Starting with Slöjd: Needle Felted Magic Wands
2026-08-16 13:00 - 14:15 (America/Chicago) | American Swedish Institute
This program is sold out. To be added to the waitlist, please call 612-871-4907.

Starting with Slöjd is a monthly program for early elementary students. Participants explore new tools, materials, and skills that prepare them for a lifelong love of handcraft.
Create a magical wand to incorporate into imaginative play! Elementary school art teacher, Anna Ruhland, will lead kids through shaping and decorating magical wands using the traditional technique of needle felting. Using a needle to poke colorful wool into shapes is a fun and easy handcraft for all ages.
Additional information:

These are drop-off programs. Adults may not accompany children during this program.
Suitable for students who have completed Kindergarten through 2nd grade (ages 6-8).
Photo Credit: Melissa Hansen

[SOLD OUT] Intro to Swedish Linen Workshop with Wendy Johnson
2026-08-16 13:00 - 16:00 | American Swedish Institute
This program is sold out. To be added to the waitlist, please call 612-871-4907.

Learn about the rich, storied history of Swedish flax growing and linen processing from ancient times to today, and discover the steps involved in growing, harvesting, and processing flax fiber for making linen. Linen enthusiast Wendy Johnson has experimented with growing and processing flax locally and is here to spin tales connecting this old Swedish industry through its history with Swedish immigrants in the US to opportunities to learn from this fiber today. After a short lecture, students will have hands-on experience processing flax stalks into spinnable fibers using traditional hand tools.
Additional information:

A $30 materials fee covers all materials and tools; students will process approximately one pound of flax each and can take the finished fibers home. We suggest wearing clothes that can get a little messy and bring a pair of gardening gloves.
Physical ability: To fully participate in using the processing tools, note that students need some manual dexterity in hands and arms, however the class will still be of interest to most students even without hands on participation.
Skill level: Open to all skill levels.
Ages: Suitable for ages 18+.
Advanced registration required.

(SOLD OUT) Handcraft Camp
2026-08-17 09:00 - 15:00 | American Swedish Institute
This program is sold out. To be added to the waitlist, please call 612-871-4907.

Handcraft Camp meets Monday, August 17–Thursday, August 20, 2026. 9 am–3 pm daily.
Get ready for a summer of creativity, culture, and hands-on fun at ASI! These engaging day camps invite curious kids to explore Swedish traditions through food, music, movement, language, and art. Each camp offers a unique experience led by educators and artists who bring learning to life. If desired, one adult per camper may use a shared space at ASI during camp hours. Campers must bring their own lunch and water bottles. Young makers ages 8–12 dive deeper into slöjd, creating with wood, textiles, and more. This multi-day camp helps kids develop new skills and creativity at a slower pace.
Registration closes on July 27 (three weeks before camp start date).

Virtual Makers Mornings
2026-08-18 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-08-25 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-09-01 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-09-08 10:30 - 12:00 | Online
Every Tuesday Join other makers online for this weekly opportunity to work, share, and visit in a relaxed Virtual setting. Whether you knit, carve, weave, sew, spin, crochet, or do some other fascinating thing with your hands, we invite you to tune in with a project to work on. All are welcome, regardless of ability level or craft of choice! Drop in as often as you like, for as long as you like to join the conversation.
Additional information

Registration is required for this free Virtual program.
Makers need a device with video capabilities and a project to work on.
By registering, makers will gain ongoing access to ASI’s Virtual Makers Mornings and receive weekly reminder emails.

SOLD OUT Learn Swedish Grammar Review: Section 1 with Gregg White
2026-08-18 16:30 - 18:00 | Online
This program is sold out. Please call 612-871-4907 to be added to a waitlist.
This class meets weekly on Tuesdays from August 18–September 8, 2026.

How’s your grasp of Swedish grammar? Learn Swedish is made to improve it! Cleverly hidden in this entertaining Swedish-language textbook for English speakers at Stockholm University is a step-by-step review of Swedish grammar. One or two key grammatical concepts are covered in each chapter, and the class typically covers one or two chapters each week. Homework exercises give students plenty of practice and help them understand. This course (Section 1) covers Building your grammatical foundation (chapters 1 – 11).
Additional information:

All course materials are distributed by instructor Gregg White.
Advanced registration required.
View Section 2: Intermediate grammar review (chapters 12 – 20)
View Section 3: Understanding advanced concepts (chapters 21 -26)

Learn Swedish Grammar Review: Section 2 with Gregg White
2026-08-18 18:15 - 19:45 | Online
This class meets weekly on Tuesdays from August 18–September 8, 2026.

