June
Events
Two seasons. One Swedish heart.
Every year, Swedesburg gathers for two of Sweden's most beloved traditions — the light of Midsummer and the candlelight of Saint Lucia.
Through the year
Seasons at the museum
December
Santa Lucia
November & December
Holiday gift shop
First Monday · 2 PM
Fika
Midsummer Fest
Maypole, music and dancing to celebrate the summer solstice.
Learn moreSaint Lucia Celebration
Candlelight, song and a potluck in the darkest time of the year.
Learn moreFika
Coffee, something sweet and good company — the Swedish way.
Learn moreEvery June
Midsummer Fest
Midsummer — Midsommar in Swedish — is one of Sweden's most treasured holidays, a celebration of the longest days of the year. In Swedesburg, it's also where the museum's story began.
The annual Midsummer Fest was started by Louise and Clarence Unkrich to celebrate the summer solstice in the Swedish tradition of singing and dancing around the maypole. The festival brought the community together year after year — and in 1986 it led to the founding of the Swedish Heritage Society, which went on to create the Swedish American Museum.
Today the Midsummer celebration carries that tradition forward each June, with a flower-decked maypole, traditional music and dancing on the prairie.
What to expect
- A flower-covered maypole
- Traditional Swedish music and dancing
- A community celebration of Swedish heritage
- Held each year in late June
Where Swedesburg's story began — around the maypole.
Every December
Saint Lucia Celebration
Saint Lucia Day brings light to the darkest time of the Swedish year. Dressed in white, with a crown of candles, Lucia leads a procession of singers — a tradition cherished in Sweden and in Swedish-American communities across the country.
In Swedesburg, the Lucia tradition dates back to 1986. Each December, a local high school junior with Swedish ancestry is chosen to be Lucia, and the community gathers in early December for the Lucia ceremony and a potluck.
What to expect
- A candlelit Lucia procession
- Traditional Lucia songs
- A community potluck
- Held each year in early December
First Monday of every month · 2:00 PM
Fika at the museum
Once a month the museum sets out coffee and something sweet and invites everyone to slow down together, the Swedish way. Fika is about good company as much as good cardamom buns. Call 319.254.2317 with questions.
Plan ahead
Planning to join us?
Dates are set each year. Please call the museum at 319.254.2317 or follow us on Facebook for this year's dates and details.
History of Midsummer Fest and the Lucia tradition from the Kimzey Funeral Home obituary of Louise Unkrich (2024) and Olio in Iowa.