A must stop for a summer fun destination is Geneva’s 72nd Annual Swedish Days Festival.
“The Granddaddy of Illinois Festivals” will run Wednesday through Sunday, June 22-26. More than 200,000 visitors and residents stop by for a variety of activities – combining traditional events and exciting 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.
Shopping & Treasures
Some shops will be offering specials during Swedish Days. Sweden Väst, on Saturday & Sunday, will specialize in Swedish items. If you are looking for that Swedish Days souvenir, this is where you will find it.
Free Entertainment
Entertainment Line-Up
Swedish Days has an array of talent that offers something for every type of music fan at three different venues.
“Bringing a mix of genres and styles to the festivals is always top of mind. Having entertainment begin on Wednesday with Geneva Park District performances and Geneva’s Got Talent semi-finals allowed the Geneva Chamber to bring new “hot” bands each evening to Central Stage, Thursday through Saturday. We hope the audience enjoys returning favorites and new additions,” noted Laura Rush, Communications Director of Geneva Chamber of Commerce.
Wednesday evening’s Central Stage entertainment will begin at 4:00 p.m. as we welcome you with traditional Swedish promenade with music. At 5:00 p.m. enjoy live performances by the Geneva Park District’s Angels Cheer & Poms Team, the Geneva Gymnastics Academy, Playhouse 38 youth performers, and the Geneva Park District’s Sunset Dance Academy. Immediately following will be the semifinalists from “Geneva’s Got Talent” performances.
Thursday don’t miss “Geneva’s Got Talent” finalists, starting at 5:00 p.m. The Thursday evening entertainment continues with Dancing Queen, who recreate an ABBA experience that won’t soon be forgotten.
Friday night at 5:00 all you need is Motown, soul, and rock & roll. This is the sound that defines this Second Hand Soul Band. 7:00 brings back The Boy Band Night. Paying homage to the many iconic groups we know today, The Boy Band Night brings America’s only live tribute to pop sensations like The Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, New Kids On The Block, Boys II Men, One Direction, and many more!
Scandinavian Saturday begins at 5:00 with Jaerv. This band, direct from Sweden, will delight you with their musical prowess. On their North American tour, we are fortunate to bring them to Geneva. At 7:00 pm, Minnesota based band Necessary Diversion finishes the evening. Don’t expect to hear Swedish music, but rather a little bit of everything else. Some even consider Minnesota to be the unofficial Norwegian capital of the United States.
If you have some time around lunch, don’t miss “Concerts on the Lawn”. This ever popular midday musical event is held 1-3 pm Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The line-up includes the talents of Danny & Katie O’Brien, Cole Brandt and Andrea Schmidt.
Saturday and Sunday get your Swede on as singers, dancers and musicians perform at Sweden Väst. Nordic Folk Dancers and Swedish Folk will perform.
All evening concerts will be held at the Central Stage and Concerts on the Lawn are during the day in front of the courthouse. Both venues are on S. Third & James St. Sweden Väst entertainment takes place on the corner of James St. (Judges Lot).
Free nightly musical entertainment on Central Stage kicks off Wednesday with Geneva Park District performances and Geneva’s Got Talent. Friday and Saturday we welcome bands to Swedish Days for the first time. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons from 1-3 pm relax on the courthouse lawn and listen to featured artists.
Swedish Days Car Show is back on S. Third Thursday from 5-8 pm.
Food Booths
Festival goers 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 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 our fine 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 our restaurants, pizzerias and pubs.
Long-Time Genevas – We are looking for you
If you have lived in Geneva for over 15 years, join others for the Geneva Settlers Breakfast on June 23. This popular event is moving to Copper Fox, 477 S. Third Street beginning at 8:30 am. No reservations necessary.
Activities For Young Visitors
Wednesday brings the carnival to town. Open every day of the festival and each day offers a unlimited ride wristband opportunity.
Swedish Days 2022 is packed with favorites – Dodgeball Tournament, 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament and mini golf.
June 24 is “Kids’ Day” where from early in the morn to late into the night, kids can stay busy. The day kicks off with the Kids’ Parade leaving from a NEW location, Kane County Courthouse lawn on Campbell Street side. The fun continues with activities galore at the Geneva Public Library, outside and inside.
The Kids’ Day Parade invites children through the age of 10 to enter in one of our parade categories.
Come for the Run, Stay for the Fun
Moved to a NEW location and day. The Swedish Days 5K Lopp promises an unbelievable race experience. Join runners Thursday, June 23 at 7 pm at the Northwestern Medicine Cross Country Course. More information available at genevachamber.com.
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.
Free admission with easy access via the Metra. Festival schedule can be found at genevachamber.com and will be available at the festival June 22-26 at our information desk in the Geneva Visitor Center, 10 S. Third St.
