Welcome to the summer edition of the monthly Nordic events posts. Find one-day or multi-day options to explore Nordic languages, culture and history, arts and crafts, and food and cooking from the comfort of your own home. As I’ve done in the past, I’m combining events for June, July, and August into one post and will update as new events come on my radar.
And since I won’t be returning with a post of events until September, Southern California readers should take notice of a couple of events happening in the fall so they can mark their calendars if interested. The Vista Viking Festival returns to Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in Vista, CA, on September 19 & 20 (tickets already on sale!), and the Daughters of Norway Turid Jesperson Lodge #44’s annual Scandinavian Heritage Fair will take place October 10 in Mission Viejo, CA.
And finally, depending on where you live or might be traveling this summer, there are popular Scandinavian/Nordic festivals happening in case you’re in the area: Scandinavian Festival in Moorhead, Minnesota, June 19-20, and Nordic Fest in Decorah, Iowa, July 23-25.
What will you add to your summer calendar this year? Wishing you a fun-filled and interesting summer!
Throughout the Summer
Nordic Book Club Meetings
Are you a reader and interested in joining other readers online to discuss Nordic books or maybe you’re just eager for reading ideas? Visit Nordic Book Club Meetings: Summer 2026 to see details about book selections and meeting dates throughout the summer.
Norwegian Language for Travelers (On-Demand)
Whether you’re planning a trip to the stunning fjords, the vibrant cityscapes of Oslo, or the charming coastal towns, learning Norwegian will enhance your experience and help you connect with the locals in a more meaningful way. Join Dr. Maren Anderson Johnson and learn Norwegian words and phrases. A kit of materials including a workbook that supports the video instruction and a sweet treat from Vesterheim is included in the cost of registration. On-demand class content is available for 90 days from the time of purchase.
Sølje-Inspired Earrings (On-Demand)
Ever wonder why sølje pins have those shiny dangles with silver disc drops? These discs are called “spoons” or “shells” in Norwegian. Silver has long been a protective element against evil and abduction by the hulder folk in Scandinavia. Legend has it that if you run into the devil wearing your sparkling sølje, he would see his own reflection and run away! Don’t run away from a chance to create your own silver- and gold-washed earrings in this short class designed to introduce you to the beauty of Scandinavian silverwork. A kit including the materials you need to create two pairs of earrings in a variety of combinations, and you’ll receive information about how to access the online course materials (content is available for 90 days from the time of purchase). The level of instruction is beginner friendly.
JUNE
ASI Language Program: Beginning Swedish ABC, 123! with Jean Hanslin (Mondays, 6/1, 6/8, 6/15)
Set off on your Swedish adventure with this fun class taught by Jean Hanslin—expect lots of interaction and smiles! Over three weeks, the class will focus on letters, numbers, and greetings in dialogues, songs, and poems. This class is suitable for new beginners to Swedish (Beginning I level) of all ages, from 10 to 100. For more advanced classes with Jean Hanslin, see her upcoming classes here.
ASI Language Program: Sweden and Swedish for Travelers with Gregg White (Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6/2-11)
Traveling to Sweden soon or just thinking about it? Want to know the essential phrases to use with your friends and relatives? Have some questions about what to see and where to go once you get there? This language and travel course, taught by Gregg White, will get the traveler to Sweden off to the right start. If you are not ready to commit to a full language course but want a brief introduction to Swedish and the lovely country where it is spoken, then this course is for you.
Sweden’s History: The Country, the Nation, the State with Gregg White (Tuesdays, 6/2-7/7)
This course, taught by Gregg White, introduces the history of Sweden. In six weeks, this class will cover the geography (the country), the history (the nation), and the political system (the state) of Sweden. The class will learn how these three important factors shaped what we know as “Swedishness”, from the melting of the ice-age glaciers to the development of the “third way” of social democracy. Materials provided by the instructor; students will be given links to handouts they can print before each class. Advanced registration required.
Scandinavian Everyday Book Talk and Demo with Nichole Accettola (Thursday, 6/11)
Join San Francisco-based chef and author Nichole Accettola for an introduction to her newest cookbook, Scandinavian Everyday, in this virtual demo and book talk. With a repertoire of recipes rooted in traditional Scandinavian cooking, Scandinavian Everyday offers inspiration for year-round meals grounded in the seasonal, sustainable and healthy approach of the modern Nordic Diet. Nichole will demonstrate several recipes from the book while discussing how her years living in Denmark changed her approach to cooking every day at home and her San Francisco restaurant, Kantine.
