45th Annual Scandinavian Day Festival

This will be the 45th Scandinavian Day Festival. Many years have passed and the festival has evolved but it remains loyal to its roots; the heritage of the five Nordic countries. We achieved our mission to bring the Scandinavian community together last year, when almost 1500 people visited the Festival.

The Festival planning team is working to select the entertainment and finding vendors to prepare those delicious Scandinavian foods and an assortment of Scandinavian goods for you. We are excited to bring to our 5 Nordic communities, and the Midwest, a vibrant and fun-filled Festival for 2025.

Live Entertainment
The Scandinavian Day Festival celebrates both traditional and modern music.

Traditional Foods
The Food and Beverage Vendors at the Festival provide a variety of offerings to satisfy every appetite! From refreshing Lingonberry Saft and coffee with skorpa to fried herring, pølse and köttbullar and much more, you will find something for everyone. Make sure and save room for Kringle and Æbleskiver!

Vendor Walkway
The Festival looks forward to welcoming guest favorites and has worked to bring new Vendors to the Walkway for your shopping and learning! Scandinavian focused treats and artisan crafts await you within the beauty of our Oak grove. You can also find info from local Scandinavian organizations, Museums and Lodges.

Children's Activities
All Children's activities are compliments of the Festival. This year our young guests are sure to enjoy the newly installed playground equipment! Also back are the popular pony rides and face painting. Crafts to boost creativity are also offered. Activities are perfect for children of all ages and abilities.

Living History
Walk along the Fox River side of Festival grounds and enjoy a trip back in time! An opportunity to explore and learn right here in your own backyard. The Festival encourages all our guests to stop by and talk with our "family" across time and place. How often can you chat with a Viking?

Local Clubs
What better way to reconnect with old friends and to meet new friends, than a day spent under the Oaks! Whether you and your family are sharing a wonderful meal or you and people you have just met raise a glass and say, "Skål" the music and fun of the Festival is sure to pique your interest in Scandinavia.

Schedule Of Events:

10:30am-11:00am - Church Service
11:30am-12:15pm - Opening Ceremony / Welcome
12:30pm-1:00pm - Nordic Folk Dancers of ChicagoThe Nordic Folk Dancers of Chicago bring their traditional and newly choreographed folk dances to life for all to enjoy. 'We simply love to dance!'
1:20pm-2:00pm - Anita Lerche and Bo ReimerSongs from the Kingdom of Denmark
2:25pm-2:45pm - Leikarringen Heimhug DancersFounded in 1925, Leikarringen “Heimhug” is the oldest existing Scandinavian folk dance group in the Chicago area. The group encourages anyone interested in learning Norwegian and other Scandinavian folk dances to become a member.
3:15pm-5:00pm - Libido Funk CircusLibido Funk Circus performs both 70's, 80's and ABBA music; complete with authentic costuming and music from each era. They promise to deliver a high-energy, musical tour de force to keep our event rockin'.
5:30pm-6:15pm - Closing Bonfire

Children's Activities
Noon-4:00pm - Elsa in the Park
2:00pm-2:20pm - Stories with Elsa at the Gazebo
Noon-4:00pm - Pony Rides
Noon-4:00pm - Face Painting

Cost: $15.00 per person
Children 12 and under free!