Midsommarfest is Andersonville’s annual summer street festival, now entering its 60th year. Each year, nearly 50,000 people flock to Clark Street from Foster to Catalpa for two days of music, dancing, kids’ entertainment and delicious food. Vendors from around the region sell their wares to passers-by, while ethnic dance troupes and cutting-edge bands keep the party going.
The Museum celebrates with a Swedish stage playing Swedish music, kids activities, a chance to make your own fresh flower midsommar crown or buy a fabric one, Swedish food in Mormors Cafe, free entry to the Museum and much more. Don’t miss the traditional opening ceremony on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Swedish stage. We will dance around the Midsommar pole, learning traditional Swedish dances and dance while the Swedish choirs perform.
Swedish stage lineup:
Friday
5 p.m. - Out of Storage
6:15 p.m. - 7000apart
8 p.m. - American English
Saturday
11 a.m. - Opening Ceremony
1 p.m. - Gus Giordano Dance School
2:15 p.m. - Sam Fazio
3:30 p.m. Crocodile Rockstar
5 p.m. - BANDØLIER
6:30 p.m. - Planet Claire
8 p.m. - Dancing Queen (An ABBA Salute)
Sunday
Noon - Miss Foozie Pet Parade
1:15 p.m. Jessie White Tumblers
2 p.m. - Laura Doherty and the Heartbeats
3:30 p.m. - Hello Weekend
5 p.m. - Love in October
6 p.m. - Sixteen Candles
The Hellstroms of Melrose Street c. 1915
Installation Art by Thomas Hellstrom
Saturday & Sunday
Meet and chat with Thomas Hellstrom, the installation artist behind the newest Wallenberg Gallery exhibition, “The Hellstroms of Melrose Street c. 1915”, on the Museum’s second floor during Midsommarfest! June 14 would be the 128th birthday of Harlow Hellstrom Sr., one of Thomas’ ancestors who is featured in the show. Pop into the Museum and celebrate Harlow’s birthday during the Midsommarfest festivities, and learn more about what life was like for this Swedish-American family on Chicago’s North Side over 100 years ago.