Calendar

Vibrant Traditions: Scandinavian Weaving in the Midwest
Experience the rich legacy of Scandinavian weaving right here in the Midwest! Norway House is proud to partner with the Scandinavian Weavers Study Group of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota to bring you Vibrant Traditions: Scandinavian Weaving in the Midwest, an extraordinary exhibit showcasing both traditional and contemporary weavings crafted using Scandinavian techniques.

Drawing the Winter Spirits of Norse, Celtic, & Lakota Mythology
Step into a world of myth and winter magic in this unique drawing class that blends folklore with artistic technique. Led by artist and storyteller Carrie Finnigan, this three-session course will introduce you to legendary winter beings from Norse, Celtic, and Lakota traditions. Through storytelling, cultural exploration, and hands-on drawing exercises, you’ll develop your skills while bringing these mystical figures to life on paper.

March Paint & Sip at Norway House (Afternoon)
Join us for a delightful afternoon of painting and relaxation at the Norway House Kaffebar. Guided by the talented artists of Your Bearded Painter, you’ll create your own version of “Starry Night Minneapolis” acrylic on canvas.

March Paint & Sip at Norway House (Evening)
Join us for a delightful evening of painting and relaxation at the Norway House Kaffebar. Guided by the talented artists of Your Bearded Painter, you’ll create your own version of “Starry Night Minneapolis” acrylic on canvas.

The Summer Side of Primstav (In-Person Class)
Join Nordic Roots educator Kari Tauring for a fascinating journey into the world of Primstavs—traditional Nordic calendar sticks that date back to the 1300s. Combining ancient land-based rituals with church and saint days introduced by Christianity, Primstavs served as essential tools for farmers and fishermen to track time and manage tasks throughout the year.

From Plain to Art: Upcycle Wooden Treasures with Decorative Carving
Discover the art of decorative carving in this hands-on class with master woodcarver Jock Holmen, affectionately known as “The Norwegian Termite.” Learn carving techniques that you can take home and use to transform ordinary wooden bowls and plates into works of art.

The Summer Side of Primstav (Zoom Class)
Join Nordic Roots educator Kari Tauring for a fascinating journey into the world of Primstavs—traditional Nordic calendar sticks that date back to the 1300s. Combining ancient land-based rituals with church and saint days introduced by Christianity, Primstavs served as essential tools for farmers and fishermen to track time and manage tasks throughout the year.

Literature Lovers' Night Out™ Presents: Peter Geye and his new novel, A Lesser Light at Norway House
Join us at Norway House on April 15th at 7:00 PM for a special evening celebrating the launch of Peter Geye’s newest novel, A Lesser Light. In collaboration with Literature Lovers Night Out, Valley Bookseller, and University of Minnesota Press, we’re thrilled to host this literary event highlighting Geye’s captivating story of Scandinavian immigrants.

From Plain to Art: Upcycle Wooden Treasures with Decorative Carving
Discover the art of decorative carving in this hands-on class with master woodcarver Jock Holmen, affectionately known as “The Norwegian Termite.” Learn carving techniques that you can take home and use to transform ordinary wooden bowls and plates into works of art.

Viking Knit Jewelry with Melba Granlund
Discover the art of Viking Knit, an ancient wire-weaving technique found in Viking-era artifacts. Led by renowned handcraft instructor Melba Granlund, this hands-on class invites you to explore the history and cultural significance of this intricate craft while creating your own one-of-a-kind bracelet.

Hygge Happy Hour: A Kalevala Celebration!
This Hygge Happy Hour is extra special as we raise a glass to the Kalevala—Finland’s beloved national epic! Join us at Norway House on Thursday, February 27, for an evening filled with poetry, music, and dance inspired by the legendary Finnish saga.

February Paint & Sip at Norway House (Evening)
Join us for a delightful evening of painting and relaxation at the Norway House Kaffebar. Guided by the talented artists of Your Bearded Painter, you’ll create your own version of “Finch Me” acrylic on canvas.

February Paint & Sip at Norway House (Afternoon)
Join us for a delightful afternoon of painting and relaxation at the Norway House Kaffebar. Guided by the talented artists of Your Bearded Painter, you’ll create your own version of “Finch Me” acrylic on canvas.

Hygge Happy Hour: Pal-entine’s Day Edition
Join us on Thursday, February 13, from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Norway House Kaffebar for an evening filled with cozy vibes, delicious bites, and smooth jazz. Whether you’re bringing a close friend, a group of pals, or just treating yourself to a relaxing night out, this is the perfect place to unwind, sip, and savor the spirit of hygge!

Vibrant Traditions - Exhibition Celebration
Join us for a special celebration marking the opening of Vibrant Traditions: Scandinavian Weaving in the Midwest! This event offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and craftsmanship of Scandinavian weaving while connecting with fellow enthusiasts, artists, and community members.

