The annual 19th-century harvest festival Jordbruksdagarna (pronounced yord-brooks-DAH-ga-na) will take place Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, 2026, in historic Bishop Hill, IL. As always, there will be a variety of traditional craft demonstrations, food, vendors, and hands-on activities for the children during the 54th Jordbruksdagarna (Swedish for “agricultural days”) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
Demonstrations, hands-on activities, music, and the history skit are all free. In the village park each day, artisans will weave, carve wood, forge metal, make butter, and more. Vendors will also be selling baked goods, crafts, and much more in the park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Musical performances will include Coffee Creek at noon and 2 p.m., and the Nordic Dancers of Chicago at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day at the gazebo. Visitors, especially children, can try their hand at shelling corn, making bricks, and creating a cornhusk doll. In addition, Steve’s Mobile Petting Zoo will be located in the northwest corner of the park.
Jordbruksdagarna is not just in the park but all over Bishop Hill. Uncle Bud’s Apple Cider Slushie and Pop of the Morning will be next to the Carpenter Building, serving food and drinks. Nature’s Creations will be selling pumpkins, gourds, and more by the Colony Store. Visitors can explore Henry County’s agricultural heritage at the Henry County Historical Museum, where a variety of antique tractors and implements will be on display outdoors. The Bishop Hill Agricultural Association will also be conducting 19th-century harvest activities.
Tractor people movers will also be available to transport people around town to experience many of the activities, museums, and stores that Bishop Hill has to offer. All the previously mentioned activities will be occurring both days.
On Saturday, September 26 only, at the Colony School, the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association will be selling their famous Colony Stew from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Colony School will also be hosting a “Meet the Colonists” display. At the Steeple Building Museum, the BHHA Acting Troupe will perform their Bishop Hill Colony history skit Vi ar Har (We Are Here) starting at 11 a.m. In the southwest corner of the park, TriCo Equestrian Center will have pony rides from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a fee. Finally, the Bishop Hill Methodist Church will be having a bake sale by the Steeple Building.
On Sunday September 27 only, there will be a Community Church Service in the park at 10 a.m. open to all. Author Jannifer Powelson will be doing a book signing at the Prairie Arts Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.