Virtual events of all kinds continue to be popular. There are author talks and panels, film screenings, book clubs, celebrations, and children’s events. I was thrilled to come across two events about the Sámi, the Indigenous people of northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. One is a virtual film festival and the other is a panel of Sámi authors. It corresponds perfectly with a special event I’m helping plan at the school where I work. Be sure to visit last month’s listing of virtual Nordic events; many of the events are available to view as saved recordings.
For my local LA readers, I would be remiss not to mention the Julemarked, or Christmas Market, that the Norwegian Church in San Pedro is hosting Friday, November 13 – Sunday, November 22, this year instead of its traditional weekend Julebasar, or Christmas Fair. This is an opportunity to stock up on Christmas food essentials, treats, and fresh baked goods, as well as Christmas decorations and gifts. Unfortunately, visitors will not be able to spend time in the church other than for shopping, but the Julemarked organizers guarantee a true Christmas atmosphere and a great experience anyways!
I hope you find something of interest for November. Besides the Sámi events, I’m looking forward to the November Family Norwegian Language Adventure – Kos (Cozy Living) with Vesterheim, The National Norwegian-American Museum & Heritage Center in Decorah, Iowa. We participated in the October Adventure focused on friluftsliv and it made for some fun family moments. I signed up for the November Adventure during the registration period in October and we received our “special adventure kit” in the mail the other day. We are eagerly awaiting November 1 to open it (per the instructions). In it we’ll find language activities, reference sheets, a hands-on craft activity, and a special snack. That is also the day that the corresponding virtual game on the GooseChase app goes live. Let the language learning and games begin!
Which November events or activities sound interesting to you?
Virtual Celebration of the Finnish Sauna – Through Songs and Stories (Sun, Nov 1, 2:00 p.m. PT)
In partnership with the National Nordic Museum, the Finnish Choral Society of Seattle presents the 44th annual Kalevala Day Celebration with a tribute to the Finnish sauna! This virtual event will feature kantele music, folk dance, sauna stories, folklore, and more in honor of this quintessentially Finnish tradition. Cost is free, but please RSVP to get the YouTube link for the celebration.
Virtual Book Talk: Meet the Author with Dr. Neil Price (Tues, Nov 3, 10:00 a.m. PT)
Join the second talk in the new series Meet the Author. This month meet Dr. Neil Price, a distinguished archaeologist with decades of expertise who is recognized as one of the world’s leading international authorities on the Viking and pre-Viking periods. It will be a rare and special opportunity to hear him talk about his new book, Children of Ash and Elm, and the definitive history of the Vikings — from arts and culture to politics and cosmology. Visit Nordic National Museum’s event page for registration information.
Virtual Panel: Sámi Authors You Should Know (Tues, Nov 3, 11:00 a.m. PT)
“Nordic Authors You Should Know” at Scandinavia House in New York, NY, continues with a focus on Sámi literature with Johanna Domokos and Saami poet, musician and scriptwriter Niillas Holmberg, moderated by Harald Gaski. The panelists will discuss Sámi literature and culture today. Registration is required. Visit Scandinavia House’s event page for more information and registration information.
Online Nordic Book Club: Palm Beach, Finland (Tues, Nov 3, 6:00 p.m. ET)
The Nordic Book Club at Scandinavia House in New York, NY, selects novels from some of the best Nordic literary voices. The first meeting in November will discuss Palm Beach, Finland by Antti Tuomainen (translated from the Finnish by David Hackston). Visit the event page for more information and to register.
Virtual Nordic Stories (for Kids): Moomin and the Birthday Button (Thurs, Nov 5, 10:00-10:30 a.m. PT)
Join Nordic National Museum’s special guest librarian for storytime featuring Moomin and the Birthday Button by Finnish author Tove Jansson. After the story, learn how to make a fun craft related to the book. Visit Nordic National Museum’s event page for registration information.
Gingerbread Wonderland – Online Reception (Thurs, Nov 5, 6:00 p.m. CT)
Everyone is invited to join Norway House in Minneapolis, MN, in celebrating the opening of Gingerbread Wonderland! They’re spanning the distance from their gallery to your sofa with this online opening reception. All are encouraged to create a festive atmosphere, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and nestle in for the show! The free program features welcome messages and a skit involving this year’s wondrous North Woods and, of course, the gingerbread marvels within! Click here to register. (For the first time, Gingerbread Wonderland will be available online for the world to see. Starting December 6, the entire exhibit will be recorded and on display for public viewing.)