How’s your grasp of Swedish grammar? Learn Swedish is made to improve it! Cleverly hidden in this entertaining Stockholm University’s Swedish language textbook directed toward English speakers is a step-by-step review of Swedish grammar. One or two key grammatical concepts are covered in every chapter, with the class typically covering one or two chapters each week. Homework exercises give students plenty of practice and understanding. This course (Section 2) covers Intermediate grammar review (chapters 12 – 20) weekly.
Additional information:

All course materials are distributed by instructor Gregg White.
Advanced registration required.
View Section 1: Building your grammatical foundation (chapters 1 – 11)
View Section 3: Understanding advanced concepts (chapters 21 -26)

Learn Swedish Grammar Review: Section 3 with Gregg White
2026-08-20 17:30 - 19:00 | Online
This class meets weekly on Thursdays from August 20–September 10, 2026.

How’s your grasp of Swedish grammar? Learn Swedish is made to improve it! Cleverly hidden in this entertaining Stockholm University’s Swedish language textbook directed toward English speakers is a step-by-step review of Swedish grammar. One or two key grammatical concepts are covered in every chapter, with the class typically covering one or two chapters each week. This class (Section 3) covers Understanding advanced concepts (chapters 21 – 26). Homework exercises give students plenty of practice and understanding.
Additional information:

All course materials are distributed by instructor Gregg White.
Advanced registration required.
View Section 1: Building your grammatical foundation (chapters 1 – 11)
View Section 2: Intermediate grammar review (chapters 12 – 20)

[SOLD OUT] Nordic Table on a Stick Demo with Patrice Johnson
2026-08-20 18:00 - 20:00 | American Swedish Institute
This program is sold out. To be added to the waitlist, please call 612-871-4907.

Two of Minnesota food writer Patrice Johnson’s favorite things are updated takes on Scandinavian favorites and the Great Minnesota Get Together, so you can bet this State Fair-themed menu is going to be a hoot! Get ready for fried delicacies on a stick in this demonstration-style class, held outside, weather permitting.
Additional information:

This is a demonstration-style class and includes a light meal.
Coffee and tea are provided; additional beverages are available for purchase prior to class.
Please note that this menu will contain meat, dairy, and gluten, so reach out if you have questions about dietary accommodations.
Advanced registration required.

Makers Night
2026-08-20 18:00 - 20:30 | American Swedish Institute
Gather with other makers for a friendly and productive evening! Makers Night is a monthly opportunity every third Thursday for anyone interested in craft to work in community in our Berglund Studio Classroom or in the summer, on our beautiful front lawn! Bring a project to work on and any tools you need, and be ready to share conversation, tips and questions.
Free; no advanced registration required. ASI also offers weekly, Virtual Makers Mornings.

Knowing Anders Zorn with Ingela Haaland
2026-08-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Online
Anders Zorn, a world-famous artist from Dalarna, left us iconic paintings that immortalize the beauty of Swedish landscapes and traditions. Did you know he also noticed that folk music was losing popularity at the turn of the last century? He therefore took action, creating the Zorn Badge to reinvigorate Swedish folk music by recognizing and awarding accomplished folk musicians. In this lecture by instructor Ingela Haaland, participants will learn more about Anders Zorn, the artist, the person, and the innovative thinker, and explore his artistic work, his home province of Dalarna, and his impact upon the folk music traditions of Sweden that flourish to this day.
Additional information:

No materials required.
Advanced registration required.

CANCELED The Right to Vote and Social Democracy with Alexander Fooy
2026-08-20 18:30 - 20:00 | American Swedish Institute
This program has been canceled.

In a relatively short period between the end of the 19th century and the early-mid 20th century, Sweden went from a state of near-absolute monarchy to a widely recognized bastion of social democracy. How did that happen? From the Garden Crisis of 1914 to the clarification of the “People’s Home welfare state ideology in 1928, and the adoption of the modern Swedish constitution in 1974, this lecture by Alexander Fooy will cover the development of the modern Swedish political system and how the currents driving modern Swedish politics have their roots in these now-long-ago social trends.
Additional information:

No materials required.
Advanced registration required.

