Fire, Song & Solidarity: Andersonville's Valborg Celebration Returns April 30 — and a New Plaza Honor Is on the Way

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Andersonville · April 21, 2026

Andersonville is closing out April with a blaze of community spirit — literally. The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce has announced full details for Valborg 2026, the neighborhood's beloved Swedish spring bonfire festival, set for Thursday, April 30, from 5–8 p.m. at the Chicago Waldorf School, 5200 N. Ashland Ave. Now in its third year, the free event invites neighbors to gather around the fire and shake off the last of winter together.

The evening promises a packed lineup: traditional Valborg soup served by The Dinner Belle, fire dancing by Perkulator, and Swedish songs performed by the Chicago Swedish Mixed Chorus at 7 p.m. Sustainability is woven throughout — the Andersonville Sustainable Community Alliance (ASCA) will be on hand with information on neighborhood green initiatives and a preview of the upcoming Farmers Market season, while The Waste Shed, a nonprofit creative reuse organization, will offer affordable recycled art supplies. Vivant Gardening Services will lead seed ball-making for budding gardeners of all ages.

And in a separate but equally meaningful announcement, the Andersonville Chamber shared this week that construction on Elise Malary Plaza will begin this spring — a landmark tribute that reflects the neighborhood's proud commitment to inclusion and visibility. Together, Valborg and the Malary Plaza project capture everything Andersonville does best: honoring heritage, embracing community, and building something beautiful for everyone. Head to andersonville.org/events/valborg to RSVP and learn more.

Sources:
1. https://patch.com/illinois/chicago/andersonville-chamber-commerce-welcomes-spring-valborg-0
2. https://andersonville.org/events/
3. https://www.facebook.com/andersonville/