Danish Days: Southern California town prepares to host beloved annual festival

The “Danish Capital of America” is once again preparing to welcome the world to its little slice of Copenhagen.

Solvang, located in the Santa Ynez Valley in the heart of Santa Barbara County wine country, has released the latest details about the upcoming weekend-long festival known as Danish Days, which will take place next month.

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The popular citywide celebration will return Sept. 19-21, bringing back popular events that highlight the history of the town and its intimate connection with the Scandinavian nation.

This year’s theme is “Be Happy – Vær Glæde,” and it will celebrate the founding of the town by Danish-American transplants in 1911.

Visitors will be treated to Danish dancing, immersive Viking encounters and authentic Danish food, including the beloved Æbleskiver—a sweet confection that’s part doughnut hole and part pancake ball.

The annual Æbleskiver eating contest will also return as participants attempt to wolf down as many of the desserts as physically possible in five minutes without the use of utensils.

Beer and other spirits will also flow freely during the three-day festival; ax-throwing returns, giving visitors a chance to channel their inner Viking raider.

But there are also events for families and younger kids, with parades, interactive history lessons, fairytale readings and hands-on playtime with a beloved Danish brand: Lego.

Danish Days first began as a yearly celebration in 1936 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Solvang’s founding. Now entering its 88th year, Solvang has skipped the event only during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each year, the town elects a Danish Maid, a high school-age student who acts as the town’s goodwill ambassador for the weekend. This year’s Danish Maid is Addie Madrid, a descendent of Danish immigrants who settled in the town more than 100 years ago, and the fourth woman in her family to hold the title.

“I’m so excited that we get to gather once again to celebrate our heritage, our stories, and everything that makes Solvang feel like home, for locals and for visitors,” Madrid said. “Whether you’re here for the traditional Danish foods, the parades and dancing, or simply the feeling of community, I hope this weekend reminds you – just like it reminds me – of where we come from and why we keep returning.”

For the complete 2025 Danish Days festival schedule, click here.