Opening Reception: Juliana Gagné

Opening Reception for Juliana Gagné's Art Exhibit We are excited to welcome Juliana Gagné for their first exhibit at the SCC&amp;L titled: The Dream Dimension: Beyond the Veil This exhibit is largely inspired by Juliana’s Grandfather, Dr Sherman Eddie Nelson. Dr Nelson was a pioneering psychologist and came from a family of Sámi, Nordic and Finnish immigrants. The exhibition explores the themes of: ancestral memory, family stories, immigration and the politics of maintaining or denying your heritage after immigration. This show explores the impact that immigration has on the following generations as well as the study of epigenetics: an area of science that looks at how our ancestors experiences and the environment influence our genetics without changing our DNA structure. About Juliana: <a href="https://juliana-gagne.com/">Juliana Nelson Gagné</a> is a multidisciplinary artist and writer with a BFA in Fine Arts from Parsons School of Design (Lenape Land, New York City). Juliana is currently in their first year of graduate school, studying Interdisciplinary Art, Media and Design at OCAD University in Tkaranto (Toronto, Canada) on the land of the Mississaugas of the Credit as well as the Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat Nations. Juliana explores various media ranging from: illustration, printmaking, embroidery, photography, sound pieces and installations. Nature is a prominent theme, both in materials, motifs and inspiration: from crushing plants to make photo-sensitive emulsions for anthotypes, or drying plants to create photograms on cyanotype-coated fabric. Juliana’s work typically addresses themes of: the study of epigenetics, family history, immigration, cultural mixing, entropy and the connection between memory and land. Opening Reception: Friday, January 3rd | Time: 8pm - 9pm | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/opening-reception-juliana-gagne-tickets-1051661236067?aff=oddtdtcreator">Free with registration</a> Their art will be on display throughout January and February.

Scandinavian Cultural Center & Library

Jan Cookbook Club (Icelandic Recipes)

What’s a cookbook club? It’s the idea is that — like a traditional book club — every month you get together as a group. Instead of talking about a book you will make a recipe from a chosen cookbook, bring it in and the group will sample the recipes and discuss the the recipes and the cookbook. If you love to cook or bake, (especially Scandi recipes) and love sharing food with friends this is the perfect place for you! Each month we will choose a different cookbook from a Scandinavian country and pick out 15-20 recipes for people to choose from. On&nbsp;January 9th, 2025&nbsp;we will be trying out multiple Icelandic recipes from the&nbsp;Homestyle Icelandic Cooking for American Kitchens by Heidi Herman The cookbooks we choose are available on amazon to purchase.&nbsp;<a href="https://amzn.to/3WAypYH" target="_blank">Icelandic Cookbook</a> Put the other cookbook club dates on your calendar:&nbsp;Feb 6th, March 6th Tickets:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jan-cookbook-club-icelandic-recipes-tickets-978458936017?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank">Free with registration!</a>

Say It Like a Finn: Pronunciation & Everyday Phrases Made Fun!

If you are traveling to Finland or planning such, or just curious how the language is pronounced, please join Saija Laurla this pronunciation workshop. We will go over a few easy and useful phrases and focus on stressing the syllables correctly while making vowel sounds the way Finns do them. Your own questions are more than welcome! Such as “How do you say this in Finnish?” or “How do you pronounce this?” Bio: Saija Laurla Although the Finnish language can be difficult to learn, instructor Saija Laurla makes it fun and interesting. She was born in Helsinki and raised in Vantaa, the international airport city of Finland. Living accessibly to other countries, her family took her abroad two to three times a year. This gave the talkative Saija the ability to learn some French, English, Spanish, Swedish and Italian. As a young adult Saija continued traveling, always picking up words here and there continuing her interests towards different languages. In Finland Saija worked as a journalist, script writer and a TV-producer. When Saija’s husband got offered a job in the United States in 2015, Saija watched numerous popular TV shows to refresh her English as well as expose her to American culture. In 2018, Saija had lived in the US for three years by the time she discovered the teaching position available at Saima Park, and felt comfortable to apply. The rest is history; now Saija enjoys teaching Finnish online as well as in person.

