August is kräftskiva or crayfish party season in Sweden, so celebrate at the American Swedish Institute with an outdoor party full of lights, bright colors, festive lanterns, and of course, lots of crayfish!
ASI Annual Crayfish Party
August is kräftskiva or crayfish party season in Sweden, so celebrate at the American Swedish Institute (ASI) with an outdoor party full of lights, bright colors, festive lanterns, and of course, lots of crayfish! Enjoy live music under the stars in the courtyard as we share a traditional Swedish crayfish dinner complete with good breads, strong cheeses, salads, and Swedish paj (think quiche). Come ready to don a party hat and raise your glass to drinking songs for this beloved end-of-summer tradition.
Join ASI on Friday, August 22, 2025, for the Annual Crayfish Party! Doors open at 6 pm, and dinner begins at 7 pm. Ticket includes a full crayfish dinner, a party hat, bib, snapsvisor songbook, and a shot of aquavit for all guests age 21+. This event moves indoors during poor weather. Reserve your ticket today.
In Sweden, crayfish (kräftor) take on a different cultural significance. The tradition of the Swedish crayfish party (kräftskiva) traces its roots back to the early 20th century when over-fishing threatened the crayfish population. Regulations were implemented to save the crayfish, marking the first week of August as the official harvest season. Swedes embraced this occasion as a chance to celebrate, indulging together in crayfish boiled in beer and seasoned with dill.
While the once-plentiful crayfish in Swedish lakes and American waters now dwindle, the tradition of gathering remains. No matter how you prepare or refer to your clawed meal, everyone can agree they’re meant to be shared with friends on a warm day. Today in Sweden, people still gather to enjoy this delicacy, usually accompanied by a typical selection of bread, cheese, refreshing beverages, colorful hats, and plenty of singing! A cheer of Aquavit, a traditional Scandinavian alcohol infused with caraway and other spices, adds a spirited touch to the festivities and traditions.
At ASI, crayfish is celebrated as a cherished tradition with an annual Crayfish Party in August. Expect to eat them the “Swedish way”! In the ASI courtyard with a full view of the historic Turnblad Mansion, guests are invited to indulge in this delicious food, lively music, and the fun of newfound friends. Wear your special hats and bibs, raise a toast with Aquavit, and join in the spirited rendition of classic drinking songs like “Helan Går.”
Register today to save your seat.