ASI Food Program: Strawberries in the Nordic Kitchen Demo with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 6/18)
If there was ever a fruit that defined summer in the Nordic kitchen, it would be the strawberry. In honor of this spectacular fruit’s seasonal arrival, join Kristi Bissell as she demonstrates a trio of Nordic-inspired recipes from her blog True North Kitchen, including a Finnish inspired almond-strawberry tart, a classic Danish pudding, and a versatile compote perfect for tucking away in the freezer.
ASI Language Program: All About Finnish with Daniel Haataja (Thursdays, 6/25-7/9)
Have you heard the myth that Finnish is an impossibly difficult language? Curious to find out more about its structure and vocabulary? During this three-session course taught by Daniel Haataja, we’ll look at Finnish from a linguistic perspective and discuss what makes it different, but not necessarily difficult. We’ll also explore how the language has changed over time and continues to evolve today. No knowledge of Finnish is required, but you may leave the course with a strong desire to start learning the language.
Sámi Environmental Philosophy with Dr. Áila O’Loughlin (Tuesdays, 6/30-7/14)
The Sámi are an Indigenous people of the Arctic Circle who reside across four political borders of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. The semi-autonomous nation of the Sámi people is called Sápmi. The readings discussed in this 3-part lecture/discussion series led by instructor Dr. Áila O’Loughlin introduce participants to topics in Sámi philosophy as they engage with Sámi metaphysics/worldview and questions in practical environmental ethics, such as moral obligation to so-called ‘natural objects’ such as water and rocks, natural resource stewardship, the green transition, language, and identity.
JULY
Sámi History 101 with Christian Hans Pedersen (Wednesday, 7/8)
This is the first in a four-part series about the Sámi (Northern Sámi: Sápmelaččat or Sámit) who are the only recognized Indigenous people in Europe, whose lands, Sápmi, are claimed and divided by the Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, and Russian nation-states. Despite the central roles they’ve played in the political, economic, and cultural histories of Northern Europe, the Sámi are commonly depicted as ahistorical wildlings whose lands are an unused frontier, ripe for development. This engaging series of lectures illuminates how untrue those depictions are. In “Sámi History 101,” you’ll examine the fundamentals of Sámi history and culture, surveying oral histories, subsistence practices, societal organization, and Sámi cultural icons.
Sámi History 102 with Christian Hans Pedersen (Wednesday, 7/15)
In session two, “Sámi History 102,” you’ll expand on the topics in session one by inspecting how historical relations and archaeological, linguistic, and genetic studies contribute to the study of Sámi history.
Sápmi Histories of Colonization with Christian Hans Pedersen (Wednesday, 7/22)
In the third session, “Sápmi Histories of Colonization,” dive into how encroachment, taxation, and borders, among others, constructed and construct Fennoscandic colonialisms, creating a timeline of how colonization has looked and still looks in Sápmi.
Sápmi Today with Christian Hans Pedersen (Wednesday, 7/29)
In the final segment, “Sápmi Today,” you’ll trace those legacies to the present to contextualize Sámi survivance, or survival through resistance, by examining political organizing, rights, and contemporary forms of colonization in Sápmi.
ASI Food Program: Scandinavian Hot Dogs Demo with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 7/23)
What do mashed potatoes, shrimp salad, and curry remoulade sauce have in common? All are common hot dog toppings across Scandinavia! Whether for a quick weeknight supper or a fun summer entertaining spread, Scandinavia provides plenty of fun twists on the average hot dog. Join Kristi Bissell from the blog True North Kitchen for tips and tricks for Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish style hot dogs and get ready to find your next favorite hot dog topping!
Ancestral Silence: Rediscovering Sámi Identity in the Norwegian-American Diaspora (Thursday, July 30, Free)
Across North America, many Norwegian-American families are rediscovering forgotten or hidden elements of their ancestral past. Among these histories are connections to the Sámi. Yet for generations, Sámi identity was often silenced or obscured due to assimilation policies, social stigma, and pressures to conform to dominant national identities. This webinar explores the historical roots of that silence and the contemporary journeys of rediscovery now taking place among descendants in the diaspora.
AUGUST
Norsk i Sammenheng: Sounds of Norwegian, an Introduction to Pronunciation (4 Sundays, 8/2-23)
This four-week online course for advanced students of Norwegian offers an engaging introduction to the ins and outs of Norwegian pronunciation. You’ll explore the rhythm, stress, and melody of spoken Norwegian and take a closer look at what makes its pronunciation unique—especially compared to English. Students will learn the basics of the Norwegian sound system, discover how speech sounds are made, and practice using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to read and write pronunciation symbols. Enrollment Deadline July 19.