Virtual Sámi Film Fest (Nov 5 – 8)
The third annual Sámi Film Fest is a partnership between the National Nordic Museum in Seattle, Scandinavia House in New York, and Pacific Sámi Searvi in Seattle. The festival explores Sámi values, visions, and stories in the form of short films. Watch the films online at your leisure over the four days, and also join a free virtual panel discussion with filmmakers on Saturday, November 7, at 11:00 a.m. PT. For information on ticket packages and to see the program, visit National Nordic Museum’s event page.
Norwegian Digital Jazz Festival (Nov 6 – Dec 11)
Norwegian Digital Jazz Festival is a series of streaming concerts featuring 15 of the most important acts in Nordic jazz. You can purchase the festival bundle which gives you access to all 8 shows, or you can purchase individual show tickets. The festival is for viewing only within the USA, Canada, and Mexico. For schedule and ticket information, visit Big Ears Festival: Norwegian Digital Jazz Festival.
Sámi Film Fest – Virtual Panel Discussion (Sat, Nov 7, 11:00 a.m. PT)
This November, the 3rd Annual Sámi Film Festival explores Sámi values, visions, and stories, through a series of short films and documentaries from Sápmi, which today encompasses large northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. On Saturday, November 7, join a panel discussion with Sámi filmmakers and scholars as they delve into Sámi film! Filmmakers Rebecca King, Elle Sofe Sara, and Silja Somby, and Sámi scholar Dr. Troy Storfjell (Professor of Nordic Studies, Pacific Lutheran University) will discuss Sámi values, vision, and stories — and why they’re able to speak to diverse audiences. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Amanda Doxtater, Assistant Professor, Scandinavian Department, University of Washington. The event will take place as a Zoom webinar. The event is free, but RSVP required.
Magnus Nilsson Book Talk (Sat, Nov 7, 11:00 a.m. CT)
The American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, MN, is the first venue on a virtual book tour and welcomes back world-renowned Swedish chef Magnus Nilsson for a special talk launching his new book, Fäviken: 4015 Days, Beginning to End (2020, Phaidon.com). Lee Svitak Dean, food journalist and former Star Tribune Taste Editor, will moderate. Nilsson recently closed his Fäviken restaurant at the height of its success to, among other things, buy an apple orchard. He and the book provide a fascinating first-hand account of the restaurant’s evolution – candid, insightful and thought-provoking.
With Restauration through Hell Gate to The Promised Land (Sun, Nov 8)
Join Vesterheim and the Slooper Society of America for this free 75-minute webinar, open to the public! Norwegian storyteller Anne Elisebeth Skogen will join the webinar from Ryfylkemuseet at Sand, Norway, to tell the story, With Restauration through Hell Gate to The Promised Land, the story of the first organized emigration from Norway to the United States. There will be a host-led talkback following the performance. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit Vesterheim’s event page.
Nordic Literature Week (Nov 9 – 15)
Nordic Literature Week is a read aloud event, where the same Nordic literature related to a chosen theme is read out loud at the same time across the Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as other Nordic institutions around the world. This year’s reading books sparkle with life and ask big questions about life and death, privileges, rights, and responsibilities in the world. The books describe human characteristics that both unite us and, at the same time, separate us from each other and making us individuals. View more information on this year’s chosen literature and the project in general.
Virtual Panel: Swedish Authors You Should Know (Tues, Nov 10, 11:00 a.m. PT)
“Nordic Authors You Should Know” at Scandinavia House in New York, NY, continues with a focus on literature from Sweden with Athena Farrokhzad, Johannes Heldén, Mara Lee, and Carolina Setterwall, moderated by Elizabeth Clark Wessel! The panel will begin with short readings of each of the authors’ work in both the original language and in English, followed by interviews with the authors and a conversation on Swedish literature today. The event will take place as a Zoom webinar. Visit Scandinavia House’s event page for more information and registration information.
Jo Nesbø in conversation with Harlan Coben – The Kingdom (Tues, Nov 10, 12:00 p.m. PT)
Third Place Books presents Jo Nesbø in conversation with Harlan Coben to discuss his latest release The Kingdom. “Roy and Carl have spent their whole lives running from the darkness in their past, but when Carl finally returns to make peace with it, the two brothers are inexorably drawn into a reckoning with their own demons.” This is a virtual event, taking place via Zoom Webinar. Register for this livestream event here.
