California Festivals
Kingsburg Swedish Festival
May 18-20, 2023,
Downtown Draper Street
1475 Draper Street
Kingsburg, CA
Free,
kingsburgchamber.com
Kingsburg Swedish Festival enjoys decades-long tradition of bringing lively music, colorful costumes, a high-stepping parade and delicious Old World recipes to the Central Valley annually. One of several Swedish festivals throughout the year, this event in May includes food, dancing, musical entertainment, shopping and play activities for youth. The free event takes advantage of the delightful springtime weather. If you are looking for a fun, family-oriented weekend getaway, don't hesitate to visit Kingsburg's Swedish Festival and Parade where they love to welcome you in this way: Valkommen!
Always the third weekend in May, all are welcome to experience culture of Sweden in Kingsburg. The event began in 1924 as a luncheon to commemorate the midsummer celebration of the harvest in Sweden. Today it's a full-fledged festival that begins on Thursday night with Pea Soup and Pancake dinner and the crowning of the Festival Queen. Followed by Friday night with a Swedish Smorgasbord. It all starts Saturday morning with a traditional Svenska Pancake Breakfast. A Dala Horse Trot 10k & 2 Mile Run/Walk. A Grand Parade later in the morning. Events include, raising of the May Pole, folk dancing, arts and crafts displays, and live entertainment. The Swedish Village is filled with specialty shops, there you can also see more of the Swedish Culture in the Swedish Cultural Village on Draper Street and discover many food, craft booths and entertainment.
Events may change
Thursday 5-8 p.m.
5:30- 7 p.m. Pea Soup and Pancake Supper at Farmer's Market on
Draper St.
6:30 p.m. Crowning of Queen
Swedish Entertainment Downtown during the event
Friday 5:30 p.m.
5:30- 7 p.m. Swedish Smorgasbord from at the Downtown Park Pavilion, along with
Swedish musical entertainment throughout the evening
Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (hours posted for 2023)
However, these events go beyond those hours
7 -10 a.m. Svenska Pancake Breakfast $7 approx.
7-9 a.m. Dala Horse Trot 10K
& 2 Mi Runs
7:30-9 a.m. Decorate the Maypole
10 a.m. Hambo Dance Demonstration, Welcome remarks
10:30 a.m.-
12 p.m. Grand Parade on
Draper Street proceeds for 5 blocks and Dancing Around the
Maypole at 12 Noon
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Swedish Cultural Village with all day live entertainment, arts
&
crafts fair
1 p.m. Community Concert
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Flower & Garden Show
7:30-10 p.m. Gammaldans Dancing
You don't have to be Danish, Norwegian or Swedish to love Kingsburg, California's annual Swedish Festival. Delicious Svenka Pancake, Smorgasbord, Swedish Pea Soup, and Pot Pork are just a few of the culinary treats awaiting your taste buds at the event.
For more than 50 years the Annual Kingsburg Swedish Festival draws thousands of people to the uniquely-themed village.
Kingsburg is located in Fresno County and its industries primarily surround agriculture. The downtown buildings are graced with trims and paint to look like a Swedish village. While some of its citizens' roots are Swedish, another city on the California Central Coast, Solvang, carries the Danish theme in their celebrations that are similar.
Dance of the Maypole, Crowning the Queen, the
Swedish Parade, Gammaldans - Dancing to Swedish folk tunes at
Coffee Pot Park, Viking Ship Bed Races, Arts & Crafts and
entertainment fill the entire day with culture and fun.
Kingsburg Swedish Festival
This event is filled with entertainment, food and fun. It all begins on Friday night with a Swedish Smorgasbord. Start your Saturday morning with a traditional Svenska Pancake (Swedish Pancake) Breakfast. The Swedish Village is filled with specialty shops, there you can also see more of the Swedish Culture in the Swedish Cultural Village on Draper Street and discover many food, craft booths and entertainment.
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.