Annual Solvang Danish Days

(Solvang, California, USA) — The public is invited to enjoy the 81st Annual Solvang Danish Days from Friday, September 15 through Sunday, September 17, 2017, a festival honoring the establishment of Solvang 106 years ago by Danish-Americans and helping preserve Solvang’s authentic heritage. This year’s theme is “How Sweet It Is!” Featuring FREE admission, thousands of residents and visitors enjoy the festivities annually with food, dancing and live entertainment throughout the weekend coordinated by volunteers of the charitable Solvang Danish Days Foundation. Solvang was named by USA Today as one of the 10 best historic small towns in America in 2016*. 

New to Solvang Danish Days this year is a town-wide restaurant promotion; participating Solvang eateries and bars will be “cooking up” special menus and fare. Plus, this year’s celebration features new, FREE, live outdoor music starting on Friday, 9/15/17 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in Solvang Park with The Ruben Lee Dalton Band then on Saturday, 9/16/17, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Midgaard Pavilion Stage (1639 Copenhagen Drive), enjoy Jacob Cole Band and from 7:00-10:00 p.m. are The Rincons. And, there is a free return performance by Danish-American organist James Welch on the Phelps pipe organ at Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Road on Saturday, 9/16/17 at 1:00 p.m.  On Sunday, 9/16/17 at 2:45pm is the Closing Ceremony in Solvang Park with the vaudevillian antics of Comedy Industries and a free, live concert featuring Matt Cermanski and Joey Sykes of HONEY RIVER. 

At the Friday night opening ceremonies at 8:00 p.m. at Midgaard Pavilion, 1639 Copenhagen Drive, meet 2017 Danish Days Maid 18-year-old Gabrielle Heron (pictured at left); a fifth-generation Santa Ynez Valley resident whose Solvang roots stretch back to the town’s founding years. In 1961, Gabrielle’s grandmother Ann Nielsen was the first to hold court; Gabrielle’s older sister Angelique Heron was 2014 Danish Maid, and Gabrielle’s cousin Natalya Nielsen served in 2016. Gabrielle’s great-uncle Don Nielsen was 1953 chairman of the Danish Days board and her grandfather Roger was 1971chairman. Also in 1971, Gabrielle’s great-grandparents Axel and Margaret Nielsen and in 2010, her grandparents Roger and Ann Nielsen were the Grand Marshals. Gabrielle’s uncle, Rodney Nielsen, has volunteered for Danish Days for the last thirty-plus years as well as serves on the board and countless committees. 

Danish Days boasts three popular parades (Friday night Torchlight; Saturday afternoon Main Parade featuring 2017 Grand Marshal Ms. Petti M. Pfau as well as Sundayafternoon Children’s Parade.) 

Traditional Danish Days events including Saturday and Sunday morning aebleskiver (Danish pancake) breakfasts (for $7 or $8 with sausage) followed by free aebleskiver eating contests. The Viking Beer & Wine Garden serves Carlsberg beer, local brews and wines on Friday night and Saturday. Experience “living history” at the nearby Elverhoj Museumon Saturday and Sunday with interactive displays on Viking life, arts, crafts and storytelling. In Solvang Park, check out the free Kids’ Korner featuring a huge LEGOS® make-your-own craft tent and the Viking Encampment.  

Guests can also do online advance purchases of Saturday and Sunday Aebleskiver Breakfast tickets and the “Dane For A Day” VIP ticket bundle.  

Favorite activities year-round in Solvang include enjoying the authentic restaurants and bakeries featuring delicious Danish cuisine, as well as beer and wine tasting from local vintners. Shopping at more than 150 independent boutiques offers plenty of opportunities for special gifts from “California’s Denmark.”

To see the most current, complete schedule of ALL events during the weekend; visit www.SolvangDanishDays.org