2023 Schedule of Major Events for the BHHA and Bishop Hill
PDF of the Bishop Hill Map: MapBH2016
March 31- Beginning Pottery Class
April 2 10 a.m.-4 p.m.each day. Seating is limited for this three-day beginning pottery class. This hands-on clay experience is geared for high school age and up. Students will learn techniques in centering clay and pulling up forms on the wheel. This class will be taught by local potter Jeffrey Goard at the Dairy Building in Bishop Hill IL. The $150 fee includes all supplies. Call or text 309-883-1035 for details and to sign up. Bring a lunch or enjoy one of Bishop Hill’s fine eateries. Partially sponsored by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association.
April 1-2 Spring Fling
Come welcome spring and the beginning of the tourist season in Bishop Hill as various stores, museums and restaurants offer special discounts, events, and activities. Collect signatures from 6 businesses or museums and be entered for a gift basket drawing at the Colony Store. Call 309-927-3898 or email VasaArchivist@gmail.com for more information. Sponsored by the BHAC.
April 1 Bishop Hill Book Fair & From the Page to the Stage Storytelling Workshop at The Commons
Storytelling Workshop from 10-11a.m. and Book Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meet local authors and hear them read from their recent work. Attend a workshop to cultivate the storyteller within you. Purchase books and collect autographs from your favorite local authors. Contact Brain “Fox” Ellis for more details about this free event at 309-696-1017 or foxtales@foxtalesint.com
April 1 Exhibit Opening – Vasa National Archives
Join the Vasa National Archives and Museum as we open our doors for the 2023 season with an Opening Reception for two new exhibits. One looking at where some of the Vasa Lodges get their names. Many lodges honor famous or influential Swedes by naming the lodge after these people. The other exhibit will focus on what Swedish immigrant brought with them when they decided to immigrate to America. Free and open to the Public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 309-927-3898 or email VasaArchivist@gmail.com for more information.
April 15 The Happy Invention: History and Significance of Picture Postcard
In 2016, the world’s largest public collection of postcards and related materials, the Curt Teich Postcard Archives, was given to the Newberry Library by the Lake County Forest Preserve District. Katherine Hamilton-Smith, the founding curator of the Teich Archives, will present a look at the documentary power and significance of picture postcards. She touches on the Curt Teich Company of Chicago, the role Illinois played in the history and development of postcards, and on the picture postcard as a cultural icon. This one-hour program starts at 1 p.m. It is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Bishop Hill Heritage Association at 309 927-3899 or bhha@mymctc.net. Sponsored by the BHHA and the Illinois Humanities Council Road Scholar Program.
April 22 Swedish Stomp and Skamparoo
Run or walk historic Bishop Hill and the beautiful hilly country roads surrounding the village or cheer on friends and family in this 5k event. Starts and finishes at the Colony School. New this year – Pancake breakfast! 7:30 am Onsite Registration and breakfast start, 9 am race start; www.bholdsettlers.org
bholdsettlers@gmail.com; Hosted by the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association
April 28 Valborg & Wiener Roast
Experience an ancient Swedish traditional bonfire as we welcome spring’s return at the Vasa National Archives. Yard games, activities, hotdogs, hot coffee and cocoa will be available. This event is free and open to the public. In the event of rain, we will be in the Vasa National Archive Basement. Call 309-927-3898 or email VasaArchivist@gmail.com for more information. Sponsored by the Vasa National Archives.
May 6-7 Bishop Hill Civil War Days
To honor Bishop Hill’s very own Company D, IL 57th Volunteer Infantry, Bishop Hill is having Civil War Days on Saturday May 6 and Sunday May 7. There will be a living history encampment in the village park with programs going on every hour on the hour. Some of the programs that are scheduled are: a vintage baseball tournament, artillery demonstration, an appearance by General U.S. Grant, a Civil War Ball, lecture on President Lincoln, a medical demonstration, an afternoon skirmish, and much, much more. The Steeple Building Museum will also have a special Company D exhibit.
