California’s premier Danish heritage festival, Solvang Danish Days (www.solvangdanishdays.org), celebrates its 86th return with a three-day event weekend, Friday through Sunday, September 15-17, 2023. Solvang Danish Days, which honors the 1911 establishment of Solvang by Danish-Americans, encompasses activities for all ages, ranging from fan-favorite food events surrounding Aebleskiver, the iconic Danish pastry rounds; to a Danish-style beer and wine garden serving Danish import, Carlsberg beer, alongside local brews, wines and festival eats; to an axe-throwing arena where guests can “unleash their inner Viking;” to an Old World artisanal crafts marketplace.

Overall admission to Solvang Danish Days is free, and entertainment options abound during the weekend with three parades, live concerts, plus folk dancers and Danish musicians performing in spots scattered about the town. The festival also aims to please the next generation of Danish Days fans with multiple pastimes, including story-telling sessions with Hans Christian Andersen and an activity tent featuring LEGO®. Also returning to Solvang Danish Days this year is a town-wide, professional LEGO building competition. All further Danish Days event details and programming, TBA.