AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE | Upcoming Fall Events at ASI

September at ASI has something for everyone. Dance the night away at Cocktails at the Castle, try a new handcraft class, take a neighborhood walking tour, enjoy the exhibition on-view, and more. Browse programs now!


September at ASI has something for everyone. Browse upcoming programs now!

Cocktails at the Castle
Fri, September 12
5:30-11 pm
Expect the unexpected at Cocktails at the Castle—ASI’s signature music, art, and craft festival. More than just a night out, it’s a chance to connect with a diverse community that comes together to celebrate in the Twin Cities’ only castle. Explore Salad Hilowle: Inscriptions, get hands-on with interactive art demos, and indulge in FIKA Café’s specially curated food, cocktails, and craft beer menu.

Neighborhood Walking Tour
Sun, September 14
2-3:30 pm
Explore the area of Minneapolis once known as The Golden Mile on a guided walking tour of the blocks surrounding ASI. Discover the architecture, stories, and cultures of the neighborhood—past and present—and learn how this vibrant neighborhood has changed over time.

Language Classes
Fall/winter language classes are open for registration. With more than 1,000 students each year, ASI’s language program is one of the best resources available to learn Swedish, Finnish, and North Sámi. ASI offers online and in-person classes offered at all skill levels, so students of all ages can learn a new language or practice their skills.

Minneapolis Uppsala Sister City Banquet
Tue, September 16
6:45-9 pm
ASI and the City of Minneapolis are celebrating 25 years of Sister City friendship with Uppsala, Sweden. A banquet in honor of this bilateral friendship will be held at ASI on the evening of Tuesday, September 16. This special event will feature a performance by a men’s choir from Västgöta Nation and the ASI Men’s Choir and the Scandinavian folk ensemble Tjärnblom. Guests will enjoy an elegant four-course dinner with wine pairings and champagne.

Chasing the Lost Lore of Kolrosing
Thu, September 18
5:30-6:30 pm
Join Liesl Chatman to hear about her Fall 2024 trip to Scandinavia to study the history of kolrosing, a decorative Scandinavian folk art made by incising wood surfaces and filling the lines with pigment. In 19th century Norway, this humble decorative art adorned three-quarters of a million wooden Toten spoons but is now classified as an endangered folk art.

Kids at the Castle: Our Families
Fri, September 19
9-10 am
It’s a morning playdate at the Castle! These action-packed creative playtimes encourage adventurous young minds through circle time, storytelling, crafts, visual play, music, and movement. This is the perfect activity to enjoy with grandchildren aged 2-5.