Welcome back to monthly posts of Nordic events happening virtually around the country and in person in Southern California. Every summer I take a hiatus from monthly posts and usually return in the fall. September, however, was disrupted by the passing of Norway’s beloved King Harald which affected me more than I expected so I wrote about my thoughts on his passing instead.

Happy Cinnamon Bun Day to those of you reading on October 4. Are you lucky enough to have a Scandinavian bakery near you? Visit Where to Find Scandinavian Bakeries in the US if you’re unsure or curious. Or visit Kristi Bissell at True North Kitchen and follow one of her recipes for authentic cinnamon buns, either the Norwegian skillingsboller or Swedish kanelbullar. You can’t go wrong with either one.

🎥 Nordic Film News 🍿

Some exciting news for fans of Nordic film this month!

🇳🇴 Fjord, a legal thriller family drama written and directed by Cristian Mungiu, is being released October 9 at select theaters. Fjord stars Norwegian Oscar-nominated actress Renate Reinsve (from Sentimental Value and The Worst Person in the World) and is about an immigrant Romanian family living in Norway who is subject to an investigation and faces the scrutiny of the local judicial system.

If you are local to the Los Angeles area, there is a special screening of Fjord on Saturday, October 10, at 5:45 p.m. at AMC Century City which will be followed by an in-person Q&A with the director. Tickets are available through AMC Theaters.

🇸🇪 View The Trip to Piedmont written and directed by Alexandra-Therese Keining on Tuesday, October 20, and Wednesday, October 21, in Newport Beach. Featured in Newport Beach Film Festival’s Swedish Spotlight, it is about four newly retired friends who go together to Italy, where one of them has inherited an olive farm. The idea is initially to sort out the legal aspects and sell the farm. But once there, the question arises; what do they really have in Sweden to return to? View screening details and ticket information here.

 

🇫🇮 On Sunday, October 25, the Scandinavian American Cultural & Historical Foundation in Thousand Oaks presents a screening of the 2023 Finnish film Fallen Leaves written and directed by Aki Kaurismäki. It is “a timeless, hopeful and ultimately satisfying love story about two lonely souls’ path to happiness – and the numerous hurdles they encounter along the way. Set in contemporary Helsinki, and shot through with Kaurismäki’s typically playful, idiosyncratic style and deadpan humor, this tender romantic tragicomedy is a timely reminder of the potency of movie-going from one of cinema’s living legends.” View screening details.

Online book clubs have selected their fall reads. Check out Online Nordic Book Club Meetings to see what is being read when. Does anything look interesting to you?

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💻 Online Events 🎧

Cultural Connections: Contemporary Rosemaling (Sunday, 10/4)

Explore rosemaling as a contemporary art form inspired by the natural world. In this webinar, Tara will share ten original botanical designs based on plants of the boreal ecosystem—including Trout Lily, Rowan Berry, Lady’s Slipper, Blue Flag Iris, Wild Rose, Coral Root, Arrowhead, Pipsissewa, Marsh Marigold, and Maple Leaf—and demonstrate how traditional rosemaling brushstrokes can be reimagined to capture their unique forms and character. Tara will also briefly explore the connection between rosemaling, contemporary botanical art, and the history of plant classification through Carl Linnaeus and his apprentice Anders Dahl, whose name lives on in the dahlia.

ASI Food Programs: Winter Squash in the Nordic Kitchen with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 10/15)

While winter squash is a newer transplant to the Swedish garden, in recent years it has become an increasingly popular ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. Join Kristi Bissell as she demonstrates several cozy Nordic-inspired recipes from her blog True North Kitchen, including a pumpkin rye sweet bread and a butternut squash galette. Students are sure to leave with new ideas and skills for putting this seasonal produce to good use!

Nordic Street Food with Patrice Johnson (Saturday, 10/24)

Do you have a favorite Nordic street food? From hot dogs, smørrebrød, and kebab to tjukklefse (thick bread), falafel, and waffles, Nordic street foods are as diverse as the people and landscape. We’ll dabble in some of the most popular street foods from the region and learn the stories behind these fabulous flavors. This class is currently sold out, but you can request to be added to the waitlist.

Scandinavian Flat Plane Figure Carving: Carving a Santa (11/4, 11/11, & 11/18)

Join carver Charles Banks for three Wednesdays in November as he guides you through the creation of your very own flat plane figure. Following the tradition of flat plane figure carving, you will use only a single knife to carve out this character. You will receive an overview of the history and traditions of this style of carving, be introduced to the cuts and techniques of the reductive carving process, and learn finishing techniques – all culminating in your very own carving. Limited sports left. Enrollment deadline: October 21.

