Escape the ordinary and experience the timeless tradition of authentic Finnish sauna.
For the weekend of September 18th-20th, Got Sauna 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
Finnish author Tove Jansson’s 1972 novel Sommarboken (The Summer Book) has been adapted into a stunning film starring Glenn Close. Writing for RogerEbert.com, 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 | tickets
EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders receive free admission. To reserve free tickets, email caroline@scandicenter.org
On Sunday, September 13, the SCC&L is pleased to welcome Finlandia Foundation Boston for a fascinating look at a lesser-known chapter of Finnish-American history.
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.
The Scandinavian Library and Scandinavian Children’s Library will be open for self-checkout this summer! Self-checkout is limited to library members, so make sure to sign up for your free library membership before visiting.
Coffee will be available in the library and coloring pages and drawing supplies in the children’s library downstairs. A staff member will be on site and can help with basic questions, but librarians will not be available. If you have a question for a librarian, we recommend you get in touch by contacting rachel@scandicenter.org via email.
Library hours this summer are scheduled for every other Wednesday beginning July 1st from 11am – 3pm. Regular library hours will resume in September. See below for a list of dates we will be open, and continue to check here and follow us on social media for updates.
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.
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.
Sharpen your axes and gather your clan—BERSERK, our epic Viking festival, is storming back into town on Saturday, September 26th!
TWO Rival Viking Encampments will take over the front lawn—witness them 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!
WHEN: 11am – 3pm TICKETS: Adults $20 in advance ($25 day of), Kids 12 & under $10 ($15 day of) get your tickets here!
Want to be part of the raid? We’re still welcoming Volunteers, Vendors, and Food Trucks to join our mighty village. Fill out the form here.
ON THE LAWN:
⚔️ Viking Encampments Step into the world of Norse warriors—explore daily life, tools, and traditions in our rival camps.
🛡️ Crafts, Games & Warrior Training Fun for all ages—test your skills, train like a Viking, and unleash your inner shield-maiden or berserker!
🪨 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!
🔥 Climactic Battle at 2PM The rival camps collide in an epic showdown—don’t miss the action!
🧸 KIDS’ CORNER:
ᚱ Rune-Making Station
Create your own Viking message in ancient runes—mystical, magical, and yours to take home!
🧶 Weaving Station
Try your hand at traditional weaving and craft something colorful, cozy, and uniquely yours.
⚔️ Viking Interaction Zone
Meet the Vikings! Ask questions, explore gear, and step right into the world of Norse legends.
🍽️ FEAST-LIKE FJORD-FOLK:
🥖 Nordic Breads, Prepared Foods, Candies & Scandi Goods (inside Kaffestugan) Stock up on sweet, savory, and everything in between—your Nordic pantry starts here.
🌭 Icelandic Hot Dogs from Gunnar’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.
🥖 Thunder Bread Bakery with their specialty cinnamon rolls & Nordic inspired baked goods
Prepare your shield, don your cloak, and get ready to go BERSERK! Skål!
Saturday, September 26th | 11am – 3pm | $20 for adults, $10 for kids | tickets
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 | tickets EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders receive free admission. To reserve free tickets, email caroline@scandicenter.org
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.
Frederick’s work captures an abundance of subject matter that is united with a singular vision. His artistic signatures draw a line through the collection, connecting high misty mountaintops and coral laden seafloors. There are many passages in his work: doorways and stairwells leading to unknown destinations. The same turquoise and burnt orange appear across continents and decades, again and again.
The photographs have a strong sense of time, whether they capture stillness or motion. There are tranquil images of architecture that feel ancient and permanent, juxtaposed with flashes of movement, like a swirling school of fish or a laugh between locals, that feel like they are a singular and unique instance, never to be repeated. The images ask you to take time to inspect them, inviting you to step closer and notice: a reflection in a window, a broken leg on a chair, a blurred figure—moments that provide surprise, interest, context, meaning.
On display through August. Viewing hours are Wednesdays from 11am to 2pm. For more viewing times, contact caroline@scandicenter.org
All prints are available for purchase. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Scandinavian Living Center’s Suzanne and Albert Frederick Friendship Fund, which helps provide residents with the enriching cultural experiences that define the SLC. The Suzanne & Albert Frederick Friendship Fund provides extra capacity to bring in special programs, guests, and performances that welcome neighboring communities and residents alike and help us achieve one of our core goals: to fight isolation and loneliness. The Fund is at the heart of our mission to provide resources for the entire community to come together, interact, and experience arts and culture together.
Cinnamon Bun Day (Kanelbullens Dag) is always celebrated on October 4 in Sweden. Swedes love to have a Fika and it must always be served with a cinnamon bun.
We will celebrate on Saturday, October 3rd in the Kaffestugan with regular cinnamon buns and cardamom buns… while supplies last.
Saturday, October 3rd | 10am-2pm (no reservations necessary)
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.
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.
BERSERK RETURNS! 
TWO Rival Viking Encampments will take over the front lawn—witness them 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!
WHEN: 11am – 3pm
TICKETS: Adults $20 in advance ($25 day of), Kids 12 & under $10 ($15 day of) 
Want to be part of the raid?
