Opening Reception: Karina Granbom – My Heart in Sweden

This exhibit is a deeply personal collection of photographs capturing the beauty of Sweden, primarily from Medelpad, where Karina Granbom grew up, and the Stockholm region, where she spends much of her time. Each year, she brings these images back with her to the U.S. as a way to stay connected to the country that shaped her. For Karina, preserving this bond is essential—it keeps her grounded. And, much to her children’s amusement (or dismay), she never misses a chance to share stories about Sweden with those she meets. Photography has become her way of sharing not just places, but emotions. By enlarging and exhibiting her landscapes, she hopes to transport viewers to the moments that move her, allowing them to experience a piece of Sweden, whether they have been there or not. Karina is a Swedish portrait photographer based outside Boston. She is an active member of <a href="https://boston.swea.org/">SWEA</a> Boston, the Swedish School of Boston, and <a href="https://www.sacc-ne.org/">SACCNE</a> (Swedish American Chamber of Commerce New England). Every summer, she returns with her family to central Sweden, spending time in Sundsvall and Fränsta. A few years ago, she and her brother became the latest caretakers of their family’s summer house, a historic farmhouse in Fränsta. As the 13th generation on that land, they feel both the pride and the responsibility of carrying on a legacy that stretches back centuries. Through this exhibit, Karina invites you to see Sweden through her eyes—her heart, captured in every frame. On display March 8th – through the end of April Opening reception: Friday, March 14th | 6-8pm | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/opening-reception-karina-granbom-tickets-1262709350659?aff=oddtdtcreator">Free with registration</a>

Scandinavian Cultural Center & Library

Book Talk: Joan Wickersham

Join us for a book talk with author&nbsp;<a href="https://www.joanwickersham.com/about">Joan Wickersham</a>&nbsp;as she discusses her book&nbsp;No Ship Sets Out To Be A Shipwreck.&nbsp;In this nonfiction/poetry hybrid, Wickersham meditates on a Swedish warship&nbsp;Vasa,&nbsp;which sank only minutes into its maiden voyage and lay forgotten underwater until it was found and raised more than three hundred years later. No Ship Sets Out To Be A Shipwreck&nbsp;is a contemplative, strange, passionate, funny, and haunting book that both is and isn’t about the ship – a personal yet universal reckoning with mortality, and the question of what vanishes and what endures. Saturday March 15th | 1pm | Free with registration |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-talk-joan-wickersham-tickets-1216723676269?aff=oddtdtcreator">Tickets</a>&nbsp; FREE books will be available ABOUT JOAN:&nbsp;In addition to&nbsp;No Ship Sets Out To Be A Shipwreck,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.joanwickersham.com/about">Joan Wickersham</a>&nbsp;is the author of&nbsp;The News from Spain&nbsp;and&nbsp;The Suicide Index, a finalist for the National Book Award. Her work has been published in&nbsp;The Best American Short Stories&nbsp;and&nbsp;The Best American Nonrequired Reading, as well as many magazines. She is a regular contributor to&nbsp;The Boston Globe, where her op-ed column has been running for the past 15 years.

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>

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

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.

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>

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.

Nordic Easter Crafts 2025

Make and take your own Nordic Easter crafts from the Nordic countries! Saturday, April 19th | 10am – 12pm | $10 | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nordic-easter-crafts-tickets-1116745599149?aff=oddtdtcreator">Tickets </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>.”

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

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.

Screening: The Day Iceland Stood Still

In honor of International Women’s Day the SCC&amp;L is screening the new documentary&nbsp;The Day Iceland Stood Still (Dagurinn sem Ísland stöðvaðist) When 90% of Iceland’s women walked off the job and out of their homes one morning in 1975 the country came to a standstill. Unexpectedly funny and told for the first time, this is the true story of one day that catapulted Iceland to the world’s superpower of gender equality. In 1975, nearly all Icelandic women walked off their jobs and out of their homes, refusing to work, cook, or care for children. This powerful strike reshaped the nation, making Iceland one of the best places in the world to be a woman. Told by the women themselves and timed for the 50th anniversary, this story is both subversive and unexpectedly funny. One activist recalls, “We loved our male chauvinist pigs, we just wanted to change them a little!”&nbsp;The Day Iceland Stood Still&nbsp;is a collaboration between U.S. director Pamela Hogan, an Equal Rights Amendment campaigner, and Icelandic producer Hrafnhildur Gunnarsdóttir, who attended the strike at age 7. While the U.S. E.R.A. never passed, Iceland has closed over 90% of its gender gap and is committed to full equality. This story aims to inspire viewers worldwide to reimagine the possible. Saturday, March 8th | 1pm | $10; $5 for members |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screening-the-day-iceland-stood-still-tickets-1120873836819?aff=oddtdtcreator">Tickets</a> In Icelandic with English subtitles | Documentary | 70 min.

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>

Tim Johnson & Ebba Dankel presents Grieg Reimagined

Norwegian NYC based jazz guitarist,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timjohnsonguitar.com/">&nbsp;Tim Johnson</a>&nbsp;returns with award winning pianist Ebba Dankel, a Swedish jazz pianist and singer who is currently based in Boston, and is a presidential scholar at Berklee College of Music. Together they will present a brand new project, “Grieg Reimagined”, where a selection of Norwegian composer Grieg’s Lyric Pieces will be reimagined in a jazz setting, featuring exciting new arrangements and improvisations over Norwegian classics.&nbsp; Saturday, March 1st | 1pm | $20; FREE for members |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/timothy-johnson-in-concert-tickets-1197134083269?aff=oddtdtcreator">Tickets</a> <a href="https://www.timjohnsonguitar.com/about">Timothy Johnson</a>&nbsp;is a Norwegian guitarist, composer, and educator, based in NYC. He has performed at world-renowned jazz clubs like Dizzy’s Club (NYC), The 55 Bar (NYC) Scullers Jazz (Boston), Smalls (NYC), and at festivals like the Buenos Aires Jazz Festival (Argentina), as well as clubs in Japan and Norway. Additionally he has appeared alongside jazz luminaries Damien Sneed, Melissa Aldana, and Neal Smith, and most recently has also performed in the award winning musical, Once on this Island. He completed his Bachelors degree at the Berklee College of Music on scholarship, and recently completed his Masters degree at the Manhattan School of Music on scholarship, studying with guitarist Mike Moreno. He has received many prestigious awards along the way, such as the Berklee Jimi Hendrix Award, the NAMM Innovation Award, the Juvenarte composition award, placed runner up in Lee Ritenour’s Dreamcatcher Competition, and most recently was a scholarship/fellowship recipient of the Norway-Amerika Association. He appears on recordings by the award winning composer Eri Chichibu, as well as singer April Varner’s release “Hummingbird”, and is preparing to record his debut album later this year. Ebba Dankel&nbsp;is a Swedish Boston-based jazz pianist, vocalist and composer, currently pursuing a BM in Jazz Composition and Piano Performance on a presidential scholarship at Berklee College of Music. She began her studies in piano at age 6 and trumpet at age 11 and played in several big bands, both on trumpet and piano. She graduated from the music program at Malmö Latinskola in 2019 and got accepted into the prestigious jazz program at Skurups Folkhögskola where she studied for 2 years. Ebba studies with NEA Jazz masters Joanne Brackeen, Terri Lyne Carrington and grammy winning Matthew Stevens at Berklee. Ebba performs weekly at the legendary Wally’s Jazz Club in Boston with different groups she puts together. She’s playing and recording with various groups in Boston as well as in Scandinavia during the summers. She is currently working on her debut album as a leader.

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.