Introduction to Hardanger Embroidery (3 Tuesdays, 8/4-18)
Hardangersøm is Norwegian drawn thread work. In this online class, you will learn basic Hardangersøm stitches as you make an ornament. Instructor Shan Rayray will take you step-by-step through each of the stitches. The class will consist of three sessions over three weeks. Each session will be accompanied by a video tutorial that you can refer to between class sessions as you complete each step.
ASI Language Program: Intro to Icelandic with Daniel Haataja (Thursday, 8/6)
Are you curious about the Icelandic language? Are you looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to Iceland? This two-hour introductory workshop, taught by Daniel Haataja, is the perfect way to get a feel for Icelandic, pick up some grammar, and learn how to pronounce some words for basic conversation.
ASI Language Program: Intro to North Sámi with Dr. Áila O’Loughlin (Tuesday, 8/11)
Are you curious about the Sámi language and culture? Are you looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to the north of Finland, Sweden, or Norway? This two-hour introductory workshop, taught by Áila O’Loughlin, is the perfect way to learn some history of the nine living dialects of Sápmi, get a feel for North Sámi, pick up a bit of grammar, and learn how to pronounce some words in basic greetings.
Knowing Karin Larsson with Ingela Haaland (Thursday, 8/13)
Welcome to a lecture on Karin Larsson, artist and designer, married to artist Carl Larsson. The lecture by instructor Ingela Haaland will cover the accomplished life and work of Karin Larsson, with a focus on her contributions to interior design and fashion.
Scandinavian Meringues with Patrice Johnson (8/15)
Join Vesterheim for an afternoon of meringues with a battle between the Norwegian kvæfjordkake and the Swedish pinocchio. Instructor Patrice Johnson will show you how to make both meringues and it will be up to you which one will come out victorious, even though the ones who get to eat the meringues will be the real winners.
Family Handcraft at Home: Needle Felting a Fox (Enrollment Deadline: 8/18)
Join Vesterheim instructor Laura Berlage in September for a family journey into the wonderful world of needle felting. Laura will guide you through the tips and tricks needed to walk away with your very own little fox. This program has been designed for families to experience on their own schedules. There is no live Zoom event and no scheduled class time – your family can participate anytime during the month when it works for your schedule! On the first of the month, you will receive an email with the links and information about how to access.
Knowing Anders Zorn with Ingela Haaland (Thursday, 8/20)
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.
Rosemaling a Hallingdal Fjord Horse (Saturday, 8/22 & Sunday, 8/23)
If you have already tackled one of the Introduction to Basic Strokes of Rosemaling classes or have similar experience, Vesterheim welcomes you back with fun sessions to continue your journey and learn basic stroke work with a new pattern and project! Develop your technique further and meet new friends. The class will include demonstrations and plenty of hands-on practice. The class will be taught using acrylic paint. Enrollment deadline July 30.
Which events or experiences will you add to your summer calendar?
(Vesterheim’s online folk art courses sell out quickly. To see what’s coming up in later months and sign up before it’s too late, visit Vesterheim: Online Folk Art Courses.)
Norwegians in Southern California can celebrate in person on Sunday, May 17, at the Norwegian Church’s 
Ever wonder why sølje pins have those shiny dangles with silver disc drops? These discs are called “spoons” or “shells” in Norwegian. Silver has long been a protective element against evil and abduction by the hulder folk in Scandinavia. Legend has it that if you run into the devil wearing your sparkling sølje, he would see his own reflection and run away! Don’t run away from a chance to create your own silver- and gold-washed earrings in this short class designed to introduce you to the beauty of Scandinavian silverwork. You’ll receive a kit with the materials you need to create two pairs of earrings in a variety of combinations and instructions on how to access the online course materials. Content is available for 90 days from the time of purchase. Level of instruction is beginner friendly.
