Välkommen to the oldest ethnic festival in Illinois. Enjoy the video!
*Please note: The event is on June 21st. There are no rides on the Icelandic horse.
Celebrate Swedish Midsummer Festival!
Välkommen! Join us for a Midsummer celebration you'll never forget.
Join the celebration at Good Templar Park and make history with us! Experience the ultimate Midsummer celebration filled with live music, traditional folk dancing, and the iconic maypole raising. From the incredible Viking ship and re-enactors to colorful traditional costumes—and a chance to meet Blu the Icelandic horse—unforgettable family memories are waiting around every corner!
A Feast for the Senses
Come hungry! Treat yourself to an authentic Scandinavian feast featuring our famous savory Swedish meatballs, classic Swedish pancakes (pannkakor), and delicious bakery sweets paired with steaming cups of rich kaffe. And yes—we even have traditional herring for the truly adventurous!
Please note: Delicious food items and meals are available for purchase while supplies last.
Experience the Magic: Midsummer Main Stage
10:00 AM | Gather in Community: Start your day beautifully with our traditional outdoor worship service.
12:00 PM | The Maypole Raising: Don't miss the crowning moment of the festival! Help us usher in the summer solstice as the iconic maypole goes up.
1:00 PM | The Opening Ceremony: Celebrate the bonds of heritage with our official welcome and national anthems.
1:15 PM | Authentic Swedish Folk Melodies > Let the music from Swedish Folk transport you! Experience an enchanting performance of traditional Swedish folk songs played straight from the heart.
2:00 PM | Non-Stop Folk Dancing: Marvel at the spectacular spinning, swirling colors of traditional Swedish and Nordic folk dancers in full historic costume.
2:45 PM | Accordion Magic: Enjoy the joyous, sweeping melodies of the Chicagoland Accordion Academy.
3:30 PM | Enter the Viking Age: Watch history leap off the pages! Meet the fierce Nordland Viking Reenactors for an unforgettable, action-packed conclusion to the day's events.
Perfect for the Whole Family
Packed with fun games and activities for the little ones, historic tradition is the perfect way to spend your weekend.
Admission: $7
FREE - Kids 12 & Under, active military and traditional Scandinavian costumes
Whether you’re reconnecting with your heritage or discovering Swedish culture for the first time, the Father’s Day Midsummer Festival brings together community, tradition, and pure joy in the heart of Geneva, Illinois.
Earn summer service hours for National Honor Society, KEY club or troop badges – click here
Businesses and support this historic event through our unique sponsorship program Click here
FOR HISTORY BUFFS…
The first Svenskarnas Dag (Swedes Day) event was held on Sunday, June 25, 1911 at Linden Park in Evanston. In 1913, the event was held at Ravinia Park for the next 11 years through 1924 when the organization decided to purchase their own property. We acquired our current location and have celebrated Swedish Midsummer annually every third Sunday in June, since 1925 here at Good Templar Park in Geneva. (Yes, it’s older than Father’s Day.)
Svenskarnas Dag (Swedes Day) has provided an opportunity people to enjoy the traditional celebration of Midsommar which celebrates the longest day of the year. This family friendly festival at Good Templar Park is open to the public and attended by people of all nationalities.
Watch our website, “Good Templar Park” Facebook page and “Good Templar Park Geneva” Instagram for festival updates. Interested in exhibiting as a vendor click on the vendor application below.
Yes! traditional Swedish food is sold
Traditional Scandinavian Meals
(Food is sold at additional cost and while supplies last)
Swedish Pancakes (Pannkakor) Meal: **Pork Sausage side available at additional cost
photo credit: Monica Kass Rogers Lostrecipesfound.com
Swedish Meatball (Kottbullar) Meal:
photo credit: Monica Kass Rogers Lostrecipesfound.com
Fried Herring (Sill) Meal:
photo credit: Monica Kass Rogers Lostrecipesfound.com
For your Sweet Tooth (Gottegris) Swedish Bakery Items & Treats.
Cardamon Coffee Bread (Kardemummabrod)
Almond Tart (Mazariner)
Our famous Ice cold Lingonberry Lemonade is a MUST for refreshing thirst quenching treat. 16oz cup of Pink Lemonade mixed with our secret Lingonberry syrup on ice
