The Rochester Citizens Group has released the official schedule for this year’s highly anticipated Swede Day Mid-Sommer Festival, taking place on Friday, June 19, and Saturday, June 20.
This beloved annual tradition promises a weekend packed with traditional Swedish culture, delicious food, live entertainment, and community fun centered at Swede Hall.
Highlights of the festival include the grand Swede Day Parade, a traditional Maypole dance, delicious Swedish eats, and an exciting new addition to the lineup: a 5K race.
This year, the festival proudly honors lifelong Rochester resident Kate Peterson as the Grand Marshal. Born and raised in Rochester, Peterson has dedicated countless hours to her community as a sixth-grade teacher, coach, volunteer, and long-time emcee for the Swede Day Coronation.
In 2020, she launched the BookJoy Book Bus, a mobile lending library that brings the joy of reading directly to local neighborhoods. More recently, in June 2026, she introduced "Warrior Walk Wednesdays" to encourage local families to unplug and connect.
"There are so many good people here in Rochester," Peterson said. "People from Rochester are very giving of their time and resources. They have grit, work hard, and are proud to be from Rochester. I am so thankful I grew up here."
The Swede Day Mid-Sommer Festival schedule of events is listed below.
All events take place at Swede Hall unless otherwise noted.
Because parking at Swede Hall is limited, a free community shuttle will run continuously on Saturday, June 20, starting at 7 a.m. Festival-goers are encouraged to park at any of the designated shuttle stops (marked with signs):
- Rochester School District Office
- Rochester Middle School Parking Lot
- The field across from Subway on HWY 12
To thank the community for utilizing the shuttle, all riders will receive a $1 coupon valid for food or beverages at the festival.
For more details about the event, visit the official event page at www.swedehall.org/events/
Swede Day Mid-Sommer Festival Schedule
Friday, June 19
- Royalty Court Social, 6 to 7 p.m.: Mingle with past royalty and dignitaries. Light refreshments and strawberry shortcake will be served, and Swedish attire is highly encouraged. Admission is free.
Saturday, June 20
- Swedish Pancake Breakfast, 7 to 9 a.m.: Enjoy authentic Swedish pancakes with lingonberry jam, whipped cream, sausage, fresh fruit, coffee, or juice. Sponsored by Scout Troop 9317. Cost: $10 for ages 12 and over; $5 for children under 12.
- The History of Rochester, Swede Hall, 8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.:A historical presentation hosted by Kathy Hangartner and Donna Weaver. Admission is free)
- Swede Day Main Events, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Explore over 40 local vendors, a dedicated Kid’s Zone, and various lunch options, including a traditional Swedish Meatball lunch, strawberry shortcake, hamburgers, tacos, and more. Prices vary.
- Swede Day Mid-Sommer Festival 5k Race, 9:45 a.m.: Lace up for the festival's new 5K run! Prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place in the Men's and Women's divisions. Registration includes a free bottle of water and a commemorative Swede Day pin. Sponsored by Apostle Flooring & Painting LLC and Nikk's Nook Doula Services LLC. The entry fee is $25. Lineup will take place outside of Swede Hall.
- 47th Annual Swede Day Parade, 11: a.m.: Watch the spectacular annual parade sponsored by Columbia Bank. The route begins at Paulson Street, proceeds down Highway 12 to Albany, and finishes at Swede Hall. Admission is free.
- Sword Demonstration: An exciting live action demonstration. Admission is free. Time to be determined.
- Square Dancing Demonstration, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.: Enjoy a lively performance by the Prairie Steppers Square Dance Club. Admission is free.
- Maypole Dances, 1:30 p.m.: Take part in the time-honored tradition of dancing around the maypole, the Swede Hall flag pole, to traditional Swedish music. Admission is free.
- Live Music by EXIT 88, 7 p.m.: Keep the celebration going into the evening with live music. All ages are welcome. Soda, beer, wine, well drinks, and snacks will be available for purchase. Admission is $10 per person.
