Reception for Dr. Albert R. Frederick: A Retrospective

The Scandinavian Cultural Center is proud to present a collection of work by artist Dr. Albert R. Frederick. Along with his wife Suzanne, Dr. Frederick spent many years traveling the world and later resided at the Scandinavian Living Center until his passing this summer. He was prolific in his photography throughout his travels, capturing images on analog and digital cameras and bringing them home to develop in his two darkrooms. There is an incredible range in subject matter, from wildlife to architecture to abstract compositions, all connected by Frederick's distinct artistic signatures. The images are steeped in intrigue; they implore you to take a closer look. Celebrate this remarkable collection with us at the closing reception on Sunday, August 23rd from 11am to 1pm. All work is available for sale and light refreshments will be served. For more information about the show, visit <a href="https://scandicenter.org/event/photo-exhibit/">our website</a>. Sunday, August 23rd | 11am - 1pm | free | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reception-for-dr-albert-r-frederick-a-retrospective-tickets-1995119481075?aff=oddtdtcreator">RSVP here</a>

Scandinavian Cultural Center & Library

Runes 101

History • Meaning • Divination • Everyday Practice Curious about the ancient symbols of the Norse world? Join us for a full-day introduction to the runes with Behzad "Bear" Bakhshandeh, an initiated Shaman in The Northern Tradition Shamanism Guild and practicing Norse Pagan. Together you'll explore: ✨ The history and origins of the Elder Futhark and Anglo Saxon Futhork ✨ The meaning of each rune ✨ Rune divination and interpretation ✨ Connecting with rune spirits ✨ Practical ways to incorporate runes into your daily life Our Scandinavian café, Kaffestugan, will be open throughout the lunch break with coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and Scandinavian specialties available for purchase. You're also welcome to bring a bagged lunch—refrigeration is available. Saturday, September 19 | 10am–4pm | $125, $75 for members | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/runes-101-tickets-1994039155793?aff=oddtdtcreator">advanced registration required</a> Behzad "Bear" Bakhshandeh is an initiated Shaman in The Northern Shamanism Guild and a Norse Pagan. Through his own practice and his work with Summit Performance Therapy in Auburn, Massachusetts, Bear has spent years leading ceremonies, rituals, and guided journeys while helping others deepen their spiritual practice.

Berserk: A Viking Festival For All

⚔️ Berserk: A Viking Festival for All—epic battles, crafts, music &amp; Nordic food. Step into Norse legend—fun for all ages! Sharpen your axes and gather your clan—<a href="https://scandicenter.org/event/berserk-2026/">BERSERK, our epic Viking festival</a>, is storming back into town on Saturday, September 26th! TWO Rival Viking Encampments will take over the front lawn—witness warriors crafting tools of the past, playing traditional Viking games, and clashing in combat demonstrations throughout the day. It all leads up to an all-out battle to the “death” at 2PM—you won’t want to miss it! ON THE LAWN:<ul><li>Viking Encampments Step into the world of Norse warriors—explore daily life, tools, and traditions in our rival camps.</li><li>Crafts, Games &amp; Warrior Training Fun for all ages—test your skills, train like a Viking, and unleash your inner shield-maiden or berserker!</li><li>Stone Lifting with the New England Stone Lifters Think you’ve got Viking strength? Step up and try your hand at lifting legendary stones—glory (and bragging rights) await!</li></ul>KIDS’ CORNER:<ul><li>Rune-Making Station Create your own Viking message in ancient runes—mystical, magical, and yours to take home!</li><li>Weaving Station Try your hand at traditional weaving and craft something colorful, cozy, and uniquely yours.</li><li>Viking Interaction Zone Meet the Vikings! Ask questions, explore gear, and step right into the world of Norse legends.</li></ul>FEAST-LIKE FJORD-FOLK:<ul><li>Waffle Samples &amp; Sandwiches from our beloved Kaffestugan Warm, golden, and impossible to resist—come taste a Scandinavian favorite.</li><li>Nordic Breads, Prepared Foods, Candies &amp; Scandi Goods Stock up on sweet, savory, and everything in between—your Nordic pantry starts here.</li><li>Icelandic Hot Dogs from Gunner’s Icelandic Hot Dogs A true Reykjavík street food classic—juicy hot dogs piled high with crispy onions, sweet brown mustard, remoulade, and more. One bite and you’ll understand the hype.</li></ul>Prepare your shield, don your cloak, and get ready to go BERSERK! Saturday, September 26th 11am – 3pm Adults $20 in advance ($25 day of), Kids 12 &amp; under $10 ($15 day of) <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/berserk-a-viking-festival-for-all-ages-tickets-1988424186268?aff=oddtdtcreator&amp;keep_tld=true">Buy tickets here!</a> Skål!