Event is free and open to the public. For more information about the schedule of events, contact the Bishop Hill Heritage Association at 309 927-3899 or bhha@mymctc.net. Sponsored by the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, Geneseo Foundation, Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency, and the Bishop Hill Heritage Association.
May 19-21 Bishop Hill Quilt Show: Red, White, & Blue
A bedazzling display of color will fill the Colony School. This year’s theme is Red, White & Blue. Quilts may be antique, miniature, patchwork, appliqué or something else. Admission is $5.00. Challenge quilts will be at the Steeple Building Museum. Colony School is open 10 – 4 Friday and Saturday. 10 – 3 Sunday. Sponsored by the Prairie Queen Quilt Club, Bishop Hill Arts Council, and the Bishop Hill Heritage Association.
June 3 Dancing Queen: ABBA Tribute Band Concert
Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute is quite literally the most accurate tribute band on the planet. With painstaking attention to detail, they’ve recreated an ABBA experience that is second to none. Fronted by two dynamic women with angelic voices, and backed by a group of world-class musicians, the music of the greatest pop band in history comes to life in a Las Vegas type show that captivates audiences, both young and old. This two-hour concert is FREE and open to the public. It will start at 1pm in the Village Park. For more information about this concert, contact the Bishop Hill Heritage Association at 309 927-3899 or bhha@mymctc.net. Sponsored by the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, Community State Bank, SWEA-Chicago, Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency, and the Bishop Hill Heritage Association.
June 24-25 Midsommar Music Festival
Bishop Hill’s Midsommar Music Festival will return as a 2-day festival this year on Saturday June 24 and Sunday, June 25th with a strong line-up of musical performers. Some of the performers are Bucky Halker, Black Hawk Pipes & Drum, Chris Vallillo, and the Nordland Band. Other highlights of this event include a Scandinavian folk dance workshop, a Swedish Maypole celebration, and much more. Join us for this lively Swedish tradition to celebrate the summer solstice. This festival is free and open to the public. Email bhha@mymctc.net or call 309 927-3899 for more information. Organized by the Bishop Hill Arts Council, Bishop Hill VASA Lodge #683, VASA Order of America, Bishop Hill Heritage Association, Old Settlers’ Association, and the Bishop Hill State Historic Site. Sponsored by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation. American Rescue Plan Funds from Henry County, approved by the Henry County Board, were used to help finance this event.
June 28 Indigo Dyeing Class, taught by Sheri Wood
Class is from 8 am. to 3 p.m. at the Dairy Building. Class size is limited to 10 people. In this class, you will learn about growing and harvesting Japanese Indigo (persicaria tinctoria). We will take a short walk to the indigo garden and harvest fresh leaves, then return to the Dairy Building to use them to dye cotton, linen and silk fabrics. Lunch will be on your own, at one of the local restaurants, or bring a lunch. After lunch, we will vat dye with indigo, experimenting with different patterning techniques.
Please wear old clothes, bring an apron and gloves if you want. You may also bring some small pieces of natural fiber fabrics to dye as we have time. Class fee: $75. includes $25 supply fee. Fabrics, plus all dye and safety supplies will be provided. Each person will leave with their own dyed fabrics, written directions for what we did, and how to finish fabrics at home. Extra fabrics and supplies will be available to purchase to use during class. You will also be able to take home cuttings of Japanese Indigo to plant and raise. Please contact Sheri Wood with any questions about the classes or to register for classes at (309) 299-8007 or at sheri_jeanne@hotmail.com . Partially sponsored by the BHHA.
July 8 Concert in the Park
Concert is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Bishop Hill Heritage Association at 309 927-3899 or bhha@mymctc.net. American Rescue Plan Funds from Henry County, approved by the Henry County Board, were used to finance this event.