December Family Book Adventure: The Christmas Sweater by Jan Brett (Registration deadline 11/10)

Register by November 10 to join Vesterheim for this family-fun reading adventure which begins December 1. Decorah School librarian Shannon Horton will get you reading, thinking, creating, and even up and moving – indoors and out! The registration covers the cost of a kit including a copy of the book, materials you’ll need for the fun hands-on activities, a special treat from Vesterheim, and directions for downloading and using the Goosechase app.

ASI Food Programs: Lingonberries in the Nordic Kitchen with Kristi Bissell  (Thursday, 11/12)

You might have tasted it alongside a plate of Swedish meatballs – but have you really dug into the many other uses of the lingonberry? Join Kristi Bissell as she demonstrates a number of Nordic-inspired recipes from her blog True North Kitchen featuring one of the Nordic countries’ most important culinary exports. Kristi will discuss possible sources for different lingonberry products available outside of the Nordic countries as well as ways to put these various products to use, from condiments to beverages to desserts.

Cozy Cabin Cocktails with Emily Vikre (Friday, 11/13)

Emily Vikre of Vikre Distillery will give tips and tricks to help make the perfect cocktail to enjoy your time away at the cabin. Be prepared to concoct delicious cocktails that will make you never want to go back home. Limited spots available at time of publication.

Nordic Morning Bakes with Kristi Bissell (Saturday, 11/14)

Start your day the Scandinavian way with a collection of cozy breakfast bakes. In this cook-along class, Kristi will prepare three Nordic-inspired recipes that showcase the warm flavors and wholesome ingredients of the North: Cardamom Banana Bread, Swedish Apple Muffins, and Lingonberry Baked Oatmeal. This class is currently sold out, but you can request to be added to the waitlist.

Norwegian Milk Cakes with Stewed Apples, Puffed Barley, and Cream with Nevada Berg (Saturday, 11/21)

Join celebrated cook and author Nevada Berg in making traditional milk cakes, mjølekaker. These delicate, paper-thin cakes have been a baking staple for centuries, cherished as both an everyday treat and a celebratory indulgence. In this class, we’ll pair them with vanilla bean eplegrøt (stewed apples) and puffed barley – two new recipes from her upcoming cookbook, set for release in early 2027. Come ready to learn, eat, and have fun! This class is currently sold out, but you can request to be added to the waitlist – or add her upcoming cookbook, My Norwegian Table: Where Meals Become Stories, to your wishlist.

Cultural Connections: Decorative Wall Paintings of Sweden (Sunday, 11/22)

Curious if Swedish Dalmålning, Bonadsmålning, and Norwegian Rosemaling are art cousins? You’re in luck! Join vibrant folk artist Pieper Fleck Bloomquist on a journey into the enchanting world of Swedish Wall Painting. Step back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when lively wall hangings brightened Swedish farmhouses, capturing the playful spirit of their creators. With a treasure trove of photos from her Swedish adventures, Pieper unveils the secrets of historical painters—captivating designs, stories, and the materials that brought these masterpieces to life. Spots available at time of publication.

ASI Nordic Table Demo: Glögg Party with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 12/10)

Celebrate the season Swedish style with a glöggmingle or Mulled Wine Party! Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen will share some of her favorite seasonal recipes, including her take on Swedish mulled wine or glögg, a trio of mini open-faced sandwiches, and a Pear Cardamom Cake. Whether you are inspired to host a feast or incorporate these recipes into other seasonal meals, you’ll be set with great options for savory and sweet nibbles throughout the holidays.

How to Host a Gløgg Party with Kristi Bissell (Saturday, 12/12)

Celebrate the season Scandinavian-style with a festive collection of recipes perfect for holiday entertaining. In this online cook-along class, Kristi will prepare two traditional Nordic holiday beverages, a classic Red Gløgg and a festive White Gløgg, along with elegant Blue Cheese and Pear Smørrebrød Appetizers and crisp Pepparkakor Cut-out Cookies. This class is currently sold out, but you can request to be added to the waitlist.

Rye Three Ways (Or Maybe Four!) with Patrice Johnson (Saturday, 12/19)

Got jul? Our Rye Three Ways (Maybe More!) class will get your ready to celebrate the holidays – Rye Style. We’ll cover all of the bases and basics for a rye themed jul party with appetizers, main courses, dessert, and of course specialty cocktails and mocktails. Spots available at time of publication.

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Which events or experiences look interesting to you?