From Plain to Art: Upcycle Wooden Treasures with Decorative Carving
Craft Beauty from the Ordinary
Discover the art of decorative carving in this hands-on class with master woodcarver Jock Holmen, affectionately known as “The Norwegian Termite.” Turn ordinary wooden bowls and plates into stunning works of art while learning how to upcycle and elevate items you already own. Whether you’re hiding chips, adding intricate flourishes, or creating something entirely new, Jock will guide you every step of the way.

Hygge Happy Hour: Jazz Night and Member Specials
Hygge, Jazz & BOGO Wine – The Perfect Thursday Night!
Join us tonight for an extra-cozy Hygge Happy Hour at the Kaffebar! From 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, unwind with great company, delicious bites, and live jazz that sets the perfect mood.
Plus, every fourth Hygge Happy Hour of the month will have a special membership focus, offering extra perks and opportunities to connect with fellow Norway House members!

St. Croix Valley Opera Presents: Glad Jul
This holiday season, embrace the magic of Scandinavian and American Christmas traditions as only "Glad Jul" brings it together the way it does for the first time in the United States. The Norwegian/Scandinavian Christmas Concert invites you on a musical journey through the beauty of the winter season, blending cherished traditional carols with modern festive music from both sides of the Atlantic.
From the rich, soulful harmonies of Norwegian Christmas hymns to the lively, joyful rhythms of American holiday favorites, this concert is a celebration of the shared spirit of Christmas. Whether you're drawn to the serene glow of Nordic winter nights or the festive sparkle of American holiday cheer, this concert will fill your heart with warmth and light.

Ask Carol: LIVE in Minneapolis
Get ready for an electrifying evening of alt-pop with Ask Carol, a dynamic Norwegian duo known for their bold, grungy sound. Hailing from the mountains of Auma, Norway, Ask Carol blends alt-pop with a fierce, guitar-based edge, drawing comparisons to bands like The Kills and Yeah Yeah Yeahs with a Nordic twist. Their high-energy performances feature a unique mix of guitars, drums, and synths, making this power-duo sound like a full band.
Having toured across the globe—from Scandinavia to SXSW—they bring their high-octane music to Minneapolis for one night only. Don’t miss this chance to support Norwegian artists and experience their Nordic melancholy meets rock-pop sound live

Lørdagsfilm: Norwegian Film Saturday – Victoria (2013)
Join us for a watch party at our Sundet Family Aula for one of Norway’s most beloved films, every 3rd Saturday of the month. Whether you’re a film buff, looking for another fun way to learn Norwegian, or just looking to have a great time watching movies with friends, Norway House has saved a seat just for you! Our inaugural film is Victoria (2013) based of the work by Knut Hamsun, Nobel laureate.

Back-to-School Fall Kickoff
The most koselig of seasons is here and many of us are heading back to school. Believing that learning should be a fun lifelong experience, Norway House is partnering with Mindekirken’s Norwegian Language and Culture Program to showcase many of the learning opportunities and other programs available at Norway Block all throughout the year.

Upcycle Your Wooden Plates and Bowls With Decorative Carving
Master woodcarver Jock Holmen, "The Norwegian Termite," will teach you the fundamentals of decorative carving while you upgrade wooden bowls and plates that you already have. You can upcycle your wooden household items with decorative details and hide chips or cracks with flourishes.
You will learn how to hold a carving knife, how to make different types of cuts, how to adjust your cuts according to wood grain, and how to finish a piece.
Carving knives and safety gloves are provided. Don't worry if you don't have a bowl that you want to decorate or repaint, Jock can provide that too!

Special Screening: Songs of Earth with Director Margreth Olin
The 43rd Annual Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival featured quite a few Norwegian films this year, including Songs of Earth—the Norwegian entry for The Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards!
As part of the MSPIFF43 Official Selection, there will be a special screening on May 19, 2024 with Director Margreth Olin and Lori Ann Reinhall, Editor-in-Chief of The Norwegian American.
Songs of Earth will officially open on May 31, 2024 at The Main Cinema.

Spring Dinner: An Evening to Celebrate Spring Grove
Norway House is partnering with the Giants of the Earth Heritage Center in Spring Grove to bring a taste of Minnesota’s first Norwegian settlement in Minneapolis! A charming and vibrant town in Southeastern Minnesota, Spring Grove is a perfect focus as we work to highlight the many vibrant historically Norwegian communities around the United States. Onsite security provided.

Mindekirken Tuesday Open House: Cookbooks and Quilts Can Be Family History Too
Our Spring Grove friends join the community at our neighbor Mindeirken for a tour of the historic church and to stay for lunch and the program of the week:
Mary Rosendahl—food scientist, quilter, and certified autobiography instructor. Mary enjoys marrying her interests in food and quilting with family history to help others create family keepsakes.