July 23 Antique Car Show
Antique and classic car show at the Bishop Hill Village Park. Registration is 9-11:30; Judging is noon-1:30; Award Presentation at 3:00. www.bholdsettlers.org; bholdsettlers@gmail.com
Sponsored by the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association
August 5 Country Music Concert in the Park
Concert is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Bishop Hill Heritage Association at 309 927-3899 or bhha@mymctc.net. American Rescue Plan Funds from Henry County, approved by the Henry County Board, were used to finance this event.
Aug. 12 Hummingbird Festival and Pollinator Festival at the Bishop Hill Creative Commons
We will start with an early morning Bird Hike, beginning at the Twinflower Inn at 7:00. There will be bird banding in the prairie near the cemetery and a Master Gardeners Workshop on Designing and Planting Your Own Pollinator Garden. A native plant sale, crafts, make & take bird house building kits, lectures, storytelling, music, and a live bird of prey program with hawks and owls will ensure there is great fun for the whole family. An evening dinner theater with John James Audubon rounds out the day. FREE (Donations appreciated) Reservations required for the dinner theater, $35. Contact Brian “Fox” Ellis for details at 309-696-1017 or at foxtales@foxtalesint.com
Aug. 26-27 Bishop Hill Chautauqua
Join us for this 2-day historical re-enactment brought to life through storytelling and music. Spend the weekend in the village park with several characters from our past such as Bob Dylan, Abraham Lincoln, Jenny Lind, Carl Sandberg and many more. Saturday afternoon, enjoy Fika with some of the performers. Saturday evening, enjoy a dinner theater at P.L. Johnson. Event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Bishop Hill Heritage Association at 309 927-3899 or bhha@mymctc.net. Organized by the BHHA, Fox Tales International and the Twinflower Inn. Sponsored by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency. American Rescue Plan Funds from Henry County, approved by the Henry County Board, were used to help finance this event.
Aug. 30 Indigo Dyeing Class, taught by Sheri Wood
Class is from 8 am. To 3 p.m. at the Dairy Building. Class size is limited to 10 people. In this class, you will learn about growing and harvesting Japanese Indigo (persicaria tinctoria). We will take a short walk to the indigo garden and harvest fresh leaves, then return to the Dairy Building to use them to dye cotton, linen and silk fabrics. Lunch will be on your own, at one of the local restaurants, or bring a lunch. After lunch, we will vat dye with indigo, experimenting with different patterning techniques.
Please wear old clothes, bring an apron and gloves if you want. You may also bring some small pieces of natural fiber fabrics to dye as we have time. Class fee: $75. includes $25 supply fee. Fabrics, plus all dye and safety supplies will be provided. Each person will leave with their own dyed fabrics, written directions for what we did, and how to finish fabrics at home. Extra fabrics and supplies will be available to purchase to use during class. You will also be able to take home cuttings of Japanese Indigo to plant and raise. Please contact Sheri Wood with any questions about the classes or to register for classes at (309) 299-8007 or at sheri_jeanne@hotmail.com . Partially sponsored by the BHHA.
September 9 Old Settlers’ Day
This event celebrates the founding of the Village on Sept 23, 1846. Events for the day include a free band concert at Noon followed by a program at 1:00 pm, and a free will offering Dessert Social/Reunion for Henry County Schools at the Colony School following the program. For more information, go to www.bholdsettlers.org or bholdsettlers@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association.
Sept. 16 Indigo and Black Walnut Dyeing Class, taught by Sheri Wood
Class is from 8 am. To 3 p.m. at the Dairy Building. Class size is limited to 10 people. In this class, you will learn about how to dye natural fabrics with Black Walnut hulls. We will take a short walk to gather fresh walnuts, then return to the Dairy Building to use them to dye cotton, linen and silk fabrics. Lunch will be on your own, at one of the local restaurants, or bring a lunch. After lunch, we will vat dye with indigo, experimenting with different patterning techniques. Please wear old clothes, bring an apron and gloves if you want. You may also bring some small pieces of natural fiber fabrics to dye as we have time. Class fee: $75. includes $25 supply fee. Fabrics, plus all dye and safety supplies will be provided. Each person will leave with their own dyed fabrics, written directions for what we did, and how to finish fabrics at home. Extra fabrics and supplies will be available to purchase to use during class. Please contact Sheri Wood with any questions about the classes or to register for classes at (309) 299-8007 or at sheri_jeanne@hotmail.com . Partially sponsored by the BHHA.
