Nordic Knit & Craft Gathering

Our October meeting has been cancelled because it conflicts with the rain date for Berserk, our Viking festival. We hope to see you in November! Nordic culture has a rich tradition of fiber arts such as knitting and weaving, from Icelandic lopapeysa sweaters to Norwegian selbuvotter mittens. Our monthly Nordic Knit &amp; Craft Gathering celebrates this while also welcoming all crafts, cultures, techniques and styles. Join a group of crafters who are creative and curious and get ready to be inspired!<ul><li>Bring your own supplies</li><li>All types of craft welcome: draw, weave, collage, embroider, bedazzle… we love seeing new ideas!</li><li>Drop in anytime between 10am and noon</li><li>You’re welcome to get coffee, pastries, and open-face sandwiches from the Kaffestugan and bring them into the Nordic Hall to enjoy. You can also bring food or coffee from home if you prefer!</li><li>All experience levels welcome–all you need to do to fit in here is be kind and respectful&nbsp;:)</li></ul>Second Saturdays | 10am-12pm | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nordic-knit-craft-gathering-tickets-1997338759998?aff=oddtdtcreator">free with registration</a> | BYO supplies | donations to support free programming are welcome

Scandinavian Cultural Center & Library

Gallery Reception: Jens Retlev

Sweden meets New England on our gallery walls this fall. Join us for a reception celebrating Swedish-born, Rhode Island-based artist Jens Retlev and a body of work inspired by the landscapes that have shaped his life—from the coastlines and countryside of Scandinavia to the forests, mountains, and shores of New England. Tuesday, October 6th | 6–8 PM | Free Jens Retlev grew up in Sweden surrounded by dramatic landscapes, beautiful cities, and a deep appreciation for art and architecture. His father was both a painter and an architect, and Jens learned early to notice the beauty in the world around him. After moving to Rhode Island as a young adult, he found himself equally enchanted by New England. His paintings bring those two worlds together, capturing memories of Scandinavia alongside the places and landscapes he continues to discover closer to home. Through color, texture, light, and shadow, Jens celebrates the natural world—and the places that stay with us long after we’ve left them.

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! This event has been rescheduled from September 26th due to weather. 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, October 10th! 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, October 10th 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!

Screening: The Love That Remains

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkvA0IXRDgo">The Love That Remains</a> (original Icelandic title: Ástin sem eftir er) is a story of an Icelandic family in which the parents are separating. Anna, an artist, and Magnus, a fisherman, share three children and live in Iceland’s stunning countryside. With wit and depth, auteur Hlynur Pálmason explores a year in the family’s life through a series of vignettes. The film is beautifully shot on 35mm film and features bursts of surrealism. Join us for this visually and emotionally radiant study of a family. Saturday, November 14th | 1pm | $10, $5 for members | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screening-the-love-that-remains-tickets-1999268539019?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> Icelandic with English subtitles. 109 min

Between Languages: The Power of Multilingualism

In bi- and multilingual homes, parents sometimes struggle with the decision which language(s) they should use with their children. Outside of the family, at least since the 1960s when the first bilingual programs were introduced in schools in Canada, there has been a heated debate in many countries around the world as to the pros and cons offering bilingual education programs. In this presentation by Dr. Beata Schmid, she will review the recommendations given to parents, caretakers and educators, the history and the various iterations of immersion and other types of programs, as well as the impact that public opinion and referenda have had on multilingual education and upbringing. Participants are welcome to share their own experiences as well. We will also provide some insights into language acquisition theories and what more recent findings tell us about the positive impact of multilingualism, not just on children. Saturday, October 3rd | 1pm | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1355053529983989">This event is FREE with registration</a> Dr. Beata Schmid has a Ph.D. in Linguistics from Brown University. As a practicing applied linguist, she studies how people learn and use language(s) in the real world.Now retired, she previously worked as a senior academic officer at EF Education, based in Cambridge. Now she does occasional school compliance visits and enjoys gardening, traveling, cooking and playing with her dogs.

ABBA Music Bingo

Voulez-vous like to play some bingo? Take a chance on us Thursday, October 1st for a music bingo night featuring the songs of Swedish pop legends ABBA! Here’s the name of the game: you’ll get a bingo card and fill it with hits such as “Waterloo,” “Dancing Queen,” and “Take A Chance On Me.” Then, we’ll shuffle a playlist, and when you hear one of your songs, mark it on your card. The first person to get five songs across will win a special prize–the winner takes it all! There will (obviously) be a disco ball, and dancing is encouraged! We welcome you to dress up in all manners of sequins, bellbottoms, and lurex. Drinks and Swedish candy will be available for purchase, and an array of exciting prizes available to win! Don’t let this opportunity go slipping through your fingers… Thursday, October 1st | 7 – 8:30pm | $20, $10 for members | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/abba-bingo-tickets-1991571008498?aff=oddtdtcreator&amp;keep_tld=true">tickets</a> EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders receive free admission. To reserve free tickets, email caroline@scandicenter.org

