Outdoors & Sports
Where To Celebrate Midsummer This Weekend
It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year: Midsummer!
Typically celebrated between June 20 and 26 during the summer solstice, Midsummer is one of the largest celebrated holidays in Sweden. This year, Swedes, non-Swedes and everyone in between are gearing up for the big day, which falls on Saturday, June 22.
Break out those flower crowns, dust off your Maypole and be sure to head to an event near you. Here’s a list some of the biggest Midsummer celebrations across the United States happening this weekend.
Manhattan
Swedish Midsummer Festival on Friday June 21 from 5-8 p.m. Organized by the Consulate of Sweden in New York, thousands from across New York City will welcome summer at this annual event at Battery Park. Enjoy dances around the Midsummer pole, picnics in the grass and seasonal treats from local Swedish restaurants and food vendors.
Estes Park, Colo.
Scandinavian Midsummer Festival from Friday June 21-23. Organized by the Scandinavian Alliance of Colorado, celebrate all weekend at Estes Park. Enjoy dozens of activities from live music and dances around the Maypole to several demonstrations of Scandinavian culture like rosemaling, huck embroidery, ax throwing and more!
Philadelphia
Midsommarfest and JAERV Concert on Saturday, June 22 from 4-7 p.m. Organized by the American Swedish Historical Museum, celebrate the arrival of summer and the museum’s 40th anniversary during its annual summer event. Enjoy Swedish foods, music and maypole dancing along with a performance by the award-winning Swedish band JAERV! There also will be games and crafts for kids.
Scandia, Minn.
Midsommar Dag on Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Organized by the Gammelgården Museum, enjoy a craft and art fair, Kubb demonstration, delicious Smörgåsbord spread and the raising of the Maypole followed by live music and folk dances.
Agoura Hills, Calif.
99th Midsummer Celebration on Sunday, June 23 from 8:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. Organized by the Swedish American Central Association of Southern California at Vasa Park, start the day with breakfast, followed by the rising of the Maypole, a parade and plenty of live music and dancing.
San Diego
A Swedish Midsummer on Sunday, June 23 from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Organized by House of Sweden, the event starts bright an early at Balboa Park. Help raise the Maypole, enjoy Swedish meatballs and hunker down during the lawn program, which includes a Swedish costume and flag procession, a Swedish singing group performance, Vikings and more!
An IKEA near you
Several IKEAs across the country will be offering its annual Midsummer Smörgåsbord buffet on Friday, June 21. Feast on herring, snaps, meatballs and more at the Swedish megastore. Check out your local IKEA to see if it’s participating. Here are a few we’ve rounded up.
- IKEA in Norfolk, Va.
- IKEA in Woodbridge, Va.
- IKEA in Charlotte, N.C.
- IKEA in Grand Prairie, Texas
- IKEA in Pittsburgh
- IKEA in Burbank, Calif.
- IKEA in Covina, Calif.
- IKEA in Tempe, Ariz.
- IKEA in Twin Cities, Minn.
- IKEA in Las Vegas
- IKEA in Centennial, Colo.
At a Fjällräven near you
Several Fjällräven stores are inviting members of the community to celebrate Midsummer during a Swedish Midsummer Party. Activities will include flower-crown building, local libations and foods. The events are happening on Saturday, June 22 from 12–6 p.m. Times may vary based on store location. Call your local Fjällräven to see if it’s hosting a celebration. Here are a few we’ve rounded up.
- Fjällräven Outlet in Freeport, Maine
- Fjällräven in Boston, Mass.
- Fjällräven in San Francisco
- Fjällräven in Burlington, Vt.
In your back yard
Can’t find an event near you? Don’t worry, from playlists to recipes for your spread, here’s our complete guide to throwing a DIY Midsummer celebration in your own back yard.
Did we miss an event near you? Let us know at info@umgasmagazine.com or tweet us at @umgasthemag, and we’ll be sure to add it to the list.
