Midsummer at the SCC&L

At this unique celebration, adults and children come together to picnic in the grass, make flower crowns, and dance to authentic Swedish music around the maypole. A special live Performance by Merulae. Admission includes a boxed lunch from the Kaffestugan that you can enjoy on the lawn. Saturday, June 21st | 11am-2pm | <a href="https://scandicenter.kindful.com/e/swedish-midsummer-2025">$15-$30 tickets here (advanced purchase required)</a> The songs and flower crown station are sponsored by <a href="https://boston.swea.org/">SWEA Boston</a>

Scandinavian Cultural Center

Screening: Odd Fish 

Presented as June’s Library film choice:&nbsp;Odd Fish (Ljósvíkingar) Odd Fish&nbsp;(Icelandic: Ljósvíkingar) is a 2023&nbsp;Icelandic&nbsp;drama film directed and written by&nbsp;Snævar Sölvi Sölvason. When two childhood friends get an unexpected opportunity to keep their fish restaurant open all year round, one of them comes out of the closet as a trans woman, putting a strain on their friendship and they see their lives in a new light. Saturday June 14th | 1pm | $10; $5 for members |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screening-odd-fish-2024-tickets-1120969502959?aff=oddtdtcreator">Tickets</a> In Icelandic with English subtitles | Drama | 104 min.

Scandinavian Cultural Center & Library

Efterskole i Danmark? A Year in Denmark?

Ranum Efterskole College is a Danish Efterskole with an international programme adapted to expat families or foreign students who would like to take 9th-10th grade in Denmark. We have a unique programme for Danish and cross-cultural young people who want to improve their Danish. At Ranum Efterskole College it is possible to take the general 9th and 10th grade, but also the international Cambridge IGSCE programme. You can also choose from more than 50 different profile subjects, cultural subjects, and electives, as well as four trips with 28 travel days. We have students from more than 28 different countries, which means that both&nbsp;Danish&nbsp;and English are our working languages. This makes it possible for everyone to be part of the school community and at the same time develop their&nbsp;Danish&nbsp;language skills. Over the years, we have gained a lot of experience with American students and have been successful in getting their Efterskole year approved when they return to the American school system and when applying to retain their Danish citizenship. Meet Matthew Danaher from Ranum Efterskole for the opportunity for students and parents to meet and ask questions. Sunday, May 18th | 12pm Matthew Danaher is in Boston to meet those interested in Ranum Efterskole and about attending an Efterskole in Denmark in general. ANY QUESTIONS ARE WELCOME – JUST WRITE TO&nbsp;MD@RANUMEFTERSKOLE.DK. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU IN BOSTON!

Syttende Mai Celebration 2025

Syttende Mai Celebration 2025 17. MAI CELEBRATION sponsored by <a href="http://norumbegasofn.org/">Norumbega Lodge #3-506, Sons of Norway</a> Saturday, May 17th 17. mai family picnic Scandinavian Cultural Center – 206 Waltham Street – West Newton, MA 02465 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 Music by UUSF Protest Band Tickets for lunch will be sold as people arrive. Adults: $15&nbsp;(smørbrød, beverage, and dessert) Children: $5&nbsp;(pølser m/lompe, beverage, and dessert) (Additional smørbrød may be purchased for $10 each.)

Screening: Gold Run 

Presented as the Library’s May film choice:&nbsp;Gold Run (2022) April 9, 1940. The German war machine occupies Norway. One of their primary objectives is to seize the nation’s entire gold reserves. But thanks to a few courageous individuals, the gold is smuggled out – just as the Germans come.​​ Based on true events, ​​Gold Run tells the story of how 55 tons of gold was transported through rough winter landscapes on trucks, trains and boats​ by a group of unlikely resistance fighters ahead of the invading Nazi forces. Saturday, May 10th | 1pm | $10; $5 for members |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screening-gold-run-2022-tickets-1110720778749?aff=oddtdtcreator">Tickets</a> In Norwegian with English subtitles | Drama, War, Thriller | 114 minutes

