A must stop for a summer fun destination is Geneva’s 70th Annual Swedish Days Festival.

“The Granddaddy of Illinois Festivals” will run Tuesday, June 18, through Sunday, June 23.

More than 200,000 visitors and residents stop by for a variety of activities — combining traditional events and exciting new attractions.

Look for more information in the Chamber of Commerce’s Swedish Days brochure online or at locations throughout Geneva.

Here’s a sneak peek.

Shopping & Treasures

Shoppers look forward each year to merchant side-walk sales offering “must-have” bargains in Geneva’s 100+ specialty shops.

Downtown patrons can enjoy Moonlight Madness on Tuesday evening where shops will remain open until 9 p.m.

The festival’s Art & Craft Show returns Friday and Saturday only.

Free Entertainment

Free nightly musical entertainment on Central Stage kicks off Wednesday with the Geneva Park District performances and Geneva’s Got Talent. Thursday to Saturday, a variety of bands take the Swedish Days stage.

Festival patrons can grab a bite to eat and relax from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons for concerts on the courthouse lawn.

A car show debuts on South Third Street from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday featuring food, DJ and a free photo booth.

Food Booths

Festival-goers can feast on traditional Swedish, American and ethnic foods including, brats, ribs, turkey legs, veggie burgers, wood smoked pork sandwiches, meatballs, pizza, garlic crab pasta and burritos 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.

Or stop by one of the beer gardens that will offer good food, drink, and entertainment during the festival.

Visit the Geneva Chamber of Commerce’s website for a listing of 40-plus restaurants, pizzerias and pubs.

Children’s Activities

Kids will want to be at Swedish Days 2019 every day, but Tuesdays kick-off explodes with activity for young visitors.

Creation Station opens at 10 a.m. on Wednesday to Friday with fun projects. Join Sounds Like Music, School of ART, Geneva and American Science & Surplus at Creation Station’s new location on the corner of Third and Campbell streets.

Swedish Days 2019 is packed with favorites: the carnival; 3-on-3 basketball tournament, fun at the Library Tent and mini-golf.

New this year is Toddler Town on South Fourth Street, which will provide little ones 35 inches and under a spot all to themselves. Wednesday through Friday the Discovery Tent, 316 Campbell St., is full of interesting discoveries for all.

June 21 is “Kids’ Day” where children can stay busy from early in the morning to late into the night.

The Kids’ Day Parade invites children through age 10 to enter in one of our parade categories.

Come for the Run, Stay for the Fun

Located along the scenic Fox River in Geneva, the Swedish Days 5K Lopp promises an unbelievable race experience.

As part of the Swedish Days Festival, we encourage participants to tie-in with the Scandinavian theme with their attire.

More race information is available online.

Grand Parade

At 1 p.m. Sunday, bring some chairs and blankets so the entire family can enjoy the Grand Parade — truly a community parade that more than 45,000 will be viewing.

Former alderman Robert Langeness will serve as the 2019 Swedish Day Parade marshal.

Car Show

The Chamber of Commcerce also will be hosting the Wheels on Third classic car show from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 20, as part of the Swedish Days Festival. The event takes place on Third Street between South and Crescent streets in the downtown.

The chamber is looking for classic cars to be part of this inaugural event and will accept the first 50 registrants. Registration is free and can be done online.

For More Info

The festival has free admission with easy access via Metra. Events, hours, and schedule are available on the Chamber of Commerce’s website or by calling the Geneva Chamber of Commerce at 630-232-6060.

SOURCE: Geneva Chamber Of Commerce News Release