Midsummer's Festival

Downtown & Riverside Park

June 20

A daylong Swedish celebration, Midsummer’s Festival includes dancing, demonstrations, music and food. Check the Midsummer Festival website for vendors, events, and more! This year's festival will have two locations, downtown during the day and Heritage Square during the evening. See the program by clicking here.

Downtown activities include Blomkrans making, barrel train rides for the kids, Swedish pancake demonstrations plus the Arts and Crafts tent on the lawn of the Red Barn Studio Museum. Watch the Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers and Folkdanslag entertaining with folk dances downtown.

Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum hosts the annual Kubb tournament on Heritage Square during the day, and in the evening, Heritage Square is filled with music, the raising of the Midsummer’s Pole, and community traditional Swedish dancing until sunset.

Other activities at Heritage Square include live music, the Scandinavian Folk Dancers of Kansas City, and the raising of the Midsummer Pole. Join in the dancing after the pole raising!

Interested in participating in Kubb? The tournament registration begins at 11:00am, with play starting at noon and the championship starting at 4:00pm. Curious about this fun yard game? Click here to get the scoop on this Scandinavian game that is played across the United States. Register ahead of the crowd by clicking here.

The day ends at the City Pool for a free swim concluding at 11:00pm. A perfect way to end a perfect Midsummer Day!

Heaven in a Wildflower

Book Signing at Hemslöjd

June 20

A new historical novel set in a Swedish-settled community in central Kansas will debut during Lindsborg's Midsummer's Festival. Heaven in a Wildflower by Cynthia Mines is published by Meadowlark Press.

Kristin Thorsen lives with her father, a Swedish Lutheran pastor, in a prairie parsonage. To escape her lonely existence, she retreats into her imagination where she finds solace in stories of the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair and Swedish folktakes told by her Uncle Gustaf Olsson, who works at the Smoky Valley Mill.

"Readers will recognize the Swedish Pavilion and stories of tomtes as well as traditions such as Lucia and an annual Messiah performance," Mines said. "The rough times experienced by immigrants is reinforced by a recurring motif of winter wheat surviving harsh winters."

Mines is an award-winning writer whose articles have appeared in dozens of publications, including the Los Angeles Times. She was publisher/editor of Travel Kansas magazine for more than three decades, and her book, For the Sake of Art: The Story of a Kansas Renaissance, was named a Kansas Notable Book in 2016.

Mines will be signing books at Hemslöjd on June 20 from 10:00am-12:00pm and 1:00-3:00pm, located at 201 N. Main Street.

The Taste of Freedom

Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum

June 20

Join Donna Rae Pearson as she shares the story of Juneteenth from Emancipation to its modern celebration. The Taste of Freedom: A Juneteenth Foodways Journeyexplores the history of Kansas’s African American history of celebrating freedom, which began with “Emancipation Day” celebrations in communities across the state long before Juneteenth became a national holiday. Audience members will explore the holiday’s key symbols and discuss its modern expression in large community events and communal meals that echo the spirit of Black family reunions. As Pearson shares stories about popular food traditions associated with the holiday, audience members will have the opportunity to enjoy a “celebration red drink.”

Pearson, a historian and researcher of African American heritage in Kansas, will be presenting at 11:00am and 2:00pm on June 20 at Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum.

Funding for this Kansas Folklife: Celebrating Kansas Traditions program is provided by Humanities Kansas, with support from the State of Kansas through the Kansas Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts and the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund.

The Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum is located at 120 E Mill Street. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-5:00pm.

Michael Knutson, Artist-in-Residence

Red Barn Studio Museum

June 14-21

Space Bison by Michael Knutson

Michael Knutson, a familiar artist-in-residence at the Red Barn Studio Museum, returns on June 14.

Knutson is a multi-media artist who works in various themes. His creations span from exploration of place, such as the Black Hills of South Dakota, to reworking old paintings into new creations

An art professor at Garden City Community College, his artwork entices viewers to embark on a journey, seeking cinematic scenes brimming with an intense sense of impending drama. From alien abductions of bison to fiery sunsets on the plans to late-night gas station hallucinations leaving you with "fragments of memories suspended in time," his art is guaranteed to make you ponder the wonder of imagination.

The Red Barn Studio Museum, located at 212 S. Main Street, is open Tuesday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm and 1:00-5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, with donations appreciated.

Outstanding Exhibitions at the Sandzén

Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery

May 3-July 19

Garden of the Gods by Sarah Winkler

Four exhibitions can be seen at the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery through July 19. The exhibitions feature an invitational figurative exhibition and shows of paintings by Anthony Benton Gude, Sarah Winkler, and Barry Fitzgerald.

Go Figure will showcase art by 30 regional artists curated by Hays artist Michael Jilg. For the show he writes, “There is a wide range of visual stories using the figure, created with a variety of media. I did not select the artworks, but chose artists that I admire for their ability to engage an audience with their particular narratives.”

Anthony Benton Gude of Frankfort, will be showing paintings from his past to the present day. They will include farm scenes, mountain landscapes, abstracts, and more. As the grandson of Regionalist Thomas Hart Benton, art was encouraged in his house.

Sarah Winker’s work explores geological aspects of landscape formation. Combining studio art, earth science, and creative writing during her educational studies, Winkler began her career as a collage artist and graphic designer.

Lawrence artist Barry Fitzgerald's exhibition includes a series of paintings using plants, buildings, and human forms as a palette for an exploration in contrasts. They build on relationships with geometric and organic, line and shape, and abstract and representational elements. The final combinations are intended to ask questions more than give answers.

Additional information on each artist and their work can be read by clicking on the Visit Lindsborg blog link.

The Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery is located at 401 N. First Street. Hours are 10:00am-5:00pm, Tuesday through Saturday, and 1:00-5:00pm on Sunday. Admission is free, with donations appreciated. Docent tours for groups are available by two-week advance appointment. For more information about Birger Sandzén, the Gallery, and these exhibitions visit the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery websiteor phone (785) 227-2220.

In the Fields of Time

Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum

Through July 31

In the Fields of Time: The Impact of Two Kansas Boys on American Archeology, is a traveling exhibit on loan from the Kauffman Museum. This exhibit explores the archaeological work of native Kansans – the Haury and Wedel families – whose discoveries and research helped shape our understanding of prehistory in the Great Plains and the American Southwest. It also provides an update on the current status of repatriation efforts in Kansas under NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act). This story highlights how curiosity, dedication, and education contributed to a broader understanding of the past.

As part of the exhibit, kids can experience the excitement of archaeological discovery with our “Young Archaeologist Dig Pit” where they can unearth a replica arrowhead or a piece of pyrite “Fool’s Gold!”

The exhibit and experiences are included in the price of admission to the museum. The Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum is located at 120 E. Mill Street. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-5:00pm.

"Zoo to You" and More!

Lindsborg Community Library

June 19

The Summer Reading Program held at Lindsborg Community Library has events everyone will want to participate in!

This year's program, Unearth a Story, will include many self-paced challenges for all ages. These challenges can be fulfilled at any time the library is open and is for anyone who pops in.

Lindsborg Community Library will also be celebrating America 250 with displays, community stories, and a scavenger hunt for 250 rubber ducks.

Rolling Hills Zoo will have three different "Zoo to You" events. The first event will be on June 19 at 5:00pm. Follow Lindsborg Community Library to stay abreast with the other two "Zoo to You" dates and other Summer Reading Program events.

Don't forget the Midsummer Book Sale at the library! Held in the new addition, the sale will be June 20-27. Guaranteed low prices! During Midsummer's Festival (June 20) the Book Sale will have extended hours, 10:00am-4:00pm. The rest of the week, the Book Sale will be available during normal library hours. All proceeds go to Friends of Lindsborg Library who helps fund library programming.

Join the fun at the Lindsborg Community Library, located at 111 S. Main Street. Hours are Monday-Friday, 10:00am-6:00pm and Saturday, 10:00am-2:00pm.

Catherine Coughlin, Artist-in-Residence

Red Barn Studio Museum

June 22-July 1

Stone Cottage by Catherine Coughlin

The Red Barn Studio Museum is pleased to welcome Catherine Coughlin as the artist-in-residence from June 22-July 1.

Coughlin is a native New Englander with her childhood home a stone's throw from Robert Frost's farm. She exhibited her artistic talents from a young age and sought art education throughout her childhood and college years. Living in multiple states and overseas thanks to her husband's military career, she reluctanly became a permanent resident of the Midwest. This relocation has deeply impacted her artwork. Her current work attempts to interpret her reflections on her own experiences and that of early Kansas settlers' and Native Americans' relocation experiences.

Read more about Coughlin and the media she works in, murals she's created, and her teaching experiences by clicking on the Visit Lindsborg blog.

The Red Barn Studio Museum, located at 212 S. Main Street, is open Tuesday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm and 1:00-5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, with donations appreciated.

Blacksmith Coffee Shop & Roastery Summer Updates

Beginning May 29

Beginning May 29, Blacksmith Coffee Shop & Roastery will stay open until 8:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer months!

That means more time for iced lattes, fresh-squeezed limades, patio hangs, and summer nights downtown. Enjoy Happy Hour pricing (15% off all drinks) from 5:00-8:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Follow Blacksmith Coffee Shop & Roastery on Facebook to find out special programming coming soon! Blacksmith Coffee Shop & Roastery is located at 122 N. Main Street.

Kansas 250 Ideas!

How can you celebrate America's 250? Here's some ideas from Travel Kansas.

🌻Honor the legacy of Kansas with an exclusive Kansas 250 Commemorative Coin, pictured above. Available for a limited time. Cost is $10 with special bulk pricing of $8 per coin if more than 10 are ordered.

For serious collectors, don’t miss out on our exclusive numbered coins, available in limited quantities for $100 each. These premium editions make a truly unique and memorable keepsake.

🌻Order the Kansas 250 Box. Contents include: Honey from Green Valley Honey (Manhattan); chocolate wine sauce from Cocoavino (Olathe); kettle corn from Schlaegel's Popcorn (Whiting); Sandhill Plum jelly from Bruce's Bulleye Farms (Leon); beeswax lip balm from Reeder Creek Farm (Clay Center); burger seasoning from PatDaddy's (Wichita); and a From the Land of Kansas branded measuring spoon.

🌻Order SemiQuinn Buffalo, the official mascot of Kansas 250! An adorable stuffed buffalo wearing his celebratory bandana.

All of these items can be ordered from the Travel Kansas 250 website. Click here.Find more ideas, history, and events there too!

Celebrate the one year anniversary of Briana's ownership of Small World Gallery! There will be all kinds of fun to be had with Briana, Kathy, & Jim!

Pianist Po Sim Head will perform works by composers from Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela at the Sandzén Gallery.

A drive-through fundraiser for Bethany Village will be held at the Bethany Home. The menu will be pulled pork with sides.

Messiah Lutheran invites you to join them for a full church service at the Alma Swensson Memorial Garden in Swensson Park.

Messiah Lutheran and Öl Stuga celebrate community with good tunes and good drinks.

The Red Barn Studio Museum will host the Midsummer's Arts & Crafts booths on their front lawn starting at 11:00am.