Whether you call it pulla, kardemummabröd, or coffee bread, a classic Nordic bread combines floral cardamom, a crunchy sugar topping, and a beautiful braided presentation into a show-stopping yeasted loaf. Finland and Sweden’s answer to a challa, Cardamom Bread is commonly enjoyed as part of a fika or coffee hour, but is equally at home on the breakfast table—it makes especially stellar french toast! Since it’s hard to find in bakeries, your best bet is to tackle it at home, and luckily Kristi Bissell of the blog 
Beginning June 1 and available all month, your family can participate anytime during the month when it works for your schedule! On the first of the month, you will receive an email with the links and information about how to access. The $35-per-family price covers the cost of a kit including a copy of the book, materials you’ll need for the fun hands-on activities, a fun craft, a scavenger-hunt-type adventure, and a special treat from Vesterheim.
Kristian Bugge and WB Reid’s live performance at Vesterheim will be livestreamed on Zoom for an online audience. The program will focus on tunes from the rich, Danish fiddle repertoire, spiced up with a few songs in Danish and English. Expect everything from wild polkas and groovy jigs to lyrical waltzes, fiery reels, and happy hopsas. Plus, they will play the exotic “Sønderhoning” dance tunes from the famous, Danish Island of Fanø.
This second book tells the story of a Jewish couple from Oslo who were killed by the border guides whom they thought would lead them to safety in Sweden. At the same time, the reader learns about the author’s wife’s grandmother whose family did safely make it to Sweden but whose home and belongings were taken from them by the Nazis in Norway. Additionally, during the author’s research and writing process, he discovered unknown information about his own family’s involvement during this period as well. It was a dark and difficult period during Norway’s past. I am in awe of how the author was able to tell these painful stories in such an engaging and engrossing way. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Have you seen Norway’s 
Gnome Matter the Weather’s
Dr. Nancy Coleman joins Vesterheim for an online presentation in connection with the Vesterheim exhibit, 
Join Kristi Bissell for a crash course in incorporating tempting caramelized flavor into two classic Swedish baked goods. Kristi will demo a caramelized-almond-topped toscakaka (Tosca Cake) and kolasnittar, a delicious but straightforward caramel cookie, both approachable ways to incorporate caramel into baked goods at home. This class is presented as a demonstration, so students can watch the entire process and ask questions before tackling the dishes later. The recipe packet will be available for download one week in advance.
Join Swedish American Museum for an online book talk with Tina Harnesk Boström, a celebrated Sámi writer from Northern Sweden. Born and raised in Jokkmokk, she comes from a family rich in storytelling traditions, particularly on her mother’s side, which is Sami. Now living with her family in a village outside Arvidsjaur, Harnesk draws deeply on her upbringing and cultural heritage in her writing. Her latest novel, 
Join the Swedish American Museum for an engaging Zoom program focused on the importance of your family history for future generations. Learn how Marilyn Fettinger used AI to write the life story of her 4x great grandfather, Sven Magnus Ström and his family. We’ll begin by examining AI prompts to read, translate, and understand Swedish historical records followed by examples of how to use AI to transform the historical facts into captivating family narratives.
Create the cutest felted easter eggs in this afternoon-long virtual class. Led by instructor Laura Berlage, students will follow step-by-step instructions to transform hand-dyed wool from the instructor’s own sheep into a felted easter egg that will fit in the palm of your hand. Needle felting is fun, easy, and therapeutic–and as your woolly creation takes shape, enjoy conversation with other students and learning more about wool and the sheep who produced the kit materials! The finished egg will be perfect for displaying ahead of the easter holiday.
Celebrate spring, Finnish style, with two stand out dishes. Kristi will demonstrate a light but cozy salmon soup, perfect for cooler spring days. Then she’ll turn to tippaleipä, a classic funnel cake recipe made for May Day in Finland. These delicious desserts are fun to make at home and a worthwhile project to celebrate the return of spring! While Kristi demos making the funnel cake batter and her preferred approach to deep frying, she will discuss some of the traditions around May Day in Finland.
In other film news, Norway’s 
Gnome Matter the Weather’s
This adventure starts March 1 and will be available all month. Step into the world of kings, queens, palaces, and crowns! All Things Royal is a month-long, online language adventure designed especially for families. Learn about the Norwegian royal family while building vocabulary and exploring royal-themed crafts, games, and cultural activities right from home. Each family will receive a kit packed with fun supplies, creative activities, and everything you need to bring the royal experience to life. Instructor-led videos will guide families through royal vocabulary and cultural traditions—like learning how to say “king” in Norwegian and discovering what a “slott” is.
