In 2025 Swedish Days will be held June 18-22. Geneva Swedish Days is 75 years old this year and celebrates the heritage of Swedish immigrants who settled in the area. Craft beer tent, a carnival, a Kids’ Day, nightly entertainment and a parade are part of the festivities. Merchants host special sales and in-store events, as well as sponsoring main festival programs and donating in-kind services. Food stands throughout the downtown area tempt visitors with Swedish and American menus.
Schedule of Events
7:30 am
Swedish Lopp 5K – Peck Farm
Presented by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and Chicago Race Management
Begin your day running in this spirited Scandinavian race. Breakfast with Fernando’s Street Kitchen (at the event) is included with registration. Register at https://raceroster.com/events/2025/102899/swedish-days-lopp Please Park at Geneva Middle Schools 5K Sponsored by CIBC T-shirts sponsored by Becky Smith Baird & Warner, Cody’s Belly Bites, Geneva Bank & Trust, and Hogan Construction & Design.
10:00 am-3:00 pm
Sweden Väst – Campbell Street
Sponsored by Stockholm’s and Friends of the Viking Ship Take home a little bit of Sweden with you. Purchase Swedish items, learn about your Swedish ancestry and try some true Swedish pastries. Vendors are listed below. Friends of the Viking Ship - Authentically-dressed Viking living historians from the 1893 Chicago Columbian Exposition Viking Ship in Geneva will be present with their displays to discuss Viking clothing, tools, weapons, artwork and jewelry and ship models promoting appreciation of the Viking Ship.
The Gift Box/Scandinavian Imports - located in Geneva, brings Swedish heritage to the Fox Valley with authentic Swedish gifts and food. Visit their shop on State Street. Swedish American Museum - Swedish and Swedish American products including books, children’s toys, t-shirts and more.
Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center - Do you have Swedish Ancestry? Our group has helped thousands of Swedish Americans find information about their immigrant ancestors since 1981. Using our extensive resources, we have connected Americans with their ancestral home parishes in Sweden and even with living Swedish relatives. We can also be hired for Swedish-to-English translations. We publish Swedish American Genealogist—the only journal in the field of SwedishAmerican genealogy. Purchase Swedish dishcloths and learn more at our booth.
10:00 am-4:30 pm
Viking Ship Tours - Good Templar Park, 528 East Side Dr
The 1893 "VIKING" is a full-sized, 78-foot-long replica of an original 1,000-year-old Viking ship excavated in Norway. In 1893, "VIKING" with its daring crew of 12, sailed nonstop and alone across the stormy Atlantic from Norway to Canada. It then sailed on to Chicago, to become a star attraction at the famous 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. "VIKING" has been a popular attraction in Good Templar Park in Geneva for nearly 30 years. Admission includes a guided tour ($7 for adults; $4 for teens 13-17;free for children. See the ship's website at www.vikingship.us for viewing days and hours. Besides visiting the ship in Good Templar Park, don't miss the exciting free display on "VIKING" in the Geneva Public Library featuring the huge, dramatic, hand-carved wooden dragon figurehead and tail of the 1893 "VIKING" ship, with recreated Viking warrior's shields.
10:00 am-4:00 pm
Swedish Cottage Walk - Good Templar Park, enter at cottage gate 628 East Side Dr. Tour historic Swedish "tiny houses" known as Stugas on guided tours at Good Templar Park ($10- adults). Tickets sold at the event. Last tour begins at 3:30pm. Moderate activity level - uneven ground. Information: goodtemplarpark.org
12:00 pm-10:00 pm
Craft Beer Tent - James St., west of Third St.
Craft beer enthusiasts will appreciate this experience. Expanded craft beer selection from Penrose Brewing Company, Stockholm’s and Art History Brewing every day. Hop Water will have a non-alcoholic beer option available as well. Visit with friends and enjoy this tented event through Sunday. Sponsored by Floods Royal Flush and Shodeen Homes, Tickets by Dogtopia, and GreenFields of Geneva. Wristbands by Hogan Design and Construction and Hollywood Casino
1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Carnival/Windy City Amusements - Courthouse Parking Lot, James & S. Fourth streets From 1:00-5:00 pm, unlimited rides are $30/per person. Individual prices/ride range from $3-$7.
1:00 pm
75th Annual Swedish Days Parade
Join us for a hometown parade! Line of March: Anderson Blvd. and Center, south to State, east on State to Third, south on Third to Metra Train Station.
Coordinated by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and Awesome Parade Marshals Sponsored by Audi Exchange of St. Charles VIP Tent sponsored by State Street Jewelers