Book Talk: Farsund

Talk with Robert Ellertsen on Farsund’s Occupation History Sons of Norway, Norumbega Lodge presents a talk with Robert Ellertsen. &nbsp; Bob Ellertsen will talk about a book he translated from Norwegian to English, titled&nbsp;Farsund’s Occupation History.&nbsp;The book was written by a Norwegian man named Johannes Seland.&nbsp;The book chronicles was like for the people of the Norwegian seaport town of Farsund and the nearby farming community of Lista during the occupation of Norway by Germany in World War II from 1940-1945.&nbsp;The author Johannes Seland was deeply involved in the resistance to the occupation.&nbsp;&nbsp; This will be presented as part of a Sons of Norway cultural meeting | free admission | 7:30

Nordic Printmaking Workshop with Kristine Holohan

Join us for an afternoon of Nordic printmaking! On April 27th, from 3:30-5:30pm, the&nbsp;<a href="https://finlandiafoundationboston.com/">Finlandia Foundation of Boston</a>&nbsp;invites you to explore the art of&nbsp;Nordic printmaking in an interactive workshop led by accomplished artist&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kristiholohan.com/">Kristi Holohan</a>. Dive into traditional techniques with a contemporary twist, and create your very own unique prints inspired by the beauty of the Nordic aesthetic. All skill levels are welcome to enjoy this creative experience. Participants aged 14 and above will especially find this workshop engaging and enjoyable. Sunday, April 27th | 3:30-5:30pm | $30 per person |&nbsp;<a href="mailto:finlandiaboston@gmail.com?subject=Nordic%20Printmaking%20Workshop">please register in advance here</a>.

Norwegian Folk Dance Music – The Kaufmann Duo Concert

The Kaufmann Duo (Mattias and Charles Kaufmann) will play Norwegian folk dances collected by Norwegian folklorist Klara Semb (1884–1970) and their own arrangements of Scandinavian folk music. Saturday, April 26th | 1pm | $20; $10 for members |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-kaufmann-duo-concert-tickets-1246261414439?aff=oddtdtcreator">Tickets</a> <a href="https://www.mattiaskaufmann.com/">Mattias Kaufmann</a>&nbsp;is an accordionist based in Boston, MA, known for their innovative compositional work with the critically acclaimed interdisciplinary Yiddish theater group&nbsp;<a href="https://www.magidensemble.com/">Magid Ensemble</a>. They have studied with masters of the accordion in the USA and abroad, such as American accordionist Guy Klucevsek and Serbian accordionist Nenad Ivanović, and are a member of the New England Greek Orchestra, led by world-famous Greek musicians Vasilis Kostas and George Lernis.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/m.faeroy/">Mattias</a>&nbsp;holds a degree in Contemporary Musical Arts from New England Conservatory and enjoys examining the threads that connect different styles of folk music from around the world. <a href="http://find.mainewriters.org/writers/charles_kaufmann/">Charles Kaufmann</a>&nbsp;is an award-winning writer, historian, filmmaker, composer, bassoonist, organist, and the founding director of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.longfellowchorus.net/">The Longfellow Chorus</a>, a professional non-profit performing arts organization in Portland, Maine. During the 1980s, he was a bassoonist with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra (<a href="https://harmonien.no/en/">Musikkselskapet Harmonien</a>) in Bergen, Norway, where he recorded solo bassoon works for NRK Radio, including premiere recordings of those by Norwegian composer Øistein Sommerfeldt. In 2012, he arranged a rare visit to the US by Norwegian violinist Arve Tellefsen for performances with the Orchestra of The Longfellow Chorus of concert violin music by Ole Bull (1810–1880). Also in 2012, he edited, translated subtitles, and screened in Portland’s Nickelodeon Theatre the remarkable documentary for children “<a href="https://youtu.be/5ApoVSsH488?si=Hfj7njPo-GwKiUxE">Ole Bull’s Fairy Tale</a>” (NRK TV, 1982), starring Arve Tellefsen, currently available on YouTube as “<a href="https://youtu.be/5ApoVSsH488?si=Hfj7njPo-GwKiUxE">Arve Tellefsen in Ole Bull’s Fairy Tale</a>.”