September 17 Honor Flight Fundraiser
Fundraising event for the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. All day breakfast buffet at The Filling Station. Silent Auction. Brown bag Raffle. Live Music. Be there! Call 309-927-3355 for more info.
Sept. 23-24 Agriculture Days – Jordbruksdagarna
As always, there will be a variety of traditional craft demonstrations, music, food, dancing, vendors, and hands-on activities for the children during Jordbruksdagarna (Swedish for “earth work days”). Enjoy the petting zoo and the antique tractor display, with demonstrations. This 19th century harvest festival is free and open to the public. Email bhha@mymctc.net or call 309 927-3899 for more information. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Organized by the BHHA. Funded by the Illinois Art Council Agency, Nature Creation’s, State Bank of Toulon, and the Henry County Independent Insurance Agents Association. American Rescue Plan Funds from Henry County, approved by the Henry County Board, were used to help finance this event.
Oct. 14-15 Bargain Hunter Weekend
Come celebrate the bounty of fall in Bishop Hill as various stores, museums and restaurants offer special discounts, events, and activities. Collect signatures from 6 businesses or museums and be entered for a gift basket drawing at the Colony Store. Call 309-927-3898 or email VasaArchivist@gmail.com for more information.
October 14 Pottery Festival
The Bishop Hill Pottery Festival will include demonstrations in pottery and the art of Raku firing. This event will also include a number of various artists from the surrounding area featuring glass, wood, textiles, candle and soap making. Help us welcome back Special Needs Bakery. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
October 21 Woodcarving Workshop
Learn basic woodcarving skills and take home your own Tomte ornament! Students will be provided the wood blank, along with a quality carving knife, protective Kevlar glove and thumb guard. This class is designed as a beginner’s class but some experience handling a knife and working with wood will be helpful. The participants will learn proper carving techniques with emphasis on safety. The class will be taught at the Dairy Building. Register by calling 309 927-3899 or emailing bhha@mymctc.net
November 4 Dala Pig Painting Workshop
Carol Curry will be conducting a PIG painting workshop at the Dairy Building in Bishop Hill, Illinois. Participants will hand-paint a small pig using traditional Swedish colors and designs that you can take home. Paint, brushes, rooster, and other supplies will be provided. To reserve your spot, call 309 927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net .
Nov. 24-26, Julmarknad- Christmas Market
Visit traditionally decorated shops and museums. Encounter Swedish folk characters roaming the village. Special music, Swedish foods, unique gifts, and more. Enjoy the Christmas Cookie Walk at the Colony School Friday and Saturday only.
Event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 309 927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net
Dec. 2-3 Julmarknad
Sights, sounds, and aromas of Christmas past. Swedish folk characters will roam the village. Special music, Swedish food specialties, abundance of handmade wares, and antiques. Chocolate Walk fundraiser at the Bishop Hill Creative Commons
Event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 309 927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net
Dec. 8-9 Lucia Nights-Festival of Lights
Experience a unique Swedish holiday. Luminaries line the sidewalk and candles are in every window. Live music at several locations. Young girls dressed as St. Lucia serve drinks and sweets in shops and museums throughout the village. All Bishop Hill restaurants and shops will be open. December 8 is the Christmas Tree lighting in the park at 6 p.m. On December 9, Barn Dance at the Colony School.
Festival is free and open to the public. For more information, call 309 927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net
This is a listing of the major events only. Not all programs are listed, due to the large number of activities. Please confirm events details by emailing bhha@mymctc.net, visiting the Bishop Hill Heritage Association Facebook Page, calling 309 927-3899, or visiting www.bishophillheritage.org
*The programs of the Bishop Hill Heritage Association are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency.
News & Events