Vesterheim Bokprat (Book Group): The Land of Dreams (Tues, Nov 10, 7:00-8:15 p.m. CT)
Dr. Maren Johnson, Luther College’s Associate Professor of Nordic Studies and Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies Director, facilitates a monthly bokprat discussing Scandinavian authors and Scandinavian life. Join the bokprat in November to discuss The Land of Dreams, the first book in Vidar Sundstøl’s critically acclaimed Minnesota trilogy. The story centers around the murder investigation of a Norwegian tourist in a small town along the north shore of Lake Superior. For more information and to register, visit their event page.
Virtual Pippi Longstocking Celebration (Sat, Nov 14, 2:00-2:30 p.m. PT)
Pippi Longstocking is turning 75, and the National Nordic Museum in Seattle is throwing her a birthday party! Join in celebrating one of the most iconic and beloved children’s literary figures of all time at a virtual event that includes music, crafts, trivia, and games. Cost is free; RSVP required.
Jo Nesbø “The Kingdom” and Michael Connelly “The Law of Innocence” in conversation with Oline Cogdill (Sun, Nov 15, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Politics & Prose Bookstore in Washington, D.C., will host Jo Nesbø and Michael Connelly as they discuss their new books with Oline Cogdill. This event will be streamed online as part of their P&P Live! Series in partnership with the Royal Norwegian Embassy. Instead of a set ticket price, they ask that you contribute what you can to support Politics and Prose Bookstore and their virtual event series by donating or purchasing a book from their store. Click here for more information and to register.
Barnetimen Children’s Hour at Vesterheim (Tues, Nov 17, 10:00-10:30 a.m. CT)
Join Vesterheim via livestream on their website or on Vesterheim’s Facebook page as Jennifer Kovarik, Vesterheim’s Youth Educator, explores objects in the museum’s collection and makes art inspired by those objects. This free, monthly program for preschoolers and their caregivers encourages exploration and creativity. You can also catch the recording any time after the event on Vesterheim’s YouTube channel. No registration is required.
Online Nordic Book Club: Companions (Tues, Nov 17, 6:00 p.m. ET)
The Nordic Book Club at Scandinavia House in New York, NY, selects novels from some of the best Nordic literary voices. The second meeting in November will discuss Companions by Christina Hesselholdt (translated from the Danish by Paul Russell Garrett). Visit the event page for more information and to register.
Taste of Iceland: North America 2020 (Nov 18 – 22)
For the first time in its history, Taste of Iceland is going virtual! From November 18-22, Iceland Naturally invites you to experience Icelandic culture during the online Taste of Iceland festival. The festival highlights the very best of Iceland’s culture, showcasing the nation’s cuisine, music, literature, and film through several live streamed events. Throughout the festival, enter to win prizes such as a Blue Lagoon skin care pack or Icelandic Provisions skyr, plus the grand prize: a trip to Iceland! Visit Taste of Iceland for program details.
Taste of Iceland: Woman At War – Virtual Cinema (Nov 18 – 22)
As part of Taste of Iceland’s virtual festival celebrations, Scandinavia House is proud to serve as the virtual venue for a cinematic presentation of the acclaimed film Woman at War. Tickets to this event are free, but registration is required. On Sunday, November 22, at 4:00 p.m. ET, director Benedikt Erlingsson will participate in virtual film talk which will be streamed on Facebook.
Virtual Julefest: A Nordic Christmas Celebration (Nov 19 – 22)
The National Nordic Museum in Seattle, WA, kicks off Julefest with a holiday-themed Virtual Crafts & Cocktails on Thursday, November 19. Then November 21–22, they’ll have three crafts for kids that you can stream online from home. You can shop an expanded selection of Museum Store goods online with special sales on lots of holiday favorites. Their friends at Sjöblom Winery are donating $5 to the Museum for each bottle of glögg they sell, too! For details on all the online fun, click here.
Virtual Crafts & Cocktails (Thurs, Nov 19, 6:00-7:00 p.m. PT)
Recharge from your day with an evening of creativity and fun! Join the virtual Crafts & Cocktails event and get a mini-virtual tour from one of their docents, learn a cocktail recipe, and make a craft using supplies you have around the house. This month they are making paper Swedish stars, perfect in a festive holiday garland, as ornaments on a tree, or as fun decorations on a gift package. For registration information, visit the National Nordic Museum’s event page.