Kids at the Castle: Summer Fun
2026-08-21 09:00 - 10:00 | American Swedish Institute
It’s a morning playdate at the Castle! Kids at the Castle offers action-packed mornings filled with circle time, storytelling, crafts, music, and more. Designed for adventurous young minds ages 2–5, each session explores seasonal themes. Enjoy museum admission included with the experience. Activities may take place outdoors, so families should dress for the weather, bring sun protection, and be ready for outdoor play.
Additional information:

Adults must accompany children.
Food, beverages, and chewing gum are not allowed in the historic Turnblad Mansion.
Advanced registration required.

Golden Mile Walking Tour
2026-08-25 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-09-08 10:00 - 11:30 | American Swedish Institute
Explore the area once known as The Golden Mile on this guided walking tour of the blocks surrounding ASI. Discover stories of mansions built alongside the Turnblad Mansion and how this vibrant neighborhood has changed over time.
The tour will travel along public sidewalks for approximately one mile. The ticket includes museum admission. Wheelchairs and other assistive devices (such as canes or walkers) are welcome and should be provided by participants. Tours occur every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from August through October. Advanced registration required.

ASI Annual Crayfish Party
2026-08-28 18:00 - 21:00 | American Swedish Institute
August is kräftskiva or crayfish party season in Sweden, and we’re celebrating at ASI with an outdoor party full of lights, bright colors, festive lanterns, and of course, lots of crayfish! Enjoy live music under the stars in ASI’s courtyard as we share a traditional Swedish crayfish dinner complete with good breads, strong cheeses, salads, and Swedish paj (think quiche). Come ready to don a party hat and raise your glass to a drinking song or two for this beloved end of summer tradition.
In-kind sponsorship provided by Vikre Distillery.

Additional information:

Doors open at 6 pm, dinner begins at 7 pm.
Ticket includes a full crayfish dinner, a party hat, bib, snapsvisor songbook, and a shot of aquavit for all guests age 21+.
This is an outdoor event, weather permitting.
Advanced registration required.

Lille Fredag Happy Hour
2026-09-03 18:00 - 20:00 | American Swedish Institute
Join us for the inaugural Lille Fredag happy hour for young adults in the Twin Cities with Nordic roots or connections. This gathering aims to bring people together, foster new friendships, and strengthen connections within the local Nordic community.
Hosted by Karvel Schram, an Icelandic native and former resident of Denmark, along with a group of friends, the event was created to connect people from across all the Nordic countries, celebrate shared heritage, and learn from one another’s unique traditions and experiences. Gathering will also help engage younger generations who may not yet be actively involved in Nordic organizations and create an accessible entry point into the broader community in the Twin Cities.
Enjoy music, the lawn game Kubb, and conversation in a relaxed setting in ASI’s courtyard. While anyone age 21 and older is welcome, the event is primarily focused on building community among adults in their mid-20s to mid-30s.

Sweden’s Election is Upon Us: Who’s Running and Why? with Alexander Fooy
2026-09-03 18:30 - 20:00 | American Swedish Institute
Unlike the United States, Sweden does not have a two-party system. In recent years, eight parties have been represented in Riksdag (parliament), but despite this diversity, the parties have nonetheless strategically coalesced into two blocs. These blocs are the outcomes of an increasingly polarized Sweden, and at the last election they were only separated by three seats. This lecture by Alexander Fooy will discuss the parties represented within these blocs, their top priorities, and the questions most discussed ahead of the national elections in September.
Additional information:

No materials required.
Advanced registration required.

Marvelous Mushrooms Demo with Patrice Johnson
2026-09-10 18:00 - 20:00 | American Swedish Institute
Make way for mushrooms! Mushroom foraging is a beloved custom in Scandinavia and kicks into high gear in the fall. Join Patrice for a marvelous menu featuring some of her favorite fungi recipes, all with a nod to Scandinavia in this demonstration style class that includes a light meal. This program pairs especially well with viewing the exhibitions Eyes as Big as Plates and Presley Martin in advance!
Additional information

This is a demonstration-style class and includes a light meal. Coffee and tea are provided; additional beverages are available for purchase prior to class.
Please note that this menu contains gluten and dairy, so please reach out if you have questions about dietary accommodations.
Advanced registration required.

(SOLD OUT) Carving Mörksuggan, the Dark Sow Workshop with Jake Fee
2026-09-10 18:00 - 21:00 | American Swedish Institute
This program is sold out. To be added to the waitlist, please call 612-871-4907.