Midsummer Picnic 2026

Join us at the SCC&amp;L for our outdoor Midsummer festival! Celebrate the summer solstice adorned in a flower crown and dancing around the maypole, or sit back and enjoy your picnic lunch while listening to the live music. There’s something for everyone, and all ages are welcome.<ul><li>boxed lunch prepared by Kaffestugan</li><li>live musical performance by Merulae</li><li>singing and dancing around the maypole</li><li>Swedish candy and pantry goods for sale</li></ul>This will be our last event of the season! Saturday, June 20th | 11am-2pm | <a href="https://secure.qgiv.com/for/midsummer2026/">Tickets</a> Sponsored by<a href="https://boston.swea.org/"> SWEA Boston</a>

Screening: Summer With Monika

As June settles in and the city air turns thick with heat and possibility, join us for a screening of <a href="https://www.criterion.com/films/27638-summer-with-monika">Summer with Monika</a>, Ingmar Bergman’s sensual, restless portrait of young love and fleeting freedom. Released in 1953 and considered groundbreaking in its frank depiction of sexuality and desire, Summer with Monika follows two young lovers who escape Stockholm for an idyllic summer by the sea, chasing a life untethered from responsibility, routine, and expectation. What begins as sun-soaked romance slowly shifts into something more raw and aching as summer fades and reality presses in. Dreamy, rebellious, and deeply atmospheric, the film captures the intoxicating feeling of youth suspended in time — cigarette smoke curling through warm air, long Nordic evenings, the shimmer of water, and the quiet sadness that often lingers beneath beautiful moments. A landmark of Swedish cinema and an early glimpse of Bergman’s emotional brilliance, Summer with Monika remains as provocative, intimate, and haunting today as when it first premiered. 97 minutes | Swedish with English subtitles Saturday, June 13th | 1pm | $10*, $5 for members | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screening-summer-with-monika-tickets-1989918751553?aff=oddtdtcreator">tickets</a> *Free admission for anyone who qualifies for WIC, EBT, or ConnectorCare. Email <a href="mailto:caroline@scandicenter.org">caroline@scandicenter.org</a> to reserve a ticket free of charge or request tickets in person at the event.

Nordic Knit & Craft Gathering

Calling all crafters! Are you…<ul><li>Looking to meet others with similar interests?</li><li>Excited to spend a morning with your current craft project,</li><li>Or need inspiration for a new one?</li></ul>If the answer to any of the above is YES, head to the Scandinavian Cultural Center &amp; Library for our Nordic Knit &amp; Craft Gathering! This event is hosted in our Nordic Hall on the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10am to noon. Bring some supplies, whether it’s something you’ve been working on or something brand new, and be ready to show off your project to other curious crafters! Feel free to take a break and head to the Kaffestugan for a coffee, pastry or sandwich to enjoy while you work and chat. This event is open to all, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist–you might learn something new! Saturday, May 9 | 10am-12pm | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/copy-of-nordic-knit-craft-gathering-tickets-1987556202104?aff=oddtdtcreator">free with registration</a> | donations to support free programming are welcome Repeats on the 2nd Saturday every month through June

Calling all crafters! Are you…<ul><li>Looking to meet others with similar interests?</li><li>Excited to spend a morning with your current craft project,</li><li>Or need inspiration for a new one?</li></ul>If the answer to any of the above is YES, head to the Scandinavian Cultural Center &amp; Library for our Nordic Knit &amp; Craft Gathering! This event is hosted in our Nordic Hall on the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10am to noon. Bring some supplies, whether it’s something you’ve been working on or something brand new, and be ready to show off your project to other curious crafters! Feel free to take a break and head to the Kaffestugan for a coffee, pastry or sandwich to enjoy while you work and chat. This event is open to all, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist–you might learn something new! Saturday, June 13th | 10am-12pm | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/copy-of-nordic-knit-craft-gathering-tickets-1989691620197?aff=oddtdtcreator&amp;keep_tld=true">free with registration</a> | donations to support free programming are welcome Repeats on the 2nd Saturday every month through June *This will be our last craft gathering of the season!