Winter Warm Up with Got Sauna

The Scandinavian Cultural Center Presents: A Traditional Wood Fired Sauna Experience. Got Sauna will be at The Scandinavian Cultural Center — Friday, Saturday, and Sunday January 24-26, 2025. There are many sessions available each day, starting as early as 10:00am. Choose between 60 minute and 90 minute sessions. 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. <a href="https://event.racereach.com/scc-sauna1-2025">SIGN UP HERE</a> Special Friday Sessions We are offering sessions on Friday beginning at 4:00pm. Each session is one and a half hours long, 80 minutes of heat. 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 cooperate. Afterwards relax around the fire pit to share stories of sauna adventure while enjoying tasty snacks. Participants provide their own towels, swimsuits and hydration. Preregistration is required. A welcome/orientation packet which includes a liability waiver which must be signed by each participant. If you have specific questions about this event email <a href="mailto:Mark@Gotsauna.com">Mark@Gotsauna.com</a>  or go to <a href="https://event.racereach.com/scc-sauna1-2025">Got sauna</a>

Screening: Rahčan – Ella’s Riot

Ella is Sámi, a member of the indigenous population of Northern Europe. She’s also a pop star and activist who wants to protect the Sámi cultural heritage and the northern ecosystems. In addition to unique nature, the mountains in northern Norway, which is where Ella comes from, also have large copper deposits. When the Norwegian government issues a mining permit for the region and a stunning fjord is threatened by toxic waste, Ella decides to act, joining the front lines of a protest movement. Civil disobedience appears to be the only way to stop the mining. The successful young musician’s activist efforts to gain respect for the planet come into conflict with the interests of the mining companies. The film, set upon the background of Sámi electro-pop, also provides a look at the Sámi community, the history of their forced assimilation, and their will to retain their traditions and natural environment. Saturday, January 25th | 1pm | $10; $5 for members |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screening-rahcan-ellas-riot-tickets-1055352149689?aff=oddtdtcreator">tickets&nbsp;</a> In Norwegian with English subtitles | Documentary | 72 minutes

Feb Cookbook Club (Swedish Recipes)

What’s a cookbook club? It’s the idea is that — like a traditional book club — every month you get together as a group. Instead of talking about a book you will make a recipe from a chosen cookbook, bring it in and the group will sample the recipes and discuss the the recipes and the cookbook. If you love to cook or bake, (especially Scandi recipes) and love sharing food with friends this is the perfect place for you! Each month we will choose a different cookbook from a Scandinavian country and pick out 15-20 recipes for people to choose from. On&nbsp;Feb 6th, 2025&nbsp;we will be trying out multiple Swedish recipes from the&nbsp;The Little Swedish Kitchen by Rachel Khoo. The cookbooks we choose are available on amazon to purchase&nbsp;<a href="https://amzn.to/3YqEPMh" target="_blank">The Little Swedish Kitchen</a> Put the other cookbook club dates on your calendar: March 6th Tickets:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/feb-cookbook-club-swedish-recipes-tickets-978303581347?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank">Free with registration!</a>

Mustard Magic: A Nordic Tasting Adventure

The Nordic countries have a deep-rooted love affair with mustard! With a history that stretches back to the Viking era, mustard was cherished not just for its bold flavor but also for its potential medicinal properties. Over the centuries, it has become a staple of Scandinavian cuisine, finding its way into sandwiches, sauces, marinades, and more. Though each Nordic country has its own take on this versatile condiment, their shared passion for mustard is undeniable. Join us to celebrate this tangy tradition! Each ticket includes a sampling of various Nordic mustards with Nordic style hotdogs, sausages and pretzels led by&nbsp;Ken Zuckerman. Ken, based in Arlington, MA,&nbsp;serves as the Board Member &amp; Marketing Chair of the&nbsp;<a href="https://mustardmuseum.com/">National Mustard Museum</a>. Friday, February 7th&nbsp;| 6-8pm |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mustard-magic-a-nordic-tasting-adventure-tickets-1112987307999?aff=oddtdtcreator">advanced registration required</a>&nbsp;| $45 adults; $10 children (12 and under)&nbsp;