Bring a Swedish creature to life by carving your very own Mörksugga, or “Dark Sow.” This creature could be called one of Dalarna’s other most recognizable icons (after the Dala horse, of course), and today often appears in homes as a gentle watcher on bookshelves or window ledges. In this carving class open to all skill levels, students will practice using simple hand tools to carve their own dark pigs and paint them with non-toxic milk paint, then add a tail made from wire, yarn, and small weight. Your Mörksugga will head home with you ready to keep watch over your home.
Additional information:

Advanced registration required.
A $20 materials fee is due in class to the instructor, and covers all materials and tools.

Prerequisites:

Physical ability: Woodcarving requires good hand strength and dexterity, for example being able to open a jam jar.
Skill level: This workshop is open for all skill levels and especially appropriate for beginners.
Ages: Suitable for students ages 18+, or ages 14-17 if registering alongside an accompanying adult. A discounted tuition price is available for students 14-17 at checkout.

Carving a Pocket Kubb Set Workshop with Jake Fee
2026-09-11 10:00 - 15:00 | American Swedish Institute
You might know the popular Scandinavian game of kubb, a stick-throwing, block-knocking lawn game that originated during the Viking Age. But have you ever considered needing your own pocket-sized version to take wherever you go? In this workshop, students will practice some basic knife skills to shape pine and birch blocks, paint them in non-toxic milk paint, and add decorative flourishes using chip carving techniques. The finished set is perfect for setting up on a table anywhere for a quick kubb match!
Additional information:

Advanced registration required.
A $20 materials fee is due in class to the instructor, and covers all materials and tools.

Prerequisites:

Physical ability: Woodcarving requires good hand strength and dexterity, for example being able to open a jam jar.
Skill level: This workshop is open for all skill levels and especially appropriate for beginners.
Ages: Suitable for students ages 18+, or ages 14-17 if registering alongside an accompanying adult. A discounted tuition price is available for students 14-17 at checkout.

Swedish Conversation Group: Tala SVENska med Sven
2026-09-11 10:30 - 11:30 | American Swedish Institute
Use or practice your Swedish skills in this fun conversation group led by Sven, a longtime ASI volunteer originally from Sweden. Check in at the front desk, purchase some fika from FIKA Café if you wish and enjoy a morning of conversation på svenska.

Additional information:

This group meets the second and fourth Fridays of the month from 10:30-11:30 am.
On the second Friday, meet the group in the Lindberg Stuga and on the fourth Friday, meet the group in Classroom A, both on the lower level of the Turnblad Mansion.
Free; no RSVP required.

Lilla Skolan
2026-09-12 09:30 - 11:00 | American Swedish Institute
Lilla Skolan meets weekly on 10 Saturdays from September 12–November 21 with no class October 17 (MEA weekend).

Svenska Skolan för de minsta! Lilla Skolan är ett program för svensktalande barn mellan 3-6 år. Vi bjuder på ett kort program av sagostund, musik och pyssel med tid över för barnen att leka tillsammans. Endast svenska talas under programmet och åtminstone en svensktalande förälder måste vara med barnet under lektionen. Lilla Skolan träffas samtidigt som Svenska Skolan så det passar perfekt för familjerna med barn i både grupperna. Kom och lek på svenska!
Lilla Skolan is a program for Swedish-speaking children ages 3-6. Each event features storytime, music, and a craft followed by free play. Lilla Skolan is an immersive Swedish environment, and at least one Swedish-speaking parent must be with the child during the lesson. Lilla Skolan meets at the same time as Svenska Skolan, so it’s perfect for families with children in both groups. Come and play—in Swedish! weekly Advanced registration required.

Svenska Skolan
2026-09-12 09:30 - 11:30 | American Swedish Institute
Svenska Skolan meets weekly on 10 Saturdays from September 12–November 21 with no class on October 17 (MEA weekend).

Svenska Skolan is a Saturday morning language and culture program for students aged 7-14 that offers an opportunity for children to learn or practice Swedish in a fun and interactive environment. Instruction is tailored to meet the needs of children at all levels of Swedish. Each week, students sing, play, create and have fun på svenska.
Students are split into small groups for focused language time based on Swedish ability and age. We offer two parallel tracks—one entirely in Swedish for those students who speak Swedish at home and one for students new to or in the process of learning Swedish. The first track is language-focused with students receiving instruction entirely in Swedish while the second is culture-based with Swedish language lessons woven as relevant to the curriculum. Svenska Skolan meets for two hours per week with students receiving extra take-home activities for practice at home. Advanced registration required.