Now in its 8th year, the annual Sámi Film Festival celebrates the rich storytelling traditions of the Sámi, an Indigenous people of the northernmost parts of Finland, Norway, Sweden, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. This year’s program is curated by acclaimed director, writer, artist, and composer Elle Márjá Eira, whose work in mediums from TV to classical opera has captivated audiences across the globe, and whose directorial debut Stolen reached the Top 10 list in 71 countries following its Netflix premiere in 2024. Virtual screenings will be available nationwide from February 6 through 13.
Join Vesterheim for an hour of traditional Norwegian stories, told by interdisciplinary artist and storyteller Laura Berlage! Tricksters abound in the old stories, and the tales of the Norse have a special one — Loki. Learn who Loki is and follow him on adventures of thievery, shapeshifting, and trickery, as he both helps and hinders the ancient gods of the north. Loki has a special way to make us laugh and cringe, and his adventures are tales to charm all ages.
Join Nichole Accettola, author of 
Beets may be a divisive ingredient, but beet lovers know they can provide great color, flavor, and nutrition in a range of recipes, and they become especially valuable in the colder months. Join Kristi Bissell as she demonstrates two Nordic-inspired recipes from her blog True North Kitchen, featuring both golden beets in a surprising soup and red beets in a tasty open faced sandwich. Students are sure to leave with new ideas and skills for putting this underutilized northern vegetable to good use!
Join the Swedish American Museum for an engaging Zoom program focused on the importance of archiving and preserving your family history for future generations. This online presentation will guide participants through practical ways to protect and organize family photographs, gather and record meaningful family stories, and safeguard treasured heirlooms such as wedding certificates, college diplomas, and birth or hospital records. Whether you are just beginning your family history journey or looking to better preserve materials you already have, this program offers valuable tools and inspiration. Sign up online to attend and take an important step in ensuring your family’s legacy is preserved and passed on.
Join Kristi Bissell of 
This experience starts February 1 and will be available all month. Join woodcarving instructor and Vesterheim Gold Medalist Rebecca Hanna in exploring the art of kroting, cutting lines into wood after it has been painted or stained. Inspired by work in the Vesterheim Folk Art School as well as the instructor’s personal work, students will be taught how to start kroting and given a simple design to try themselves. Note: This program has been designed for families to experience on their own schedules. There is no live Zoom event and no scheduled class time – your family can participate anytime during the month when it works for your schedule! Kit includes all folk art materials needed, some images as inspiration from the Vesterheim collection, and a treat.
Explore the traditional and beautiful Norwegian decorative painting known as rosemaling. In this beginner-friendly class, you will be introduced to and gain confidence in the essential strokes used in rosemaling. We’ll use a very limited color palette to keep the focus on clean, consistent linework and smooth brush control. Step-by-step practice will cover the basic C- and S-strokes and teardrops, tips for brush loading and pressure, and the chance to explore using both a flat, round, and detail brush. By the end, you’ll have a completed piece that highlights your growing skill and understanding of rosemaling fundamentals.
Create a sweet felted chickadee inspired by Minnesota’s Northwoods in this afternoon-long class. Led by instructor Laura Berlage, students will follow step-by-step instructions to transform hand-dyed wool from the instructor’s own sheep into a felted chickadee that will fit in the palm of your hand. The kit contains enough wool to make a second chickadee, perfect for continuing with this craft beyond class. Open to all skill levels. Suitable for ages 16+.
Enjoy the cold dark months by embracing hygge and making hyggelig (nice) moments by cozying up with some delicious hot beverages. Hyggelig is a Danish word that suggests a sense of coziness and comfortable contentment or well-being. We will explore some flavorful hot toddies, glögg, and a spiked hot chocolate. So grab a drink and your warmest blanket and enjoy yourself during the winter.
Join textile artist Kayla Ann for an evening of creativity and hands-on fun while learning the art of needle felting a 2-D felted folk flower bouquet. Using a piece of felt as the canvas and wool roving as the paint, Kayla will guide students through the fundamentals of this relaxing craft, teaching how to “paint” with wool and sculpt beautiful blooms from fiber. Whether you’re new to needle felting or looking to expand your skills, students will leave with the skills, tools, and inspiration to keep needle felting beyond the online workshop. Open to all skill levels. Suitable for ages 16+.
Begin your day with breakfast smørbrød, pyttipanne, and cardamom coffee bread in this New Nordic Brunch class. Menu also includes a signature cocktail called the Salty Hund and a signature coffee mocktail. This Vesterheim cooking class is designed as a small-group cook-along, and we invite exchange between the instructor and students in order to build community around food traditions. Enrollment deadline is January 17. Class is sold out but you may request to be added to the waitlist.