Screening: Je'vida

Presented as the Library’s February film pick in honor of National Saami Day:&nbsp;Je’vida (2023)&nbsp; A black-and-white film,&nbsp;Je’vida&nbsp;is an emotional portrait of a woman unwittingly confronting the past she struggled to bury after abandoning her family and community decades earlier. It is a language drama film written and directed by Katja Gauriloff. Saturday, February 8th | 1pm | $10; $5 for members |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screening-jevida-tickets-1113021891439?aff=oddtdtcreator">Tickets&nbsp;</a> in Finnish Skolt Sámi with English subtitles | 103 minutes | Drama

National Sauna Week 2025

Finlandia Foundation Boston Presents: National Sauna Week 2025 <a href="https://www.gotsauna.com/events-news/">Got Sauna</a> will be at the Scandinavian Cultural Center in Newton, celebrating National Sauna Week, Friday thru Sunday February 21-23, 2025. There are many sessions available each day, starting as early as 10:00am. Choose between 60 minute and 90 minute sessions. 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 full orientations to all participants. Daring souls are invited to experience the thrill of thermal extremes with a dip in the cold plunge tank or if mother nature supports us… some snow angels. Afterwards relax around the fire pit to share stories of sauna adventure while enjoying tasty snacks. Each participant must provide their own towels, swimsuits and hydration. <a href="https://event.racereach.com/ffnsaunaweek-2025">Preregistration is required</a>. An welcome/orientation packet will be sent and a liability waiver must be signed by each participant. <a href="https://event.racereach.com/ffnsaunaweek-2025">SIGN UP HERE</a> If you have Sauna specific questions <a href="mailto:Mark@gotsauna.com">Mark@gotsauna.com</a> For more information about Finlandia Foundation Boston <a href="http://www.Finlandiafoundationboston.com">www.Finlandiafoundationboston.com</a> This event is supported by Finlandia Foundation National <a href="http://www.Finlandiafoundation.org">www.Finlandiafoundation.org</a>

Screening: Máhccan – Homecoming 

Screening: Máhccan – Homecoming (2023) Filmmaker Suvi West takes the audience behind the scenes of the museum world, revealing a visual, philosophical, and spiritual realm. Sámi herself, she seeks a connection with her ancestors through old museum objects, eventually arriving at the collective pain points of the Sámi people. How can the damage caused by outsiders be repaired so that collective pains can be left behind? ‘Máhccan – Homecoming’ is set in the changing world of museums and deals with the repatriation of museum objects. In recent years, museums around the world have had to confront their own colonialist burden and consider returning objects taken from oppressed or subjugated nations, often through theft. Suvi West&nbsp;is an award-winning director and script writer. She has directed several short films and two feature documentaries, Me and My Little Sister and Eatnameamet – Our Silent Struggle. Her films have been screened in film festivals around the world and distributed in European TV channels. In 2019 she was selected to be one of the directors present in Venice Biennale in Finland’s pavilion. Saturday, February 22nd | 1pm | $10; $5 for members |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screening-mahccan-homecoming-tickets-1055363313079?aff=oddtdtcreator">tickets</a> In Finnish with English subtitles | Documentary | 76 minutes

March Cookbook Club (Finnish Recipes)

What’s a cookbook club? It’s the idea is that — like a traditional book club — every month you get together as a group. Instead of talking about a book you will make a recipe from a chosen cookbook, bring it in and the group will sample the recipes and discuss the the recipes and the cookbook. If you love to cook or bake, (especially Scandi recipes) and love sharing food with friends this is the perfect place for you! Each month we will choose a different cookbook from a Scandinavian country and pick out 15-20 recipes for people to choose from. On March 6th, 2025 we will be tasting Finnish recipes from the The Finnish Cookbook by Beatrice Ojakangas. The cookbooks we choose are available on amazon to purchase. <a href="https://amzn.to/3WzaMPZ">The Finnish Cookbook</a> Tickets: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/march-cookbook-club-finnish-recipes-tickets-978432516997?aff=oddtdtcreator">Free with registration</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.

Off to Finland! Travel Phrases, Helsinki Hotspots, and Handy Tips!

