Swedish Days delivers nostalgia, memories and magic to downtown Geneva

Celebrate family fun and tradition when Swedish Days returns to downtown Geneva for its 74th year.

Set for June 19-23, the five-day festival features a variety of exhibitions, a Craft Beer Tent, live music, phenomenal food, a Kids’ Day and select local restaurants and shops offering specials throughout the event. Dubbed the “Granddaddy of Illinois Festivals,” highlights include a carnival, parade, Settlers’ Breakfast, Dodgeball Tournament, 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, mini-golf and 5K race.

“Swedish Days brings a lot of nostalgia,” said Johanna Patterson, Communications Director for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce. “The traditional favorites remain the same with the favorite food, and the music and parade, but there are new events sprinkled in to hopefully entice people to keep coming back. I think it is a special nod to the town’s history and culture, but also a celebration for the people who live in Geneva today. And you know you can always find an old friend on a courthouse lawn.”

Live music will take place at the Central Stage on Third Street and in the Craft Beer Tent. Central Stage entertainment will open June 19 with the Swedish Midsummer Procession and a performance by the Swedish American Children’s Choir. Other Central Stage acts include jazz and blues favorite The Flat Cats, disco tribute band Libido Funk Circus and The Ron Burgundy’s, with hits from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora is the Presenting Sponsor for Central Stage entertainment.

“Gerald Auto is a longtime community and festival sponsor,” Patterson said. “We are very fortunate to have their support for Swedish Days. They are very generous and their support is very much appreciated.”

Being part of Swedish Days is a tradition Gerald Subaru of North Aurora looks forward to each year, said Donna Lawler of the Gerald Auto Group.

“Swedish Days in Geneva is a celebration that truly embodies community spirit,” Lawler said. “We are proud to be a sponsor of this wonderful event, as it allows us to connect with the community and support the vibrant culture of Geneva.”

For a full lineup of Swedish Days activities, visit https://genevachamber.com/events/swedish-days. To learn more about the Gerald Subaru of North Aurora, visit https://www.geraldsubarunorthaurora.com.