Romance from the North: A Piano Concert with Rui Gong

Join us and experience the talent of piano prodigy Rui Gong! At only eleven years old, Rui has an exceptional aptitude for the piano, studying the instrument since the age of six.&nbsp;His ability flourished at the Li Fang Piano studio, where he would go on to win multiple international awards in the span of three years.&nbsp;Starting in 2024, Rui began working with Dr. Paul-André Bempéchat, and only continued to expand his skill set.&nbsp;He has explored complex works in Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin. In this program, Rui will be representing the five Scandinavian countries with pieces from their most revered composers, respectively. Dr. Bempéchat will be introducing their historical backgrounds and impact on the history of music.

Scandinavian Cultural Center

Crossroads: Råberg, Johnson & Stenmark

Join us for a rich and resonant afternoon of music featuring three extraordinary artists— Bruno Råberg on bass, Oskar Stenmark on flugelhorn, and Timothy Johnson on guitar. Each brings their own voice and story to the stage, weaving together jazz, Nordic influences, and deep musical chemistry.

A WWII Tale Brought to Life with Bob Ellertsen

A WWII Tale Brought to Life with Bob Ellertsen Back by popular demand… 📖 We’re thrilled to welcome back&nbsp;Bob Ellertsen, who returns to share stories from a powerful book he translated from Norwegian to English:&nbsp;Farsund’s Occupation History&nbsp;by Johannes Seland. Get ready to dive into the gripping true story of life in the Norwegian seaport town of&nbsp;Farsund&nbsp;and the nearby farms of&nbsp;Lista&nbsp;during the&nbsp;German occupation of Norway (1940–1945). Seland, the book’s author, wasn’t just a witness—he was an active member of the&nbsp;Norwegian resistance, making this account both deeply personal and historically rich. Come hear about bravery, resilience, and the fight for freedom—told through the lens of a small coastal town with a big story to tell. Saturday Sept. 20th| 1pm |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-talk-farsund-tickets-1417340797479?aff=oddtdtcreator">Free with registration</a>

Scandinavian Cultural Center & Library

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>

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.

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>

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