Join Saija Laurla to learn Finnish travel vocabulary, useful sentences and tips on where to visit in Helsinki! First meeting: Friday April 4th | 6 – 7:30 pm | for all 4 classes: $150; $100 for members |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/off-to-finland-travel-phrases-helsinki-hotspots-and-handy-tips-tickets-1112981009159?aff=oddtdtcreator">Tickets&nbsp;</a> *We need at least 10 registrants for classes to run* There will be 4 meetings, starting every Friday in April. 1st meeting: Friday, April 4th 2nd meeting: Friday, April 11th 3rd meeting: Friday, April 18th Last meeting: Friday, April 25th Bio: Saija Laurla Although the Finnish language can be difficult to learn, instructor Saija&nbsp;Laurla&nbsp;makes it fun and interesting. She was born in Helsinki and raised in Vantaa, the international airport city of Finland. Living accessibly to other countries, her family took her abroad two to three times a year. This gave the talkative Saija the ability to learn some French, English, Spanish, Swedish and Italian. As a young adult Saija continued traveling, always picking up words here and there continuing her interests towards different languages.&nbsp;In Finland Saija worked as a journalist, script writer and a TV-producer. When Saija’s husband got offered a job in the United States in 2015, Saija watched numerous popular TV shows to refresh her English as well as expose her to American culture. In 2018, Saija had lived in the US for three years by the time she discovered the teaching position available at Saima Park, and felt comfortable to apply. The rest is history; now Saija enjoys teaching Finnish online as well as in person.

Pepparkakans dag – Gingerbread Cookie Day 2024

Celebrate Gingerbread cookie day, Pepparkakans dag, with us. Instituted on December 9 in 1996 in Sweden by the company Annas Pepparkakor as a way to promote this Holiday staple. We’re celebrating by setting up a decorating station where you can decorate your gingerbread cookie ($5 per cookies) with icing and sprinkles. To really amp up the Holiday spirit we’ll also have traditional rice porridge. Choose if you want it topped with sugar, cinnamon and cold milk or sugar, cinnamon and butter. There will be a hidden almond and whoever finds it gets the prize. Of course we’ll also have saffron buns, hot glogg and our regular menu. Saturday, December 14th | 10am - 2pm | while supplies last, no reservations

St. Lucia Concert

Come celebrate light at the darkest time of year! Northbound presents a program of Nordic winter songs in 5 part harmony and a traditional Lucia procession. Northbound is group of five singers from the Boston area with Scandinavian roots. Their music and performances are defined by a love of Nordic vocal music, long time friendship, humor and many years of performing traditional and contemporary vocal music together. For this special Lucia performance they are joined by their children in a candle lit Swedish Lucia procession. Sankta Lucia celebrations are an important part of the Scandinavian Christmas season, which traditionally begins on St. Lucia Day on December 13 and ends on January 13. Lucia processions announce the beginning of the Christmas season, with Lucia appearing in a white gown and red sash, with a crown of lit candles in her hair. Traditionally the eldest daughter, dressed as Lucia, would carry a tray of buns and coffee to her parents in the early morning in their home. These days, many towns elect a girl to play Lucia for public processions accompanied by attendants of boys and girls who sing songs of the season, performing in churches, community centers, retirement homes, and even shopping malls. The festival of Sankta Lucia or Saint Lucy in Scandinavia is most simply understood as a celebration of light and hope in a time of darkness. Celebrated close to the winter solstice, much of Scandinavia has just a few hours of daylight at this time. The customs surrounding Sankta Lucia Day are a combination of old pagan customs and Christian beliefs. Saint Lucia was a Sicilian martyr of the Catholic Church, whose story came to Sweden with Christianity. Originally Sankta Lucia was celebrated only in Sweden, but during World War II under German occupation, the custom became popular in Norway and Denmark as a way to assert Scandinavian identity, and remains popular all over Scandinavia today. **Northbound is:** Megina Baker (voice and violin), Maria Ericsson (voice and recorder), Karin Holst (voice),&nbsp;Annette Kövamees (voice), Sonja Schmidt (voice), and Ken Lundberg (percussion) Sunday, Dec. 8th | 4pm | $20; $10 for members&nbsp; <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northbound-singers-st-lucia-concert-tickets-1015591871627?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank">purchase tickets here&nbsp;</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

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

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.