The annual Bishop Hill Midsommar Music Festival returns to Bishop Hill, Illinois, on June 21, 2025. This community event features free concerts in the park, a traditional Swedish Maypole celebration, and a variety of activities suitable for all ages. Festivalgoers can enjoy live music from both local and regional performers, take part in interactive cultural activities, and attend special book signings. All events and performances are free and open to the public, encouraging families and visitors to join in the festivities. Organizers say the festival continues to celebrate Bishop Hill’s historic Swedish heritage while entertaining the whole community.
Music will fill the village park gazebo starting at 10 AM as the summer concert series kicks off, featuring performances from Black Hawk Pipes and Drums, Chloe Finch, the Orion Community Band, and the Norwegian Bachelor Farmers. After the music winds down at 4 PM, everyone is invited to join in decorating the Maypole and participating in a festive procession to the Colony School. There, guests can dance around the Maypole and enjoy refreshments from the Bishop Hill Vasa Lodge—no experience needed. Don’t miss the Midsummer Respite at the Vasa National Archives or a book signing by Jannifer Stevens Powelson at the Prairie Arts Center. The day wraps up with live country music by Ryan Bizarri at The Colony Inn from 7 to 11 PM. For directions or more information, visit www.visitbishophill.com or call 309-927-3899.
2025 MIDSOMMAR MUSIC SCHEDULE
The schedule for the day includes the following FREE performances at the center of the park in front of the gazebo:
– MAIN STAGE –
Black Hawk Pipes & Drums 10 AM
Chloe Finch 11:30 AM
Orion Community Band 1:30 PM
Norwegian Bachelor Farmers 3 PM
Dressing of the Maypole begins at 4 PM, and the procession to the Colony School starts just after it is dressed.
Maypole dancing at Colony School at 4:30 PM, followed by supper provided by the Bishop Hill Vasa Lodge
The Midsommar Music Festival is sponsored by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association, Bishop Hill State Historic Site, Bishop Hill Old Settler’s Association, Vasa National Archives, Bishop Hill Vasa Lodge #683, and area businesses. Regional Media is our major media sponsor. Funding provided by the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, the Minneapolis Foundation, Vasa National Archives, Bishop Hill Vasa Lodge #683, and the Illinois Arts Council.