Lana Suran in Concert

Swedish Pianist Lana Suran is coming to the Nordic Hall for a solo recital. <a href="https://www.lanasuran.com/">Lana Suran</a> is an award-winning Swedish pianist and one of the leading Scandinavian pianists of her generation. Hailed by the Augsburger Allgemeine as ‘simply an outstanding artist’, Lana is armed with the insights that flow from a deep understanding of her nature and the ability to communicate the most powerful and personal emotions. Her expressive pianism rises directly from the heart to reveal the tremendous vitality and range of her inner emotional landscape. The eloquent honesty of her interpretations is supported by a rare sensibility for tonal nuance and shading, a combination that gives surging life to strikingly mature performances of an equally striking range of repertoire. Lana’s artistic credo has been shaped by her determination to grow naturally as a performer, without undue haste or cutting corners. “Making music, for me,” she notes, “is something that cannot be compromised. I want people to feel something when they hear me play. This demands giving more of everything, physically, emotionally, spiritually.” Fluent in six languages and at home on both sides of the Atlantic, her cosmopolitan outlook is reflected in the breadth of her recital programmes and explorations in the field of chamber music. Her repertoire list encompasses the great landmarks of the keyboard literature, including Beethoven’s ‘Diabelli’ Variations, Chopin’s Ballades and Schumann’s Humoreske and such 20th-century classics as Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No.2 and Prokofiev’s late piano sonatas. Friday, April 25th | 7pm | $20; $10 for members | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lana-suran-in-concert-tickets-1275179047859?aff=oddtdtcreator">Tickets</a>

Nordic Easter Crafts 2025

Get ready to hop into spring Scandinavian-style! Join us for a fun and festive afternoon of&nbsp;Nordic Easter crafts&nbsp;perfect for all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just love the smell of fresh glue sticks, this hands-on workshop will bring a burst of color and tradition to your holiday season. We’ll explore beautiful and whimsical&nbsp;Scandinavian Easter traditions, including: 🌼 Decorating&nbsp;påskris&nbsp;(Swedish Easter trees) 🐣 Transform into an Easter witch (påskkärringar/påskhäxor)&nbsp;a tradition where children dress up as witches and ask for treats 🎨 Creating bright, cheerful decorations inspired by Nordic folk art Bring your creativity, your friends, and maybe a smock or two—this event is family-friendly and egg-stra fun! 🥚✨ Saturday, April 19th | 10am-noon Tickets:&nbsp;$10 members / $20 non-members Ages:&nbsp;Recommended for ages 6 and up (younger kids welcome with adult help) Space is limited, so reserve your spot early! Saturday, April 19th | 10am – 12pm | $20pp; $10 for members |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nordic-easter-crafts-tickets-1116745599149?aff=oddtdtcreator">Tickets&nbsp;</a>

Screening: Tove's Room

Presented as the Library’s April film choice:&nbsp;TOVE’S ROOM ( TOVES VÆRELSE) In a luxury apartment in the center of Copenhagen, set in the 1960s, Tove Ditlevsen lives with Ekstra Bladet’s editor-in-chief, Victor Andreasen, in a tumultuous marriage. When the young writer Klaus Rifbjerg comes to lunch to discuss literature, he has no idea what awaits him… Saturday April 12th | 1pm | $10; $5 for members |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screening-toves-room-2023-tickets-1120878159749?aff=oddtdtcreator">tickets</a> In Danish with English subtitles | Biography, Drama | 73 min.

Bruno Råberg – Solo Bass Concert

Swedish bassist/composer Bruno Råberg presents a concert for solo bass featuring&nbsp;his own compositions, Swedish folk melodies and jazz classics. <a href="http://www.brunoraberg.com/">Bruno Råberg</a>&nbsp;is an internationally renowned Swedish bass player and composer who has made 14 recordings as a leader, about 50 as a sideman, and who has performed/recorded with world-class artists including Kris Davis, Jerry Bergonzi, Terri Lyne Carrington, George Garzone, Chris Cheek, Kenny Werner, Sam Rivers, Donny McCaslin, Bruce Barth, Bob Moses, Mick Goodrick, Ben Monder, Matt Wilson, and Mike Mainieri. “It is quite a feat to fill an entire album with exclusively engaging double bass.” Timo Kangas – Lira Musik Magazine (SE) “This is bass playing at its most enchanting.” Ian Patterson – All About Jazz “Bass virtuoso…remarkable new solo recording, showcasing his deep, resonant timbre .” Kevin Lowenthal, Boston Globe Saturday, April 5th | 1pm | $20; FREE for members |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bruno-raberg-solo-bass-concert-tickets-1269177787929?aff=oddtdtcreator">Tickets</a>

