ASI Announces Summer 2026 Schedule of Signature Experiences

MINNEAPOLIS, MN—The American Swedish Institute museum and cultural center announce its summer 2026 schedule, including a surreal photography exhibition Eyes as Big as Plates, the region’s largest Midsommar celebration, a traditional Swedish Crayfish dinner, and more than 100 programs for all ages.

“This is an important summer for Minneapolis, and we want to celebrate the people and traditions that make this city so special,” said Joe Imholte, Vice President of Experience at ASI. “Community feels especially meaningful right now, and this summer we’re inviting our guests to come together and connect through shared experiences.”
  

Summer highlights include:

• Midsommar Celebration Saturday, June 20, 10 am–4 pm
  Celebrate like a Swede for the longest day of the year! Enjoy live music, dancing around the majstång (maypole), many family-friendly activities, and a viewing party to cheer for Sweden in the FIFA World Cup. Create a fresh flower crown and enjoy seasonal favorites like Swedish hotdogs and strawberry cake. Food, beverages, and flower crown kits are available for additional purchase. Advance registration required; $19 Adult ($15 ASI member), $10 Student, $10 Child 6-17, $0 Child 0-5, $21 Walkup (if available)

• Eyes as Big as Plates, Opening June 20-October 25, 2026
  A new exhibition of a surreal photography series by artists Riitta Ikonen and Karoline Hjorth showcasing humans immersed in their surroundings through whimsical portraits. It’s an ongoing collaborative project that complements skills through photography, wearable sculpture, and text. This distinctive photography highlights the natural beauty or mystical quality of each setting, presenting the subjects as part of the environment.

• Crayfish Party Friday, August 28, 6–9 pm 
  Another cherished summer tradition in Sweden–the annual crayfish feast! Gather under string lights in ASI’s courtyard to celebrate together with all the traditional crayfish necessities (good breads, strong cheeses, salads, and Swedish quiche, great music, and of course, aquavit! Funky hat and bib provided. Sponsored by Vikre Distillery. Advance registration required; $85 ($75 ASI member), $30 youth (ages 6–11) 

• ABBA Drag Brunch with Sasha Cassadine & Friends, Sunday, June 7, 10 am–2 pm 
  Celebrate Pride with another fabulous ABBA Drag Brunch at ASI! Featuring Sasha Cassadine and her crew performing all the iconic songs, enjoy a special brunch buffet (including vegan options) from FIKA Café. Come dressed in your most iconic outfit and bring dollar bills to tip the queens! $50 ($45 ASI member), $55 Walkup (if available)

• Morgondopp / Morning Dip, Fridays, July 10–31, 7:30–8:30 am 
  Back by popular demand, experience another Swedish summer tradition with early morning swims at Cedar Lake East Beach! Join language instructor Liz Stopka for a refreshing start to the day, followed by fika (coffee break) and casual conversation with the group. Free; no registration required.

• Cocktails at the Castle Friday, September 25, 6-11 pm
  Psst, what’s the password? Step into a 1920s-inspired evening as the Turnblad Mansion transforms into a lively destination of incredible music, dancing, and speakeasy-style cocktail lounges. Guests are encouraged to dress in vintage attire and explore immersive jazz performances and arts experiences throughout the night. Save the date now; more information and ticket prices will be announced in June. 

• New menu at FIKA Café 
  It’s time for patio season and a new spring menu! The infamous Swedish meatballs are switching up this season–gravy fans will be happy. Families can enjoy a relaxed outdoor setting with a fenced-in courtyard and a toy cart full of goodies for kids. ASI is open late on Thursdays, featuring happy hour specials, including 50% off bottles of wine and discounted cocktails and beer.

Images of ASI’s summer programming here. 

Digital catalog of ASI’s full summer programming here. 

Summer programming online events calendar here.  

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 American Swedish Institute (ASI), designated to the National Register for Historic Places, is home to the Turnblad Mansion, a historic castle-like mansion, museum and cultural center, and a gathering place for all people to explore diverse experiences of migration, identity, belonging, and the environment through arts and culture, informed by enduring links to Sweden. ASI, which The Wall Street Journal calls “[a] model of how a small institution can draw visitors through exciting programming,” is located at 2600 Park Avenue in Minneapolis. For more, visit asimn.org.