events and exciting new attractions. For more online info, see Geneva, Ill Swedish Days

  • Traditional dances around the Maypole ... learn the steps as the audience participates in the second half hour of performances.
  • Here’s a sneak peek:
    Shopping & Treasures
    Every year shoppers look forward to sidewalk sales offering “must have” bargains at Geneva’s 100+ specialty shops.

  • Sweden Väst, the corner of S. Fourth & State streets is transformed into a Swedish destination on June 23-24.
  • Musical Entertainment
    Free nightly musical entertainment on Central Stage kicks off Tuesday, and on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons from 1-3 p.m. featured artists play on the courthouse lawn.

  • Raising of the Maypole is this year with assistance from the Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers.
  • Food Booths
    Festival goers can feast on traditional Swedish and favorite American and ethnic foods including, brats, ribs, turkey legs, veggie burgers, wood smoked pork sandwiches, meatballs, pizza, garlic crab pasta and burritos, to name a few at the many non-profit food booths. Sinfully good desserts will also be available.

  • Restaurants, Pizzerias & Pubs
    Don’t forget all the fine restaurants in Geneva. From casual bistros to 5-star formal dining, a day in Geneva isn’t complete without sampling one or more of the fine restaurants and eateries. Or stop by one of the beer gardens that offers good food, drink and entertainment during the festival. Visit www.genevachamber.com for a listing of our 40+ restaurants, pizzerias and pubs.

  • Activities for Young Visitors
    Kids will want to be at Swedish Days 2018 every day, but Tuesday's kick-off explodes with activity for young visitors.
    - Creation Station opens at 10 a.m. on Tuesday and continues all week with projects.
    - Swedish Days 2018 is packed with favorites: the Carnival, 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, Quad Power Jump, Fun at the Library Tent and mini golf.
    - June 22 is “Kids’ Day” where from early in the morn to late into the night, kids can stay busy. All-Star Sports coaches will try to dodge getting dunked. The Geneva Park District coordinates games and activities on the courthouse lawn including performances by Sunset Dancers and Angels Cheer & Poms Team.
    - The Kids’ Day Parade invites children through age 10 to enter in one of our parade categories.

  • Come for the Run, Stay for the Fun
    Located along the scenic Fox River in Geneva, the Swedish Days 5K Lopp promises an unbelievable race experience. Runners are encouraged to tie-in the Scandinavian theme with their attire. More info at www.genevachamber.com

  • Grand Parade
    On Sunday, bring some chairs and blankets so the entire family can enjoy the Grand Parade – a community parade with over 45,000 viewers.

  • Enjoy free admission with easy access via the Metra.
    Events, hours and schedule available at www.genevachamber.com or the Geneva Chamber of Commerce at 
630.232.6060.