Kortney Yasenka Book Talk 

Join us for a book talk with author Kortney Yasenka as she discusses her new book&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Lagom-Swedish-Living/dp/1961293196/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;dib_tag=AUTHOR&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._AEuhvy-uSjFTy99Qlen0hKlolVTQMBzUXFVi0M65gTGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.7W7jxro-Eg4HfMQqxyJbSfZlFG5KCn4076ynqlg1EZ4&amp;qid=&amp;sr=">Swedish Lagom: Finding Joy in Just Enough.</a>&nbsp;releasing on February 25th 2025. You don’t need to be Swedish to benefit from the principles of lagom – discover the secret to a happier, more balanced life with this Swedish philosophy. Sweden consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world, and many attribute this to their uniquely balanced lifestyle. At the heart of this lifestyle is the concept of lagom, which literally translates to “just the right amount.”&nbsp;Swedish Lagom&nbsp;delves into this philosophy, offering bite-sized facts, engaging anecdotes, and practical tips to help you incorporate lagom into your daily life. Saturday, March 29th, 2024 | 1pm |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-talk-with-kortney-yasenka-tickets-1114604745799?aff=oddtdtcreator">Free with registration&nbsp;</a> We will have books on hand for purchase.&nbsp; ABOUT KORTNEY:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0B6T1PKK1">Kortney Yasenka</a>&nbsp;is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, as well as the author of&nbsp;The Stoicism Book of Quotes.&nbsp;She specializes in providing individual, family, and group therapy, along with life coaching for student-athletes. Kortney is certified in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and incorporates ecotherapy into her treatment approach. She holds a Masters in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology from Northeastern University and has worked in community mental health, schools, and private practice. A lifelong Cleveland sports fan (thanks to her father), Kortney enjoys traveling to Cleveland for Guardians games in the spring and rarely misses a Browns game, thanks to streaming services. In her free time, she loves running, spending time with family, and vacationing on the beautiful island of St. John. Kortney’s work is deeply influenced by her Swedish heritage, which was passed down from her mother. This connection to Swedish traditions has shaped her understanding of the importance of balance in life, and it informs the way she lives and writes.

Våffeldagen – Waffle Day 2025

During our weekly Kaffestugan (cafe) we will be celebrating the Swedish tradition of Våffeldagen. Swedes have enjoyed waffles in some form since the 1600’s and they remain popular today. So much so they celebrate them every March! Often covered with cream and jam instead of syrup, these are sure to delight. Come on out for lunch and a waffle or just a waffle on it’s own! We won’t judge. The standard Kaffestugan menu will still be available. Saturday, March 29th | 10am-2pm

St. Urho’s Day Sauna

Relax in an authentic wood-fired Finnish sauna for <a href="https://www.kalevamichigan.com/legend-saint-urho#:~:text=Urho's%20Day.,grapes%20and%20grasshoppers)%20and%20celebrate.">Ides of St. Urho Day.</a> <a href="https://www.gotsauna.com/">Got Sauna</a> will be at The Scandinavian Cultural Center on Saturday, and Sunday March 15 &amp; 16, 2025. There are many sessions available each day, starting as early as 10:00am. The session cost is the same regardless of the number of people in your party. The sauna comfortably accommodates 3 people at once. Ten minutes of each session is allotted for turn over. You are welcome to book available consecutive sessions for a longer sauna experience. Sauna Mestari will be on site to provide a full orientation to all participants. Daring souls are invited to experience the thrill of thermal extremes with a dip in the cold plunge tank, or snow angels, if Mother Nature and Ol’ Man Winter are still in cahoots. Afterwards relax around the fire pit to share stories of sauna adventure while enjoying tasty snacks. Participants provide their own towels, swimsuits and hydration. <a href="https://event.racereach.com/scc-sauna3-2025">Preregistration is required</a>. A welcome/orientation packet which includes a liability waiver which must be signed by each participant. <a href="https://event.racereach.com/scc-sauna3-2025/register">SIGN UP HERE</a> If you have sauna specific questions email <a href="mailto:Mark@Gotsauna.com">Mark@Gotsauna.com</a>

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 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

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.

scandicenter

Experiences