Arts & Culture Programs

Crayfish Party

In-Person | Fri, August 25, 6–9 pm

Don your funky hat and bib for one of ASI’s most cherished (and daring) food experiences! If you’ve never tried a crayfish, this is your chance. Kräftskiva is a traditional annual crayfish party celebrated throughout Sweden and here in the U.S. ASI’s Crayfish Party features great food and music, snaps drinking, sing-alongs, and much more, outside in the courtyard of the historic Turnblad Mansion. Funky hat and bib provided. $70 ($60 ASI member); $30 child ages 6–11

Forest March Fundraiser with the Uppsala

Friendship Committee

Clifton E. French Regional Park

Thu, June 1, 4–7:30 pm

Join the Uppsala Friendship Committee for a forest celebration at Clifton E. French Regional Park in Plymouth for an event honoring Sweden’s World Environment Day. The evening will feature a welcoming fika, a 1K or 5K walk to the sounds of

Nordic forest music, and a program by Dr. Lee Frelich on practical steps everyone can take to counter climate change. All proceeds go to supporting the Committee’s nature and public school educator exchange programs between the sister cities of Minneapolis, MN, and Uppsala, Sweden. See asimn. org for more. $15 individual; $20 family of 3 or more

Performances & Screenings

Music Thursdays

In-Person | First Thursday of Every Month, 6–7 pm Don’t miss these free concerts on the first Thursday of every month. Weather permitting, this will be an outdoor performance. No advanced registration is required. Included as part of ASI Free Thursdays

After 3 pm.

May — Nya Duvemåla Folkmusiklag

June — Ross Sutter & Art Bjorngjeld

July — The McNordiques

August — Peter Ruddy

Cantus Concert: And All The Days Were Purple

In-Person | Wed, July 12, 7:30–9:30 pm

In “And All the Days Were Purple,” acclaimed choral group Cantus explores a kaleidoscope of works in languages less often heard in art songs: Yiddish, English, and Hebrew. The program encompasses works by Jewish and Jewish-American composers, including Pulitzer Prize nominee Alex Weiser, whose stunning work “And All the Days Were Purple” highlights the expressiveness of the Yiddish language alongside an ensemble comprising string trio, piano, vibraphone, and glockenspiel. $36 adult;

Talks, Lectures & Readings

Exploring Slöjd Education for Kids with Anna

Sharratt

Hybrid | Thu, April 20, 5:30-6:30 pm

Curious about Sweden’s models for hands-on craft education for kids? Join Anna, who traveled to Sweden in fall 2022, to explore one model: Slöjdklubben, or the Craft Club. This learner-centered curriculum promotes creativity, self-expression, and problem-solving through the exploration of craft materials and traditional techniques. Hear more about Anna’s trip, then bring your own project and join ASI’s monthly Makers Night! $15 ($10 ASI member)

Eurovision 101 Conversation

Virtual | Wed, May 3, 7–8 pm

Thanks at least in part to a Will Ferrell movie and a band of Italian heartthrobs, the annual Eurovision Song Contest has finally piqued the interest of viewers throughout the U.S. In this musical evening program, learn the history of the longstanding music competition which launched Swedish pop icons ABBA into stardom, and get a taste of what’s to come for this year’s event. $15 ($10 ASI member)

The Bones of Birka: Unraveling the Mystery of a Female Viking Warrior Book Launch

In-Person | Fri, May 19, 6–8 pm

Join author C.M. Surrisi in conversation with Uppsala University Archaeologists Neil Price and Charlotte

Hedenstierna-Jonson for the launch of Surrisi’s

The Bones of the Birka, where the author introduces young readers to the events that led up to this discovery of a female Viking warrior grave and the impact it has had on scientists’ and historians’ views of gender roles in ancient societies and today. $17 ($12 ASI member)

Culture & Conversation Series: Fresh Midwest with Maren Ellingboe King

In-Person | Thu, May 18, 5–6 pm

Join local cookbook author and food stylist Maren Ellingboe King to discuss her debut cookbook, Fresh Midwest. Learn how Ellingboe King turned a collection of inherited recipe cards into a nationally published book, its Scandinavian influences, what it takes to write a cookbook, and how you can adapt some of your family’s favorite recipes for modern tastes. No advanced registration required. Included as part of ASI Free Thursdays After 3 pm.

Culture & Conversation Series: Midsommar 101 with Ross Sutter

In-Person | Thu, June 15, 5–6 pm

Midsommar is one of the most popular holidays in Sweden. In advance of ASI’s annual Midsommar Celebration, join musician Ross Sutter as he shares stories and insights on how people celebrate the holiday of Midsommar and offer ideas on how ASI visitors can create their own Midsommar memories. No advanced registration required. Included as part of ASI Free Thursdays After 3 pm.