Swedish Flag Raising

Meet us at Boston City Hall Plaza for a ceremonial flag raising to celebrate Sweden’s National Day. Hosted by the Honorary Consul of Sweden in New York, Ann-Kristin Lund, this free event will feature remarks and a musical performance in addition to the flag raising. Friday, June 12th | 1pm | free

Boston City Hall Plaza

Screening: Kings of Kubb

We are thrilled to host a screening of Kings of Kubb, featuring a personalized recorded introduction from directors Steve Dayton and B.J. Hollars. If you’re already a kubb pro, we know you’ll want to see this exciting documentary and join us for some games of kubb (also called “viking chess” on the lawn afterwards. If you’re confused and wondering what kubb is, come find out! The Swedish lawn game has taken hold over the small city of Eau Claire, Wisconsin–with a population of just 70,000, it hosts the largest weekly kubb league in the world, with 144 teams competing. Filmmakers Dayton and Hollars illuminate the formation of the U.S. National Kubb Championship and what the sport means to its players, four in particular who are vying for the championship. “It’s not quite bowling. It’s not quite bags. And it’s far more than “throwing sticks at blocks.” When the Nordic lawn game arrived in the United States, American players quickly discovered that—even with skill, strategy, and mental toughness—kubb can break your heart… or heal it." <a href="https://scandicenter.org/event/screening-kings-of-kubb/">Visit our website for more information and to watch the trailer!</a> Saturday, June 6th | 12pm | $10, $5 for members | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screening-kings-of-kubb-tickets-1986905856904?aff=oddtdtcreator">tickets</a> EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders receive free admission. To reserve free tickets, email <a href="mailto:caroline@scandicenter.org">caroline@scandicenter.org</a>

Midsummer Pajaki Making

Celebrate the arrival of summer by making a pajaki with us! Pajakis are a Polish and Swedish traditional craft made during the Midsummer season. They can be small mobiles hung in your home, massive chandeliers displayed in museums, or anything in between! Pajakis can be decorated with flowers, grass, garlands, pom poms, and other colorful and festive items. How you make your pajaki is up to you, but it is sure to be a charming summer decoration. All materials will be provided. Make sure to reserve your spot early, as space is limited! Saturday, May 30th | 10am-12pm | $50 per person, $40 for members | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/midsummer-pajaki-making-registration-1989389741269?aff=oddtdtcreator">tickets</a>

Syttende Mai Celebration 2026

Syttende Mai Celebration 2026 Saturday, May 16th | 12:30pm onwards | $15 for adults, $5 for children Celebrate Norwegian National Day with us by enjoying a picnic and a parade! 17. mai family picnic sponsored by <a href="http://norumbegasofn.org/">Norumbega Lodge #3-506, Sons of Norway</a> Schedule of Events 12:30pm – Gather for 17. mai parade at the entrance to the SCC 12:45 pm – Step-off time for the parade 1pm – Welcome and tale for dagen 1:30pm – Lunch 2:15pm – Games for the children Tickets for lunch will be sold as people arrive. Adults: $15 (smørbrød, beverage, and dessert) Children: $5 (pølser m/lompe, beverage, and dessert) (Additional smørbrød may be purchased for $10 each.)

Book Talk with Pernille Ipsen

Join us for an inspiring conversation with&nbsp;Pernille Ipsen, acclaimed author and historian, on her powerful memoir&nbsp;My Seven Mothers: Making a Family in the Danish Women’s Movement. Ipsen, a longtime professor of gender and women’s studies and now full-time writer, tells the remarkable story of the seven women who raised her, weaving together themes of family, feminism, community, and radical social change. Through intimate storytelling and historical insight,&nbsp;My Seven Mothers&nbsp;asks timeless questions about identity, belonging, and possibility — and reminds us that new worlds are always possible. Don’t miss this chance to hear Ipsen discuss her work and the lives that shaped it, followed by audience Q&amp;A. Friday, May 15th at 7pm |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-talk-with-pernille-ipsen-tickets-1980007333234?aff=oddtdtcreator">Free with registration</a> *Books will be available for purchase. Sales will support the programming at the SCC&amp;L* “This book is a treasure, especially for a second-wave American feminist who was thrilled to learn of the boldness and courage of our Danish sisters at the very start of the 1970s women’s movement. I can’t recommend it highly enough.” —Vivian Gornick, author of&nbsp;Fierce Attachments

