A must stop for a summer fun destination is Geneva’s 70th Annual Swedish Days Festival. “The Granddaddy of Illinois Festivals” will run Tuesday through Sunday, June 18-23.
More than 200,000 visitors and residents stop by for a variety of activities – combining traditional events and exciting new attractions. Look for more information in our brochure to be distributed late May throughout Geneva.
Here’s a sneak peek.
Shopping & Treasures
Shoppers look forward each year to merchant side-walk sales offering “must have” bargains in Geneva’s 100+ specialty shops. Moonlight Madness on Tuesday evening where shops are open until 9 p.m.
The festival's Art & Craft Show returns Friday and Saturday only.
Free Entertainment
Free nightly musical entertainment on Central Stage kicks off Wednesday with the Geneva Park District performances and Geneva’s Got Talent. Thursday to Saturday, a variety of bands take the Swedish Days stage.
Festival patrons can grab a bite to eat and relax from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons for concerts on the courthouse lawn.
A car show debuts on South Third Street from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday featuring food, DJ and a free photo booth.
Food Booths
Festival-goers can feast on traditional Swedish, 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
Do not forget all the fine restaurants in Geneva. From casual bistros to 5-star formal dining, a day in Geneva is not complete without sampling one or more of our fine restaurants and eateries. Or stop by one of the beer gardens that will offer good food, drink, and entertainment during the festival. Visit the Geneva Chamber of Commerce's website for a listing of our 40+ restaurants, pizzerias and pubs.
Children's Activities
Kids will want to be at Swedish Days 2019 every day, but Tuesdays kick-off explodes with activity for young visitors.
Creation Station opens at 10 a.m. on Wednesday to Friday with fun projects. Join Sounds Like Music, School of ART, Geneva and American Science & Surplus at Creation Station’s new location on the corner of Third and Campbell streets.
Swedish Days 2019 is packed with favorites – the carnival; 3-on-3 basketball tournament, fun at the Library Tent and mini-golf.
And new this year is Toddler Town on South Fourth St. Little ones under 35 inches have a spot all to themselves. Wednesday-Friday the Discovery Tent, 316 Campbell St., is full of interesting discoveries for all.
June 21 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 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. As part of the Swedish Days Festival, we encourage participants to tie-in with the Scandinavian theme with their attire. More race information is available online.
Grand Parade
On Sunday, bring some chairs and blankets so the entire family can enjoy the Grand Parade – truly a community parade that over 45,000 will be viewing.
Former alderman Robert Langeness will serve as the 2019 Swedish Day Parade marshal.
For More Info
The festival has free admission with easy access via the Metra. Events, hours, and schedule available on the Chamber's website or by calling the Geneva Chamber of Commerce at
630-232-6060. Brochures will be distributed in Geneva businesses late May.
Source: Geneva Chamber Of Commerce News Release