Oskar invites you into a world of music and stories, spanning over decades. Dating back to 1762, Oskar’s family has been active in the traditional folk music scene for a long time. Melodies have been passed onto him from his grandmother, Elsie, who came to the U.S. on a tour with a group of fiddlers back in 1956. 70 years later, join us for an afternoon of music and footage from the tour, mixed with Oskar’s modern approach to folk, jazz and improvisation.
Saturday, February 7, 2025 | 1pm | $20; $10 for members of the SCC&L | tickets
Abundance Sauna will be at the Scandinavian Cultural Center on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 16th-18th 2026. Join us for a traditional, wood fired sauna experience!
Daring souls are invited to experience the thrill of thermal extremes with a dip in the cold plunge tank, or snow angels, if Mother Nature and Ol’ Man Winter cooperate. Afterwards, relax around the fire pit to share stories of sauna adventure while enjoying tasty snacks.
Sauna Mestari will be on site to provide a full orientation to all participants. Participants provide their own towels, swimsuits and hydration.
Preregistration is required. A welcome/orientation packet which includes a liability waiver which must be signed by each participant.
For specific sauna questions, email Mark@Gotsauna.com
Arna, a disillusioned artist, sets out to complete a list of ten things before she dies. Mjöll, a desperate mother, escapes prison to reunite with her daughter. When their paths collide at a gas station, an unexpected journey across Iceland begins in this entertaining blend of drama and comedy.
Saturday, January 10th | 1 PM | $10; $5 for SCC&L members | Tickets
Step into the vast world of Norse Paganism and what it means to be one. This entry level class will cover Animism, elemental magik, the Norse gods, how to have a daily practice, and end with a group journey to send you back out into the world feeling more connected to the realm around you.
Learn about:
Animism
Hailing the Northern Gods
Elemental magik
Honoring ancestors
Having a daily practice
Experience a group journey to end our day together
You will learn together, eat together, and journey together as you discuss what it means
Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 10am – 4pm* | $125; $75 for members | MUST REGISTER BY January 12th | register here
Your instructor is Behzad “Bear” Bakhshandeh, an initiated Shaman in The Northern Shamanism Guild and Norse Pagan. Bear has been running ceremony, rituals, and journeys for years through his own practice as well as in his business Summit Performance Therapy in Auburn, MA.
*Our Scandinavian cafe, Kaffetugan, will be open during your lunch break. You may also bring a bagged lunch, refridgeration is available*
This December, the SCC&L welcomes a very special (and slightly mischievous!) holiday guest—the Salem Yule Cat—for a festive afternoon celebrating Icelandic folklore and giving back.
The Salem Yule Cat will be visiting Nordic Hall to collect donations for a cat food drive, helping support cats in need this winter. Admission to this event is a donation of cat food or a monetary contribution per person. All donations will benefit local animals and shelters.
Learn about the legend of the Icelandic Yule Cat (Jólakötturinn)
Family-friendly fun and photo opportunities
Warm holiday vibes in a Nordic setting
The chance to do some real winter good
About the Icelandic Yule Cat
The Jólakötturinn, or Yule Cat, comes from Icelandic folklore and is said to roam the countryside during Christmastime. Long ago, the Yule Cat was known to eat anyone who didn’t receive new clothes for Yule—a tale meant to encourage hard work and kindness during the long winter months. Today, the Yule Cat has become a beloved (and symbolic) figure of generosity, reminding us to care for one another—humans and animals alike.
How to Participate
Let us know you’re coming here
Bring cat food (dry or wet), or
Make a monetary donation at the door
Entry donation requested per person
This is a drop-in event—come anytime between 10am and 2pm!
Perfect for families, cat lovers, folklore fans, and anyone looking to add a little Nordic magic to the holiday season while supporting a great cause.
In his latest exhibit, Scott draws inspiration from the Swedish word smörgåsbord—literally “butter + goose + table”—a compound that has come to represent a bountiful spread of many things. As he explains, “I love the compound nature of the word. Together it has become a singular idea and synonymous with a vast collection of items.”
That abundance and variety will guide the exhibition’s design. Scott’s jewelry will be displayed among vintage and antique Scandinavian dinnerware and other surprises, creating a true smorgasbord of art and objects.
The Smörgåstårta is a dish of Swedish origin popular in Sweden, Estonia (called “võileivatort”), Finland (called “voileipäkakku” and “smörgåstårta”) and Iceland (called “brauðterta” [ˈprœyːðˌtʰɛr̥ta]). Smörgåstårta is a traditional Swedish Sandwich Cake enjoyed year round, especially during special celebrations like Midsommar, birthday parties and weddings.
Our quick & easy homemade Swedish Sandwich Cake features a “savoury icing” made up of mayonnaise and sour cream. The interior is layered with bread slices, shrimp salad, smoked salmon and dill. The Swedish entrée is then topped with sliced vegetables, fresh dill, eggs and lemon slices.
Come in and try this delicious Swedish creation in the Kaffestugan!
Saturday, November 22nd in the Kaffestugan from 10am-2pm*
**No reservations necessary. While supplies last. Full menu will also be available for order**
The Scandinavian Library’s November film: The Swedish Torpedo (2024)
In 1939, Swedish single mother Sally Bauer was a long-distance swimmer who took on the ultimate challenge–to swim the English Channel. Facing sexism, raising a seven-year-old, and finding enough money (not to mention World War II) might be more daunting than the swim itself. Josefin Neldén is riveting as Bauer, in Frida Kempff’s triumphant biopic.
As war spreads across Europe, and the Channel begins to look like the frontier between the Allies and the Axis powers, Bauer fights to realize her dream. A top athlete, she also finds herself having to become a promoter, beating her own drum to raise the necessary cash to have time to train and prepare in another country. A complex and heroic film, The Swedish Torpedo is a crowd-pleaser about a little-known trailblazer.
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 1pm | $10; $5 for SCC&L members | tickets
In Swedish with English subtitles | 119 minutes
*come early and enjoy lunch in our Swedish coffee house — the Kaffestugan
Hanna Pálsdóttir is an 83 year old Icelandic woman who turned her life around after retiring from her life as a banker and enrolling in art school to become a painter.
This documentary follows Hanna throughout the creative process of preparing for her latest exhibition as she recalls her life as an activist and branch manager before painting appeared in her life.
For this woman, it’s never too late to start again.
Satuurday, November 22nd | 1pm | $10; $5 for SCC&L members | tickets
Your instructor is Behzad “Bear” Bakhshandeh, an initiated Shaman in The Northern Shamanism Guild and Norse Pagan. Bear has been running ceremony, rituals, and journeys for years through his own practice as well as in his business Summit Performance Therapy in Auburn, MA.