Newton Art Association New Members Show Reception

Come to the Scandinavian Cultural Center &amp; Library for a reception for the Newton Art Association’s New Members Show. Each year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://newtonartassociation.com/">Newton Art Association</a>&nbsp;welcomes submissions from members who have joined the association within the past year for their New Members Show. There is a wide variety of work from a diverse array of artists using different mediums, exploring different subject matter, and using different techniques. Visit and see what your talented neighbors have been working on! The reception will be held on Thursday, May 14th from 6 to 8pm. This event is free to attend and is an opportunity to view the artwork and meet some of the artists! The Newton Art Association seeks to encourage the appreciation and expression of fine arts to our membership and the Newton community.&nbsp;We are an organization of over 200 active artists and art enthusiasts, representing all branches of the visual arts, from drawing to sculpture. The majority of members live in Newton, nearby cities, and elsewhere in New England. The Newton Art Association was founded in 1949 by the late James King Bonnar and a small group of artists who felt that artists needed the support of each other to share ideas, techniques and opportunities to paint together. Thursday, May 14th | 6-8pm | free

Norwegian Flag Raising

<a href="https://scandicenter.org/event/norwegian-flag-raising-at-boston-city-hall-plaza/">Join us</a> at Boston City Hall Plaza to commemorate the 201st anniversary of the first organized Norwegian emigration to the United States. On July 4, 1825, the sloop Restauration set sail from Stavanger, Norway, carrying 52 hopeful emigrants seeking a new life in America. This voyage marked the beginning of a significant chapter in Norwegian-American history, leading to nearly 900,000 Norwegians immigrating to North America over the next century. The flag-raising ceremony will honor this historic journey and celebrate the enduring ties between Norway and the United States. The event will feature the hoisting of the Norwegian flag, remarks, and a performance by children from <a href="https://eliotk8school.org/">Eliot K-8 Innovation School</a>, who will sing the American and Norwegian National Anthems. This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend and celebrate this milestone in our shared history. Thursday, May 14th | 12pm | free | Boston City Hall Plaza

Screening: The Mountain

Join us for an inspiring afternoon of Icelandic cinema, featuring Iceland’s first officially certified sustainable film production. The Mountain (Icelandic: Fjallið) is a coming-of-age story of family, fate, and the cosmos. Teacher and amateur astronomer María (Sólveig Guðmundsdóttir) plans a trip with her family into the highlands to photograph a comet she thinks she’s discovered. On the day, her husband Atli (Björn Hlynur Haraldsson) and daughter Anna (Ísadóra Bjarkardóttir Barney, daughter of Björk) cannot go with her. A twist of fate ensues that upends their lives and leads them in another orbit. We join a father and daughter in a stunning adventure through Iceland’s highlands, in a journey that explores how a family can heal from grief. Icelandic with English subtitles; runtime 1 hour 30 min. Saturday, May 9th | 1pm | $10, $5 for members |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screening-the-mountain-tickets-1988408394033?aff=oddtdtcreator">tickets</a> Free admission for anyone who qualifies for WIC, EBT, or ConnectorCare. Email caroline@scandicenter.org to reserve a ticket free of charge.

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Where

joyraft.host11722

Experiences

Reception for Dr. Albert R. Frederick: A Retrospective

Runes 101

Berserk: A Viking Festival For All

Midsummer Picnic 2026

Screening: Summer With Monika

Nordic Knit & Craft Gathering

Nordic Knit & Craft Gathering

Swedish Flag Raising

Screening: Kings of Kubb

Midsummer Pajaki Making

Syttende Mai Celebration 2026

Book Talk with Pernille Ipsen

Newton Art Association New Members Show Reception

Norwegian Flag Raising

Screening: The Mountain