Jordbruksdagarna (pronounced yord-brooks-DAH-ga-na), Bishop Hill’s beloved 19th-century harvest festival, returns on September 27 and 28, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM both days. Jordbruksdagarna means “Agricultural Days” in Swedish. Visitors can step back in time with traditional craft demonstrations, live music, hands-on activities, and delicious food throughout the village. Children can try shelling corn, making cornhusk dolls, and pressing apples into cider, while artisans showcase weaving, metal forging, and butter making. Live performances from Coffee Creek and Nordic Dancers add to the atmosphere, with pony rides and a petting zoo rounding out family fun. All activities are free, with vendors and local authors featured as well.
The village park transforms into a lively hub as artisans showcase their crafts, weaving, woodcarving, metal forging, and butter making at daily demonstrations. Between 10 AM and 4 PM, visitors can sample baked goods, explore handmade crafts, and enjoy a vibrant market atmosphere. Music fills the air with Coffee Creek performing at both noon and 2 PM. Meanwhile, the Nordic Dancers of Chicago will be on stage at 1 PM and again at 3 PM on both days at the gazebo. Families can also visit Miller’s Petting Zoo, situated in the park’s northwest corner.
Artisans will demonstrate traditional crafts such as weaving, woodcarving, and metal forging. Attendees can watch butter being made while browsing stalls filled with baked goods and handmade crafts available for purchase from 10 AM to 4 PM each day. Musical entertainment features Coffee Creek performing twice daily, with the Nordic Dancers of Chicago stepping onto the gazebo stage at 1 PM and 3 PM. For families, Miller’s Petting Zoo is set up in the park’s northwest corner, offering fun for visitors of all ages.
Attendees can treat themselves to Uncle Bud’s Apple Cider Slushie or fresh morning popcorn near the Carpenter Building, while Nature’s Creations sets up a festive pumpkin and gourd stand by the Colony Store. Traditional farm activities take center stage behind the Bjorklund Hotel, where families can shell corn, press apples, and even create cornhusk dolls daily from noon to 4 PM. Antique tractors fill the Henry County Historical Museum grounds, and 19th-century harvest demonstrations unfold nearby. Tractors offer rides to all the sights and celebrations. At the Henry County Historical Museum and Krans Livery Stable, watch the Bishop Hill Agricultural Association demonstrate traditional harvest techniques. Over at the Colony School, immerse yourself in the “Meet the Colonists” display. For book lovers, local author Mary Davidsaver will be signing books at the Prairie Arts Center from 11 AM to 2 PM. To make it easy to explore, tractor-drawn people movers are available throughout town, connecting guests to museums, shops, and all activities offered both days.
On Saturday, September 27, Bishop Hill will bustle with special events. The Old Settlers’ Association is serving its renowned Colony Stew at the Colony School from 11 AM to 1:30 PM. Visitors can catch a historical skit, “On the Road Again!,” by the BHHA Acting Troupe at the Steeple Building Museum beginning at 11 AM. Pony rides run from noon to 3 PM in the park’s southwest corner, while Irish duo “The Ammonites” perform outside Bishop Hill Creative Commons from noon to 2 PM. Book lovers may meet author Jannifer Powelson at the Prairie Arts Center, and several food and cultural activities round out the day’s festivities.
On September 27th and 28th, Bishop Hill comes alive with Jordbruksdagarna, a celebration of Swedish rural tradition. Hosted by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association and supported by local organizations, the festival features hands-on activities, artisans, traditional foods, and agricultural demonstrations. Sponsors include local businesses, organizations, and the Illinois Art Council, ensuring a lively lineup of events for all ages. Special thanks to the Cambridge and Galva FFA chapters, the Galva Boy Scouts, and numerous volunteers for their hard work. For details on schedules and activities, visit www.visitbishophill.com, call 309-927-3899, or email [email protected]. Celebrate the spirit of harvest in Bishop Hill!