Introduction to Spoon Carving with Erik Vevang
Learn how to craft a greenwood spoon and finish the class with your own hand-carved serving spoon!

Happy Hour + Film—Listen Up! (Hør her'a!) at MSPIFF
The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival is featuring quite a few Norwegian films this year! Among them, is Listen Up! (Hør her’a!)—”A sparkling dramedy about identity, gender, class, and family.”
Ethan Bjelland Hagberg, who has taught two courses on the book through the Mindekirken Norwegian Language + Culture Program, is hosting a casual happy hour meet-up at Pracna before the 7:15pm screening on Thursday, April 18th. Stop by to talk about the book and learn some of the Norwegian slang and ethnolect used in the film!

Mindekirken Tuesday Open House: 7th Inning Stretch
Join our dear friends at Mindekirken for their weekly lunch and lecture program, featuring Steve Larson—a public speaker and entertainer who grew up in Thief River Falls, MN, graduated from Bemidji State University, and currently lives in Tonka Bay on Lake Minnetonka. He was a sportscaster for 10 years, owned a photography studio for 33 years in Grafton, ND, and portrayed Buddy Holly in the group Rock ’N Roll Heaven. Steve has been married to his high school sweetheart for 49 years and has three children along with eight grandchildren.
Steve will give a unique, nostalgic audio/visual presentation where “cardboard comes to life” through stories and songs, utilizing Steve’s extensive sports card collection. Join us for an entertaining trip down “memory lane” emphasizing baseball, while embracing many facets of life. Wear your favorite team’s baseball gear for TOH!!!
Take me out to the ballgame!

ONLINE: Unraveling the Knot: Shared and Divergent Designs in Celtic and Viking Knotwork
In this seminar and discussion, teaching artist Jeanine Malec will highlight the overlapping motifs as well as unique characteristics that unite and define these two fascinating historical traditions in knotwork and design. Rounding out our panel, Carstens Smith, Director of Education at Norway House and Steve Griffith, Education Chair and history instructor at Celtic Junction will share their insights on the overlapping histories between Norway and Ireland and how they intersect in America.

Viking Knotwork in the Mammen Style with Jeanine Malec (Day 2 of 2)
Learn how to draw zoomorphic Viking designs — for all experience levels.

Viking Knotwork in the Mammen Style with Jeanine Malec (Day 1 of 2)
Learn how to draw zoomorphic Viking designs — for all experience levels.

Panel + Staged Reading in Honor of Jon Fosse, 2023 Nobel Prize in Literature
Our panel discussion will explore the work of Jon Fosse, with opportunity for audience participation. Panelists include performers Kristin Franklin and Dolph Paulsen, and Dr. Kyle Korynta of the University of Minnesota. This event will be free and open to the public, no registration necessary.
Following intermission, registered visitors are invited to return for a staged reading of Jon Fosse’s Winter, followed by a Q&A with the translator and performers.

Volt + Potenza Duo: Edvard Grieg in Rome
Pianists Giulio Potenza and Oda Voltersvik perform their stunning collaboration with the aim of developing their common interest for four hands and two pianos compositions.

Drawing Ringerike Viking Knotwork with Jeanine Malec (Day 2 of 2)
Learn how to draw zoomorphic Viking designs — for all experience levels

Drawing Ringerike Viking Knotwork with Jeanine Malec (Day 1 of 2)
Learn how to draw zoomorphic Viking designs — for all experience levels

Introduction to Spoon Carving with Erik Vevang
Learn how to craft a greenwood spoon and finish the class with your own hand-carved serving spoon!

Winter Solstice Pop-Up Julemarket
Stop into Norway House for the perfect last-minute Christmas shopping experience! The warmth of the season is all around with the sweet smell of cloves emanating from the Gingerbread Wonderland display, kids and families enjoying the decorations, a peppermint hot cocoa from the Kaffebar, and a curated makers' market showcasing six vendors. The event unfolds on December 21, from Noon to 6:00pm, creating the perfect atmosphere for holiday shopping.

An Evening with Lisa Stokke
A dazzling musical adventure for the holidays with the talented Norwegian actress and singer Lisa Stokke. Enjoy Gingerbread Wonderland before the show, and delight in the iconic voice that originated the role of Sophie in Mamma Mia! and provided the Norwegian voice of Elsa in Frozen and Frozen II!

Pop-Up Julemarket at Norway House
The ever-popular Nordic Julemarket, held December 1-3 at Utepils, has been a Twin Cities holiday tradition since 2016. Last year, Norway House was able to extend the Julemarket through a pop-up event in our Sundet Aula. We’re proud to announce its return on Tuesday, December 5, 2023!
Around 20 Nordic-inspired artisans and small businesses will fill the event hall at Norway House. Full windows and warm drinks and waffles make us hope for a snowy (but safe) afternoon so we can truly shop and enjoy the Julemarket with all of the Christmas season’s glittering, white backdrop.