Solvang Danish Days 2026
Solvang Danish Days 2026 runs September 18–20. Free outdoor festival featuring aebleskiver breakfasts, a Viking Beer & Wine Garden, parades, folk dancers, live music, axe throwing, and an artisans marketplace in downtown Solvang.
Event Details
- Dates
- Friday–Sunday, September 18–20, 2026
- Location
- Downtown Solvang — Mission Drive & Copenhagen Drive
- Admission
- Free general admission. VIP “Dane For A Day” package available ($65).
- Theme (2026)
- Solen over dalen — “Sun over the Valley”
- Edition
- 89th annual Solvang Danish Days
- Official site
- solvangdanishdays.org
What Happens at Danish Days
Danish Days is Solvang's biggest annual event — a three-day celebration of the town's Danish-American heritage that has run every September since 1936 (with a pause during World War II). The event takes over downtown Solvang and is one of the few California festivals of its size with free general admission.
Aebleskiver Breakfasts
The festival's most iconic tradition — Danish pancake balls served at breakfast seatings. Tickets available for purchase.
Viking Beer & Wine Garden
An outdoor garden serving Carlsberg beer, local wines, and food. One of the most popular gathering spots during the weekend.
Parades
Multiple parade processions through downtown Solvang featuring Danish folk costumes, floats, and bands.
Folk Dancers & Live Music
Danish folk dancers and musicians perform throughout the weekend. Free outdoor concerts in downtown Solvang.
Axe Throwing
A Viking-era activity offered as a ticketed experience. Open to participants age 7 and up.
Artisans Marketplace
A curated market of local and regional artisans selling handmade goods, crafts, and food items.
Living History Festival
Demonstrations and exhibits at the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art highlighting Danish-American heritage.
Kid's Corner
Children's activities including LEGO-themed activities in Solvang Park. Hans Christian Andersen story time sessions.
Dane For A Day VIP Package
For $65 (plus online fees), the “Dane For A Day” package is designed for two and includes: Viking helmets, Aebleskiver breakfast tickets, beer/soda and burger tickets for the Viking Beer Garden, axe throwing tickets, raffle tickets, festival buttons, and a festival magazine. General admission to the festival itself is free.
Tickets and updated pricing: solvangdanishdays.org
Getting There & Parking
Solvang is on CA-246, approximately 45 minutes north of Santa Barbara via US-101 north and CA-246 east, or about 2.5 hours north of Los Angeles. During Danish Days, downtown Solvang is closed to most vehicle traffic — plan to park and walk.
Solvang has three free public parking lots: 1639 Copenhagen Drive, 464 Alisal Road, and 1616 Oak Street. Parking is free throughout the village. During busy festival weekends, lots fill quickly — arrive early or consider parking in surrounding residential areas and walking in.
Electric vehicle charging is available at several city-operated lots. See the complete Solvang parking guide for details.
Hotels Fill Up Fast
Danish Days weekend is the most booked weekend of the year in Solvang. If you haven't reserved yet, check availability immediately — Solvang hotels often sell out 2–4 months in advance for September 18–20. Buellton (5 miles west) and Santa Ynez are fallback options. Many visitors day-trip from Santa Barbara (45 min) or Los Angeles (2.5 hrs).
Solvang hotels guide →Danish Days FAQ
When is Danish Days 2026?
Solvang Danish Days 2026 runs Friday through Sunday, September 18–20, 2026. The festival takes place in downtown Solvang on Mission Drive and Copenhagen Drive.
Is Danish Days free?
Yes — general admission to Solvang Danish Days is free. Individual activities like the aebleskiver breakfast, axe throwing, and the "Dane For A Day" VIP package are ticketed separately. The Viking Beer & Wine Garden charges for beverages.
How do I get tickets for Danish Days?
General admission requires no tickets — just show up. Aebleskiver breakfast tickets, axe throwing, and the "Dane For A Day" VIP package ($65) are available at solvangdanishdays.org. Tickets often sell out before the event, so buy in advance.
Where do you park for Danish Days?
Solvang has three free public parking lots: 1639 Copenhagen Drive, 464 Alisal Road, and 1616 Oak Street. During Danish Days, lots fill quickly — arrive before 9 AM on Saturday and Sunday. Overflow parking is available in surrounding residential streets. Downtown Mission Drive is closed to vehicles during festival hours.
Should I book a hotel for Danish Days?
Yes — book 3 to 6 months in advance. Solvang hotels sell out completely for Danish Days weekend, and rates increase significantly. If you haven't booked yet, check Buellton (5 miles west) or Santa Ynez for additional options. Many visitors do Danish Days as a day trip from Santa Barbara (45 min) or Los Angeles (2.5 hrs).
Is Danish Days good for kids?
Yes. Danish Days has dedicated children's programming: LEGO-themed activities in Solvang Park, Hans Christian Andersen story time sessions, and the folk dancers and parade are crowd-pleasers for kids. The aebleskiver breakfasts and axe throwing (ages 7+) are also family-friendly. Arrive early on Saturday for the best experience with young children before crowds build.
How long has Danish Days been running?
Solvang Danish Days has been running since 1936, making 2026 the 89th annual festival. It paused during World War II but has run continuously since. The festival was started by Solvang's Danish-American community to celebrate the town's founding heritage.
Presented by
Your business name
Your tagline — reaching visitors planning a Solvang trip
Related
Full month calendar including Danish Days.
What to do before & after the festival.
Free lots, EV charging, and festival tips.
Where to eat before and after the festival.
Book early — sells out for Danish Days.
The next big festival — late November.
Event details sourced from solvangdanishdays.org and Visit Solvang. Schedule details subject to change — confirm on the official site before attending.