Design and Weave a Repp Band Workshop with Kerstin Neumuller
2026-09-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
This course is online and will take place over two days, Sat, September 12, and Sun, September 13, from 10 am-12 pm Central Time both sessions.

Join Swedish textile artist and educator Kerstin Neumüller for two online sessions to design and start weaving a repp band on a small rigid heddle-style band weaving loom. The first session will focus on creating different patterns in woven repp bands, a style in which warp threads tightly cover the weft threads. Kerstin will share various possible patterns, providing students with a starting point for designing their band. Students will then use any small rigid heddle-style loom they have on hand and their yarn to prepare the warp and weft for weaving a repp band in the second class.
This Virtual class is an excellent option for students needing a refresher on band weaving or anyone who owns Kerstin’s book, Simple Weave, but wants to work alongside her live. A wide-ranging discussion of project options, including small looms, materials, and tips for weaving bands, will take place during work time.
Additional information:

This class has some homework between the two sessions.
Advanced registration required.
Materials: Students provide their own materials for this virtual class; please see the full materials list here.

Prerequisites:

Skill level: Open to all skill levels
Ages: Suitable for ages 12+. A discounted ticket price for youth 12-17 is available at checkout.
Virtual Class Info: This is a live Virtual class taught over Zoom. Students need a strong internet connection and a device with video capabilities. To participate in this class, students must have their video on.

Carve a Ceramic Pumpkin Luminary Workshop with Kim Burnham
2026-09-12 13:00 - 15:30 | American Swedish Institute
Pick your pumpkin from the patch and carve it into a permanent luminary as the days get darker! Ceramicist Kim Burnham of Imokim Pottery will provide each student with a hollow pumpkin form (about 6” tall) in the greenware stage, ready to be customized. Inspired by their pumpkin’s unique shape, students can add ridges, a face, or other carved designs that will be highlighted by a glowing candle. Finally, students choose a glaze color. After class, the projects will be dried and fired before returning to ASI for pick up.
Additional information:

Advanced registration required.
Tools and Materials: A $35 materials fee is due to the instructor in class; this covers all materials and tools as well as the kiln firing. Projects will be returned to ASI the week of October 19 for pick up.

Prerequisites:

Skill level: Open to all skill levels.
Ages: This class welcomes students ages 16+. A discounted ticket price for youth 16-17 is available at checkout.

(SOLD OUT) Fused Glass Night Lights Workshop with Susan Tracy
2026-09-13 12:30 - 15:30 | American Swedish Institute
This program is sold out. To be added to the waitlist, please call 612-871-4907.

Light up your home with two beautiful handcrafted fused glass night lights! Join local glass artist Susan Tracy for an evening of creation and learning about glass fusing. Learn the basics of glass design, such as cutting and fusing in a kiln. Choose from a wide selection of decorative accessory glass—including crushed glass frit, stringer, noodles, and mosaic glass pieces to adorn a clear glass base. Students will have the option to use either clear glass or transparent colors for the night light base. After class, your glass projects will be fused in the instructor’s studio kiln and mounted onto night light bases. The finished pieces will be returned to ASI for pick up a few weeks later. Once home, simply plug in your night light to brighten your space and bring a warm glow to the darker days ahead!
Additional information:

Advanced registration required.
A $40 materials fee is payable to the instructor in class and covers all materials, including night light hardware and bulbs.

Prerequisites:

Skill level: Open to all skill levels. No experience with glasswork or glass cutting necessary.
Ages: Suitable for ages 18+.

Slöjd Studio: Nature Rubbings and Collage
2026-09-13 13:00 - 15:00 | American Swedish Institute
Slöjd Studio is a monthly program for older elementary students. Participants explore new tools, techniques, and materials that prepare them for a lifelong love of handcraft.
Instructor Anna Ruhland will teach young makers how to make rubbings from objects found in nature. Students will then use these rubbings to create a one-of-a-kind collage!
Additional Information:

This is a drop-off program. Adults may not accompany children during this program.
Suitable for students in grades 3-5.
This class will plan to take place outside. In case of inclement weather, the class will be held in Classroom A in the lower level of the Turnblad Mansion.
Advanced registration required.
Photo Credit: ASI
