ASI Announces Summer 2025 Schedule of Signature Experiences

MINNEAPOLIS, MN—The American Swedish Institute museum and cultural center announces its summer 2025 schedule, including the special exhibition Salad Hilowle: Inscriptions, Midsommar celebration, Crayfish feast, over 200 programs and classes, and it’s first ever drag show brunch.  

“As we look ahead to Summer 2025, we’re opening our doors wider than ever,” said Joe Imholte, Vice President of Experience at ASI. “This season offers something for everyone—families, food lovers, language learners, makers, and music fans alike.”

Summer highlights include: 

• Midsommar Celebration Saturday, June 21, 10 am–4 pm
  Enjoy the longest day of the year by making fresh-flower crowns, singing songs, listening to live music, and dancing around the midsommarstång (maypole). This year’s celebration will feature performances by ASI’s affiliated music ensembles, the Nordstär Ensemble featuring Somali percussionist Harbi Kahiye, and Lynx Lynx! Flower crowns are $10. Advance registration required; $18 general, $15 ASI members, $8 ages 6–17, and free for ages 0–5. Walk-up tickets available after 1:30pm; $20 per person.  

• Crayfish Party Friday, August 22, 6–9 pm 
  The kräftskiva, or crayfish party, is a beloved tradition in Sweden. ASI’s annual feast features great food, great music, and great aquavit! All in the ASI Courtyard, weather permitting. Funky hat and bib provided. Advance registration required; $80 ($70 ASI member), $30 youth (ages 6–11) 

• First Look: Inscriptions Friday, June 20, 5:30-9 pm
  Be the first to experience acclaimed Swedish artist Salad Hilowle’s first major solo exhibition outside of Sweden while celebrating the opening of Salad Hilowle: Inscriptions. After viewing the exhibition, guests will sit down to a unique and festive Swedish Midsommar-style dinner with guests of honor Salad Hilowle and curator Sagal Farah. Ticket includes buffet dinner, coffee and dessert. $75 ($65 ASI member) 

• ABBA Drag Brunch with Sasha Cassadine & Friends, Sunday, June 15, 10 am–1 pm
  Celebrate Pride in style at ASI’s first-ever ABBA Drag Brunch! Don’t miss this special event celebrating Queer culture featuring Sasha Cassadine and her crew. Tickets include FIKA Café’s fabulous brunch buffet (including vegan options). Coffee, mimosas, and more are available for purchase. Come in your most iconic outfit and bring dollar bills to tip the queens! General admission seating. $50 ($45 ASI member) 

• Chef’s Summer Tasting Menu with FIKA Café, Sunday, July 13, 5–8 pm
  For one evening only, FIKA Café diners will enjoy a seasonal eight course tasting menu highlighting Chef Amalia Obermeier-Smith’s summer specials, including small plates, salads, open-faced sandwiches, and desserts. Note that tickets include dinner, tax, and gratuity, and you may purchase beverages separately at the event. $85 ($80 ASI member) 

• Somali-Swedish Culture Exchange, Sunday, August 3, 10 am–4 pm
  Join ASI and the Somali Museum of Minnesota for a vibrant and joyful day of cultural exchange! The ASI campus will be filled with live music, dance, craft demonstrations, family-friendly activities, and food from the Somali and Swedish Minnesotan communities. Guests can also view Salad Hilowle’s American debut exhibition, Salad Hilowle: Inscriptions. Free; no registration required. 

• Our Shared Table: Cooking Events, Thursday, June 5 & June 26, 6–8 pm
  This new series, Our Shared Table, explores our neighbors’ kitchens and how food traditions evolve through the universal experience of migration and exchange. This is a workshop-style class that includes some participation in preparing a light meal. Chef Mimi Selam Asfaha will present vibrant vegetarian cuisine of Ethiopia and Eritrea, while Chef Jay James will explore the rich culinary heritage of the Gullah Geechee community. $75 ($65 ASI member) 
• Morgondopp / Morning Dip, Fridays, July 11–August 1, 7:30–8:30 am
  Back by popular demand, join language instructor Liz Stopka on four early Friday mornings for a morgondopp (morning dip) in the lake before starting your day. Meet the group at Cedar Lake East Beach. Bring your coffee and stick around for a fika with other attendees after your swim. Free; no registration required. 
• New Menu at FIKA Café  
  FIKA’s new summer menu is exclusive to this season only! The patio will be open shortly for outdoor dining—bring the family and let the kids play with ASI’s free outdoor activities like its toy cart. Thursday nights are Happy Hour at FIKA Café with 50% off wine bottles, $1 off cocktails, beer, and wine.
    

Images of ASI summer programming here.
 

Digital catalog of ASI’s full summer programming here.