Exhibition On Screen: Munch

Seventh Art Productions, founded by BAFTA award-winning filmmaker Phil Grabsky, brings the museum to you with <a href="https://seventh-art.com/about-us/">Exhibition On Screen</a>. With teams of cinematographers and art experts, they film guided tours of art exhibits from around the world, allowing you to see masterpieces and hear the stories behind them. We will be screening “Munch,” which is an in-depth look at the exhibition celebrating Edvard Munch (1863 – 1944), a visionary of modern art and national treasure of Norway. Directed by Ben Harding, the film provides beautifully shot footage of the exhibit, featuring over 200 paintings from the prolific artist. Host Tim Marlow is joined by special guests to provide the context that will allow you to admire the work even more. You’ll hear Munch’s fascinating life story and see the process of creating the exhibit, which was co-hosted by Norway’s National Museum and the Munch Museum in Oslo. Many know Munch from The Scream, which the exhibit has four different productions of, but you will see that Munch was an artist of incredible breadth who worked with many styles and subjects over the course of his exceptional career. “Beautifully filmed… The remarkable life story is threaded deep into every canvas displayed in the film.” Leigh Paatsch, Herald Sun “…a treat for the eyes” The Globe and Mail Saturday, November 26th | 1pm | $10, $5 for members, free for Nordic Film Society members | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/exhibition-on-screen-munch-tickets-2002225740087?aff=oddtdtcreator">tickets</a> EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders receive free admission. To reserve free tickets, email caroline@scandicenter.org Runtime 90 min.

September Sauna with Got Sauna

Escape the ordinary and experience the timeless tradition of authentic Finnish sauna. For the weekend of September 18th-20th, <a href="https://event.sportreach.com/scc-sauna-9">Got Sauna</a> will be on-site with their handcrafted wood-fired sauna. A Sauna Mestari (Finnish for “expert”) will be on site to guide you through a brief orientation so you can relax with confidence and enjoy the experience the Finnish way. Try some thermal contrast: you can experience the exhilaration of hot and cold therapy with a refreshing plunge or a crisp outdoor shower between sauna rounds. Afterwards, join in on a community gathering to enjoy light refreshments, rehydrate, and swap stories with fellow sauna adventurers. Whether you’re a seasoned sauna enthusiast or curious to feel Löyly (a Finnish word for the spirit or soul of the sauna experience) for the first time, there’s a session waiting for you. Choose between a private session for up to 8 people or share the experience in a community session. We recommend pre-registration, though walk-ins are welcome if space is available. Friday, September 18th to Sunday, September 20th | Multiple sessions offered throughout the day Private sessions starting at $70 per hour, community sessions $40 per person for up to 2 hours | <a href="https://event.sportreach.com/scc-sauna-9">For more information and to register, click here</a> Questions? Email <a href="mailto:Mark@GotSauna.com">Mark@GotSauna.com</a>

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.

John Morton: A Finnish-American at the Birth of Independence

On Sunday, September 13, the SCC&amp;L is pleased to welcome <a href="https://finlandiafoundationboston.com/">Finlandia Foundation Boston</a> for a fascinating look at a lesser-known chapter of Finnish-American history. <a href="https://finlandiafoundation.org/programs/lecturer-of-the-year/">Jay Smith, Finlandia Foundation National’s 2026 Lecturer of the Year</a>, will share the remarkable story of John Morton, signer of the Declaration of Independence and a descendant of Finnish settlers in colonial New Sweden. Morton’s vote played an important role in Pennsylvania’s decision to support independence in 1776. Smith will explore Morton’s life, his Finnish roots, and his place in the founding of the United States. As America marks its 250th anniversary in 2026, it’s a perfect time to discover this surprising connection between Finland and American independence. Sunday, September 13 | 3–4 PM Presented by Finlandia Foundation Boston. All are welcome! John (Jay) E. Smith is a trained public historian, researcher, and archivist dedicated to making history accessible, engaging, and relevant. With a passion for bridging the gap between academic scholarship and community storytelling, he serves as a thoughtful mediator between professional research and public curiosity. Through dynamic presentations, interactive GIS story maps, evocative writing, and hands-on research support, Smith brings the past to life for diverse audiences. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, his work shines a light on figures like John Morton—a founder of Finnish descent whose decisive vote for independence helped shape a nation—reminding us that courage and conscience often begin at home.

Screening: The Summer Book

Finnish author Tove Jansson’s 1972 novel Sommarboken (The Summer Book) has been adapted into a stunning film starring Glenn Close. Writing for <a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-summer-book-glenn-close-movie-review-2025">RogerEbert.com</a>, critic Nell Minow describes it as “a haiku of a movie, conveying profound thoughts about time, memory, loss, and nature through a simplified, meditative, cinematic language of exquisite images and gentle music.” The film takes place on a small island in the Gulf of Finland, inspired by the island that Jansson herself spent time on. Six-year-old Sophia, who has recently lost her mother, is spending the summer with her father and her grandmother (played by Close). The family spends their picturesque summer exploring, talking, and grieving. This beautifully intimate film will move and inspire you. Saturday, September 12th | 1pm – 2:30 | $10, $5 for members | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screening-the-summer-book-tickets-1998984726127?aff=oddtdtcreator">tickets</a> EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders receive free admission. To reserve free tickets, email caroline@scandicenter.org English. Runtime 90 min.

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>

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.

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

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

Nordic Knit & Craft Gathering

Gallery Reception: Jens Retlev

Berserk: A Viking Festival For All

Screening: The Love That Remains

Between Languages: The Power of Multilingualism

ABBA Music Bingo

Exhibition On Screen: Munch

September Sauna with Got Sauna

Runes 101

John Morton: A Finnish-American at the Birth of Independence

Screening: The Summer Book

Reception for Dr. Albert R. Frederick: A Retrospective

Midsummer Picnic 2026

Screening: Summer With Monika

Nordic Knit & Craft Gathering