The City of Geneva is proud to serve as the presenting sponsor for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce's 75th anniversary of Swedish Days, which runs from Wednesday to Sunday, June 18-22
More than 200,000 visitors and residents are expected to attend one of the area's top summer festivals in beautiful downtown Geneva. From traditional events to exciting new attractions, Swedish Days has something for all ages.
The Geneva Chamber of Commerce provided an overview of this year's festivities. More event information is available on the Chamber's website.
New This Year
Get together for the area’s hottest sport, pickleball. The tournament is open to both men and women divisions, ages 18+, and play happens at courts right on Third street. Register at genevaparks.org
Also new, enjoy “A Stroll Through History – Celebrating 75 Years of Swedish Days,” hosted by the Geneva Chamber and the Geneva History Museum. Various shops throughout downtown are participating in this community event by featuring notable moments from Swedish Days past, on their shop windows. Posters will be posted throughout June. Stop, shop, and learn all about these fascinating moments.
Sidewalk Chalk Contest - Artists of all ages are invited to show off their creativity by turning the pavement into a colorful masterpiece. Prizes will be awarded, and all entries will be on display throughout the festival—don't miss this vibrant celebration of our community. Registration is available on the Chamber's website.
Shopping & Treasures
Some shops will be offering specials during Swedish Days, and other downtown merchants will be open late on Wednesday and Thursday for Swedish Nights! Sweden Väst, on Saturday & Sunday, will specialize in Swedish items. If you are looking to learn more about Geneva's Swedish Heritage, this is for you.
Craft Beer Tent
Don’t miss our Craft Beer Tent at Third and James streets, where you can enjoy a cold beverage from one of our local breweries - Penrose Brewing Company, Stockholm's Restaurant & Brewery, and Art History Brewing. On Wednesday night, we will have Bingo in the Beer Tent. Don’t miss Thursday’s wine tasting with Geneva Wine Cellars. Sample a curated selection of wines in a relaxed, festive atmosphere - perfect for winding down your day or kicking off your evening. Cheers to a good time, Geneva!
Free Entertainment
Free nightly musical entertainment on Central Stage kicks off Wednesday with the Swedish American Choir, the Geneva Park District performances and the Geneva’s Got Talent semifinal. Thursday and Friday we welcome bands to the Swedish Days Center Stage. Grab your lawn chairs and meet us for toe tapping and street dancing. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons enjoy various solo and small band artists in the Craft Beer Tent. Enjoy traditional Scandinavian dancing with Nordic Folk Dancers of Chicago. These dancers will be performing on the courthouse lawn on Saturday.
Food Booths
Festival patrons 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
Do not forget all the fine restaurants in Geneva. From casual bistros to five-star formal dining, a day in Geneva is not complete without sampling one or more of our fine restaurants and eateries. 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.
Longtime Genevans
If you have lived in Geneva for more than 25 years, join others for the Geneva Settlers Breakfast on June 19. This popular event is at Riverside Receptions, 35 N. River Lane, with breakfast served at 8:30 a.m. No reservations necessary.
Youth Activities
Wednesday brings the carnival to town, which will be open all five days.
Swedish Days 2025 is packed with favorites – Dodgeball Tournament, 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament and mini golf.
June 20 is “Kids’ Day,” where from early in the morning to late into the night, kids can stay busy. The day kicks off with the Kids’ Parade leaving from Campbell & Fourth streets (look for the registration sign on the south side of the Courthouse lawn). The fun continues with activities galore at both inside and outside the Geneva Public Library, 227 S. Seventh St.
The Kids’ Day Parade invites children up to age 10 to enter one of our parade categories, Swedish Spirit, Geneva Viking Fans, and Fun with Bikes and Trikes.
Come For The Run
The new and improved Swedish Days 5K Lopp promises an unbelievable race experience. Join runners Sunday, June 22. Don your Swedish best and come start the day right and stay for the festival fun afterward. More information and registration is available at genevachamber.com.
Grand Parade
On Sunday, bring your chairs and blankets so the entire family can enjoy the Grand Parade, truly a community parade that over 45,000 will be viewing. The parade steps off at 1 p.m.
For more information, visit the Geneva Chamber of Commerce website or call 630-232-6060.