Polar Tales: Virtual Book Talk with Melissa Schäfer & Fredrik Granath (Sat, Nov 21, 11:00 a.m. PT)
American-Scandinavian Foundation invites you to a virtual book talk with photographer Melissa Schäfer and producer Fredrik Granath on their new book Polar Tales: The Future of Ice, Life, and the Arctic out now from Rizzoli Press. Schäfer and Granath will discuss the book, as well as their work when they spent months in the field every winter living among the polar bears, establishing an uneasy balance and unprecedented access to the world of the kings of the Arctic. The event will take place as a Zoom webinar. Register here.
Woman At War — Virtual Film Panel with Benedikt Erlingsson (Sun, Nov 22, 1:00 p.m. PT)
As part of the Taste of Iceland festival, Scandinavia House presents a virtual film talk with director Benedikt Erlingsson of the Icelandic film Woman At War, streaming this weekend. The program will take place as a webinar via Zoom and will also be broadcast live directly to the @IcelandNaturally Facebook page. Register for the Zoom event here.
Virtual Play Reading: Pippi Longstocking (Sat, Nov 28, 10:00 a.m. PT)
Celebrate the 75th anniversary of Pippi Longstocking with a live, digital performance that takes you on an an immersive theatrical adaptation! Scandinavia House and Scandinavian American Theater Company invite you to a live play reading of Pippi Longstocking, a story that introduced the most iconic character of the celebrated Swedish writer Astrid Lindgren. A fun activity guide for audiences of all ages and strengths will be added here closer to the performance. For more information and to register, visit Scandinavia House’s event page.
Opening Event for New Nordic Cuisine Exhibit (Sat, Nov 28, 4:00 p.m. CT)
Vesterheim invites everyone to a free online opening event for the exhibit, “New Nordic Cuisine.” During the online opening event, Dylan Reed-Maxfield, owner of Decorah’s Courtyard and Cellar, will present a Scandinavian craft cocktail demonstration, and Tova Brandt, Museum of Danish America Executive Director, will give a gallery talk. This will be followed by a live Q&A. “New Nordic Cuisine” is an innovative new exhibit on loan from the Museum of Danish America about one of the most influential global food movements of the 21st century. Find out more about the exhibit here. For more information and to register for the online event, please visit Vesterheim’s event page.
Still Ongoing Special Events
Virtual Cinema: The Blinding Sea (until November 5)
Scandinavia House in New York, NY, continues to offer virtual screenings of The Blinding Sea, a new film by George Tombs that explores the life and loves of Roald Amundsen (1872-1928). “The Norwegian polar explorer Roald Amundsen hungered for ice-choked seas and desert places — but more than that, he had a passionate interest in acquiring new knowledge… Shot on locations including an icebreaker wintering in the Beaufort Sea, a tall ship on the Southern Ocean, on dog-team in Alaska and the Canadian Arctic, as well as the glaciers of Antarctica and Norway, the film combines factual accuracy with bold story-telling, a cross-cultural approach, oral histories, a focus on physical and psychological health, and the refreshing eye-witness perspective of an acclaimed biographer.” Half of the proceeds will go to support American-Scandinavian Foundation and Scandinavia House. For more information, visit Scandinavia House’s event page. Watch a talk with Director George Tombs here.
Virtual Cinema: Out Stealing Horses (Norway)
Scandinavia House in New York, NY, continues to host a virtual cinema presentation of Out Stealing Horses, a film based on the award-winning novel by Norwegian author Per Petterson. Immediately following the film there is a pre-recorded discussion between Stellan Skarsgård and filmmaker Hans Petter Moland. Half of the proceeds will go to support American-Scandinavian Foundation and Scandinavia House. For more information and to purchase access, visit Scandinavia House’s event page. An end date has not yet been set for film screenings.
Virtual Cinema: A White, White Day (Iceland)
Scandinavia House in New York, NY, is also hosting a virtual cinema presentation of the hit Icelandic film A White, White Day with Film Movement. A White, White Day is an emotionally complex exploration of the ravages of loss set across the hypnotic landscape of Iceland. Half of the proceeds will go to support American-Scandinavian Foundation and Scandinavia House. For more information and to purchase access, visit Scandinavia House’s event page. An end date has not yet been set for film screenings.
Which November events or activities sound interesting to you?