February may be short, but it offers many ways to connect with Nordic culture, history, and traditions, both locally and online.

Sámi National Day and Sámi Film Festival

February 6 is the Sámi National Day for the indigenous people from across northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. First celebrated in 1993, it marks the anniversary of the first Sámi congress in 1917 in Trondheim, Norway, when Sámi from Norway and Sweden met to discuss common issues. It is celebrated with flag raisings, traditional costumes, concerts, lectures, markets featuring featuring traditional food and handicrafts, plus more. Sami Week is an annual festival in Tromsø held in connection with Sami National Day. It offers a full schedule of events and even includes the Norwegian Championships in reindeer racing and lasso throwing.

Coinciding with the Sámi National Day is the annual Sámi Film Festival hosted by Scandinavia House in New York and National Nordic Museum in Seattle. It offers both online and in-person viewing options. This year’s festival is curated by acclaimed director, writer, artist, and composer Elle Márjá Eira, whose directorial debut Stolen, about a young Sámi girl’s struggle to defend her family’s reindeer herd, 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.

Norway’s Sentimental Value

In other film news, Norway’s Sentimental Value (“Affeksjonsverdi”) directed by Joachim Trier was nominated for 9 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, which is big for little Norway. The film’s description is as follows: Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård), an estranged father and once-celebrated director eager to reclaim his former glory, reconnects with his daughters Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas). When Gustav offers Nora the lead role in his new film, she refuses and learns he has given the part to a Hollywood star (Elle Fanning). Have you seen it yet? Currently, it is screening at select theaters nationwide and available to stream via premium video on demand, such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.

Nordic Spirit Symposium

The annual Nordic Spirit Symposium takes place this weekend, February 6 and 7, at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA. Entitled “The Nordic Iron Age: Life Before the Vikings,” the symposium, co-hosted by the Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation and California Lutheran University, will explore what life was like before the Viking Age and includes a live performance of a drama from the Iron Age and illustrated lectures and music. The symposium will follow “the time-honored tradition of a symposium with music, drama, and ample time for discussion, learning, and enjoyment.” For details, visit the website.

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VIRTUAL EVENTS in FEBRUARY

Nordic Book Club Meetings: February 2026

Online book clubs continue to meet and provide ideas for reading and opportunities to discuss. Visit Nordic Book Club Meetings: February 2026 to see details about book selections and meeting dates coming up.

15 Weeks of Friluftsliv

Gnome Matter the Weather’s 15 Weeks of Friluftsliv is in full swing. This is not a typical virtual event attended online, but rather an online community dedicated to embracing the outdoors during the darkest days of the year. Inspired by the Norwegian concept of “friluftsliv” — which translates to “open-air living” or “free-air life” — the hosts, Tacy Quinn and Lauren Theis, inspire families and friends to get outside and welcome winter from December through March. Subscribe to their newsletter and receive inspiration straight to your inbox.

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 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.

Vesterheim Family Language Adventure: All Things Royal (Enrollment Deadline 2/6, Begins 3/1)

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.

Virtual Sámi Film Festival (2/6-13)

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.

Vesterheim FamilieTid with Laura Berlage: Chasing Loki – Stories from Norse Mythology (Sunday, 2/8)

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.

ASI Food Programs: Scandinavia’s Celebratory Fat Tuesday Buns with Nichole Accettola (Wednesday, 2/11)

Join Nichole Accettola, author of Scandinavian from Scratch: A Love Letter to the Baking of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, to explore two different celebratory buns traditionally eaten on Fat Tuesday: Denmark’s fastelavnsboller and Sweden’s semlor. A chef, baker, and cookbook author, Nichole opened the Scandinavian-inspired Kantine bakery café in San Francisco after living for many years in Copenhagen, Denmark. Nichole will discuss and demonstrate her approaches to two different yeast doughs, flavorful fillings, and rich toppings for these midwinter treats, sending students off with two recipes to tackle at home.

The History of Norwegian Sweaters (Sunday, 2/15)

Join an online meeting of the Sons of Norway, Elveby Lodge, Omaha, Nebraska, for a presentation to learn about the history of different types and styles of Norwegian sweaters, including Setesdal, Fana, Marius, and Olympic. Laurann Gilbertson will also talk about the symbolism behind some of the patterns and colors on sweaters made today.

Cooking Class with Swedish American Museum: Semla (Monday, 2/23)

Participants are taught Swedish recipes in this online cooking class. You can cook along with the group and ask questions along the way. In February, you will make different variations of Semla, the Lenten Bun.

ASI Food Program: Beets in the Nordic Kitchen with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 2/26)

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!

Genealogy Session: Preserving Your Past (Saturday, 2/28)

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.

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Which events or experiences look interesting to you?